
Visiting an authentic Japanese onsen is one of the quintessential experiences to have in Japan. But how much do you really know about these iconic baths? It’s trivia time!
Thinking deeply about hot springs, choose the best answer for each question. Then scroll to the bottom to see the correct answers. Click on the links to read informative articles and boost your knowledge of Japanese hot springs. And when you’re next in Japan, be sure to give one a go!
- Table of Contents
Onsen Quiz
1. What does the practice of kakeyu refer to?
a. Showering and cleaning your body before entering the onsen.
b. Pouring hot water over your body before entering the onsen.
c. Enjoying an alcoholic beverage after the onsen.
d. Hydrating after finishing the onsen.
2. A rotenburo is ...
a. An open-air onsen bath.
b. An indoor cool water bath.
c. An honorific phrase you utter before entering the bath.
d. A small snack eaten after the bath.
3. Which of the following is famous for using a liquid other than water?
a. Kurama Onsen (Sake bath)
b. Arima Onsen Kin-no-Yu (Beer bath)
c. Hakone Kowakien Yunessun (Wine bath)
d. Taketori-tei Maruyama (Coconut water)
4. The water in a natural onsen is sometimes what color?
a. Red
b. Brown
c. Clear and slightly effervescent
d. All of the above
5. What’s the difference between an onsen and a sento?
a. An onsen generally refers to hot springs that are naturally available, whereas a sento is usually a bath that has been man-made.
b. Onsen refers to the hot spring water itself; a sento is the “tub” in which the hot spring water is contained.
c. Onsen are baths that also allow other animals; sento are outside baths intended only for people.
d. Sento are what you wear inside an onsen.
6. Which of the following symbols is associated with onsen?
a. ㊗️
b. Ⓜ
c. ♨
d. ㊙
7. Which cuddly animal is particularly associated with bathing in hot baths at Izu Shaboten Zoo Park?
a. Penguins
b. Sheep
c. Capybara
d. Monkeys
8. Which areas are famous for onsen in Japan?
a. Kusatsu
b. Hakone
c. Noboribetsu
d. All of the above
9. Yunohana are substances that are collected from some hot springs and sometimes sold as souvenirs. What are these?
a. Healthy, natural-occurring bacteria
b. A special soap used only at luxury onsen
c. A variety of seaweed that grows only in hot water
d. Mineral deposits
10. What is the recommended amount of time to soak in an onsen?
a. For about 20 minutes
b. Until you start sweating lightly
c. Until your skin wrinkles
d. There is no recommended amount of time
Onsen Quiz Answers
1. b. Pouring hot water over your body before entering the onsen.
2. a. An open-air onsen bath.
3. c. Hakone Kowakien Yunessun (Wine bath)
4. d. All of the above
5. a. An onsen generally refers to hot springs that are naturally available, whereas a sento is usually a bath that has been man-made.
6. c. The ♨ symbol
7. c. Capybara
8. d. All of the above
9. d. Mineral deposits
10. b. Until you start sweating lightly
Check out other articles about onsen in Japan!
*Prices and options mentioned are subject to change.
*Unless stated otherwise, all prices include tax.
Recommended places for you
-
Kambei Sannomiyahonten
Yakiniku
Kobe, Sannomiya, Kitano
-
Events
KYOTO TAKENOSATO ONSEN MANYO NO YU
Hot Springs (Onsen) & Bath Houses (Sento)
Kyoto Station, To-ji Temple
-
Goods
Yoshida Gennojo-Roho Kyoto Buddhist Altars
Gift Shops
Nijo Castle, Kyoto Imperial Palace
-
Kanzenkoshitsuyakinikutabehodai Gyugyu Paradise Sannomiya
Yakiniku
Kobe, Sannomiya, Kitano
-
Jukuseiniku-to Namamottsuarera Nikubaru Italian Nikutaria Sannomiya
Izakaya
Kobe, Sannomiya, Kitano
-
Appealing
Rukku and Uohei
Izakaya
Sapporo / Chitose
-
Best Things to Do and See Around Tokyo in September: Events and Festivals in Kanto
-
Ueno Electronics Shopping Guide: Where to Buy Popular Gadgets – Top 6 Stores Near the Station with Tax-Free Deals
by: Ran Tanaka
-
8 Recommended Watch Stores in Shinjuku | Where to Find New and Pre-Owned Luxury Watches in Tokyo
by: Ran Tanaka
-
Spray Your Shirt Cold?! Japan's Smartest Sweat-Fighting Hacks You Can Buy at Don Quijote
by: Chehui Peh
-
The Ultimate Guide to Mitsui Outlet Parks in Japan (2025 Edition) - Popular Tax-Free Malls & Coupon Info for Travelers
by: Guest Contributor
-
[Shinjuku] 10 Hotels Balancing Cost Performance and Comfort | Perfect for Both Business and Tourism!
by: Flurina YOC
-
5 Unique Tohoku Onsen Hot Springs That Surprised Foreign Visitors
-
We Board Japan's 'Setsugekka' Resort Train And Have An Incredible Journey Through The Heartland
-
Do's & Don'ts: 9 Weird Things Tourists Often Forget at Onsen in Hokkaido
-
Yamagata Prefecture Guide: Destinations, Activities, Travel Advice, Shopping & More
by: Steve Csorgo
-
10 Popular Hot Springs Resorts Near Kyoto and Osaka
by: WESTPLAN
-
Hot-spring heaven and fruit-park paradise in Yamanashi's Koshu Valley
- #best sushi japan
- #what to do in odaiba
- #what to bring to japan
- #new years in tokyo
- #best ramen japan
- #what to buy in ameyoko
- #japanese nail trends
- #things to do japan
- #onsen tattoo friendly tokyo
- #daiso
- #best coffee japan
- #best japanese soft drinks
- #best yakiniku japan
- #japanese fashion culture
- #japanese convenience store snacks