In the Japanese language, the term used for hot springs is an onsen. Japan has literally thousands of onsen spread out along its span and wideness, as a volcanically active country. Traditionally, onsen were used as public bathing areas and in this generation, it plays an essential function in directing Japanese domestic tourism. Since Japanese people are brought up with a deep understanding of good manners and having good relations with their fellow citizens. In order to maintain their image as one of the countries with a rich cultural heritage, the Japanese bathing etiquette is strictly enforced. There are three important rules of Japanese bathing etiquette that all quests should be familiar with.

The most important rule is to ensure cleanliness. Hot springs are places of relaxation and not a place to wash yourself off. All guests are expected to thoroughly wash and rinse their bodies before getting into the bath. Only then can you properly enter the pools and enjoy your bath. It is socially unacceptable if entering the onsen while still dirty or with traces of soap on the body, since the public baths and hot springs in Japan are shared.

In terms of what to wear, bathers are not normally allowed to wear swimsuits. However, there is some modern hot springs with a more water park ambience that guests are obliged to wear swimsuits. In Japan, all onsens and public bathhouses are separated by gender. It is a custom to bring along a small towel to use as a washcloth. Also, the towel can enhance your privacy outside the bath but once entering the bath, keep the towel out of the water since this can be considered unclean.

In Japan, people with tattoos are not allowed into onsens or public bathhouses since are related with Japan’s mafias or is traditionally recognized as a symbol of criminality. Due to this reason, the rule is strictly followed including foreigners are not allowed to enter even if the tattoos are small. However, many onsens have special baths, which is called “kasha-kiri” that can be rented privately.