JEPS Hot Spring Accessories and Storage Guide
Should I remove my accessories, like earrings, when going to a hot spring?
It's essential to remove rings, necklaces, earrings, and watches before entering a hot spring. To avoid discoloration from the hot spring's minerals, as well as heat, snagging, damage, and loss, put them together in a small case and store them in a safe place before removing your clothes.

Conclusion: Regardless of the material, remove it first in the guest room or changing room.
The Japan Jewellery Association advises removing jewelry with gemstones before bathing, as it can be affected by hot water and detergents. Silver products, in particular, should be avoided in sulfurous areas such as hot springs, and even gold alloys may tarnish in areas containing silver or copper, as well as in soldering and plating. JNTO also advises that jewelry may tarnish depending on the components of hot spring water.
Don't wear jewelry simply because it's made of "pure gold," "platinum," or "stainless steel." Jewelry often contains multiple components such as alloys, bonding agents, stones, adhesives, coatings, and springs. Please remove your jewelry in hot springs unless the store or manufacturer has explicitly stated otherwise.
Discoloration is not the only reason to remove it.
| risk | Possible events | prevention |
|---|---|---|
| chemical effects | Discoloration, effect on coating | Do not allow it to come into contact with the hot spring water. |
| heat | The metal gets hot and causes burns. | Do not bring into the bathtub or sauna. |
| 物理的損傷 | Snagging, deformation, stone falling out | Remove it before changing clothes. |
| Lost | Lost in the drain, bathtub, or laundry basket. | Stored in small bags and hard cases. |
| 皮膚 | Stuffiness, rash, inflammation | Dry your skin, and discontinue use if any abnormalities occur. |
Leaving small earrings or rings on shelves in the bathroom, on the edge of the bathtub, or on towels can lead to them being lost or mixed up with others. Wearing accessories while undressing can also cause them to snag on clothing, damaging chains or piercing holes. The Japan Jewelry Association advises putting on accessories last and removing them before undressing.
All items that are not allowed in the communal bath areHow to use and behave in hot springsChecking the lockers at the day-trip facilityWhat to bring to a day trip to a hot springPlease refer to.
Don't assume that something is "okay" based on the material.
| Display/type | Reasons to be careful | Judgment at the hot spring |
|---|---|---|
| Silver | It may turn black due to sulfur content. | Always remove it. |
| Gold alloys such as K18 | Effects of silver, copper, joints, plating, etc. | Don't judge solely on the gold markings; remove them. |
| Platinum products | The alloying, stonework, bonding, and processing differ from product to product. | Check the entire product and remove it. |
| Pearls and natural stones | Some products are sensitive to sweat, acids/alkalis, heat, and detergents. | Remove and store separately before bathing. |
| Stainless steel and titanium | Purity, surface treatment, and parts may not be identical. | Remove the claim of hot spring resistance without making a definitive statement. |
| Plating and bonding products | Potential impact on surface treatment and adhesive joints | Avoid water and heat. |
It is not possible to accurately determine the impact on your product based solely on the name of the hot spring's water quality. Even if they are both "gold" and "silver," the materials and processing may differ. The hot spring analysis report is information about the water quality for bathers, not the results of a durability test for jewelry.Guide to Hot Spring Water QualityTurbidity and precipitatesにごり湯withYunohanaIn can be confirmed.
Wedding rings and rings that won't come off
Even if you wear your wedding ring every day, make sure you can remove it before going to a hot spring. Your fingers may swell due to your physical condition, temperature, exercise, or salt intake, making it difficult to remove the ring on the day of your trip. Don't force it right before departure, and if it's difficult to remove even normally, consult the store where you purchased it or a jewelry specialist.
Attempting to remove a stuck ring using soap or oil in the washing area may cause the ring to be washed away, make the floor slippery, or injure your skin. If you cannot accept the impact on the product,Foot bathWe can enjoy the bath without putting the rings in the water, or we can consult with the innkeepers and consider alternative bathing methods.

Piercings are classified into those that have healed and those that have just been pierced.
