I’d always wondered what it would be like to attend a Japanese Onsen. An onsen is a Japanese bath house where participants soak together while completely nude.

This was the first activity I’ve ever been nervous about doing in Japan. 

I know I mention a lot in these articles about the mistakes I make or misunderstandings that happen when I get nervous but this terrified me.

I’m not the most body-confident, but from a young age, my parents instilled in me that it’s important to get out of my comfort zone and try new things. That’s how I knew this was one activity I needed to cross off my bucket list.

I went to the Solaniwa Onsen in Bentencho this weekend with my friend Liberty. She is much better at understanding Japanese than I am so I was grateful for her company.

That being said, I think understanding at least a little Japanese is a must for this onsen because of the complicated steps I had to complete before bathing.

First, to enter the onsen, I had to take off my shoes and put them in a locker. A worker explained to me that the wristbanded key to this locker would serve as a charge card inside the onsen.

Liberty and I changed into some adorable yukata provided by the onsen. The options for these robes were limited, so we ended up twinning with half the guests. I still think the pink yukata looked cutest on us.

Entering the main floor, we passed through a hall of mirrors and lanterns. It’s important to note that we looked amazing from every angle.

This first floor had a fish spa, claw machines, arcade games, carnival games, a restaurant and even an entire room dedicated to gashapon.

Then I realized why the tickets to this place were only $30 including a meal. 

The ability to charge food, but especially to play claw machines with the wristband, could have definitely wracked up a huge bill if I wasn’t monitoring my spending. 

After we ate tempura in the Gourmet Alley restaurant and splurged for the fish spa, we headed upstairs to the rooftop Japanese garden. 

This outdoor area is complete with a pond, a shrine, an outdoor restaurant and many plants to look at, as well as a foot bath area to enjoy.

Liberty and I spent a brief time here before going back inside to enjoy the onsen. Then it came time to disrobe. 

I cannot fully put into words all that I saw, nor can I articulate the embarrassment I felt. This was not a natural feeling for me. 

Even in public changing rooms, I’m the kind of person who changes in a bathroom stall. Being naked around strangers makes me so nervous.

I tried a total of six baths while there. My first bath was the hot spring bath. This was a great one for me to get adjusted to the experience and the overwhelming heat of some of these baths. 

The cloudy water of the silk bath allowed me to hide in its waters and feel a little more comfortable in the bath house. 

I sat on my heels to submerge myself which I would not recommend doing. As soon as I tried to exit the silk bath, I felt really dizzy and my vision went black for a second. I’m glad I ate beforehand because otherwise I would have sunk back into that bath.

Now more aware of the temperatures I could handle, Liberty and I spent brief time in the hotter baths like the garden view bath and open-air bath.

My favorite baths were the collagen bath and especially the carbonated bath. I love Bubly and La Croix, so this was the perfect bath for me.

It was not too hot and the bubbles had a relaxing and floating effect that took the stress from my body. By sitting still, I could see bubbles collect on my arms and shake them off to see them rise to the surface.

After our baths, we went to the downstairs restaurant to share a dessert as a perfect bookend to our visit. With this relaxing experience under my belt, I’m ready to take on anything, even finals.

Curtin can be reached at [email protected].