what NOT to do: JP Hot Springs edition

Proper Ryokan Attire

Ryokan is popular in hot springs towns. Most Ryokan have in-house hot springs 温泉, either private in room and/or a public bath house for guests only. The public bath house is not for everyone. It's for guests who stay on property that day. Onsen is separated to Men's section and Women's section. It says at the entrance and color coded too. Hour of operation is stated on a sign at onsen entrance. Some ryokan offers only indoor, while some offers both. When check in, you'll find slippers and yukata already in room. There are for guests to wear while inside ryokan, that includes dining area, common area, lobby, hot springs, and in room. Yukata is a traditional Japanese garment, like a casual kimono.

Onsen Etiquette

1. Red or 女 entrance means Women; Blue or 男 entrance means Men. Years ago, my dad walked into the wrong bath house by accident and that caused a huge scene. ゆ (yu) means bath house.

2. No bathing suit. Not. At. All. Like Korean spa, everyone gets completely naked. As in your birthday suit.

3. Wash yourself before entering onsen. There are rows of shower stations around the main onsen pool. Japanese always shower before entering onsen. Each shower has body wash, shampoo, and conditioner. (This is why we never used shower in our room. We shower at onsen 3 times a day.)

4. Ladies, please tie your hair up in a bun. No hair allowed in onsen. Some ryokan has new hairbands, combs, facial products in Women's changing room in case you forgot.

5. Tattoos is still a taboo in Japan because it's famously associated with Japanese mafia, Yakuza. With that said, if you have tattoos, you are not allowed in any public bath house.

6. If you are staying at a ryokan, clean towels are provided for free. Just remember, towels cannot touch onsen at all. Small towel can be in the onsen area, as long as it does not touch the water - this is why people put it on their head. Large towel is for drying, only allowed in changing area.

7. Please be discreet. No running. No swimming. Onsen is a place for relaxation.

8. No alcohol. Sorry. There is usually a water station nearby.

9. Don't stare.