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If you’ve spent any time looking at things to do in Japan you’ll have come across recommendations for visiting an onsen, an activity that is considered to be the ultimate cultural experience. There are very specific rules to follow which can be a little confusing and intimidating if you are visiting an onsen in Japan for the first time.

Visiting an onsen is a uniquely Japanese experience, with such a large number of volcanoes it is not surprising that there is also an abundance of natural hot springs. Over the years many of these have been built into outdoor spas with stunning views. Not only are these incredibly relaxing places to visit but they have been a staple of Japanese life for thousands of years due to the belief that the water offers natural healing qualities.

A First Timer’s Guide to Visiting an Onsen in Japan

Our group visited Tenzan Onsen which turned out to be much more than just a natural hot spring. It’s a complex which includes multiple baths, tree lined courtyards, a restaurant, gift shop and tatami area for relaxing.

The whole building is made of dark wood, sliding doors, tatami mats and passages that lead you between rooms and then to the baths themselves.

How to Use an Onsen

Tickets are purchased from a vending machine at the main entrance, once inside you remove your shoes which go into a small locker, at the desk you hand in your ticket and take a towel if you need to, this is where you head through to the changing rooms.

Men and Women then go their separate ways, into spacious changing rooms with larger lockers where you leave all of your clothes and possessions, there are also toilets and hair dryers should you need them.

From here you step into the shower room, they provide shampoo and soaps so you sit on the small stools and make yourself squeaky clean before heading into the baths.

There are plenty of different baths to chose from too. A large painfully hot one, (you might want to work your way up to this one) a mildly hot one that leads into a cave and a slightly cooler one with milky coloured water that is meant to have the most amount of healthy minerals in it.

Once you’ve soaked for long enough you can dry off and get dressed. Some people clearly stayed for longer to relax and use the other facilities, but we left as we were back on the road to our next destination.

Onsen Rules

Onsen baths are not for cleaning – you need to completely wash your body and hair in the shower before heading into the baths.
Long hair needs to be tied back in order to keep the water as clean as possible.
All clothes and belongings need to be left in your locker – the only thing you take with you into the baths are your towel and locker key.
Using an onsen in Japan is supposed to be a completely relaxed experience – this means no mobile phones or cameras.
Drink plenty of water before and after entering the baths.
Avoid alcohol and don’t eat directly before and after as this can cause nausea and dizziness.
You are welcome to talk to your friends but keep voices low and avoid being too disruptive.

Have you visited an onsen in Japan during you visit?

How was your experience?

Let me know in the comments.