Onsens (Hot Springs)

[SSJup81]

Originally Posted by Wasabista

One thing I've noticed increasingly at sentos is security camera inside the men's changing areas! (Can't comment on the women's changing area obviously)

Has anybody else noticed this?

That's not cool at all. Are there more ones that have cameras?

[Paul11]

It always feels a it wierd when the cleaning women come in and I'm trying to bath.

[JoshAussie]

Originally Posted by Paul11

It always feels a it wierd when the cleaning women come in and I'm trying to bath.

unless shes a babe, am i right am i right

[Wasabista]

Originally Posted by SSJup81

That's not cool at all. Are there more ones that have cameras?

I once crumpled up a kleenex and shoved it inside the glass casing of the security camera.

After blowing my nose on it of course.

[Nyororin]

Originally Posted by SSJup81

That's not cool at all. Are there more ones that have cameras?

They`re usually there to prevent people from stealing from other people`s bags, etc. I`ve never noticed any in the women`s side - but then again, I`ve hardly ever been to an onsen where they weren`t all locking cabinets/lockers.
I also have a feeling women would raise some serious complaints about it if they were present in the women`s side.

[Fire_Girl625]

I never really had a strong urge to try it. I would like to get tattoos (Only 17, so it's a no-go with my parents), so there's that.

And also, I don't mind seeing other people naked. Not at all. The human body is beautiful-a rule which pertains to everyone besides me. I don't really like my body, so I would feel ashamed of my body. Not because I'm showing my breasts and other such parts (Every woman has them. It's nothing special), but because I'm showing flaws that, otherwise, go pretty much unseen. Like strecth marks on my breasts and hips (A nice little final goodbye from puberty, caused by the fact that my family's skin doesn't stretch very well.)

[jrocka83]

When I was living in Sasebo, I would go to the Onsen in Hius Ten Bosch every Sunday. They had three baths, one super hot, a less hot, and a outdoor bath. I would spend 1 to 2 hours rotating between the three. After I would relax in the tatami room. Sometimes I would take a nap in there. It was so relaxing and refreching. I miss my onsen . They have some in Okinawa, but I havn't tried any of them.

I have heard of onsens not letting people in with tatoos. I have one tatoo on my shoulder, I usally don't tell them. However if I had large tatoos or exposed tatoos I am sure it would be a problem.

[odonata]

My first sento was comical. So I paid at the desk and went into the changing area, got my locker and proceded to get naked. There were about 6 other men there and I got some looks for being gaijin. In the changing area there were a few tables and chairs and two massage chairs. Three of the naked patrons were sitting at a table and chatting while observing the strange gaijin.
So I entered the washing area and was about to get clean when I realised that i had bought nothing with me. No soap, shampoo or towels. I left the wash area and started to ask my fellow naked humans in broken japanese what the deal was with the soap and towels.
After some laughing and joking I was directed to talk to the woman at the reception desk through a curtain and for a small fee she gave me some soap, shampoo and towels. She could clearly see me as we done the deal but I guess she sees that kind of stuff everyday.

So off I went to try again. The freedom of having a good soap down in an area built for it is great and pouring buckets of hot water over yourself is a nice treat.
Then I hit the sento proper. Anyone who says "putting your head under the water is bad ettiquet" is mental. The reason you do not put your head under the water is that your eyes will cook then explode as the water is soooo hot.
I could only bare about 2 minuets before I jumped out looking very red to the amusment of my fellow naked bathers.
One guy suggested that I try the far sento as the water was cooler and he was right. I did manage a ten minute soak in that one.

Back in the changing area getting dry I ended up teaching a few english words to a couple of naked japanese and getting a good lead on a local onsen.

Growing up in the UK I went to an all boys school and we all had to shower together, I really don't see any difference using a japanese sento/onsen.

For the people who feel embarassed or shocked I would suggest that you have some issues about your body image that are not held by other people that you would bath with. It is only your own issues that stop you from enjoying a great water based experience.
Lets face it, if you are a tourist in Japan it is very unlikely that the people at the onsen will ever see you again after you leave. it is not like they are going to phone your friends and family and tell them what a big rear you have.

[Paul11]

Originally Posted by odonata

Lets face it, if you are a tourist in Japan it is very unlikely that the people at the onsen will ever see you again after you leave. it is not like they are going to phone your friends and family and tell them what a big rear you have.

So, peeing in the water should be perfectly acceptable.

[JoshAussie]

Originally Posted by Thunda

Seriously, I wouldn't have a problem with it...thank God I'm like Josh (maan, I was staring at your post for minutes)
But, problem is, I would find myself uncomfortable that I am looking at others...especially younger women ( I know I know)

thats kinda weird you stared at the post for minutes, kind of gay too lol