JEPS Hot Spring Bathing and Vision Support Guide
What should I do about contact lenses or glasses at a hot spring resort?
The basic rule for contact lenses is to remove them before bathing and avoid contact with water. Before bringing regular glasses into the bathing area, check how they affect your vision, the facility rules, whether they fog up, and whether they will be damaged by heat. For those who have difficulty seeing without glasses, it's best to decide on a safe route before making a reservation, rather than figuring it out once you arrive in the changing room.
Conclusion: Remove contact lenses; choose glasses based on vision and heat resistance.
The US CDC advises removing contact lenses before showering, swimming, or taking a hot bath, and keeping the lenses away from water. The FDA and PMDA also advise against using tap water to clean and store lenses, and instead recommend using dedicated care products and following your ophthalmologist's instructions. Hot springs are also places where contact with water occurs. Don't think "it's okay because I won't be putting my face in the water," and remove your lenses before bathing.
Regular eyeglasses can fog up in steam, become slippery when wet, be easily misplaced, and their lenses and coatings can be damaged by high temperatures. In particular, avoid taking them into saunas, and check the manufacturer's or retailer's instructions for use.
Safe order of steps from before bathing to after bathing
| Time point | Contact | Glasses |
|---|---|---|
| Before departure | Prepare spares, a case, and special storage solution. | Prepare a spare pair of glasses and a hard case. |
| Before bathing | Remove with clean, dry hands. | Decide how things will look inside the bathroom and where to store things. |
| While taking a bath | Do not wear lenses | Don't walk around in cloudy weather, and follow the facility rules. |
| After bath | Wash and dry your hands before using a new or properly cared-for lens. | If it gets wet, clean it properly to remove any remaining moisture. |
| At abnormal time | Stop wearing the lenses and consult an ophthalmologist. | For scratches or deformation, please consult the retailer. |
The flow from the reception area to the changing room, washing area, and bathtub isHow to use and behave in hot springsYou can check this there. Regarding your physical condition, alcohol consumption, and bathing time...Managing your health during a hot spring tripPlease prioritize this.
Reasons for removing contact lenses in hot springs
Contact lenses are highly regulated medical devices that come into direct contact with the surface of the eye. Water can contain microorganisms, and contact with water can cause the lens to deform, stick to the eye, and lead to infection. The CDC has indicated that contact with water while wearing contact lenses may increase the risk of Acanthamoeba keratitis.
It is not possible to determine whether it is "okay to use" based on differences such as whether the bath is a free-flowing hot spring, chlorinated, recirculated, private, or private open-air bath in a guest room.Flowing over the sourceThis indicates the method of supplying hot water and does not guarantee the safety of contact lenses.Private bath,Guest room open-air bathBut similarly, avoid contact with water.
When removing the lenses, choose a location where you can wash and thoroughly dry your hands, such as the sink in your guest room or the changing room. Do not remove or attach the lenses with wet fingers, on a shared towel, or on a shelf in the bathing area. Do not rinse the lenses with tap water or hot spring water, or add water to the case.
Preparation for daily disposable and reusable contact lenses
| Type/Situation | Before bathing | After bathing |
|---|---|---|
| ワンデー | Dispose of the removed lens. | If necessary, insert a new one with clean hands. |
| Two weeks, one month, etc. | Place into a clean case containing the special solution. | Follow the product instructions and your ophthalmologist's directions. |
| ハードレンズ | Store properly using the dedicated product. | Follow the care instructions for each product. |
| Suspected of coming into contact with water | Remove it as soon as possible. | Dispose of or clean and disinfect according to official instructions. |
One-day lenses aren't "waterproof," but rather an option that makes it easy to replace them with a new pair after removing them. When using reusable lenses, don't transfer the storage solution to a smaller container in your own way; use the official travel-sized product. Also, don't wash the case with tap water; manage it according to the product instructions and your ophthalmologist's directions.
What to bring to a day trip to a hot springFor overnight stays, bring one extra spare.What to bring on a hot spring tripAdd the number of days of stay and any extra funds. Since hotel amenities don't always include storage solution or lens cases,Inn amenitiesDon't rely solely on that.
When hot spring water or other water gets into your eyes or lenses
If your contact lenses come into contact with water while you are wearing them, do not rub them or continue to wear them. Remove them as soon as possible with clean, dry hands. The CDC advises discarding lenses that have come into contact with water or cleaning and disinfecting them overnight before reuse. One-day lenses should not be reused and should be discarded.
- Do not rush or run inside the bathhouse; move to a safe place.
- Wash your hands with soap and dry them thoroughly with a clean towel or similar.
