Onsen with kids: the tattoo and etiquette guide

An onsen is one of Japan’s great pleasures, and children are welcome at many of them. It does involve communal bathing without swimwear, which can surprise first-timers — but the etiquette is simple, and there are private options if that’s more comfortable for your family.

How an onsen works

• Baths are usually separated by gender; you bathe without swimwear.
• Wash and rinse thoroughly at the seated showers before getting in — this is the key rule.
• The small towel is for washing and modesty; keep it out of the bath water.
• Tie up long hair, and enter and move calmly and quietly.

Bathing with children

Young children can generally go into the bath of either parent’s side depending on the facility’s rules; older children use the bath matching their gender. Keep sessions short — the water is hot — and keep little ones hydrated and supervised at all times.

The tattoo question

Many traditional onsen still do not admit guests with visible tattoos. If anyone in your family has one, look for tattoo-friendly onsen, use a private bath, or cover a small tattoo with a patch where that’s permitted. Policies vary, so check in advance.

Family-friendly alternatives

If communal, unclothed bathing doesn’t suit your family, book a private onsen (kashikiri) or a room with its own bath, or choose a bathing complex where swimwear is worn. These keep the experience relaxed while still delivering the hot-spring magic.