## The Ultimate Road Trip Reward Traveling Japan in a campervan means you don’t always have a private hotel shower. But this is actually a massive advantage, because it forces you to experience the greatest joy of Japanese culture: the *Onsen* (natural hot spring) and *Sento* (public bath). For first-time international visitors, bathing completely naked with strangers can be intimidating. Follow these strict etiquette rules to bathe like a local. ## 1. Tattoos are Often Prohibited Historically, tattoos in Japan are associated with organized crime. Many traditional onsens will refuse entry if you have visible tattoos. *Tip for Vanlifers:* If you have tattoos, look for smaller, municipally run *Sento* (which are usually more lenient), or rent a *Kashikiri-buro* (private family bath) where you can bathe behind closed doors. ## 2. Wash Before You Soak The hot spring water is for soaking and relaxing, NOT for washing dirt off your body. - When you enter the bath area, sit on a small stool at the washing stations. - Thoroughly wash your entire body with soap and rinse off completely before stepping into the main tub. ## 3. Keep Your Towel Out of the Water You will be given a small modesty towel. You can use it to cover yourself while walking around, but **never let the towel touch the bathwater**. People usually fold it and place it on their head or leave it on the side of the tub. ## Finding Baths on the Road Almost every town in Kyushu has a public bath. You can easily find them on Google Maps by searching for "Onsen" (温泉) or "Sento" (銭湯). They typically cost between 300 and 800 JPY. Your VanTripJapan campervan serves as your mobile bedroom, while the entire island of Kyushu serves as your luxury bathroom.