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Onsen and Sento in Japan: The Basic Rules

Bathing together in Japan is relaxing once you know a few rules: wash first and keep the water clean.

Onsen and Sento in Japan: The Basic Rules
  • Wash thoroughly at the washing area before you step into the bath.
  • Don't put the small towel in the water, and tie up long hair.
  • You don't wear a swimsuit, and some places don't admit people with tattoos, so ask first.

Before the bath

Japan has many onsen and sento.

Everyone enters one big bath together.

Men and women use separate baths.

At the entrance there are the characters 「男」 and 「女」. Please don't mix them up.

You put your shoes in the shoe locker and pay.

Wash first

Before you get into the bath, you wash your body.

At the washing area, you sit on a stool and use the shower.

Please rinse the soap off well before you get in.

The small towel must not go into the bath water.

If your hair is long, please tie it up.

You must not swim in the bath. Let's not talk loudly either.

Things to remember

In a Japanese bath you don't wear a swimsuit. You bathe naked.

If you feel shy, you may cover yourself a little with the small towel.

Some places don't let people with tattoos in. Please ask first.

Before leaving the bath, you wipe your body a little with the towel.

Words in this article

温泉おんせん
hot spring
銭湯せんとう
public bath
お風呂おふろ
bath
体からだ
body
洗うあらう
to wash
牛乳ぎゅうにゅう
milk

Many people drink cold milk after the bath. Let's soak slowly and feel good. After the bath, let's drink plenty of water.