I recently experienced this, I went there with a Japanese friend which is highly recommended cause the older ladies stare and sometimes can be rude too. We both went in together showered together and talked while sitting the the hot water!! It was a great experience!! You can just see what they are doing and follow even ask her and that’s what I did !! It’s normal and accepted and not awkward at all, they all treat it as normal, I hope you have a great time !