Guide · 60 seconds
How to bathe at an onsen
Seven steps, the same at almost every onsen and sento in Japan.
1Step 1 of 7Shoes off at the doorPut them in a shoe locker. Slippers or bare feet from here. 2Step 2 of 7Undress fullyLeave everything in a locker or basket. Swimsuits are usually not allowed. 3Step 3 of 7Wash before you soakSit at a shower stool, wash and rinse well. The bath is for soaking, not washing. 4Step 4 of 7Small towel stays outKeep it on your head or at the side. It never goes in the water. 5Step 5 of 7Hair upTie long hair so it doesn't touch the water. 6Step 6 of 7Quiet, and no photosNo swimming or splashing. Phones and cameras stay in the locker. 7Step 7 of 7Dry off firstWipe down before you walk back into the changing room. READY
You're ready to batheEach place has its own rules on top of these. Check the bath's page.