How to use an onsen — 8 steps from the front desk to drying off

Written in order so a first-timer never has to guess.

1. Front desk

Pay, and at many places hand over your shoe-locker key. No towel? Rent or buy one here (¥200–500).

2. Changing room

Everything off. No swimwear (places that require it are marked separately). Valuables in a locker. Take only the small towel in.

3. Washing area

Wash sitting down. Standing showers splash neighbours. Some places have no soap — check the 'body wash provided' mark beforehand.

4. Kake-yu

Even after washing, ladle a few scoops of water over yourself before entering. It also acclimatises you to the heat.

5. In the bath

Towel stays out of the water — on your head or the rim. No swimming, no dunking.

6. Too hot?

Don't add cold water. Step out and rest. Communal baths in Kusatsu, Naruko and Nozawa run around 44°C as normal.

7. If there's a sauna

Rinse off sweat before the cold plunge. Don't jump in.

8. Getting out

Dry off before entering the changing room — keeping the floor dry is the biggest courtesy. Rehydrate.