45. ONSENS, SENTOS : The rules

ONSENS, SENTOS : The rules

Onsen are natural hot springs created by Japan’s volcanic activity. More than just a bath, they offer a cultural and therapeutic experience deeply rooted in Japanese tradition.

🏞️ Why Visit an Onsen?

✅ Health Benefits – Minerals like sulfur and iron help relax muscles, improve circulation, and soften skin.
✅ Ultimate Relaxation – The peaceful atmosphere and natural surroundings reduce stress.
✅ Cultural Experience – Onsen bathing follows specific traditions and rituals.

Essential Onsen Etiquette

🏊‍♂️ Nudity is Mandatory

➡️ No swimsuits allowed; full nudity is required for hygiene reasons.
➡️ If you're uncomfortable, opt for a private onsen (kashikiri-buro).

🚿 Wash Before Entering

➡️ You must shower thoroughly with soap before entering the bath.
➡️ Do not bring soap or shampoo into the onsen water.

📢 Stay Quiet & Respectful

➡️ Onsen are places of relaxation 🧘‍♂️
➡️ Keep your voice low to maintain a peaceful atmosphere.

♨️ Water Temperature

➡️ Usually between 38°C and 42°C (100–108°F).
➡️ Enter slowly to avoid shocking your body with the heat.

🛑 Tattoos: Allowed or Not?

🚫 Many onsen ban tattoos due to historical associations with yakuza (Japanese mafia).
✅ Some tourist-friendly onsen now allow tattoos, often with restrictions.
✅ Solutions: Cover tattoos with a waterproof bandage or book a private bath.

🔍 Tip: Check websites like Tattoo Friendly Onsen to find places that accept tattoos.

Sento (銭湯): Japan’s Public Bathhouses

Unlike onsen, sento are public bathhouses using heated tap water 🚿. They were historically necessary for people who didn’t have private baths at home, but today, they offer a unique local experience

➡️ Both are worth trying!
An onsen for deep relaxation and a connection with nature, a sento for a genuine local experience among Japanese bathers.

Best Onsen Destinations in Japan

📍 Hakone – 1.5 hours from Tokyo, famous for onsen with Mount Fuji views.
📍 Beppu – Japan’s "Onsen Capital," with mud baths and natural steam baths.
📍 Kusatsu – One of Japan’s most famous hot springs, rich in minerals.
📍 Kinosaki – A charming onsen town where you can stroll in a yukata between different baths.

♨️ Famous Onsen Near Tokyo & Kyoto

🔥 Kusatsu Onsen (Gunma) – One of Japan’s most famous onsen towns, known for its high sulfur content and iconic Yubatake (hot water field).
🏞️ Kinosaki Onsen (Hyogo) – A historic onsen town with seven public bathhouses, perfect for onsen-hopping in yukata.
🌿 Kurama Onsen (Kyoto) – A peaceful outdoor onsen in the mountains, north of Kyoto.

♨️ Best Onsen in Osaka & Tokyo

🏊‍♂️ Spa World, (Osaka) – A huge onsen complex with themed baths inspired by different countries.
🛁Solaniwa Onsen (Osaka) – A traditional-style indoor & outdoor onsen with a great Edo-period atmosphere.
🧖‍♂️ Thermae-yu (Tokyo, Shinjuku) – A luxury onsen & spa in central Tokyo, perfect for a relaxing break in the city.
🌊 Toyasu Manyo club (Tokyo, Odaiba) – A seaside onsen & relaxation center, offering views over Tokyo Bay.