At Amare, the serenity of Onsen comes not only from the warm mineral waters but also from the courtesy each guest extends to one another. Your thoughtfulness helps create a clean, peaceful environment — a place where everyone can fully enjoy their moment of relaxation. To ensure a perfect experience for all, we invite you to join Amare in preserving the following cultural etiquette.
Before Entering The Bathing Area
The preparation stage before soaking is the most important step, as it sets the tone for cleanliness and safety in the shared space.
1. Remove all clothing before entering the bathing area
Following traditional Japanese onsen customs, guests must remove all clothing at the locker area before entering the bathing zone. This is a non-negotiable rule that ensures the cleanliness of the water and shows respect for the traditional space.
2. Use only a small towel in the bath
Large bath towels should be left in the locker. When entering the bathing area, you should only bring a small towel to wipe sweat or to cover yourself while moving between baths.
3. Wash thoroughly before soaking
This is the most important rule in onsen culture. Before stepping into the soaking bath, you must thoroughly wash your body at the designated shower area. This removes dirt and sweat, keeping the bath water clean for everyone.
4. Use the restroom before soaking
Please use the restroom before entering the bathing area. This allows you to relax fully without interrupting your experience.
5. No filming or photography
Phones and any recording devices are strictly prohibited inside the bathing area. This rule is rigorously enforced at every Japanese onsen to protect the privacy of all guests.
During Your Bath
Once inside the bathing area, these subtle rules of etiquette will help everyone enjoy the space to the fullest.
1. No electronic devices
Please leave your phone, earphones, and other electronic devices in the locker. Onsen is a place to truly disconnect from the noisy world outside, to listen to your body, and to embrace stillness.
2. Keep the space quiet and avoid disturbing others
Soft conversation is acceptable, but please avoid loud laughter or noisy behavior. The onsen space requires quietness so that every guest can relax completely.
3. No swimming or jumping in the bath
The onsen bath is not a swimming pool. Swimming, jumping, or playing around in the bath is strictly forbidden. Such behavior not only disturbs other guests but can also be dangerous due to the high water temperature and slippery surfaces.
4. When soaking, keep the towel on your head or on the edge of the bath
A signature custom of Japanese onsen: the small towel must not be dipped into the bath water. You can fold it neatly and place it on top of your head (a traditional practice that helps regulate body temperature) or rest it on the edge of the bath.
5. Tie up long hair to keep it out of the water
If you have long hair, please tie it up or put it in a bun before entering the bath. Letting hair touch the water is unhygienic and can affect the quality of the mineral water.
6. No scrubbing in the bath
The bath is for relaxation only, not for washing. Scrubbing, exfoliating, or shampooing in the bath is strictly prohibited. All personal hygiene must be completed at the shower area before soaking.
7. Dry yourself before returning to the locker
Before leaving the bathing area and returning to the locker, use your towel to dry off. This helps keep the changing room floor dry, safe, and clean for the next guests.
At Amare, we are committed to bringing you the most authentic Japanese onsen experience — where every detail, from the water to the atmosphere to the cultural etiquette, is thoughtfully curated. Your cooperation in preserving these rules is the greatest gift you can give to yourself and to the community of onsen lovers.
Thank you for joining Amare in sharing the beauty of Japanese culture.
