Prepare for Your First Onsen Visit

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Keep your modesty towel with you as you walk from the changing room to the showers. This small cloth is used for drying yourself and covering your body while walking between various bath sections. Do not let the towel touch the ground or the water while you are moving around the facility. Many top Nikko onsen resorts winter travelers visit will provide these towels for free.

Remember that shoes are strictly forbidden inside the changing area of any traditional Japanese hot spring. You should place your outdoor footwear in the designated shoe lockers located near the front entrance of the building. Most local facilities charge a small fee of about 1,000 yen for entry and locker usage. Always carry a few small coins to use for the lockers and vending machines inside.

Wash Thoroughly Before You Enter

You must wash your entire body before entering any communal bath to keep the mineral water clean. Look for the shower stations equipped with small plastic stools and basins for every guest to use. Sit down on a stool comfortably instead of standing while you scrub your hair and your skin. This practice prevents soapy water from splashing onto other guests who are bathing nearby.

Use the provided soap and shampoo to clean every part of your body from head to toe. Be sure to rinse off every trace of bubbles before you stand up to enter the bath. Most facilities in Nikko offer high-quality toiletries for guests, but you can also bring your own favorite brands. Cleanliness is the most important part of onsen etiquette for first time visitors in Nikko.

After you finish washing, rinse your stool and basin with clean water for the next person. This small gesture shows respect for the local community and the staff who maintain the hot spring. Place the basin upside down on the stool to signal that the station is now clean and available. Following these hygiene steps helps preserve the high mineral quality of the famous Nikko thermal waters.

Enter the Hot Spring Water Correctly

Ease your body into the hot water slowly to avoid shocking your system with the high temperatures. Many baths in the Nikkō area range from 40 to 44 degrees Celsius during the cold winter months. Do not jump or splash into the water like you would in a public swimming pool at home. Sit quietly and let the natural minerals soak into your skin for at least ten minutes.

Never put your modesty towel into the bath water because it is considered very unhygienic by locals. Most people choose to fold their towel and place it on top of their head while they soak. This helps prevent dizziness and keeps your towel dry while you enjoy the soothing heat of the spring. Keeping your hair tied up and out of the water is also a mandatory rule.

Maintain a quiet and peaceful atmosphere by speaking in low tones with your friends or family members. Avoid staring at other guests and give everyone enough personal space within the large communal soaking tubs. If you are visiting private onsen baths in Nikko for winter, you can relax more freely. However, communal baths require a higher level of discipline and respect for the shared environment.

Follow Dressing Room Rules Afterward

Wipe any excess water from your body using your small towel before you step back into the dressing room. This prevents the floor from becoming dangerously slippery for other guests who are walking around the facility. Once you are back at your locker, you can use your large towel to dry off completely. Many dressing rooms feature high-speed hair dryers and skin lotions for your convenience after bathing.

Drink plenty of fresh water or a cold bottle of milk from the vending machine after your soak. Thermal baths can cause dehydration because of the high heat and the intense mineral content of the water. You will find rest areas with comfortable seating where you can relax before you leave the building. Take your time to cool down so you do not feel lightheaded in the winter air.

Gather all of your belongings and ensure you have not left anything behind in the lockers or baskets. Return any rented towels to the designated drop-off bins located near the exit of the dressing room. Check the local bus schedule if you are staying in the city center to ensure a smooth trip. Proper onsen etiquette for first time visitors in Nikko ends with leaving the facility exactly as you found it.

Manage Tattoos and Private Bath Options

Many traditional onsens in Nikkō still have strict policies regarding visible tattoos on the body. You should check the website of the facility or ask at the front desk before you pay. Some places allow you to cover small tattoos with waterproof bandages that match your skin tone. If you have large tattoos, look for facilities that specifically advertise a tattoo-friendly environment for visitors.

Consider booking a private bath, known as a kashikiriburo, if you feel shy or have many tattoos. These rooms allow you to enjoy the hot springs with your family in total privacy and comfort. Private baths are very popular during the 2026 winter season, so you should book your slot in advance. Most hotels in the Kinugawa area offer these private options for an extra fee per hour.

Always follow the specific rules posted on the signs at the entrance of each individual bathhouse. Some locations have different operating hours for men and women to ensure everyone has a chance to soak. Pay attention to the signage to avoid entering the wrong section of the building by mistake. Respecting these local boundaries makes your winter vacation in Nikkō much more enjoyable and stress-free.