Staying at a ryokan: the Japan Tourism Agency's answers on the large bath, private baths and tattoos

Many ryokan (traditional Japanese inns) have a large shared bath. The Japan Tourism Agency (JTA) answers common questions about it in its "Ryokan Q&A" page. This is a summary of the bath section, checked on 2026-09-29.

Do I need to book the large bath?

• Usually not. The JTA says the large bath (大浴場) can normally be used without a reservation.
• It can often be used late at night and early in the morning, except during cleaning times. Check the hours at your ryokan.
• The JTA asks guests to avoid bathing very late at night or after drinking alcohol, to prevent accidents.

Private baths

Some ryokan have a private bath (貸し切り温泉) for families or couples. The JTA describes two kinds:

• a bath in your room, which you can use privately at any time;
• a bath you reserve for a set time. This kind needs a reservation, so ask the staff when you arrive.

Tattoos

The JTA says the response to guests with tattoos differs greatly between ryokan. It explains that in Japan tattoos have been associated with organized crime, which is why ryokan have refused guests with tattoos, but that understanding of visitors' tattoos is growing. Some ryokan now:

• place no restriction on tattoos;
• decide case by case (for example, a small tattoo may be fine).

Some ryokan also have private baths or baths in the room, so guests with tattoos can still enjoy a bath. The JTA's advice: ask the ryokan. See also Tattoos and onsen in Japan.

Manners in the large bath

From the JTA's list:

1. Wash your body in the shower before getting into the bath.
2. Pour hot water over yourself (kakeyu) before getting in, to get used to the temperature and avoid a sudden rise in blood pressure.
3. Do not put your towel in the bath.
4. Tie up long hair.
5. Do not take photos. Other guests may feel their privacy is being invaded.
6. Keep your voice down. Many people want to relax quietly.
7. Do not wear a swimsuit in the bath.

The JTA adds that each ryokan may post its own rules, so read them before you bathe.

Related

• Onsen etiquette in Japan: what hot springs say on their own pages
• Accommodation tax in Japan

Sources

• Japan Tourism Agency, "Ryokan Q&A" (bath section, in Japanese): https://www.mlit.go.jp/kankocho/ryokan/list_ja-6.html (checked 2026-09-29)