FAQs

Are tattoos allowed?
This is one of my most frequently asked questions and the answer is (essentially) no. "But it's just a tiny one!" Still no. Tattoos are uncommon in Japan and tattoos often (on Japanese people) indicate yakusa or gangster ties and are not at all seen as cool. While this is not always the case these days and rarely the case with foreign visitors, it is still very possible that you may be refused entry if you have "sleeves" or large, very visible tattoos. Small tattoos may be possible to cover up with a waterproof bandage. Please be respectful of whatever the establishment requests.
 
One option is to stay at an inn that has a "kashikiriburo," or private, reservable bath. With a lock on the door, nobody will see that you have a tattoo and thus no-one will care. "Kazokuburo" are for families and are another option -- but again, you'll be bathing alone.
 
If you have tattoos and bathed in a tattoo-friendly onsen, please write and let me know so I can send others there. Kinosaki Onsen, in Hyogo Prefecture, has a policy that lists "decorative" tattoos and may be worth the trip; however, I have not personally visited. As times are a' changing, you may get by with simply asking very politely if they'll allow you in. No guarantees though.
 
I'm embarrassed about being naked. Can I wear a swimsuit in the bath?
In a word: No. With rare exceptions, bringing any cloth, even your small hand towel, into the water is seen as dirtying the bath. But don't let that scare you away from enjoying one of Japan's nicest experiences. First, no matter what your size or shape, life is too short to be ashamed of your body. Nudity is natural and nobody cares what you look like. Two, once you're in the water there's very little to see anyway. Three, unless you're specifically looking for a shared-gender bath (konyoku bath), you'll only be seen by other members of the same sex, much like a locker room at school or going to the local gym. Four, this is one great time to adopt the motto "When in Rome, do like the Romans do." There's nothing to be worried about!
 
Where's a hotel with an onsen in the room?
A few of the ultra luxury hotels (think hundreds or thousands of dollars a night!) offer in-room onsen baths, but they're few and far between and too expensive for most normal travelers. However, many Japanese style inns offer a reservation-only, family-style bath (called "kashikiri-buro") where you can schedule a visit in advance when you check in, then lock the door during the time you're there. It's the best of both worlds: you get the privacy of an in-room bath, at a very reasonable price.
 
When's your next tour?
OnsenJapan.net offers group tours in the spring and fall. Check out our Tours page for details!
 
I found a great onsen but it's not listed!!
Please tell me about it! I love hearing recommendations of where to go and will do my best to visit each onsen that's recommended to me.
 
I am an onsen owner. How can I include my site?
Please contact me if you would like to schedule an onsen review. We also provide consulting and translation services for establishments wishing to attract foreign visitors or improve their ease of access.
Tsuru no Yu