What's the difference between an onsen and a sento?

An onsen uses natural hot spring water. Under Japan's Hot Springs Act, water counts as hot spring water if it comes out of the ground at 25°C or more, or contains certain minerals. A sento is a neighbourhood public bathhouse, usually with heated tap water, though some use spring water too.

Do I have to be completely naked?

Yes, in the shared baths. Swimsuits aren't allowed. A private bath is the easy option if that doesn't suit you.

No, not in changing rooms or bathing areas. Leave your phone in the locker.

How to use an onsen or sento, in 10 steps

Japanese baths run on a few simple rules. Follow them and nobody will look twice, tattoos or not.

Onsen or sento? An onsen (温泉) uses natural hot spring water. A sento (銭湯) is a neighbourhood bathhouse, usually with heated tap water. The steps are the same.

1. Shoes off at the door

Put your shoes in the small lockers by the entrance (下足箱 gesoku-bako) and take the key. Pay at the ticket machine or reception.

2. Find the right curtain

Baths are split by gender. Look for the character on the noren curtain: 男 for men, often on a blue curtain, and 女 for women, often red. Some places swap sides on different days, so read it every time.

3. Undress completely

In the changing room, put everything in a locker or basket. Valuables go in a locker. Bring only a small towel into the bathing area. The big towel waits in the changing room.

If you’re using a cover patch, check it’s firmly on now.

4. Wash before you soak

Sit at one of the shower stations, on the low stool, and wash your whole body and rinse off all the soap. This is the most important rule. Rinse the stool and bucket when you’re done.

5. Keep your towel out of the water

Fold it on your head or leave it on the side. Towels never go in the bath. Tie long hair up so it stays out of the water too.

6. Get in slowly

The water can be very hot, often over 40°C. Ease in. No swimming, splashing or diving.

7. Keep it quiet

Talk softly and keep the peace. No phones, no photos, anywhere past the changing-room door.

8. Short soaks, plenty of water

A few minutes at a time is plenty. Cool off between soaks, drink water, and skip the bath if you’ve been drinking alcohol. After a sauna, a quick rinse, then the cold bath (水風呂 mizuburo) if there is one.

9. Dry off before you go back

Wipe yourself down with the small towel before stepping into the changing room, so the floor stays dry.

10. Cool down like a local

Sit, rest, rehydrate. A cold bottle of milk, coffee milk or fruit milk from the machine is an old bathhouse tradition.

If you have tattoos

Know the rule before you go. Check the listing’s badge and the rule for each area.
Covering means fully covered. A towel doesn’t count.
If staff ask you to leave, go politely. Then tell us so we can re-check the listing.

Not sure where to start? Neighbourhood sento are often the most relaxed about tattoos. Browse the directory.