While visiting an onsen, one must follow a certain set of rules – you enter the tubs absolutely naked and after taking a shower. There are separate onsens for men and women and wearing a tattoos is not very fondly welcomed. In Japan they are strictly related to criminal activities, but if you use the onsen in a place where there are more tourists from western countries, there shouldn’t be a problem. Japanese do not talk loud while using the hot tubs, they treat it as a relaxing routine and seem to spend time

with their own thoughts, so please respect that. You will probably also want to use the toilet in the onsen facility, so please remember about the Japanese custom to use special slippers for toilet use only! Do not wear them walking around locker room or other areas! We strongly recommend to search for onsens used mostly by locals, as you will get more authentic experience – in the end you did not fly halfway across the world to sit in a hot tub with fellow Americans, Australians, Kiwis or Europeans, right?