Onsen etiquette — and the tattoo question

A Japanese onsen (hot spring bath) is communal and nude, and a few firm rules keep the shared water clean. They’re easy once you know them. Here’s what official sources — JNTO, the Ministry of the Environment, and prefectural/municipal tourism boards — actually say, including the honest answer on tattoos.

1. Wash thoroughly before you get in

“Sit on small stools and wash with the shower or small bucket provided and make sure there’s no trace of soap left.” (JNTO)

“Before soaking in hot water, it is preferable to pour water over your body … in order to become acclimated to the high temperature and rinse off dirt, etc.” (Ministry of the Environment)

The bath is for soaking, not washing. You clean up first, at the shower stations, then enter clean.

2. No swimwear — full nudity is standard

“Majority of the onsens in Japan … require full nudity once you enter the bathing room.” (JNTO)

Swimsuits aren’t worn in a traditional onsen. Everyone’s in the same situation; it’s completely normal.

3. Keep the small towel out of the water

“You shouldn’t let it touch the onsen water either. Leave the towel off to the side of the bath or … balance the towel on your head as you take a soak.” (JNTO)

“Do not put towels in the bathtub.” (Ministry of the Environment)

The little towel is for modesty while you walk and for drying off afterwards — never for the bath water itself.

4. Tie up long hair

“If you have long hair, tie it up with a rubber band or hair tie to prevent it from getting into the water and keep the bath clean.” (Beppu City official onsen site)

5. No swimming, no splashing, keep it quiet — and no photos

“Don’t swim or splash. An onsen isn’t a swimming pool … try to keep your voice down.” (Visit Oita)

“No photos in any area where people might be undressed. That means both the bathing area and changing rooms.” (Visit Oita)

The tattoo question: it’s facility-by-facility

There is no national rule — each facility sets its own policy, and JNTO is candid that many still restrict tattoos:

“Majority of the onsens in Japan prohibit tattooed guests from entering … while in recent years some establishments started offering more options … it’s still best to inquire to your onsen of choice before visiting.” (JNTO)

“Traditionally, people with tattoos were banned from entering onsen due to the negative associations irezumi … have with criminality and gang affiliations. However, today there are now more and more onsen facilities declaring themselves ‘tattoo-friendly’.” (JNTO)

Your practical options if you have a tattoo:

• Cover it. Visit Oita notes many onsen “allow tattoos if they are covered up using special tape or bandages.” JNTO mentions skin-tone cover-up tapes sold at drugstores.
• Book a private (kashikiri) bath. With exclusive use, tattoos “are of course fine” (Visit Oita).
• Choose a tattoo-friendly facility. Some state it openly — for example, the official operator of Kusatsu Onsen’s three public baths says its facilities “do not specifically prohibit visitors with tattoos from entering or bathing” (translated from its Japanese FAQ).

Because policy is per-facility and can change, confirm directly with the specific onsen before you go.

Frequently asked questions

The bathing rules above are from JNTO, the Ministry of the Environment, and the Beppu/Oita tourism boards. Tattoo policy is set facility-by-facility and changes over time; the Kusatsu example is translated from that operator’s own Japanese FAQ. Always confirm the current policy with the specific facility.