how to enjoy an onsen

Note: these were some of the onsens we could choose from (these first 2 being ones we stayed farrrr away from.) We could hear that there were many old women inside cackling and carrying on. Notice that the one with the brown front has a kind of "walker" parked out front... this should indicate that inside houses some "senior" spa-goer or group.

Step 1: Choose an Onsen (we had many to choose from in Yufuin, but this one looked cute in front, and as an added bonus, there were 2 cute pet chickens hanging out front)

Step 2: Pay at the front counter
Step 3: Put your valuables in a locker
Step 4: Enter (and don't forget to remove your shoes.) The kanji on the right if for women, and on the left is for men.
Step 5: Prepare yourself for being naked in public and seeing others in the buff of course... Step 6: Undress. Put your stuff in a basket (and since this was outdoors an it was about 40 degrees, make it quick!)

Step 7: Go through doors to the shower area. Flip over a stool, sit down and wash.

Step 8: Carefully, get in. It's hot! And enjoy!