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.
Popular Tours & Activities
Recommended places for you
-
Jukuseiniku-to Namamottsuarera Nikubaru Italian Nikutaria Sannomiya
Izakaya
Kobe, Sannomiya, Kitano
-
ISHIDAYA Hanare
Yakiniku
Kobe, Sannomiya, Kitano
-
Umekita Onsen REN Wellbeing Park
Hot Springs (Onsen) & Bath Houses (Sento)
Umeda, Osaka Station, Kitashinchi
-
Appealing
Rukku and Uohei
Izakaya
Sapporo / Chitose
-
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
-
Avoid the Crush! New Metro CrowdNavi Makes Your Tokyo Trip 10x Easier, Comfier
by: Guest Contributor
-
Ride the Rails, Catch Pokémon: JR East’s Huge Stamp Rally Takes Over Tokyo This Summer
by: Guest Contributor
-
Upgrade Your Japan Travel Experience: How to Master OSHIMAP
by: Guest Contributor
-
Stay Connected at the Summit! "Fujisan Wi-Fi" & Latest 5G SA for a Safe and Comfortable Climb
by: Guest Contributor
-
August Events in Kanto: Fun Festivals, Food, and Things to Do
-
No Walking on Japan's Escalators in 2026? New Manners & How to Ride for Tourists
by: Guest Contributor
-
Onsen in Yamagata: 5 Dreamy Hot Spring Towns to Visit
by: Sarah Dean
-
Oga Aquarium GAO Guide: Fish, Polar Bears and...Godzilla?
-
Hot-spring heaven and fruit-park paradise in Yamanashi's Koshu Valley
-
Ikebukuro Station Area Guide: Top 15 Spots When You Escape the Station's Maze!
-
Plan Your Visit to Zao Onsen (Yamagata) - A Comprehensive Guide
-
Takahan Ryokan: Enjoy Spectacular Hot Spring Views at Yuzawa's Premier Traditional Inn!
- #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