- Remove the lens as soon as possible.
- Discard one-day lenses, and follow the product's official care instructions for reusable lenses.
- If you experience pain, redness, blurred vision, sensitivity to light, or a foreign body sensation, discontinue use.
- If you experience symptoms, or if they persist or worsen, consult an ophthalmologist immediately.
Avoid self-taught methods such as washing lenses or cases with hot spring water or tap water, moistening them with saliva, or leaving removed lenses on a dry shelf for reuse. Also, consider the possibility of needing to find an ophthalmologist while traveling, and bring your insurance card and medication record.Items to bring for health managementPlease carry it with you.
Check before bringing regular glasses into the bath.
For people who cannot see the edge of a bathtub or steps with their bare eyes, removing their glasses can itself increase the risk of falling. On the other hand, regular glasses can suddenly impair vision due to fogging or water droplets, and the lenses, coatings, and frames can be damaged by heat and minerals in the hot spring water. First and foremost, it's important not to limit yourself to just two options: "walking around without being able to see anything" or "bringing inappropriate glasses."
Ask about the suitability of bathroom glasses, storage locations, handrails, and steps.
Ask about the heat resistance temperature, coating, and whether it can be used in hot springs.
Bring spare lenses in the required prescription and a sturdy case.
When choosing glasses for use in the bathroom, don't just go with the "for hot springs" label; check the required prescription, heat resistance temperature, suitable environment, and how to handle damage. Borrowing someone else's glasses may not provide the correct vision and could actually be dangerous.
Safety checks when you cannot see with the naked eye
| Subject to verification | Points to look at | Examples of questions to ask the facility |
|---|---|---|
| Dressing room | Lockers, shelves, sink, exit | Can I store my glasses safely? |
| Bathhouse entrance | Steps, slipperiness, doors | Is there a step at the entrance? |
| washing place | Chairs, showers, corridors | Are there any washing areas close to the handrail? |
| Bathtub | Edge, stairs, depth, handrail | Is there a step inside the bathtub? |
| Onsen | Outdoor walkway, night lighting | Can I use it during daylight hours? |
When visiting a public bath for the first time, avoid crowds and darkness by using it during daylight hours. Move with small steps, avoid running, and use handrails if available.OnsenThe walk to the indoor bath can be longer, and conditions change at night or on snowy or rainy days.Barrier-free hot spring tripwithChoosing a hotel for seniorsThe checklist is also helpful.
If you ask a companion to assist you, please be mindful of the gender and age restrictions in the bathhouse and respect their privacy. If the necessary assistance is difficult to provide in a general bathhouse, please check the facility rules beforehand.Family baths / Private bathsWe will consider this. Please contact the accommodation directly before booking to inquire about assistance availability and facilities.
Glasses fogging up, getting wet, storage, sauna
If your glasses fog up, stop in a safe place instead of continuing to walk. Placing them on the edge of the bathtub, the floor of the washing area, or window frames can cause them to be stepped on, dropped, touched by others, or lost. When removing them, put them in a hard case and store them in a locker or shelf designated by the facility. Do not bring valuables such as wallets or smartphones into the bathing area.Luggage storage/lockersFollow the instructions.
HOYA advises that if you wash your glasses with water, you should immediately wipe off the moisture and avoid using them in high-temperature environments. Bringing regular glasses into a sauna may damage the coating on the plastic lenses or the frames due to the heat.Bathhouse operating hoursPlease check the specific rules of the sauna and do not bring in any products that are not approved by the manufacturer.
Cleaning instructions for lenses and frames that have come into contact with hot spring water components vary depending on the material of the lenses and frames. Do not rub vigorously, and follow the instructions from the manufacturer or the store where you purchased the glasses. If there are scratches, cracks, deformation, or abnormalities in the coating, do not continue to use the glasses and consult an optician.
Checklist for day trips and overnight stays
| Belongings | Day trip | Accommodation | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spare glasses | 1 | 1 or more | Put it in a hard case. |
| One-day disposable lenses | Required number + spares | Number of days + spare | Do not reattach items that have been removed. |
| Reusable lens supplies | Case and dedicated liquid | Special solution for the duration of stay | Do not substitute with water. |
| clean towel | To dry your hands | Check the replacement items as well. | Do not handle lenses with shared towels. |
| PRODUCT | Saving on your smartphone is also acceptable. | Note down the prescription and product name. | Use in case of loss or damage |
InnTowels providedThis varies depending on the facility and plan. For putting on and taking off lenses, it's a good idea to bring your own clean towel or paper towels. If you plan to take a bath for a day trip before check-in or immediately after arrival, pack your supplies in a small bag so you can easily access them, rather than putting them deep inside your luggage.
