🧭 Introduction
Hot springs are a wonderful part of Japanese culture, especially for families traveling with kids. But many visitors wonder: “Are tattoos okay?” “Can babies in diapers enter?” or “What should we bring?” This local mom’s guide will help you enjoy Oita’s onsen safely and confidently with your family.
🌈 Highlights
- Mixed bathing allowed up to around age seven
- Each onsen has its own diaper rules
- Water can feel hot (43°C+), so keep bath times short
- Many tattoo-friendly onsen available in Oita
- Private family baths and hotel onsen are stress-free
- Most onsen are cash-only — bring Japanese yen!
- Bring your own baby soap or shampoo if you prefer
📍 Mixed Bathing Rules
Japan’s hygiene guideline recommends avoiding mixed bathing for children over about seven years old. However, each prefecture and facility has its own policy. Always follow local signage or staff instructions. Popular areas like Beppu and Yufuin usually display rules clearly at the entrance.
🍼 Diaper Policy
Every onsen has different diaper rules. Some allow small children to use a baby bath, while others ask that kids be potty-trained before entering. There’s no national regulation, so check by phone or website before your visit.
♨️ Water Temperature
Many Japanese onsen are hotter than you might expect — around 43°C. For young children, choose milder pools (38–40°C) and limit bathing to 30–60 minutes, including breaks and hydration time.
🧴 Tattoos
While many Japanese baths restrict guests with tattoos, Oita — Japan’s “Onsen Prefecture” — has numerous tattoo-friendly onsen where families can bathe comfortably together.
👉 Check tattoo-friendly Oita onsen here.
👨👩👧 Family Tips
- Confirm “preschooler / diaper / mixed-bathing” rules in advance
- Use private family baths (kazoku-buro) for comfort
- Avoid peak hours (before or after dinner)
- Bring Japanese yen — many onsen are not cashless
- Keep long hair tied up (good manners in Japanese baths)
- Stay hydrated and rest between baths
🧍♀️ My Experience
I began taking my child to onsen around one year old. We’ve never had skin troubles, and I’ve never been turned away because of diapers. Locals are kind and welcoming — even when kids splash! I prefer to bring my own baby soap and hair products rather than using shared amenities.
Beppu’s Hyotan Onsen is a multicultural place where locals and travelers from all over the world share the baths. For a quieter experience, consider a hotel onsen — you can take your time and relax as a family.
🎒 What to Bring
- Baby soap and baby shampoo
- Shampoo, conditioner, and body wash (most facilities have free amenities)
- Towel and bath towel (rental available in many)
- Change of clothes and underwear
- Comb and hair tie (long hair should be tied up)
- Water bottle or drink
- Basic cosmetics (most onsen have dryers)
- Japanese yen (many are cash-only)
🧳 Conclusion
Knowing a few simple rules makes onsen a safe and enjoyable experience for the whole family. Oita is especially welcoming, with many tattoo-friendly hot springs that are perfect for international visitors.
Experience the warmth of Japan’s onsen culture with your family.
👉Visit Oita HP :The Official Tourisum Website of Oita,Kyusyu,Japan
