Everything You Need To Know About Visiting An Onsen In Japan

Boiling pool at Umi Jigoku in Beppu

From a step-by-step guide about how to take an onsen, to information about what to wear and a few taboos too, it’s time to find out everything you need to know about visiting an onsen in Japan.

There are plenty of things in Japanese culture that you might not know about until you’ve been.

I had plenty of questions before, during and after my trip! As soon as I returned I wrote a mammoth Q&A post, addressing all the little quirks you might not know about before you go.

I covered everything from how to get around the country, to the highly-functional toilets, and what things cost.

I decided the Japanese onsen experience was worth its very own post. 

When you visit an onsen in Japan there are lots of rules and traditions to be aware of.

While I’m sure you won’t get laughed at or deeply offend someone if you get things a little wrong to start with, it’s nice to start with a bit of insight! I hope this guide helps you avoid embarrassment and enjoy the onsen experience – for me they were a huge highlight of Japanese culture.  

Useful things to know before visiting an onsen

An onsen is a Japanese traditional bath, usually found in regions with natural hot springs.

Some towns like Shuzenji in the Izu Peninsula are particularly famous for their hot springs, and people visit specifically to enjoy the relaxation that the experience brings.

While I’d liken it to spending time in a Jacuzzi, it’s a little different in Japan.

Natural hot spring bath (onsen), Hakone, Japan
Natural hot spring bath (onsen), Hakone, Japan

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Myth Busting: Travelling In Japan (And How To Avoid Awkward Situations)

Exploring Asakusa, Tokyo, Japan

From what to eat and how to get around to THOSE toilets, it’s time to answer your questions about travelling in Japan!

There’s a huge amount of curiosity associated with Japan. I didn’t know that many people who had visited, and as I was preparing for my trip, I had quite a few questions.

I wondered what it’d be like travelling in Japan – would it be hard with only a couple of words of Japanese to help us?

Would people be helpful and friendly?

From eating at restaurants in London, I think I LOVE Japanese food – but what’s it really like to eat in Japan? Would I even know what I was ordering?

Traditional Izu Peninsula meal - soba noodles and wasabi
Traditional Izu Peninsula meal – soba noodles and wasabi

Oh and when it comes to etiquette, Japan brings up lots of images of special routines and rituals, all of which I’d have no idea about.

More than anything, I wondered if I’d end up embarrassing myself, or seriously offending someone – things I REALLY didn’t want to do!

Funnily enough, my queries were mirrored by a lot of you guys who sent in a bunch of questions via Instagram. Now I’m back, I wanted to address them. Hopefully this post will be handy for anyone travelling in Japan soon!

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Postcards From Japan – The Izu Peninsula: Top Things To Do

Kawazu Seven Falls, Izu Peninsula, Japan

From traditional Shuzenji, to Kawazu waterfalls and the Jogasaki Coast, plan your trip with this travel guide of things to do in the Izu Peninsula, Japan.

After a few days exploring the buzz and excitement of Tokyo, it was time to board a speedy bullet train to reach Japan’s Izu Peninsula. After being surrounded by skyscrapers, I knew this region was going to offer plenty of contrasts.

I really loved getting to know the area, and would recommend spending around 3-4 days in Izu. Short on time? Plan an Izu Peninsula day trip, visiting Kawazu, Shuzenji Onsen or Atami. With limited days, we didn’t make it to the west coast, but there was so much on the east coast and in the centre, I didn’t feel like we missed out too much.

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