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“With Strangers...?!" Why Foreigners Are Shocked by Japan’s Onsen Culture

Last updated: 4 August 2025

Japan’s hot springs (onsen) are very popular among foreign tourists, but many visitors feel puzzled by the cultural differences compared to their own countries. Here, we share a collection of personal comments from foreigners about what surprised them most when experiencing Japanese onsens. (These are individual opinions from respondents.)

“I’ve been refused entry to public baths multiple times because of my tattoos. I want to know why!” (Germany / 30s / Female)

“If Japan is serious about welcoming inbound tourists, more facilities should allow foreigners with tattoos.” (USA / 30s / Male)

Until a few decades ago, tattoos were mostly associated with the underworld, so public baths and onsens banned entry to those with tattoos to maintain public order. But times have changed—now many Japanese people have tattoos as a fashion statement. Yet the rule banning entry based on tattoos remains unchanged, grouping all tattoos together. There’s a growing sense that new rules may be needed so that foreign visitors looking forward to enjoying Japanese baths don’t end up disappointed.

“I’m not used to getting naked at an onsen or sento with complete strangers. We don’t have that kind of custom in Indonesia.” (Indonesia / 20s / Female)

“Being naked with others is a bit uncomfortable. When my parents came to Japan and went to an onsen, they purposely went in the evening when it was less crowded.” (France / 40s / Male)

Onsens and sentos are a quintessential part of Japanese culture. However, suddenly getting naked together with a large group of strangers is quite a shock for many foreigners. It’s a long-standing tradition in Japan, but when you think about it, it’s pretty bold!

“I’m just not comfortable with it. I don’t like the idea of bathing naked with other people. In Taiwan, we have hot springs too, but we wear swimsuits.” (Taiwan, Male)

“If I were alone, it’d be okay—but I couldn’t do it with friends. I can’t imagine being naked in front of them.” (USA, Male)

In another interview, many of the people who said they didn’t like the idea of “naked socializing” were men. Interestingly, most of the women said that although they were hesitant at first, they ended up enjoying it after trying and now go regularly. Some men also said they’d be okay with it as long as they weren’t with friends. It turns out that being naked in front of someone close to you can feel even more embarrassing than doing so with strangers.

Even Japanese bath-related goods, born from the country’s onsen and bathing culture, have left many foreigners surprised.

“What really surprised me about Japanese baths were the bath additives. Not only do they have benefits, but they also come with colors and scents. Now I really enjoy trying different ones when I take a bath.” (China / 30s / Female)

“Japan has so many cute-shaped bath bombs, and people actually give them as gifts! I was surprised that bath additives could be considered a present.” (Vietnam / Teens / Female)

Colorful and adorable bath bombs are easy to find at variety stores and drugstores across Japan. These bath products, born from a rich bathing culture, have become a unique part of Japanese lifestyle.