Casual — to friend
Cultural · Etiquette
You
温泉に初めて入るんですが、タオルはどうすればいいですか？
おんせんにはじめてはいるんですが、たおるはどうすればいいですか？
This is my first time in an onsen — what should I do with my towel?
Romaji: Onsen ni hajimete hairu n desu ga, taoru wa dou sureba ii desu ka? / Reply Romaji: Ofuro no naka ni taoru wa ireranai yo. Atama no ue ni oite ne.
Reply
お風呂の中にタオルは入れられないよ。頭の上に置いてね。
おふろのなかにたおるはいれられないよ。あたまのうえにおいてね。
You can't put your towel in the bath. Just place it on top of your head.
Gesture & etiquette
Before entering the onsen area, store your clothes in the locker neatly. Carry only your small towel into the bathing area. Wash at a seated shower station first — sit down, never stand while washing (it splashes others).
Onsen etiquette: wash and rinse your body thoroughly before entering the communal bath. Do not put your towel in the water — place it on your head or the edge. Tattoos are prohibited in many onsen; always check the rules. Swimsuits are also typically not worn.