The electric bath (denki furo) is not instant death... It sends out a small current that is completely noticeable, but somehow is supposed to be relaxing.


...

All this talk and you post pictures of the hotel? Where's the picture of the girl? :)

Sheesh...you and girl pictures ;)

Seconded! Pics or it didn't happen!

@ burkhartdesu: An electric current? And it helps you relax? Well then again, this is from the country that has gigantic ex-pro wrestlers get up and slap women full in the face for getting a question wrong on a variety show...

I loved Japanese Onsen and always felt comfortable. Off course people look at you, but i didnt have anybody stare at me (unlike in Korea).
I have only been at one mixed Onsen wich was ok (mostly man).
I have been at over 30 different Onsen and i never felt that i got special treatment because i am a gaijin... My best experience was an Onsen somewhere in Kansai wich was open to the Seaside. Not to far away was a bridge from wich you could see inside the male-side. Sometimes people would walk by and stop for a moment and look, suddenly this guy next to me (maybe 25) gets up and waves at the people on the bridge :D they just ignored him... "we didnt look..." :D

To the car thingy: I have been driving in Australia and Japan (im from germany) and i got used to driving the other way round very fast. Because you are also sitting on the other side it usually is no problem. I think driving a scooter might be more difficult to start with. Id also recommend to rent a small car first (K-Jidosha), just got to you local Toyota rental-car, they have the best prices.

hmm,
I've never really had a problem bathing in public (gym, pools and stuff)
but if people really do stare that much at you I think I'd be extremely uncomfortable with it.
If I step foot in Japan I'll probably just stick to the private shower where no one is staring.

I've never been to an onsen in Japan.
But from what i'm reading it sounds that you have to be fully nude in order to get in.
Is this true?

They sound fun and relaxing. I might go to one when i go to Japan.

Onsen/Sento

Pay the fee and then go to the changing room.
Get fully naked and then go into the cleaning area.
Clean yourself very well.
Enjoy the baths.

What is the problem?

I have a really big cock and I never get stared at when in public baths.
I guess all those years at an all boys school prepared me for bathing in japan!
But seriously, I have never had any issues using public baths here.
Get naked and enjoy the baths, good times!

HAH!!

Haha!!

HahahahahahahahahaHNNNNNNNNNNNGGGGG!!!