♨️ Hot springs & thermal baths

What to pack

• Swimwear - Needed at most public thermal pools; some traditional baths are nude and single-sex. Find on Amazon →
• Quick-dry towel + flip-flops - For wet changing areas and hot poolside stone. Find on Amazon →
• A dry bag or waterproof pouch - Somewhere safe for phone and valuables while you soak. Find on Amazon →
• Water to drink - Hot soaking is dehydrating; sip between dips. Find on Amazon →
• Tie long hair up - Many baths ask that hair stays out of the water.
• Learn the local etiquette - Rinse before entering; at onsen, wash thoroughly first and no swimwear.
• Ease in and take breaks - Very hot mineral water is intense - short soaks, cool down between.

Some links on this page are Amazon affiliate links - if you buy through them we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. We only list the kind of gear we would pack ourselves. Check the season and the official source for each place before you go.