Solo Hot Spring TripSo, let's make it possible to ask the staff about the flow of movement.Family tripSo, store the case and lens accessories in a place where children cannot touch them. The first place we're staying is...At check-inPlease check the layout of the bathhouse and the lockers.
Questions to ask the hotel before making a reservation
- Are there lockers with locks in the changing room?
- Is there a designated place where I can store my glasses?
- Are there steps or handrails at the entrance to the bathing area and inside the bathtub?
- Are there any restrictions on bringing in glasses for use in the bathroom?
- Are there any times when the public bath is brightly lit and not crowded?
- Can I check the flow of traffic and usage conditions for the private baths?
- Are there any rules regarding bringing glasses into the sauna?
If you want to check the distance from your room to the bathroom, including whether there are stairs,Choosing a room at a hot spring innWe will use this. Day-trip facilities areHow to use the day-trip hot springsTourists visiting JapanHot spring travel guide for foreignersPlease also check the following.
Hot Spring Contact Lenses/Glasses FAQ
Can I wear contact lenses while going into a hot spring?
It is safest to remove your lenses before bathing. The CDC advises removing your lenses before showering, swimming, or taking a hot bath, and keeping them away from water. Avoid contact with water even in hot springs, and prioritize your ophthalmologist's and product instructions.
Is it okay to wear daily disposable contact lenses in a hot spring?
Even with daily disposable lenses, the risk of contact with water during bathing remains. Remove the lenses before bathing, discard the removed lenses without reinserting them, and use new lenses with clean hands after bathing if necessary.
What do you do if hot spring water or other water gets into your contact lenses?
Remove the lenses as soon as possible. The CDC advises discarding lenses that have come into contact with water or cleaning and disinfecting them overnight before reuse. If you experience pain, redness, blurred vision, or a foreign body sensation, stop wearing the lenses and consult an ophthalmologist immediately.
What do you do when you can't see inside the bathroom with your bare eyes?
Check the layout of the bathroom during daylight hours and ask the staff about steps and handrails. If suitable, consider wearing bathroom glasses. Walk around and, if necessary, ask your companion or staff for assistance within safe limits.
Is it okay to bring regular glasses into a hot spring?
Please check the facility rules and the manufacturer's instructions. Steam can cause fogging, wetting, and lead to falls or loss of your glasses. Heat and hot spring components can also affect the lens coating and frame.
What should I do if my glasses fog up in a hot spring?
Do not walk around with fogged-up glasses; stop in a safe place and handle with a clean, soft cloth. Do not place them on the edge or floor of the bathroom. If you are considering bathroom glasses that meet your vision and heat resistance requirements, please consult a retailer.
Can I wear glasses into a sauna?
Please do not bring in regular eyeglasses, as high temperatures may damage the lenses, coatings, and frames. HOYA also advises against using them in places that become very hot, such as saunas.
What should I bring on a hot spring trip?
Prepare a spare pair of glasses, a hard glasses case, a clean lens case, a special lens storage solution, spare daily disposable lenses, and a clean towel for drying your hands. Do not use tap water or hot spring water to clean or store your lenses.
Official and public reference information
- PMDA "Contact Lens Q&A"Proper use and regular inspections as a medical device.
- PMDA: "Proper Use of Contact Lenses"Avoid using tap water and use a special solution for care.
- CDC “Keeping Water Away from Contact Lenses”Actions to avoid bathing or contact with water.
- CDC “Preventing Eye Infections”Infection prevention and spare glasses.
- FDA “Contact Lens Solutions and Products”: Washing and preservation without using water.
- CDC “Acanthamoeba Keratitis”: Precautions regarding water contact and eye infections.
- HOYA "Eyeglass Lens Instruction Manual"Damage caused by high temperatures, saunas, and heat.
- HOYA "Eyeglass Care"Handling and storage after getting wet.
Official information confirmed on: August 3, 2026. For medical advice, consult an ophthalmologist. For product usage instructions, refer to the package insert/manufacturer's instructions. For information regarding use in public baths, please prioritize the latest information from each facility.
Examples of JEPS-listed facilities where you can check the flow of movement in the bathing area and storage locations.
This ranking is not based on whether the rooms are suitable for contact lenses or glasses. Before booking, please check the official information of each facility to confirm the flow of movement from the guest room to the bath, any steps, handrails, and storage facilities in the changing room.
Check the conditions for moving between the bath and the guest room.
Check the flow of movement within the building and the facilities in the changing rooms.
Check the route to the bathhouse and the facilities.
Check the bathing facilities and usage instructions.
