Complete guide to manners when using public bathhouses (onsen and sento)
27 April 2025
Public bathhouses (onsen and sento) in Japan are special places that soothe the body as well as the soul. However, to ensure a pleasant stay, you need to observe unique manners. The basic rules are simple. The key points are cleanliness and consideration for others. This article explains the rules and etiquette in detail, in a way that is easy to understand for foreign visitors using Japanese onsen and public baths for the first time!
What is a public bathhouse in Japan?
Public bathhouses in Japan are facilities called onsen or sento that are open to the public, where everyone can soak in hot water and heal themselves. For Japanese people, onsen and sento are “places of relaxation” and part of their lifestyle culture. Therefore, there are ‘unknown rules for everyone's comfort’ when using them.
Basic manners to know
Here, we would like to show you some basic manners to ensure an enjoyable and respectful experience when using public bathhouses in Japan. Understanding these simple rules will help you feel more comfortable and avoid causing inconvenience to others.
Wash your body before bathing
When entering the bathing area after undressing at the changing rooms, wash your body thoroughly in the “washing area” first. This is an important way of keeping bath water clean. Never enter the bathtub without cleaning your hair and body.
Use a shower or small bucket to wash off.
Soap and shampoo are provided free of charge in many cases, but check at the reception if they are available.
Even if they are not available, most facilities have them available for purchase at the reception or at the shop, so it is a good idea to get them before entering the changing rooms.
Never soak small towels in the bathtub
You can leave bath towels in the locker to wipe your body after leaving the bathing area.
Small hand-held towels are useful in the bathroom. Instructions.
The rules for using a bath towel in a Japanese onsen
Discover the unique role of small towels in Japanese hot springs (onsen). Learn their washing, modesty, and drying uses, and avoid common etiquette mistakes like soaking towels in bathwater.
Hand-held small towels brought into the bathroom should not be soaked in the bath. The towel should be placed outside the bathtub or on your head.
(Why?) Because towels are used for wiping the body and wiping sweat off, so it is bad manners to soak them in the bathtub in order to keep the bath water clean.
Long hair should be tied up
If you have long hair, tie it up with an elastic or use a shower cap so that your hair does not get into the bathtub.
(Point) It is not very pleasant to have your hair floating around while others are relaxing.
Do not make noise or run
Public bathrooms are places to relax. Running around like a child or talking loudly is bad manners.
(Supplementary information) While a quick hello is fine, long chats in the bathtub should be kept to a minimum.
Photography is not permitted
To protect privacy, the use of smartphones and photography is not permitted in the changing rooms and bathing area. Take this as a good opportunity for digital detox.
Beware of tattoos
In Japan, tattoos are sometimes regarded as “symbols of anti-social” and some onsen and sento may refuse entry.
Small tattoos may be allowed if covered with a “cover sticker”.
Check the “tattoo policy” on the establishment's website beforehand.
Clean up after use
Washing areas (where showers and tubs are used) should be lightly flushed with water after use before leaving. It is also smart to put chairs and tubs back where they were.
No swim or dive
Public bathhouses are not swimming pools. Never swim, dive or play in the water.
(Why?) Because they are places to quietly warm up and can be a nuisance to other users.
Further points to know:
Estimated bathing time: it is gentle on your body if you leave after approximately 5-15 minutes and take a break.
Beware of spillages: do not stay in too long.
Bathing under the influence of alcohol is not allowed: Entering the bathhouse while intoxicated may cause accidents and may be refused.
Rules for the changing rooms: In the changing rooms, you must strip naked before entering the bathhouse. Wipe yourself lightly with a small towel before returning from the bathing area to the changing room to avoid wetting the changing rooms.
Public bathhouses in Japan are not just “baths,” but sacred spaces for healing the body and the soul. It may seem a little confusing at first, but if you follow the rules, you will have a wonderful cultural experience unique to Japan.
Please be considerate and enjoy Japanese hot springs and public bathhouses!