It is very surprised by foreigners that there is the custom of taking a public bath without wearing a bathing suit. Furthermore, they say there used to be a custom of both men and women to spend the same bath naked together. Americans who came to Japan in the mid-19th century left such a picture.

Such customs still remain in some hot spring areas. Sukayu Onsen in Aomori Prefecture is one of them.

Men expect young women to come, but they never. Old women sometimes come in without shyness.