Healed piercings, like other jewelry, should be removed before bathing to avoid discoloration, loss, snagging, and heat. Since backings and small parts are easily lost, keep them together in a small pouch. Body piercings, including those in the navel and nose, should not be judged on their own as being suitable for hot springs.
If you remove newly pierced earrings too soon, the holes may close, but you also need to consider the decision of whether or not to immerse healing skin in a hot spring. The American Academy of Dermatology advises not to remove new earrings for a certain period and to wash your hands before care, while the NHS advises not to remove jewelry without a doctor's instruction if infection is suspected. Therefore, do not make the decision on your own to "remove them because it's a hot spring" or "go in with them on because you can't remove them," but check the aftercare instructions from the piercer or medical institution, and postpone travel or bathing if necessary.
If you experience redness, swelling, pain, pus, warmth, or fever, prioritize seeing a doctor over bathing. General guidelines for bathing when you have wounds or skin conditions are as follows:Managing your health during a hot spring tripPlease Confirm.
Do not wear metal in the sauna.
The Japan Jewelry Association advises against wearing necklaces, rings, or earrings in a sauna, as precious metals have high thermal conductivity and can cause burns. Even products that are thought to be less likely to tarnish in a bathtub face the added danger of high sauna temperatures.
Even with watches, "waterproof" and "suitable for hot water, hot springs, and saunas" are not the same thing. Citizen, for example, advises against immersing its waterproof watches in hot water or hot springs, and avoids using them in saunas. Check the manufacturer's instruction manual for any watch you are using, including smartwatches, and store them in a locker instead of bringing them into the bathing area.
Sauna usage times, permitted items, towels, and glasses vary by facility. Even after removing accessories, please refrain from using the sauna after drinking alcohol or when feeling unwell.Bathing safetyPlease prioritize this.
Storage methods to prevent loss
| Storage location | Suitable items | Points to check |
|---|---|---|
| Guest room safe | Expensive items, mementos | How to use and confirmation at checkout |
| Lockers with locks | Items to bring on a day trip | Key management, size, additional charges |
| Front desk parking | Valuables accepted by the facility | Target, receipt, reception time |
| 脱衣かご | In principle, it is not suitable for valuables. | Key availability and facility information |
Small accessories should be placed in soft individual pouches before being placed together in a hard case. Keep each piece separate to prevent scratches from being caused by stacking jewelry. Simply wrapping them in tissue or a towel makes them more likely to be mistaken for trash or dropped with clothes.
Luggage storage/lockers for hot spring tripsYou can check the storage conditions before arrival, for day trips, and after check-out. It's also a good idea not to bring expensive items on your trip.Solo Hot Spring TripSo, instead of assuming I'll leave it with my companion, I'll check for a place where I can lock it myself.
When discoloration, loss, or skin reaction occurs
| Status | First thing to do | Avoid |
|---|---|---|
| 濡れた | Handle the product according to the instructions, ensuring no moisture remains. | Heat from a hair dryer, rubbing too hard |
| discolored | Store them separately and consult the store where you purchased them. | Treatment with toothpaste, chemicals, or abrasives |
| The stone loosened | Stop using it and take it to a specialist store. | Self-repair with adhesive |
| Lost | I will immediately inform the facility staff. | Disassemble the equipment and drains yourself |
| rash/inflammation | Discontinue use and consult a doctor if necessary. | Re-attaching while symptoms persist |
The Japan Jewelry Association advises that even for products that can be washed with water, thoroughly wipe off any moisture and avoid air drying or using a hairdryer. However, not all gemstones and products can be washed with water. Since the ability to restore discoloration varies depending on the material and processing, do not immediately try household products found through a search, but take the item to the store where you purchased it.
If you lose something, please inform a staff member of the time of use, the bathhouse, washing area, locker number, and a description of the item. Please do not search the bathhouse for an extended period of time, touch other users' belongings, or put your hands into the circulation outlets or drainage systems.

Check before departure, before bathing, and after returning home.
Leave expensive items behind. Consult a specialist if you can't remove a ring.
Remove them before taking off your clothes and place them in individual bags, cases, or locked locations.
Check the score and condition, and have it inspected by a specialist if necessary.
