Nov
01
2013
Mar
31
2013
Nov
01
2014
Mar
31
2014
Nov
01
2015
Mar
31
2015
Dip into Japanese Culture at a Traditional Onsen
Published by Elaine Wong, Writer
Country: Japan 
The Experience
Japan can be freezing cold during the winter, especially since the older generations believed that braving the climate without insulation or central heating was a matter of cultural pride. Or, perhaps it was just an excuse to visit the local bathhouse (sento) or hot spring (onsen); either way, a soak at one of Japan's onsen is a great way to dip into a warm cultural tradition.
Due to their ubiquity and relatively low cost, Japan's onsen are easily accessible to most travellers. Any prudish sensibilities must be left behind, and although Japan has become famous for its modesty in the last hundred years, it was traditionally much more comfortable with nudity than Western nations. This can still be seen in Japanese onsen culture in the many mixed gender onsen still operating.
Leave your modesty at the door and embrace onsen tradition. Although it superfluous, it is customary that you bathe before you enter the hot spring. There is also a no clothing policy that is strictly enforced, and trying to smuggle a towel in will only leave you with a scolding from other bathers. All you are permitted is a face towel no larger than two hands, which you can use to some advantage as you shimmy and shiver your way to the nearest pool and slip into the steaming water. While scalding at first, the water soon becomes comfortable. Often, snow lines the side of the Japanese onsen, somehow not melting despite the steam rising just centimeters away. Sit back and soak in the healing properties of the hot spring, while enjoying well-manicured gardens and soaring natural scenery. Afterward, most onsen have two or three saunas (if not more) that you can relax in before showering and leaving all limber and refreshed.
As a cultural staple, there are many onsen in Japan, and it is safe to assume you can find one close to wherever your travels take you. There are also countless sento in every almost every town. Sento are similar to onsen in most aspects, except for the lack of sulfur, and there are added supplements: You can dip into pools of green tea, cream; as well as various mud baths. Going to an onsen is not only a way to warm yourself up in winter; it also lets you get closer to both Japanese culture and Japanese nature in a way few other experiences can match.
Due to their ubiquity and relatively low cost, Japan's onsen are easily accessible to most travellers. Any prudish sensibilities must be left behind, and although Japan has become famous for its modesty in the last hundred years, it was traditionally much more comfortable with nudity than Western nations. This can still be seen in Japanese onsen culture in the many mixed gender onsen still operating.
Leave your modesty at the door and embrace onsen tradition. Although it superfluous, it is customary that you bathe before you enter the hot spring. There is also a no clothing policy that is strictly enforced, and trying to smuggle a towel in will only leave you with a scolding from other bathers. All you are permitted is a face towel no larger than two hands, which you can use to some advantage as you shimmy and shiver your way to the nearest pool and slip into the steaming water. While scalding at first, the water soon becomes comfortable. Often, snow lines the side of the Japanese onsen, somehow not melting despite the steam rising just centimeters away. Sit back and soak in the healing properties of the hot spring, while enjoying well-manicured gardens and soaring natural scenery. Afterward, most onsen have two or three saunas (if not more) that you can relax in before showering and leaving all limber and refreshed.
As a cultural staple, there are many onsen in Japan, and it is safe to assume you can find one close to wherever your travels take you. There are also countless sento in every almost every town. Sento are similar to onsen in most aspects, except for the lack of sulfur, and there are added supplements: You can dip into pools of green tea, cream; as well as various mud baths. Going to an onsen is not only a way to warm yourself up in winter; it also lets you get closer to both Japanese culture and Japanese nature in a way few other experiences can match.
When to Go to Onsen Japan
Odds n' Ends
Costs range from US$3 for a small local bathhouse (with no sauna and only one or two pools) to around US$25 for a moderate size hot spring (with a number of pools, jets, waterfalls and saunas). Staying at an onsen overnight is generally much more expensive, and the best onsen are reserved only for overnight guests.
Caution: due to the association of tattoos with gang activity in Japan, most onsen and sento frown on patrons with tattoos. Though they tend to be more accepting of foreigners, you should check about the rules beforehand. Keep in mind that you have to bathe before going into the communal bath (soap/shampoo and showers are often provided), and you are expected to bathe again after soaking. The onsen will provide you with a small hand towel (also known as a “modesty towel”) that you may carry into the baths with you; otherwise you are expected to be naked. Smaller places may not provide towels free of charge, though rentals are usually available in those cases. Lastly, follow regular precautions of hot springs: Do not go if pregnant, inebriated, have heart disorders or respiratory problems. And you should not soak for more than an hour at a time.
Caution: due to the association of tattoos with gang activity in Japan, most onsen and sento frown on patrons with tattoos. Though they tend to be more accepting of foreigners, you should check about the rules beforehand. Keep in mind that you have to bathe before going into the communal bath (soap/shampoo and showers are often provided), and you are expected to bathe again after soaking. The onsen will provide you with a small hand towel (also known as a “modesty towel”) that you may carry into the baths with you; otherwise you are expected to be naked. Smaller places may not provide towels free of charge, though rentals are usually available in those cases. Lastly, follow regular precautions of hot springs: Do not go if pregnant, inebriated, have heart disorders or respiratory problems. And you should not soak for more than an hour at a time.
Places to Stay Nearby
Search over 900,000 global hotel deals from over 30 merchants. Book via Expedia, Travelocity, Hotels.com, Booking.com, Priceline and the websites of popular hotel chains.
The Keio Plaza Hotel Tokyo is located in the bustling Shinjuku area. This Tokyo hotel is right across the street from the Tokyo City Hall ... 0 miles away
$15800 JPY+
Discover all that Tokyo has to offer with Shinjuku Washington Hotel Annex as a base. All 337 rooms at the hotel are well-appointed with necessary ... 0 miles away
$10090 JPY+
+ 23 others. Show all.
More Experiences Nearby
- Belt Out a Tune at a Karaoke Bar in Tokyo
- So, you’re sitting around the table with your friends, playing that poker game of world travel wherein each person lays down stories one at a time: exotic locales, extreme adventures, and painful landings after days of freestyle debauchery. Your hand’s not looking so hot, but you’ve got an ace in the hole sure to draw everyone’s attention: Karaoke in Tokyo, one of the most iconic party activities on the planet. Crank the clock back a few years: you’d washed up on the shores of the Big Mikan. One night you stumble out of your hotel looking for things to do ...
While You're There - Tours and Trips Nearby
After your Japanese dinner at the Sanju Sangendo restaurant in Odaiba (vegetarian options are available), you'll take a drive over Rainbow Bridge to tour the ... via Tokyo.
$67+
On your full-day trip from Tokyo you'll travel by coach to the Fuji visitor center to see cultural art dedicated to Fujisan. The center is ... via Tokyo.
$143+
+ 23 others. Show all.
Books and DVDs
Elsewhere on the Web
Media References
- Soaking and Steaming in Japan - NYTimes.com (newspaper)
- Snowbound in Japan - NYTimes.com (newspaper)
- A Relaxing Tradition Dips a Toe in the 21st Century - NYTimes.com (newspaper)
Travel Insurance. Simple & Flexible.
Language Guides
Japanese 
is one of the languages spoken in Japan. If you know of a freely available phrase book or podcast for one of the missing languages, let us know!
Discussion
Experienced this and have something to share? Experienced something like this somewhere else? Looking for advise or travel companions? Use this space to leave your mark. Our writers and editors are more than happy to help answer your questions.
People with experience
Recent Tweets
Listed below are the most recent comments made on Twitter for "onsen japan":
