In Japan, Onsens are very popular and it pays to know how to conduct yourself inside. Firstly, most onsens are meant to be entered naked. I have heard stories of some foreigners going into public baths in their swimsuits. From a Japanese perspective this is extremely rude, a total affront to the way an onsen is supposed to be. Also, the onsen owners do not like dyed materials in their water.

Generally you don’t even take colored towels into the onsen with you; just the little white onsen towels that you get. Generally you are supposed to leave you towel on the edge of the onsen, on your head, just not in the water. When you stand up you can take it and use it to modestly cover your bits.

When you enter the onsen you first go and have a shower. Never enter the actual hot spring without thoroughly cleaning and rinsing yourself first. Head into the bathing/ shower area and take a seat on one of the little wooden or plastic seats provided. There will be a tap/ shower and/or mirror in front of which you sit. There are also small round bowls in which you pour the hot water from the tap and then pour over yourself, soap yourself up and wash with hands and your onsen towel. When you have thoroughly cleaned yourself. Rinse off and then proceeding to the onsen. Generally, standing and showering is frowned upon at a proper onsen so try and stay seated through the process. Also be careful not to spray other people or splash them when you are showering. Be considerate.

On the most part onsens are separated for men and women. There are some mixed onsens but with the modernizing of society and certain people getting the wrong idea about what a mixed onsen is all about, they have gradually reduced in numbers over the years.

Onsens are quiet places. It is fine to chat but just keep your voice down and don’t lark around. No splashing or getting into water fights.