{"id":9882,"date":"2016-12-16T11:13:17","date_gmt":"2016-12-16T11:13:17","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/wearetravelgirls.com\/?p=9882"},"modified":"2025-08-23T06:22:01","modified_gmt":"2025-08-23T13:22:01","slug":"japanese-onsen","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/wearetravelgirls.com\/japanese-onsen\/","title":{"rendered":"EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW BEFORE VISITING A JAPANESE ONSEN"},"content":{"rendered":"

So, you\u2019ve decided you want to visit Japan and you want to experience all that this culturally rich country has to offer. You read about an \u201consen<\/a>\u201d (Japanese hot spring) and thought \u201cOoohh! A Japanese spa! I must go!\u201d First off, you\u2019re right. You MUST go. Secondly, hold on to your britches (actually, ditch those – you won\u2019t need them), because there is a lot you must know before visiting an onsen.<\/p>\n

With over 2,500 onsens in Japan, it\u2019s not difficult to find one to visit. They can be found in traditional Japanese inns<\/a>, hotels, or day spas for a simple day time trip. Simply pick your budget, decide how much time you\u2019d like to spend on your outing, then get to researching which onsen to visit. Here is a great list of recommended onsens<\/a>.<\/p>\n

You probably already know that the Japanese culture is incredibly polite, and its people are typically extremely traditional in their manners. This may make visiting a quiet onsen intimidating, as you do not want to offend the other visitors. Have no fear! Listed below are five do\u2019s a don\u2019ts for your first onsen trip to ensure that you get the ultimate cultural experience.<\/p>\n

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1) Do Take Off Your Clothes Completely
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I\u2019m going to repeat that, because I am sure you think you didn\u2019t read it right. Take. Off. Your. Clothes. Completely. This includes jewelry. And no, you cannot wear a bathing suit.<\/p>\n

The Japanese are incredibly adamant about keeping onsen water completely clean, thus it can be frowned upon if even your towel touches the hot spring. Don\u2019t worry, the onsen will have a locker room area where you can undress and store your belongings before entering the hot spring area.<\/p>\n

2) Don\u2019t Feel Insecure
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Although Japanese people are typically extremely modest, they have no issue undressing at an onsen \u2013 and neither should you!<\/p>\n

No one will stare, judge, or discriminate against you, and the vast majority of onsens separate the male and female sections so you don\u2019t need to worry about being with the opposite sex. Strip down and own it, girlfriend! It\u2019s not like you\u2019re going to see anyone you know.<\/p>\n

3) Do Shower
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The onsen will either provide private showers, or more likely a communal shower area. Remember how I said no one will stare, judge, or discriminate?<\/p>\n

That is only if you shower! It\u2019s important to wash your hair and body to make sure you\u2019re completely clean before taking your relaxing dip.<\/p>\n

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4) Don\u2019t Run, Jump, Skip, Splash, Yell Or Be Obnoxious<\/h2>\n

You wouldn\u2019t want some rude foreigner disrupting your Swedish massage, would you? Use the same respect at an onsen. If you are with a friend, keep your conversation quiet and at a minimum. Don\u2019t splash, giggle, stare, or do anything that may disrupt the peace of those around you.<\/p>\n

5) Do Soak It All In
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Pun intended. Onsens are beautiful and relaxing, but even more so than that, they are full of skin pampering minerals to give you that spa-day glow. They\u2019re even believed to remedy health concerns, alleviate chronic stress, and reverse aging!<\/p>\n

Whether you are visiting an onsen for the cultural experience, the relaxation, or both: enjoy it! It\u2019s an incredible experience that your friends and family will love hearing about and you\u2019ll love remembering.<\/p>\n

Related Post: <\/strong>Why Every Traveller Should Experience A Traditional Japanese Ryokan<\/a><\/div>\n

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What To Know For Visiting Japan<\/h3>\n

Japan Visas<\/h4>\n

Citizens of many countries can get a free 90 day<\/strong> entry to visit Japan for tourism.<\/p>\n

Be sure to check the official Japanese Immigration Website<\/a> for the latest information for your specific country.<\/p>\n

Currency<\/h4>\n

The currency used in Japan is the Japanese Yen (JPY)<\/strong>. The current exchange rate is approximately 1 USD to 108 JPY. You can check the latest EUR exchange rate on Google<\/a>.<\/p>\n

While traveling, our number one tip is to use a free Charles Schwab Debit Card<\/a> which gives unlimited worldwide ATM Fee Refunds and the true exchange rate.<\/p>\n

Book Your Onsen Experience<\/h4>\n