Onsen in Japan

Onsen or hot spring is very popular in Japan. People soak in Onsen for relaxing, for keeping themselves warm from inside, or just for enjoying it! Since it is regarded as public area open to many people, users are expected to follow the etiquette. Here are common instructions for using communal Onsen.

How to Use a Communal Onsen

Put your clothes in a basket in the changing room. If you are staying at ryokan, Japanese inns, they will provide you a small towel and a bath towel. You may bring your small towel in a communal bath area, but not inside bath tub. You may not bring a bath towel in a communal bath area because there's no place to put it.

Rinse your body before getting into the bath. Washing away sweat and dust before getting in keeps the water clean. Usually, there's a stool and shower faucet. It is polite to sit on a plastic or wooden stool to take a shower or wash your body with a small towel. If you stand up and take a shower, people around you may be annoyed. You can use a small towel as your wash cloth.
You may see people scoop hot water from the bath to splash on the body, it is ok to do so in terms of etiquette.
Once you are done rinsing yourself, rinse the seat you sat on and the bucket you used and store them as they are.
Japanese hot springs are to be enjoyed naked. Don't take items like your towel into the bathtub. Wearing a swimsuit in the bath is also against bathing etiquette unless specifically allowed by the management.
After getting out of the bath, dry off lightly with your small towel before entering the dressing area.
After rinsing your small towel, you may take it back home with you. If the inn provides a bath towels, those must stay at the inn.
Bringing alcohol is not advisable, especially in glass bottles. Please check with the inns for their policy.