温泉マナー: 初めての温泉に入る前に知っておくこと

2026年4月24日

Visiting a Japanese onsen (温泉, hot spring bath) is one of the most memorable experiences in Japan — but the unwritten rules can feel intimidating for first-timers. This guide covers everything you need to know, from what to do when you walk in to what is never acceptable, so you can relax and enjoy the experience fully.

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At a Glance: Onsen Etiquette Rules

Rule	Detail
Shower before entering	Always wash your body at the shower stations before getting into the bath
No swimwear	Traditional onsen are entered without any clothing
No towel in the water	Keep your towel outside the bath; fold it on your head or leave it by the side
No tattoos (many places)	Many onsen ban tattoos; check in advance
Tie up long hair	Hair must not touch the water
Quiet and calm atmosphere	Keep voices low; it's a place of relaxation, not socialising noisily

Yuka

Onsen is one of Japan's greatest pleasures. Once you know the rules it's completely stress-free — and deeply relaxing. Let me walk you through everything!

Step-by-Step: What to Do When You Arrive

Step	Japanese	English
1	貴重品を鍵付きロッカーに入れる。	Store valuables in a locker.
2	脱衣所で衣類を脱ぐ。	Undress in the changing room (脱衣所, datsui-jo).
3	小さいタオルを持って浴室に入る。	Bring a small towel into the bathing area.
4	かけ浯をしてから入浴する。	Shower thoroughly before entering the bath (かけ浯, kakeyu).
5	ゼxックリと湫成を楽しむ。	Ease in slowly and enjoy the hot water.
6	出る前に身体を拭く。	Pat your body dry before returning to the changing room.

Vocabulary You Need at an Onsen

Japanese	Romaji	English
温泉	onsen	hot spring
内湯	uchi-yu / nai-yu	indoor bath
露天風呂	rotenburo	outdoor bath
脱衣所	datsui-jo	changing room
かけ浯	kakeyu	rinsing before entering (pouring water over body)
洗い場	araiba	shower/washing area
仺浴	kazokuburo	family bath (private bath)
日帰り温泉	higaeri onsen	day-trip onsen (no overnight stay)
湫成を楽しむ	yuami wo tanoshimu	to enjoy the bath

Rei

Is it really true that tattoos are banned at most onsen? What if I have a small one?

Yuka

Unfortunately yes — many traditional onsen ban tattoos entirely, due to historical associations. However, some modern onsen and private family baths (kazokuburo) welcome tattooed guests. Always check the onsen's policy website before you go. Some places offer waterproof bandage cover-ups for small tattoos.

What NOT to Do at an Onsen

Prohibition	Reason
Do NOT enter without showering	Washing first is mandatory — it's about hygiene for everyone
Do NOT put your towel in the water	Keep it dry by the side or folded on your head
Do NOT splash or swim	The bath is for soaking, not exercise
Do NOT bring drinks into the bath	Eating or drinking in the bath is not acceptable
Do NOT take photos	Photography inside bathing areas is strictly forbidden
Do NOT speak loudly	Keep a calm, quiet atmosphere for all guests

Onsen Language: What You Might Hear

Staff and signs at an onsen often use specific language. Here are the most common:

Japanese	Romaji	English
おフロはこちらです。	O-furo wa kochira desu.	The bath is this way.
お駅けくださいませ。	O-tsukare kudasaima se.	Please rest/enjoy. (Polite onsen greeting)
山企はご遠慮ください。	Irezumi wa go-enryo kudasai.	Tattoos are not permitted. (Signage)
かけ浯をお願いします。	Kakeyu wo o-negai shimasu.	Please rinse before entering. (Signage/request)
骸を拭いてからどうぞ。	Karada wo fuite kara douzo.	Please dry off before going through.

Types of Onsen and Their Differences

Type	Description
露天風呂 (rotenburo)	Outdoor bath; the most iconic type; usually in scenic mountain/countryside settings
内湯 (uchi-yu)	Indoor bath; more common in urban and modern facilities
包谸風呂 (kashikiri-buro)	Private reserved bath; booked for a group; no shared bathing
足湯 (ashiyu)	Foot bath only; often outdoors; great for beginners or tattoo-wearers
日帰り温泉 (higaeri onsen)	Day-trip facilities; pay a fee, use the baths, leave the same day

Yuka

If you're nervous about your first time, try an 足湯 (ashiyu) — a foot bath! Many towns in Japan have free outdoor foot baths where you just roll up your trousers and soak. Perfect introduction!