Even seasoned hot springs goers probably don’t know that!

We were surprised to learn that Japanese people have been bathing in hot springs for over 13 centuries!

Now that we've covered some onsen facts, we’ll let the poster guide you through the bathing routine. But before we start, in case you didn’t get the message from the pictures above, bathing is separated by gender and done butt-naked. So, before starting Step 1, make sure to take off all of your clothes in the changing room. You will often be given a small white “privacy towel,” with which you can scrub when washing or cover your private parts before hopping in the tub (more on this towel later).

You don’t want to soak in a tub of water tainted by the dirt and grime of others, right? Didn’t think so. Wash thoroughly, so you (and everyone else) can soak in comfort.

This step is surprising even to some Japanese people! Personally, we’ve never done it either, but it makes sense. Sometimes stepping into a piping hot tub can be a shock to the body.

You are of course allowed to talk in the baths, and who knows, you may even make a couple of new friends! But always be aware of those around you and try to speak at a low volume.