The first time I went to an onsen in Niigata I was a little confused. I wanted to make sure I followed the proper onsen rules so I wouldn’t look too much like a foreigner. But I already stuck out because I go to the beach a lot and I was the only tan person there. For example, I didn’t know you have to be completely naked at the onsen. In america when you go into a jacuzi, something similar to an onsen, you usually wear swimming shorts. Also I found out that you have to bathe before going into the onsen because since everybody is using the onsen, you don’t want to get the water dirty. That is just simple and proper etiqutte. Getting totally naked was a little different for me however. There were a lot of people that were comfortable just walking around totally naked even without using their small towel. In America, I guess we might be a little more discreet about that.

The second time I went to an onsen in Hakone, I was more relaxed since I was more familiar with the custom. Now, going to the onsen is a must whenever I go to Japan.