A Beginner’s Guide to Onsen in Japan: What to Know Before You Soak

Enjoy a hot spring in Japan while being surrounded by beautiful scenery when staying with Club Wyndham Asia’s resorts.

Few experiences are as soothing and culturally immersive as stepping into a hot spring in Japan, surrounded by tranquil forests, snow-capped peaks, or ocean views. For centuries, onsen in Japan offered a space for relaxation, healing, and community bonding deeply rooted in the country’s volcanic geography and cultural traditions. 

Whether you’re dreaming of a serene retreat at a hot spring resort Japan is renowned for, or preparing for your first visit to a bustling public onsen in a Japanese town, understanding the customs and etiquette can turn your visit into a memorable journey. This comprehensive guide covers the essentials of onsen etiquette in Japan, how to make the most of your soak, and the best destinations for first-timers. 

What is an Onsen?

An onsen is a natural geothermal hot spring, with water heated by volcanic activity beneath the earth’s surface. Because of Japan’s many volcanoes, the country has thousands of natural springs, making onsen both geographically abundant and culturally significant. 

To be classified officially as an onsen, the water must meet specific mineral content criteria, including elements like sulphur, calcium, and iron, which are believed to promote various health benefits. There are several types of Japanese onsen you might encounter: 

  • Private onsen: Often found in traditional ryokans (a type of Japanese inn) or resorts, where you can bathe alone or with family. 
  • Public onsen: Japanese towns offer onsen that are communal bathing facilities, where locals and tourists share the experience. 
  • Outdoor onsen (rotenburo): Open-air baths surrounded by nature, offering breathtaking views of forests, rivers, or mountains. 

Why Visit a Hot Spring in Japan?

Immersing yourself in a hot spring in Japan isn’t just about physical comfort; it’s a holistic wellness practice that has stood the test of time. Here’s why you should try it: 

1. Healing Benefits

  • The mineral-rich waters of a Japanese onsen are believed to help with: 

    • Muscle and joint pains 
    • Fatigue 
    • Skin conditions 
    • Circulation issues 

    Each spring has unique properties depending on its mineral makeup—some soothe irritated skin, while others are ideal for muscle recovery. 

2. Mental Wellness

The peaceful environment of hot spring resorts in Japan promotes mindfulness, reduces anxiety, and supports better sleep. The act of slowing down and soaking in silence is itself a form of therapy. 

3. Cultural Immersion

To bathe in an onsen in Japan is to partake in centuries-old tradition. From the architecture of the bathhouses to the customs that govern their use, Japanese onsen culture is an important part of the national identity. 

4. Post-Adventure Recovery

After a day of exploring trails, temples, or snowy slopes, nothing beats the rejuvenation of an onsen visit to unwind in. 

Understanding Onsen Etiquette in Japan

Proper behaviour is essential to the onsen experience. Here’s a breakdown of onsen etiquette in Japan to ensure you’re respectful and welcomed in any setting: 

Before Entering the Bath

  • Wash yourself thoroughly: Shower and clean your entire body at the washing station. This step is non-negotiable and considered basic hygiene. 
  • No swimsuits: Bathing is done nude at all hot spring resorts and public onsen bathhouses. 
  • Keep your towel out of the water: Use a small towel for modesty while walking, but never bring it into the bath. 
  • Tie up long hair: Ensure it doesn’t touch the water. 

While Bathing

  • Stay quiet: Japanese onsen culture values tranquillity. Speak softly or not at all. 
  • Avoid splashing: Enter and exit the bath gently. 
  • Respect space: Be mindful of others; this is not the place for horseplay or socialising loudly. 
  • No photography: Most facilities in Japan’s public onsen strictly prohibit cameras or phones in bathing areas. 

Other Etiquette Tips

  • Tattoos: While some Japanese onsen still restrict access to those with tattoos (due to historical Yakuza associations), many now offer tattoo-friendly or private bath options. 
  • Follow posted rules: Each bathhouse has its own signage—read carefully and comply. 

Top Hot Spring Resorts Japan for First-Timers

  • From misty mountain villages to serene coastal escapes, these destinations offer some of the best onsens in Japan for newcomers: 

1. Hakone

A beloved getaway from Tokyo, Hakone is famed for its sulphur-rich hot springs and views of Mount Fuji. Here, visitors can explore art museums, nature trails, and stay at Club Wyndham Sundance Resort Hakone Gora, which blends comfort with authenticity. 

2. Nagano Prefecture

Nestled in the scenic highlands of Nagano, both Club Wyndham Chikumakan Nagano and Club Wyndham Sundance Resort Tateshina offer the perfect escape into nature. Guests can enjoy serene forest bathing, tranquil lake walks, and invigorating mountain hikes. While the Tateshina resort is ideal for peaceful retreats surrounded by natural beauty and a calming onsen experience, Club Wyndham Chikumakan Chikumakan Nagano adds a touch of traditional charm, with easy access to local historical sites and relaxing hot springs. 

3. Izu-Kogen (Shizuoka Prefecture)

This coastal region offers dramatic cliff views, cherry blossoms in spring, and public onsen options by the sea. Club Wyndham Sundance Resort Izu-Kogen is ideal for those wanting to combine ocean air with hot spring comfort in Japan. 

4. Kusatsu (Gunma Prefecture)

Home to some of the most powerful mineral springs in the country, Kusatsu is often ranked among the best hot spring resorts Japan has to offer. The town’s central Yubatake spring is a visual highlight, while Club Wyndham Sundance Resort Kusatsu provides relaxing and rejuvenating stays. 

How to Enjoy an Onsen in Japan with Club Wyndham Asia

Club Wyndham Asia in Japan offers a welcoming and stress-free way to explore onsen, particularly for international travellers. Their resorts feature: 

  • Private and public baths to accommodate both first-timers and experienced bathers. 
  • Strategic locations in top hot spring resort towns. 
  • Modern amenities that blend comfort with traditional aesthetics. 

Whether you’re travelling solo, with a partner, or as a family, you’ll find an ideal escape with Club Wyndham Asia’s thoughtfully designed properties. 

Helpful Tips for Your First Onsen in Japan

  1. Bring two towels: A large one for drying off, and a small one to carry with you (but don’t dip it in the bath).
  2. Avoid peak times: Visit public onsen in the morning or late evening for quieter experiences.
  3. Stay hydrated: The mineral waters can be dehydrating, so drink water before and after your soak.
  4. Try different mineral types: Explore the benefits of sulphur, carbonated, iron-rich, or radium baths. 
  5. Practice patience and curiosity: Observing and following onsen etiquette in Japan will make your visit smoother and more rewarding. 

Discovering the Soul of Japan Through Onsen

Bathing in a hot spring in Japan isn’t just a spa treatment; it’s an immersion into a lifestyle that values stillness, wellness, and community. Whether you’re enjoying a private bath in a forested resort or sharing stories in a quaint public onsen locals love, you’re participating in something deeply woven into Japanese identity. 

Staying in Japan with Club Wyndham Asia means you can enjoy some of the country’s finest hot spring resort destinations with the comfort of knowing everything is taken care of. From expertly maintained facilities to their prime locations near natural and cultural attractions, your Japanese onsen journey starts here. 

Plan your trip to an unforgettable onsen in Japan today and soak in the beauty, history, and serenity of this timeless tradition.