Tattoos
Onsens are public baths located all around Japan. The main rule for most main stream onsens is no tattoos. They can be associated with the Japanese gang – Yakuza. If you do have tattoos and want to enjoy an onsen experience, you can book hotels with private onsens, typically for a higher price. Please endeavour to cover tattoos if entering a religious shrine or temple.
Onsens
Please bathe thoroughly before entering the onsen and tie up your hair. You want to be as clean as possible before entering. You will be given a large towel and small towel. If you are more shy - you can put the small
towel in front of your private areas, place it on the side of the water next to you, or on top of your head to keep you cool. Use the larger one to dry off and keep in a cubby until ready to dry off.
No photography is allowed, as the segregated gender areas are full nude. There are, however mixed gender spas where you can wear bathing suits. These are usually called super spas and have restaurants and ice cream inside. Super spas also have massages available to book.
After your onsen, please shower to clean off again and use the products available in the bathrooms. After the bath is customary to have a glass of cold milk. You will see vending machines of different types of milk.