My First Onsen Experience in Japan

For everyone’s information, Onsen is not a water parks or a bathhouses. Onsen is Japanese Hot Spring, a place for a peaceful meditation and light socializing with regulations. Yes, like almost everything else in Japan, there are strict rules of Onsen etiquette that everyone must follow when visiting.

In this article, I want to share with you the first time I went to Japan way back on May 2017.
I was also very hesitant to try their Onsen like other first timers. Just imagine yourself that you need to dip into the water undressed. It was embarrassing for me thinking that everyone will see me totally naked. No clothes or towel at all. I never imagine myself seeing by other people or even my friends totally naked.

Here are the rules when visiting a Japanese Onsen.

1. No Tattoos – It’s technically prohibited to use onsen if you have tattoos.
2. Camera is prohibited – Picture is not allowed inside. You cannot take selfies or groupies.
3. Wash before entering the Onsen – Most onsen has a shower area — in or just outside the bathing area — where you are required to wash your body. You must tie up your hair before dipping. They also have lockers where you can put all your stuffs.
4. You Must be Completely Naked – In Japan, clothing, towels or any other garment should never be brought in the Onsen. Since nudity is required, it is really not a big deal. Don’t worry, it is separated by gender. You are only allowed to bring a small towel inside.
5. Wipe your body dry before going back into the dressing room – The purpose of bringing a small towel with you into the bath is so you can wipe your body dry upon entering the dressing area.

My First Onsen Experience

Let’s go back to the story of my first Onsen experience. Since this is my first Japan trip, I told myself that should try this kind of Japanese culture, but I am not so sure how and when because we have a full 9days itinerary. Luckily on our 5th day, our hotel in Takayama has their own Onsen. Meaning, it is free! We do not need to pay for any amount. By the way, I also do not have any idea how much it will costs that time.
With the help of my superior head, I have gained enough courage to do it together with her during night time! We never miss the chance to soothe our body and relieving all those muscle pain. It is a mission accomplished!

I noticed that some people will just rinse themselves before entering a bath and shower afterwards; it is a usual practice to thoroughly wash oneself before entering the bath.

This is the BOU NO YU of the hotel located in the SPA WING. It is surrounded by rocks.
Upon entering, you can start to feel the steam of the hot water. Once you start dipping your body in the water up to your shoulder, you can really feel the calmness of the hot water. All you need to do is take a deep breath and meditate. It is also said to be that the water is fresh from the volcano.

This is the Onsen dressing room. If you can see, the left side is the locker area, the right side is the wash area and in the middle, where you can fix yourself, there is a blower, comb and lotion.

Our hotel also have Rotenburo, Open-Air Bath. This is the most special and relaxed experience to take a bath outside with viewing spectacular nature.

Since this is my first time, I wasn’t able to save any photos or capture a picture even one selfie. That is why I promised to myself the next time I will visit Japan again, I will take at least one selfie as my souvenir.

FYI : Here is the hotel that we stayed in Takayama. Hotel Associa Takayama Resort 

My Secound Onsen Experience

The second time around I tried Onsen was during our company outing last June 2018. We went to Kobe, Tottori and lastly Osaka. We found out that our hotel in Tottori has an Onsen. Again, we do not need to pay in the resort. Yehey! We travelled from Kobe to Tottori for almost 3hours by bus. After we rest in our rooms, we immediately went to Onsen. This time, I was able to capture some of our photos before we go inside the Onsen. This was a totally different feeling compare to my first Onsen. I am just bothered thinking that my colleagues will see all my private part. (I don’t care with other people who don’t even know me. HAHAHA! Kidding!)

This is the photo before you enter the bath area. I just make sure I have a picture in this area since taking picture is not allowed inside. If you will notice the light, that is the bath area, there is shower with stools for each guest to use. There are also soaps, shampoo, conditioner and towels. 

We dipped in the water for atleast 15mins to relax. Remember that after you dressed up, you also need to drink water. Don’t worry, there is a water station in the dressing area.

We also wore Yukata which are provided by Hotel for free, we get to choose the pattern of Yukata. 

FYI : Here is the hotel that we stayed in Tottori. Kaike Saichoraku Resorts  

After our travel, we always look back of the craziest, funniest and newest things that we did in one place.
It is better to at least try new things especially if it is free or even if you can afford though.
This experience will marked as check for one of the best that I ever experienced in Japan. Try it there!