Japanese Onsen & Sento Etiquette Guide: How to Bathe & Tattoo-Friendly Facilities in Tokyo

Introduction: Your Invitation to the Ultimate Cultural Experience

Hello! I’m Ken, the editor-in-chief of Tokyo Insider Guide.

One thing I definitely want you to experience when you visit Japan is the “bathing” culture. It’s not just about getting clean; it’s about deeply relaxing your mind and body, and sometimes even interacting with local people… that’s what Japanese Onsen (hot springs) and Sento (public bathhouses) are all about.

“But I’m shy about being naked with strangers,” “The rules seem complicated,” “I have tattoos, so I might be turned away…”
This guide was created for you, who might feel such anxieties. I promise that after reading this article, all your worries will be gone, and you’ll have the best experience possible!

First, the Basics: Understanding the Difference Between “Onsen” and “Sento”

These two are similar but have slight differences:

• Onsen (Hot Spring): These baths use “natural hot spring water”, a blessing from volcanoes. Rich in minerals, they are believed to have health and beauty benefits. Many are located in tourist destinations like Hakone or Beppu.
• Sento (Public Bathhouse): These baths use “tap water” heated up, and are found in residential areas of towns. They are public bathhouses for local residents, deeply integrated into Japanese daily life.

You’re All Set! Step-by-Step Bathing Guide

To ensure you don’t get lost, here’s a sequential explanation from entry to exit.

① Reception (Bandai)

Take off your shoes at the entrance and put them in a shoe locker. Pay the bathing fee at the reception (either a ‘Bandai’ counter or a front desk format). If you don’t have shampoo or a towel, you can buy them here. Be sure not to confuse the noren (curtains) for Otoko-yu (男 / Gentlemen) and Onna-yu (女 / Ladies)!

② Changing Room (Datsuijo)

Here, do not hesitate to remove all your clothes and get naked. This is the Japanese style. Put your belongings and clothes in a locker and lock it. Only take one small towel for washing your body into the bathing area.

③ 【Most Important】Washing Area (Araiba)

Before entering the bathtub, you must thoroughly wash your body. This is an absolute rule in Japan. Sit on a stool in the washing area and rinse your entire body with the shower or hot water from the faucet. Make sure to completely rinse off all soap suds.

④ Entering the Bathtub

Finally, it’s time to bathe. Enter quietly to avoid splashing water on others. The small towel you brought must not be put into the bathtub. Many Japanese people place it on their head. If you have long hair, tie it up to keep it out of the water.

⑤ After Your Bath

Before returning from the bathing area to the changing room, lightly wipe the water droplets from your body with the small towel you brought. This is an important consideration to avoid making the floor soaking wet.

⑥ Enjoyment Time

After getting dressed, relax in the resting area. Many sento sell cold fruit milk or coffee milk in glass bottles. Please try this refreshing drink that will soak into your warmed body!

【Core Topic】Tattoos and Japanese Bathing Culture

Why are tattoos often prohibited?

First, it’s important to understand that this is not discrimination against foreigners or fashion tattoos. Historically, tattoos (irezumi) in Japan have been associated with “Yakuza (anti-social forces).” To avoid intimidating other users, many facilities voluntarily prohibit tattoos.

Practical Solutions

Fortunately, in recent years, with the increase in tourists, more facilities are becoming tattoo-friendly. In particular, old-fashioned “sento” are often tattoo-OK. Also, at onsen ryokan (hot spring inns), if you book a “kashikiri-buro” (private bath) that can be used by families or couples, you can enjoy the hot spring without any worries about others.

【List】Tattoo-Friendly Bathing Facilities in Tokyo

Here are some facilities in Tokyo that are known to welcome guests with tattoos. (※Rules may change, so please check their official websites for the latest information before visiting.)

• Komeisen (光明泉) in Nakameguro: A modern and clean sento in the stylish neighborhood of Nakameguro. It has an open-air bath and is tattoo-friendly.

• Mannenyu (万年湯) in Shin-Okubo: Located in Shin-Okubo, famous as a Korean town, it welcomes a diverse international clientele. Guests with tattoos can use it with peace of mind.

• Hisamatsuyu (久松湯) in Nerima: A sento that incorporates projection mapping and feels like modern art. It’s a natural hot spring and also tattoo-OK.

Ken’s Final Advice: Rules are “Consideration”

I’ve introduced many rules, but at their core is “simple consideration for others to comfortably share the bath.” As long as you don’t forget to be mindful of those around you, there’s nothing to fear.

Please enjoy this wonderful culture, which can be called the soul of Japan, to your heart’s content. It will surely be an unforgettable experience.