YouTuber sparks controversy for filming at mixed-gender onsen in Japan

A Korean YouTuber has touched off controversy after filming at a mixed-gender outdoor hot spring in Japan despite the facility’s no-filming policy.

The female YouTuber posted a video earlier this year showing her visit to an outdoor onsen, or hot spring, in Hokkaido, Japan, that is open to both men and women. The video recently resurfaced on social media and was subsequently picked up by multiple news outlets.

She acknowledged that filming was prohibited at the facility but said several other visitors were taking photos and videos, which prompted her to do the same.

Article continues after this advertisement

The YouTuber said visitors are required to wear swimsuits, although she noted that some online reviews had mentioned people entering the facility naked.

The belated attention sparked criticism from people who argued that seeing others break the rules did not justify her doing the same. Others said that ignoring local rules while traveling abroad could reflect poorly on Korean tourists more broadly. /dl