Basic Japanese Lodging and Communal Bathing Etiquette

*This article was sponsored by Osaka Prefecture.

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Hotel and Ryokan Etiquette

Be Considerate in Shared Spaces and Keep the Volume Down at Night

Keep your voice low in shared areas like hallways and lobbies. Voices echo more than you'd expect in corridors, so stay close to the person you're talking to and speak softly. Also, when moving luggage, be sure not to block pathways.

In your room, avoid loud conversations, blaring music, or banging on walls late at night. People are often louder than they realize, especially if they’re under the influence of alcohol, so be especially mindful during nighttime hours when others are sleeping. 

Following these simple guidelines will help everyone enjoy a peaceful stay.

Keep the Restrooms Clean

When using Western-style toilets, please sit on the seat rather than standing on it. The toilet paper provided is flushable, so dispose of it in the toilet bowl and flush it away. Avoid throwing anything else in the toilet, as this can cause clogs and overflow. Flushing mechanisms vary by toilet - some have levers, buttons, or motion sensors - but always remember to flush before you leave. 

Depending on the accommodation, you might have high-tech toilets with features like bidets, heated seats, or even music for privacy!

Abide by the Smoking Rules

Smoking is prohibited in all common areas of hotels and ryokan. Guest rooms are designated as either smoking or non-smoking, so please do not smoke in non-smoking rooms. If you don't know where you can smoke, ask the staff. 

It's also important to know that restaurants, cafes, bars, shopping facilities, train stations, and airports are generally non-smoking. If you need to smoke while you're out, look for designated smoking areas which are usually near train stations or inside shopping facilities.

Take Your Suitcase Home

When you shop for souvenirs and other items during your trip, you'll naturally end up with more luggage than when you arrived. If you've purchased a new, larger suitcase and no longer need your old one, don't leave it behind when you check out! The basic rule is to take it home with you. 

If you absolutely cannot bring it back, consult the store where you purchased the new suitcase, or explain your situation to the front desk and ask for guidance. Abandoning luggage without permission may result in disposal fees or other charges.

Vacation Rental Etiquette

Be Mindful of Noise

Vacation rentals are often located in residential neighborhoods. Sounds like rolling suitcases or loud conversations on balconies and in yards late at night can be quite disruptive to neighbors who are just going about their daily lives. On top of avoiding making these kinds of loud sounds outside, keep your voice down indoors as well, and pay attention to the TV and music volume levels. 

Staying at a vacation rental is a wonderful opportunity to experience authentic Japanese homes and daily life. Embrace the similarities and differences!

Follow the Local Trash Disposal Rules

Dispose of all trash in the bins provided at the property. If there are sorting requirements, give it your best effort using the instructions or diagrams provided. 

Never dispose of trash on the street, on someone else's property, or in another building's trash area, as this violates local regulations. 

Following these rules will help you avoid any issues with the property owner.

Do Not Exceed Occupancy Limits

Exceeding the number of guests in your reservation is a violation of the rental agreement. If your plans change, such as friends deciding to join you, always contact the host in advance as vacation rentals have a maximum occupancy limit. Adding guests without permission can result in additional fees or, in the worst case, a cancellation of your booking or eviction from the property.

Even having unregistered guests visit or use the facilities may violate the rental terms, so be sure to check with the owner beforehand.

Follow the rules to ensure everyone has a comfortable and hassle-free stay!

Do Not Leave Large Items Like Suitcases

Just as with hotels and ryokan, do not leave suitcases or other large luggage behind at vacation rentals. Abandoning items at the property can result in disposal fees and other charges. 

If your suitcase breaks during your trip or you need to purchase a new one because of extra shopping, consult the store where you bought the replacement or explain your situation to the property owner to determine the best course of action.

Communal Bath Etiquette

Relax and Unwind in the Nude

In Japan, communal baths at hotels, ryokan, and sento (public bathhouses) are enjoyed completely nude, with no underwear or swimwear allowed. If you have tattoos, be aware that some facilities may not permit entry, so it's best to check in advance. 

Store your valuables and clothing in a locker and keep the key with you while bathing. (Many people wear it on their wrist.) If baskets are provided in the changing area, use them for your clothes, towels, and other non-valuables. One basket per person is standard etiquette. 

Spacious communal baths are a quintessentially Japanese experience where you can truly relax and unwind. Take your time soaking and let the warm water wash away your travel fatigue!

Keep the Bath Water Clean

Always rinse your body thoroughly by taking a shower before entering the communal bath. If using a provided shower station, be careful not to splash water or soap on people nearby. 

Never put your towel in the bath water, brush your teeth in the tub, or wash your body while in the bath. If you have long hair, tie it up to keep it out of the water. 

And while the spacious bath might be tempting to swim in, please resist the urge. Swimming or playing in the bath is considered poor etiquette and disruptive to others trying to relax.

No Photography in Changing Rooms or Bathing Areas

Photography is strictly prohibited in changing rooms and bathing areas, even if no one else is in the frame. Leave your smartphone and camera secured with your other belongings in your locker. 

While you might be tempted to capture, say, the beautiful scenery or the charm of a traditional outdoor bath, please respect this rule for everyone's privacy and comfort.

Dry Off Before Returning to the Changing Room

Before heading back to the changing room, dry yourself off thoroughly and wring out the towel. A wet changing room floor can be slippery and dangerous, and it's also unpleasant for others.

That covers the basics of Japanese accommodation etiquette! Some of these customs might be new to you, but we hope you now understand how following them shows consideration for others and will make your stay in Japan much more enjoyable. If you're ever unsure about something, don't hesitate to ask the staff - they're there to help!

*This article was funded using accommodation taxes.