Public Nudity

Japan is always a mystery. On one hand they are very dignified, private people. On the other hand they do lots of things in public that Americans would consider very undignified. Take onsen culture.

Japan is basically situated on the ring of fire in the Pacific; essentially on a volcanic ridge jutting out from the ocean. There are lots of outlets for that pressure- earthquakes, lava/ash eruptions, and hot springs. There are natural hot springs everywhere and the onsen culture developed. It is very relaxing to travel to a hotel or small ryokan and sit in a hot spring.

When you're at a small ryokan (inn) you can often get the hot spring to yourself. But, if you are at a hotel, the hot spring or bath will be public. Yep, that means getting naked with people you don't know.

I stayed at a small ryokan and sat in this onsen situated on a river in the woods-
It is pretty hot and steamy-

This ryokan had many tubs to choose from. Here is a pic of a traditional wooden tub-


I stayed at 2 large hotels and I went to the public baths there as well (see note). This is where I'm baffled by Japanese behavior. In Japan, at least once a year your company will arrange a retreat or vacation to a hotel. There you will go on tours and possibly meet but in the evening, you and your co-workers will get naked and bath together. How's that for departmental bonding?

One last note: Despite the fact that the Japanese are so skinny, its nice to know that age and gravity are the great equalizers!