Onsen

How onsen savvy are you? Here's our Guide to Onsen 101: 1. Get naked! Most places adhere to ancient traditions of bathing in the nude but don't be nervous, onsen are respectful and meditative places and everyone else will be naked too.

2. Sit on the small stool provided to wash yourself thoroughly before getting into the bath (soap and shampoo are typically provided). If your hair is long, please tie it back.

3. You'll often be given two towels - one large and one small. The large is for drying yourself and should be left in the changing room. The small can be taken into the bathing area (but don't let it go in the water). Many people put them on their heads instead.

4. Get into the onsen, sit back and enjoy! We recommend soaking for 5-10 mins at a time (just resist the urge to dunk your head underwater as it's considered a big faux-pas).

Top Tip: You can get in and out as many times as you like, the most important thing is to first wash and rinse yourself thoroughly.

Pictured is Hirayu no Mori, a rustic hot spring resort set amid a virgin forest in the popular Hirayu Onsen hot spring area in Gifu.

Photo by @nihonryokan on Instagram #travelwithberlyn