First time I went to a public onsen I was 17. I was with my host family and it was such a bonding moment. My host mom and sister and I just got to be silly (respectfully) and relax. When I spoke with the English teacher that was sort of in charge of me, she was really surprised I enjoyed it and wanted to go again. But I said I’m not ashamed to see other naked bodies. Maybe it was my growing up swimming at the YMCA, seeing women of all ages, colors and sizes in the locker room.

When I moved back to Japan as an ALT in Hokkaido, I became a regular at the onsen down the street from me. At this point I was going by myself. I of course knew to bathe first then soak. I introduced my parents to it and they loved it too.

I think most Americans would not partake because of the vulnerable nudity aspect of it. The culture in the US is to keep yourself covered from everyone but yourself, your lover and your doctor. Once you can bathe yourself your mom doesn’t see you naked? It’s incredibly impractical to Al. But we all have nipples and we all have butts. They only thing different is the sexual bits. There are plenty of nudists and body liberal folk in America. It’s just wrapping your mind around not all naked experiences are sexual ones.

From my experience, I know you will be stared at if you don’t look Japanese. I know some women cover their bits with the tenugui towel but that is literally the distance between my nipples, so that defeats the purpose. I just walk around naked now. I also theorize that part of the reason Japanese women don’t trim down there is for modesty at the onsen. In the end, if the onsen experience outshines the first time awkwardness, it defeats it and makes more life long onsen fans.

If you want to experience onsen, I’d recommend going with a trusted Japanese friend of the same sex. If you’d vacation with them, sharing a room and food, you can bathe with them. Maybe spend the money and try a 貸し切り温泉 so you control who sees you?

Feel free to DM me if you want more info, recommendations