Let’s Onsen, Ling!

Layout of an Onsen at a Ryokan/Onsen Hotel and how to use the Onsen Facilities

Here, I’ll cover the Onsen facilities and how to use them so when you go, you would look like an “expert”.

Entrance

The entrance to an Onsen usually have curtains or signs either in Blue (for males) and Pink/Red for (females). Some places have different types of Indoor and Outdoor Onsens, so they switched the use between Males and Females on a daily basis in order to let their guests enjoy different Onsen experiences. So best to check the curtain colours before going in.

Once you get pass the curtains/signs into the foyer, you’d need to remove the slippers/shoes that you’re wearing and leave them on the ground. Some places have shoe lockers/shelves where you could place your footwear. Do not step unto the wooden floorboards with your slippers or shoes, only barefoot from that point.

 

Changing Area

After stepping unto the wooden floorboard in your bare feet and walking past a partition, the Changing Area would be the first place you see. This is easily identified by the cubicles of baskets by the wall. At some places the baskets are by the side or turned upside down when not in used. After using the baskets, please return them to how they were before. Some Ryokans provide towels at the Onsen area while at others, you’d have to bring the towels from your room.

In this area, you’re to remove all your clothes and keep them including the big towel (used for drying yourself) in the basket. Each person should only use 1 basket as some Onsen are popular and could get crowded. Fold your clothes nicely and place them together with your bath towel in the basket. Only the small towel should be brought to the wet Onsen area. Some Changing Area have small lockers for you to keep your personal and expensive items such as watches, jewelry or phones. The key comes with a little cable band that you could loop around your wrist. It is okay to bring that into the hot spring waters.

The Changing Area is also where you would change back to your clothes after using the Onsen. There are baskets at the side for you to place your wet bath towel after using them. Do note that you must dry yourself properly at the Onsen wet area before stepping into the dry area to prevent dripping water all over the place. A wet floor would be dangerous for others to walk on.

 

Washing Area

Now you’re all ready for your Onsen experience! There is a sliding or push door to get to the Washing Area (wet area of the Onsen facility). The door is there to keep the heat and moisture out from the dry area, so please closed it after you. The small towel is the only thing that you need to bring into the Washing Area. You’d have to be totally naked in this area and there’s no place for you to hang any big towels.

Some showering areas are open with no place to hide one’s modesty, while some have a small partition to block you from your neighbour while you’re showering. Take a stool and sit at one of the shower heads. The shower heads are all on a low level as you’re expected to wash yourself sitting down, not standing up. Showering standing up would cause the water to splash onto others. Not a nice thing to do.

Usually good quality Shampoo, Hair Conditioner and Body Soap are provided at Ryokans and Onsen Hotels. If you like what you used, check the Ryokan/Hotel gift shops as these products might be available for purchase.

After you’re done cleaning yourself, please also clean the stool and pail of any soapy water. Turn the pail upside down to prevent accumulation of water. Place the pail and stool back where you got them from.

 

Indoor Onsen

The indoor Onsen is just next to the Washing Area. Once you’re done washing yourself, proceed to the hot spring water for a soak. Before you get into the Onsen, it’s best you pour some of the hot spring water on yourself to get your body used to the water temperature. There is usually a small pail near the Onsen for you to do that. Again, do not splash others with the hot spring water and don’t let the water flow back into the Onsen.

Depending on where you go, most would only have 1 Indoor Onsen while Onsen Hotels would have many different types / temperature of Indoor Onsens for use. Pick your corner to soak. The closer you are to the flowing tap, the hotter the water. I don’t like too hot water for soaking, so I tend to pick the furthest point from the flowing tap.

Most Onsen temperature range from 39°C to 42°C. I came across one where the temperature was 50°C! That’s way too hot and it was aptly named the Devil Pool. I’ve no desire to feel like a boiled chicken. Some places also offer Cold Onsen, which could be quite invigorating especially after a hot spring bath. My personal preference is 39°C.

 

Outdoor Onsen

Outdoor Onsens are fun especially during winter when it’s cold and snowing outside though not all places have them. It’s also nice to look at the view / skies depending if it’s day or night while one is relaxing in the hot spring bath. An Outdoor Onsen water would not be as hot as an Indoor Onsen as the cool air outside helps to cool the hot spring bath.

If you’re daring, check out Open Air Onsens out in the nature with the elements all around you, though do note that you would be in plain sight of passerbys. These are usually located in coastal or mountainous areas, so maybe less preying eyes. I think it’s easier for guys to use these open air hot spring baths than for ladies.

Once you’re done with soaking in the Onsen, have a quick rinse to wash off the hot spring water. Check the Onsen water contents as some places recommend rinsing off instead of leaving the hot spring water on your body. Dry yourself well with the small towel before stepping back into the Changing Area to put on your clothes.

 

Dressing Table Area

After you’re done changing into your clothes, proceed to the Dressing Table Area where hair dryer, combs and facial products are provided for guests’ use. Most places have a little sanitising machine where the combs are kept, feel free to take for your use. After use, please return them to the recycling tray and not throw them away. The fancier Ryokans would have branded facial products for use, which are available for sale at the Ryokan’s gift shop.

Before leaving the Onsen facilities, make sure you throw all rubbish into the bin and take all your clothes. Don’t forget your important items kept in the lockers and return the key! You’re now done with your Onsen experience!

 

Massage Chairs Area

Some Ryokans / Onsen Hotels have Massage Chairs which I consider a bonus. I’ve only came across a handful with some inside the Onsen facilities, some outside in the common area. It’s rather nice to have a good massage after soaking in a hot spring bath.

Please wear your Yukata when you use the Massage Chairs, do not use them when you’re only in your birthday suit! Not a nice sight to behold and it’s not very hygienic either. Make sure your hair is dry too.

Next: Other Onsen Info

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