Onsen & Sento Bathing Guide

Standing outside a Japanese bath house wondering if you're about to break ten rules you've never heard of? This guide walks you through the whole thing — literally.

THE 13-STEP WALKTHROUGH

From spotting the entrance to the after-bath coffee milk: an interactive, step-by-step first-visit guide you can read on the plane or follow right there in the lobby. Includes the two kanji that really matter — 男 (men) and 女 (women) — so you always pick the right door.

86 IN-DEPTH ENTRIES ACROSS 9 TOPICS

• Onsen or Sento? — what each one is, what it costs, when to go • Before You Go — the two-towel system, what to pack, what to skip • The Changing Room — lockers, the no-camera rule, the modesty walk • Wash First — the golden rule of Japanese bathing, done right • In the Bath — towel on the head, hair up, how hot is "hot" • Bath Types & Sauna — rotenburo, the electric bath, the sauna circuit • Tattoos — the full playbook: friendly baths, cover stickers, private baths • After the Bath — drying off properly, the coffee milk ceremony, yukata rules • Health & Safety — heat, hydration, and when to sit one out

Every entry states the RULE, DON'T or TIP up front, then explains the why — so the customs finally make sense instead of feeling like a minefield.

32 BATH HOUSE PHRASES

Every phrase in English, Japanese script and romaji — with a full-screen "Show this" mode. Need to ask about tattoo policy or reserve a private bath? Just show your phone at the front desk. It works every time.

MADE FOR YOUR TRIP

• Works 100% offline — remote mountain onsen towns included • No account, no tracking, no ads • Save entries you'll want handy at the bath • Search everything instantly

The bath is the best part of Japan. Walk in like you've done it before.