Birthday suits only
While this may sound a little
disconcerting, don’t be put off
by going in naked: no one bats
an eyelid and it’ll soon become
liberating. If it really isn’t your
thing, some inns offer private
onsen hire, and upmarket hotels
do sometimes provide special
bathing towels you can wear in
the water.
Wash before taking a dip
Washing in the bath is a no-no in
Japan, and all onsens will have
showers and stools around their
perimeter. Be advised that it’s
important to be sitting down
while you do so; having a scrub
down standing is considered very
bad manners.
Follow towel etiquette
All onsens will provide patrons
with both a small and a large
towel (either free or for a small
fee). Don’t confuse the two; the
larger is for drying yourself with
after you’ve bathed and must stay
in the changing room; the smaller
is more like a flannel and can be
taken into the onsen with you.
These can be useful for covering
your modesty, just don’t hold
them underwater. In fact, many
people balance them on their
heads while taking a dip.
Cover up tattoos
Tattoos are a taboo in Japan
— partly due to their association
with the yakuza (organised crime
syndicates). It’s generally not a
problem if they can be covered
by a plaster, but if not, renting a
private onsen may be the way to
go. en.visit-oita.jp/onsen CWE
A GUIDE
TO ONSEN
ETIQUETTEWa
Japanese society hinges on the
social harmony achieved by
adhering to the status quo.
The wa should not
be disturbed70 nationalgeographic.co.uk/travel
JAPAN