Do I wear a swimsuit in a Japanese onsen?

No. As of June 2026, the standard public onsen is bathed fully nude, separated by gender. Swimsuits are not allowed in the bathing area because they can carry soap and dirt into the water. Some resort-style spa facilities and a few mixed-bathing or private baths do allow swimwear; those are clearly marked, so check the rules at each place.

Do I have to wash before getting in the onsen?

Yes, always. Before entering the shared bath you must wash and rinse your whole body at the seated shower stations, removing all soap. The communal water is for soaking, not cleaning. This is the single most important rule, because everyone shares the same water without it being drained between guests.

What do I do with the small towel they give me?

Use the small towel to wash at the shower station, then keep it out of the bath water. Most bathers fold it and rest it on their head or set it at the edge of the bath while soaking. Wringing it into the bath or letting it float in the water is not done. Dry off roughly with it before returning to the changing room.

Can I use an onsen if I have tattoos?

It depends on the facility. As of June 2026 many traditional onsen still ask guests with visible tattoos not to enter shared baths, while a growing number are tattoo-friendly or allow a cover sticker. Private (kashikiri) baths avoid the issue. Check each onsen's policy in advance; our separate guide on tattoos and onsen has more detail.

Is it rude to soak with long hair loose or to take photos?

Tie long hair up so it does not touch the water. Photos are not allowed in the bathing and changing areas to protect everyone's privacy, so leave your phone in the locker. Talk quietly, do not swim or splash, and do not bring food or drink into the bath. The atmosphere is calm and relaxing for all.

Onsen Etiquette: A Step-by-Step First-Timer Guide

Am I ready to enter? The quick check

An onsen is a Japanese hot-spring bath shared by many people in the same water. The rules exist to keep that water clean and the space calm. Run through this check before you step in.

Question	Answer (as of June 2026)
Which bath do I enter?	The one matching your gender — look for the red (women) or blue (men) curtain, or ask staff.
Do I wear anything in the water?	No. Standard onsen are fully nude. Swimsuits only where clearly allowed.
Did I wash first?	You must wash and rinse fully at the shower stations before soaking.
Where does my towel go?	Use it to wash, then keep it out of the water.
Do I have tattoos?	Check the facility’s policy; some restrict shared baths.

If you are clear on all five, you are ready. The full step-by-step below walks you through a typical visit.

How do I use the onsen, step by step?

The flow is the same at most public baths and ryokan onsen. As of June 2026, the standard sequence is:

Pay or check in, and note which curtain is your gender (women red, men blue).
Enter the changing room. Undress completely and put everything in a locker or basket. Take only your small towel.
Go to the washing area. Sit on a stool at a shower station. Wash your whole body with soap and shampoo, then rinse off every trace of suds.
Enter the bath slowly. Lower yourself in gently. The water is hot, often around 40-42°C.
Soak quietly. Keep your towel out of the water, on your head or at the edge. Do not swim, splash, or make calls.
Cool down between soaks if you feel hot. Drink water afterwards to rehydrate.
Rinse off lightly if you wish, dry with your small towel before stepping out, and dress in the changing room.

That is the whole visit. Relax and take your time; there is no rush.

What should I never do in an onsen?

A few actions break the shared-water rule or the calm mood. Keep this list in mind.

Do	Do not
Wash and rinse fully before entering	Get in dirty or with soap on you
Tie long hair up	Let hair or towel touch the water
Talk softly	Swim, splash, or be loud
Leave your phone in the locker	Take photos in bath or changing areas
Drink water after bathing	Bring food, drink, or alcohol into the bath
Sit calmly to soak	Dunk your head underwater

Most of these protect the water everyone shares. Following them marks you as a considerate guest.

What about tattoos, mixed baths, and private options?

Two situations need a little planning. Tattoos: as of June 2026, policies vary widely. Some onsen welcome tattoos, some ask you to cover small ones with a sticker, and some still restrict shared baths. Mixed or private baths: most onsen separate by gender, but some offer mixed-bathing (konyoku) or rentable private baths (kashikiri), where rules can differ and swimwear may be allowed.

Option	What it means	Good for
Standard public bath	Nude, gender-separated	Most visitors
Tattoo-friendly onsen	Tattoos allowed openly	Guests with tattoos
Cover-sticker policy	Small tattoos covered	Guests with small tattoos
Private (kashikiri) bath	Book the whole bath	Couples, families, privacy

Check each facility’s stance before you go, especially for tattoos. Our guide on tattoos and onsen covers the workarounds in detail.

Quick reference: onsen etiquette at a glance

Topic	Detail (as of June 2026)
Clothing in water	None; swimsuits only where allowed
Before entering	Wash and rinse whole body
Small towel	Use to wash; keep out of the water
Hair	Tie long hair up, keep out of water
Noise	Quiet; no swimming or splashing
Photos	Not allowed in bath or changing areas
Water temperature	Often 40-42°C
Tattoos	Policy varies by facility — check first

Final tips for a smooth first visit

Onsen bathing is relaxing once the rules feel natural. Stay hydrated, ease in slowly if the water is hot, and watch what other bathers do if you are unsure. If you feel dizzy or unwell, leave the bath, cool down, and rest; heat can affect people quickly. For anyone with heart or blood-pressure concerns, check with a doctor before a long hot soak.

Above all, the rules come down to one idea: keep the shared water clean and the space calm for everyone. Get that right and you will be a welcome guest at any onsen. For more on customs, see the official JNTO etiquette pages above.