Visit an onsen in Japan

“At first I was really nervous 1) due to the whole naked thing, and 2) because I was entering with my boyfriend's mom and sister. But any awkwardness and apprehension quickly melted away and I loved every part of the experience! It was so refreshing being in a space where nakedness is so normalized and is not sexualized in any way. Girls and women of all ages come and go in the bathes, some even watching their infant/toddler sons or younger brothers. No one gawks, no one stares. Aside from getting over the culture shock of nudity being completely normal and not inherently associated with sex like in America, I had nothimg else but positive feelings and energy from this experience.”

“I came back from my trip to Japan recently and one my best experiences was the onsen. It was impromptu but so relaxing after a long day of just go-go-go. I was incredibly nervous at first and was definitely not prepared mentally (and physically). Honestly was hoping my body was more trim before going to one. But I did it, it was rather large onsen in the Fuji area and we went at night. It looked like a place people went locally as there were no foreigners (unless they came in the day, I wasn’t sure). But yes, as the OP says no one cares. I did get a few eyes on me but I was the only brown woman there so it made sense and I didn’t really care. There was one aunty there who was actually really kind and wanted to talk to me but there was a language barrier. My husband and I planned to meet up in 30 minutes but I think I stayed in there for an hour.”