Soak, Don’t Splash
Japanese onsen culture is sacred—think serene ritual, not rowdy jacuzzi session. Step one: wash yourself thoroughly before even thinking about entering the bath. We're talking scrub down like you’re prepping for surgery.
What Not to Do (Unless You Want Stares)
No swimsuits. No towels in the water. No jumping, splashing, or chatting on speakerphone (yes, this happens). And if you’ve got tattoos, check in advance—many onsen still have policies that belong in the Edo period.
For the Love of Tofu, Respect the Water
The water in an onsen isn’t just hot—it’s revered. Locals believe in its healing properties, so treat it like you would holy water. And please, do not dunk your head under. This isn’t a chlorine pool.
The Verdict
Get it right, and you’ll walk away with the cleanest pores of your life and a newfound respect for the power of hot mineral water. Get it wrong, and you’ll become a cautionary tale on Reddit.