Let’s Onsen, Ling!
Other Onsen Info
Onsen Hygiene
Hygiene is very important at an Onsen since it is a shared space and facilitiy used by the guests. Daily cleaning of the Onsen baths is done to prevent accumulation of minerals which could clog up the taps or make the floor slippery. Thus, some Onsen are closed in the afternoon and not available for use. Guests should also do their part to keep the place clean.
Very important thing to note: DO NOT DRAIN the Onsen bath after your use. There have been tales of foreign tourists pulling out the bath plug after their use. It takes a long time to fill an Onsen and there are other people who want to use them too. That’s why we have to shower before use so that the hot spring water stays clean for others. So don’t inconvenient others just for our own enjoyment.
How long should I stay in the Onsen bath?
Avoid soaking in the hot spring water for too long as the heat might raise your blood pressure and cause giddiness. Those with hypertension need to be mindful. If you start feeling unwell, get up slowly and out of the hot spring bath; cool yourself with a shower. It’s dangerous if you’re all alone as accidents could easily happen in a hot spring bath.
Try to cool off in between soaks. I’ve noticed the Japanese ladies would soak in the Onsen for about 5 minutes and then get out to cool down by just sitting in the cold air (outdoor Onsen). They would then go back into the hot Onsen and would get in and out to cool down a few times. If the place has a cold Onsen (bath of cold water), consider taking a dip or have a quick shower to cool down. We, the foreign tourists, tend to just soak in there forever. For males, it’s also probably not a good idea to soak for too long.
How to dry off with just 1 small towel?
How in the world does one dry off with just a small piece of towel? It’s really quite easy. Just wipe yourself with the towel, squeeze dry the towel and wipe again. After a few rounds, your body would be dry enough not to drip water all over the place. I picked up that skill from using Onsen and it had came in handy at a stay where I found myself without a bath towel. That’s why it’s a good idea to always travel with a small towel in Japan, for that occasional footbath and also when caught in a place with no bath towels!
Drink water after an Onsen Bath
Remember to drink water to cool down and rehydrate yourself after a hot spring bath. Many forget that they lose water from their bodies from the hot Onsen. Some places have water coolers or Vending Machine where you could purchase a bottle of cold Milk. I still haven’t figure out why they would drink cold Milk after an Onsen soak (as seen on Japanese TV dramas). Wonder who came up with that idea? 🤔
Mix Gender Onsen
There are a few Outdoor Onsens where mix genders are allowed. Some prefer this as the whole family could Onsen together. Males and females have separate entrances; the area where the females enter the Onsen is usually blocked from view. The hot spring water at such places tend to be cloudy which helps to prevent the naked body from being too visible in the water. Their modesty are protected from preying eyes as they move themselves to the main Onsen area.
Community Public Bath
I’ve not used a local community public bath so I only know what I know of them from Japanese Drama shows. Customers would have to bring their own towels and washing products or pay a small feel to rent towels and get washing products.
Where to Onsen?
Here are 2 good sites to check for Onsen suggestions:
I have a tattoo, can I still use the Onsen?
Guests with tattoo are generally not allowed to use the shared Onsen. The Japanese associate tattoos with the Yakuza (Japanese gangsters) and the general population is afraid of them.
I’ve read online comments from foreign tourists who complained about not being allowed to use the Onsen as they had big body tattoos. They said they should be allowed as they paid money for their stay. I think we need to be respectful of another country’s culture when we visit and not think that they must bend backwards and change for us – the temporary foreign tourists.
I have a friend who has a small tattoo, she said no one gave her fearful/funny looks when she went to the Onsen; her tattoo is probably not that obvious. Some Onsen might request guests cover their small tattoos and there are plasters to cover the tattoos sold online and in pharmacies.
If your tattoo is big and might cause a concern, try to go at a time when there are no guests around. Some Ryokans have private Onsens that you could book to use for yourself and with your family. You get to visit the Onsen and still be respectful of Japan’s local culture. Or consider booking a room with a private onsen which you could use any time you like and not worry about other guests.
From my research, it seems there are Onsens that allowed tattoos, but these places are where the Yakuza hang out. I don’t think any foreign tourists would want to go to such places as it would be rather intimidating, tattoos or not. A wrong action or word might cause trouble.
Ling’s Tips
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Best to remove any jewelry before you use the Onsen. The hot spring waters might corrode or tarnish your jewelry as they have lots of minerals and might be sulfuric. It happened to my cousin’s wife whose necklace turned black after she forgot to remove it before soaking in the Onsen.
- If you’re planning to stay at a Ryokan for the Onsen, consider visiting on a weekday as it is generally is less crowded and cheaper too. On weekends, many Japanese would make short trips to an Onsen lodging to relax.
- If the hot spring water is too hot for you, consider going in the early morning where the temperature is lower. A Ryokan staff gave me this tip.
- Some Ryokans gift their guests a small towel printed with their Ryokan name and logo. Guests are allowed to take these towels home after using it at the Onsen.
- Arrive at the earliest check-in time possible and use the Onsen facilities right after, before other guests arrive. Or use it after breakfast before checking out. It would be less crowded and you might even have the whole Onsen to yourself!
Now that you know more about Onsen, are you ready to plan your trip?
So let’s Onsen! But not together! 😝
Read more Ling’s Travel Tips.
