With record-breaking numbers of foreign tourists visiting Japan, overnight stays in hot spring areas are rebounding. Kanto Smart Living Cooperative reminds tourists to observe proper hot spring etiquette and maintain order in public baths.

OSAKA, JAPAN (MERXWIRE) – As tourism to Japan continues to heat up, the number of foreign tourists has reached a new high, bringing a significant recovery to hot spring resorts across Japan. Japanese government statistics show that the number of foreign tourists visiting Japan in November reached 3.518 million, a 10.4% increase compared to the same period last year; as of the end of November, the cumulative number of foreign tourists visiting Japan reached 39.0656 million, surpassing the annual record of 36.870148 million set in 2024. Hot springs, as a unique natural resource and cultural symbol of Japan, have become one of the most anticipated experiences for many foreign tourists visiting Japan.

According to data released by the Japanese Ministry of the Environment, the annual cumulative overnight stays in hot spring areas have shown a significant upward trend since the pandemic. Before the 2019 pandemic, the annual number of overnight stays in hot spring areas reached 9.618 million. Starting in 2020, due to the pandemic, this number plummeted to 5.686 million, and further decreased to 5.028 million in 2021. With the easing of border controls and a recovery in tourism demand, the number rebounded to 6.949 million in 2022, and increased to 7.959 million in 2023. Relevant authorities pointed out that the return of foreign tourists is one of the important factors driving the rapid recovery of overnight stays in hot spring areas.

While the number of foreign tourists has increased rapidly, hot spring facilities are also facing management challenges due to cultural differences. Some hot spring resorts have reported that guests entering the bath without showering first, taking photos in the bath area, wearing swimsuits, or bringing mobile phones into the baths are causing inconvenience to other guests. “Hot spring etiquette” is gradually becoming a new issue for hot spring resort management.

In response, the Kanto Smart Living Cooperative, an organization dedicated to smart living, reminds foreign tourists to thoroughly wash their bodies before bathing and to avoid using mobile phones, taking photos, or talking loudly in the bath to maintain the comfort and privacy of public baths. Furthermore, swimwear should not be worn in the bath, and towels should not be placed in the water. The organization points out that understanding and respecting local bathing culture not only enhances the personal experience but also helps maintain a pleasant environment for the hot spring resort.

To adapt to changing tourism patterns, more and more hot spring facilities are strengthening their explanations to foreign tourists, including adding multilingual and visual bathing guides, playing demonstration videos, or having staff provide simple explanations at the entrance. Some hot spring inns are also expanding their “kaikiri-furo” (private bath) and private room services to allow tourists unfamiliar with public bath culture to enjoy the hot springs with peace of mind.

Experts point out that hot spring culture itself is one of the important attractions for foreign tourists. Finding a balance between maintaining traditional etiquette and improving friendliness to international tourists will be key to the continued development of Japanese hot spring resorts. As the number of foreign tourists visiting Japan continues to break records, hot spring etiquette has become not only a cultural issue, but also an important factor affecting the quality of tourism and the local economy.

Media Contacts:
Kanto Smart Living Cooperative

PR Agency:
MERXWIRE INC.
Ada Huang
pr@merxwire.com

SOURCE: Kanto Smart Living Cooperative