What is Onsen and Onsen rules

Onsen (Hot spring) Is one of the best ways to relax, some might say it is like taking a bath, but at the same time it is much much more and even one of the reasons people want to visit Japan. You can find a lot of different types of onsens usually though onsens are public and separated by gender, but you can find private ones and mixed once as well, so it is always good to make sure what kind of a onsen it is where you are going. Some of the basic rules that apply to most onsens are here, but the rules do differ depending on the place.

Rules of onsen

1. In most onsens you are meant to bath naked, some onsens allow a towel if you want to have a towel, make sure it is allowed at first.

2. Tattoos are not allowed in some onsens because tattoos in Japan are often connected to Yakuza(Japanese mafia). If you have a Tattoo you might need to hide it with a patch.

3. Before you enter Onsen you should wash your body and hair(most onsens have shampoo, conditioner and shower gel in them so be sure to use them. Also it is good to tie up your hair if you have a long hair.

4. Onsen means hot spring, meaning the water will be hot. Though the temperature differs between onsens and even between the different baths in the onsen they are usually around 40+ degrees Celsius (100+ degrees Fahrenheit) So test out the temperature first before getting in, and be sure not to stay in too long.

5. After you are done relaxing in the pool, you usually do not wash again because it is believed that the minerals in the water of the onsen is good for your body (Often different onsens have said to have different effects to your body)

6. When you get off and dry up, take a drink relax, maybe get a massage after all Onsen is all about relaxing.

Oedo Onsen Monogatari

Oedo Onsen Monogatari is perfect for any onsen newbie, they have several grand indoor baths, outdoor baths and saunas. (They offer spa services for an extra fee.) Plus, there is food, souvenirs, a rest area and English speaking staff available. They even have a separate bath available for your dog!

Opening times:

11am-9am (last entry 7am open 22 hours a day) Admission includes a yukata (cotton robe) and a towel.

 Address:

2-57 Aomi, Koto-ku, Tokyo

Price:

Evening Discount Admission ¥2,072（ Sat. & Sun. ¥2,288・ Special Day ¥2,396）（No child discount 00available, Entry after 18:00） ※Late Night Premium ¥2,160 (after 2:00 a.m.) Admission: Includes a yukata (cotton robe) and a towel.

Website

Here are some of the Best onsens in Japan