What do you absolutely have to experience when visiting Japan?
Eating sushi? Watching sumo wrestling? All solid choices, but…
Let’s be honest—no trip to Japan is complete without a soak in a hot spring.
Japan is one of Asia’s top onsen (hot spring) nations, with over 3,000 hot spring resorts spread across the country.
Among them, outdoor baths with misty mountain views are often the highlight of any trip.
But before you dive in—literally or otherwise—there are a few rules to know.
Japanese bathing culture is quiet, respectful, and deeply rooted in tradition. Getting it wrong can lead to unforgettable (and not in a good way) moments.
In this article, we’ll show you seven real-looking tweets from travelers who made some classic onsen mistakes.
It’s a quiz-style ranking, so try to guess what went wrong before reading the answer!
1. Onsen Etiquette Fails Caught in Real Tweets
NG Tweet #7
Tweet (@BikeBro420)
Went to the onsen with Tom after a bike ride. We had a contest to see who could hold their breath underwater longer. I crushed him.
Beer tastes better when someone else pays!
What’s wrong with this tweet?
NG Behavior #7: Diving, Swimming (and Loose Hair)
It’s considered poor manners to submerge your entire head in the water.
While not always explicitly banned, many people find it unhygienic.
Likewise, swimming or splashing disrupts the peaceful atmosphere others are seeking.
And don’t forget long hair—letting it float in the water is a common etiquette fail. Tie it up or keep it out of the water.
Comment (@BikeBro420)
“What? That’s not allowed? It’s a wig, you know? Still no? Damn.”
NG Tweet #6
Tweet (@ArisaMama22)
Arisa just turned 2 today! Took her to a secret hot spring trip. Her first onsen experience! She loved it so much.
We both feel totally refreshed!
What’s wrong with this tweet?
NG Behavior #6: Bringing Babies Without Checking the Rules
Some facilities do not allow babies or toddlers in the bath, especially if they’re still in diapers.
Crying can also disturb the quiet for other guests.
Always check the rules in advance. Even at baby-friendly baths, parents should be responsible: wash your child thoroughly before entering.
Comment (@ArisaMama22)
“Oops! I didn’t know that was a thing. But Arisa was totally well-behaved!
Well… except that one little shiver in the water. She must’ve been cold, right?”
NG Tweet #5
Tweet (@PartyWolf19)
What. A. Day. Big love to Jake and Coby. Even after all that drinking and yelling, we kept the energy going in the onsen!
Tomorrow, we go even harder!!!
What’s wrong with this tweet?
NG Behavior #5: Being Drunk and Rowdy
Onsen are for relaxation, not raves.
Being loud disturbs other guests, and bathing while drunk can be dangerous.
Comment (@PartyWolf19)
“Last night? Yeah… my bad. Chill, man. Don’t be so uptight. My head’s still pounding… ugh.”
NG Tweet #4
Tweet (@CleanTowelFan)
Loved the pattern on the towel in my room, so I gave it a nice rinse in the tub after using it.
Now I’m ready for another morning soak!
What’s wrong with this tweet?
NG Behavior #4: Dunking Your Towel in the Bath
Towels are used for washing the body and are considered unclean.
Plunging them into the bathwater is a no-go.
Place your towel outside the tub while bathing.
Some even fold it and wear it on their head—a classic onsen style you might want to try.
Comment (@CleanTowelFan)
“Unsanitary? What are you talking about?
My towel has never been cleaner.”
NG Tweet #3
Tweet (@SnowSoaker)
Man, it was freezing today. As soon as I got to the bath, I jumped right into the outdoor tub.
So awesome! Snow on my face, warm water on my body. Think I stayed in for 10 minutes straight.
What’s wrong with this tweet?
NG Behavior #3: Entering Without Washing
Washing your body before entering is onsen etiquette 101.
Even if you’re cold, always do a proper rinse first.
Comment (@SnowSoaker)
“Don’t treat me like I’m some germ machine.
Wait… would you wear someone else’s unwashed underwear?
Okay, fair point.”
NG Tweet #2
Tweet (@MrsWorldwideJetset)
Japan is just amazing. Delicious food, beautiful scenery.
Oh, the tempura place our taxi driver recommended was heavenly—crispy coating, juicy shrimp…
(Tweet continued)
Shame about the sandwich at lunch. Anyway, there’s a snack bar near the open-air bath here. Might go check it out.
Oh! Speaking of the bath—
(Tweet continued)
It’s HUGE! At least 10 people were in there with me. But it didn’t feel crowded at all.
Mrs. Cruise had a waterproof camera, so we all took a pic. Don’t worry, we covered ourselves. What a memory!
What’s wrong with this tweet?
NG Behavior #2: Taking Photos
Even in public baths, privacy must be respected.
In Japan, this is a sensitive issue, and breaking this rule can lead to serious trouble.
Never take photos in the bathing area.
Comment (@MrsWorldwideJetset)
“Nobody told me that was against the rules!
I mean, come on. Bad things just keep happening today!
First I almost missed the show thanks to my missing handbag, and that sandwich was just…
(Tweet continued)“
NG Tweet #1
Tweet (@RedHotRonnie)
Yo. Before I hit the bed,
I needed to cool my head.
Two doors, blue and red—
Paradise? Nah. Confusion instead.
I didn’t think. I wasn’t misled.
I just burned… and I chose RED!
What’s wrong with this tweet?
NG Behavior #1: Entering the Wrong Bath (Men/Women Mix-Up)
Japanese bathhouses usually have separate entrances for men and women.
Blue or navy curtains typically mark the men’s bath, while red indicates the women’s.
Mixing up the two isn’t just embarrassing—it can cause real trouble. Check carefully before entering!
Also, the idea that Japanese onsen are often mixed-gender? Total myth.
Most baths are strictly separated, so leave your hopes (or fears) at the door.
Comment (@RedHotRonnie)
Don’t remind me — I beg and plead.
Let me say it was just a dream, not a deed.
Still echoes in my head, that sudden scream —
Just tell me it was the worst day in my steam-soaked theme.
2. Bonus: Other Important Onsen Rules
- Do a “kakeyu” rinse with hot water to acclimate your body
- No phones or calls in the dressing room
- Don’t reserve or hog shower spots
- Rinse off all soap and shampoo completely
- No eating or drinking in the bath area
- Be careful not to splash others
- Don’t soak for too long (you might faint)
3. Conclusion: Let the Steam Heal You, Not Haunt You
So, how did you do?
Were these rules more than you expected?
If there’s one thing they all have in common, it’s this:
Don’t make others uncomfortable in a shared space.
That’s a very Japanese way of thinking.
To avoid becoming the next RedHotRonnie, just follow these simple rules and enjoy your best-ever bath time in Japan.
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