I’m asked this often so I’ve decided to write about it in detail.
As someone who took more than 10 years to get comfortable using an onsen, sento or a public bath in Japan – I can completely empathize with someone who doesn’t instantly warm to the idea of being in a bath… naked… with strangers.
In fact, even though I do love taking a lovely warm onsen, particularly when staying at a ryokan, the idea of taking a bath with a girlfriend and chatting away in the nude is still something that isn’t something for me. For this reason, when I do get a lovely onsen getaway with a girlfriend, I still prefer to take turns when it comes to bath time. That does mean that I am off to the bath and there may be strangers in there with me (although I do like to go at dinnertime or early in the morning in order to avoid too many people) I feel more comfortable with randoms than chatting with a friend while we are completely starkers.
I do, however, love taking my daughter. It’s really special and she loves it too. Our skin feels so amazing and we always have the best sleep afterwards.
From the perspective of a parent too, I feel that it is so amazing for teaching children about body image and just how there are so many different types of bodies out there- that our bodies deserve relaxation and to be looked after… without worrying about how that body looks in front of other people. *
*For the record, other women in the baths are rarely taking notice of others anyway. Everyone is in the washing area to wash and in the bath to soak and relax. Almost all onsen and public baths in Japan are separated by gender.
So, I don’t judge you one bit if you don’t want to try a Japanese style public bath or onsen if that means you have to be naked. Not one bit.
BUT I must add that you can’t have it both ways. Some disrespectful tourists try to have the onsen but on their own terms – if you are up for a Japanese public bathing experience then that embracing the full experience. You cannot wear a swimsuit in an onsen in Japan. It’s defeating the purpose of the onsen or public bath. The bath is for soaking and relaxation. It is NOT a hot tub or a swimming pool.
If you go to France and you don’t want to eat snails – you don’t order the snails.
If you go to Japan and you don’t want to take a public bath – you don’t have to take the public bath. Just do a lovely jacuzzi day spa instead when you get home.
If you do want to just try and see how you go – the best way, in my opinion, is to stay at a ryokan or hotel that has a public bath as an option. Then, before bed, you could wander in and see how you feel. Even if you last a few short minutes and see how you go ? Good on you! You might just LOVE it (most people do.)
Are there ways to get around the naked element of public bathing in Japan?
There are a few options if you do feel too self-conscious to take part in a Japanese onsen or public bath.
1. You can visit Yunnesun in Hakone. It is an onsen theme park.
It’s quite touristy and gimmicky so, for me, personally I wouldn’t count it as a “must do” for a first time Japan holiday. However, it does mean that everyone in the family can go together AND can wear swimsuits the whole time.
2. You can stay at a hotel that has a swimsuit friendly bath. I have one option in this Hakone list here.
I haven’t been but I have heard that there are a few options in Beppu.
3. You can stay at a ryokan or accommodation in Japan that has a private bath in the room OR an option with a private bath that guests can rent to use just for their family. I have a few options in my blog post on Kinosaki, Hakone and Kawaguchiko. There are also some options in Kyoto and out near Tokyo Disneyland. I am adding to my list all the time.
*Please note that a private bath does also require you to be naked in the bath – but it does mean it is just you with your family or with your partner. It is considered to be really bad manners and disrespectful to make use of these facilities in a swimsuit.
4. Look at visiting a pool or day spa instead! I love this day spa infinity pool option a few hours from Tokyo. It has an infinity pool, sauna and, on a clear day, views of Mt Fuji!
Tattoos & Onsens in Japan
Please note that many onsens and public baths do not allow tattoos at all. Please use the extremely comprehensive site Tattoo Friendly Japan for baths and bathhouses who do allow tattooed guest.