I'll include "jewelry case" on my packing list, and if I'm traveling and will be repeatedly putting on and taking off my jewelry after each bath, I'll consider not wearing any jewelry at all.What to bring on a hot spring trip,Inn amenities,Makeup and cleansing at hot springsAlso, please minimize the number of items you bring into the changing room.
Eyeglasses and contact lenses are handled differently from jewelry. Proper handling and storage are important.Hot Spring Contact Lens and Glasses Safety GuideCheck with.
Hot Spring Accessories & Earrings FAQ
Should I remove my accessories when going to a hot spring?
It is essential to remove them before bathing. Store them in a safe place in your room or changing room to avoid discoloration, heat, damage, loss, or snagging due to the components of the hot spring water. Do not assume that they are "absolutely safe" based solely on the material name.
Would gold or platinum not tarnish in a hot spring?
The impact varies depending on the overall structure of the product, including purity, alloying, brazing, plating, gemstones, and adhesives. Do not assume it is safe simply because it is labeled as gold or platinum; check with the store where you purchased it or the manufacturer before removing it.
Why do silver accessories turn black in hot springs?
The Japan Jewelry Association advises against exposure to sulfurous substances, especially hot springs, when handling silver products. Alloys containing silver and the joints may tarnish and appear black due to sulfurization. Do not attempt to polish them yourself; consult the retailer.
What do you do if your wedding ring won't come off?
Do not try to remove it by pulling it forcefully or using detergent in the bath. If you experience swelling, pain, or discoloration, consult a medical professional. Normally, consult the store where you purchased it beforehand, and if you are unable to remove it, discuss bathing methods with the facility.
Can I wear earrings in a hot spring?
Even after a piercing has healed, it's generally best to remove it to avoid discoloration, loss, or snagging. If you can't remove it right away, do not try to remove it on your own. Prioritize the aftercare instructions from the piercer or medical institution, and consider postponing hot spring bathing.
Can I go to a hot spring if my pierced ears are red and swollen?
Prioritize checking your symptoms over bathing. If you suspect an infection, such as pain, severe redness, swelling, pus, or fever, consult a medical professional. The NHS advises against removing jewelry unless instructed to do so by a doctor.
Can I wear a waterproof watch in a hot spring or sauna?
The water-resistant label does not necessarily mean the watch is suitable for hot water, hot springs, or saunas. Citizen advises against immersing the watch in hot water or hot springs, or using it in a sauna. Please check the product description and, as a general rule, remove the watch before storing it.
What do you do if your accessories discolor in a hot spring?
Handle with a soft cloth to remove all moisture, and store separately from other jewelry. Do not attempt to clean it yourself with toothpaste, bleach, or abrasives. Consult the store where you purchased it or a specialist shop where you can check the material, gemstone, and surface finish.
Official and public reference information
- Japan Jewelry Association "Jewelry Q&A"Bathing, sulfur, pearls, metal allergies, sauna.
- Japan Jewelry Association "What's up"The risks of wearing a ring continuously.
- Japan Jewellery Association: "Discoloration of precious metal parts"Discoloration occurs with silver, copper, and solder.
- Japan Jewelry Association "Jewelry Care": Moisture, storage, and inspection by a specialist.
- JNTO “Onsen Hot Springs: Etiquette”Discoloration of jewelry due to hot spring water and lockers.
- Citizen: "Regarding water resistance"Hot water, hot springs, sauna, and watches.
- NHS "Infected piercings": What to do when you get a new piercing and suspect an infection.
- American Academy of Dermatology “Caring for new piercings”Care for new earrings.
Official information last updated: August 3, 2026. For product handling, please consult the store/manufacturer; for piercings and skin conditions, consult the practitioner/medical institution; and for storage and carrying restrictions, please prioritize the latest information from each facility.
Examples of JEPS-listed facilities where you can check lockers and valuables storage.
This is not a ranking based on accessory availability. Before booking, please check the official information of each facility to confirm the availability of in-room safes, lockers, front desk storage, and directions to the baths.
Check the storage facilities in the guest rooms and bathrooms.
Check the changing room and the security of valuables.
Check the flow of movement from the guest rooms to the bathrooms.
Check the bathing facilities and storage instructions.
