I have an adult child who lives in Tokyo, so my husband and I visit for a month every year. Until this week, I couldn't work up the courage to try an onsen. Why? Because I've had bilateral mastectomies without reconstruction. In all of my reading on this sub, I have not seen any first hand accounts of women with similar scars, both physical and emotional (I have seen a few comments from partners, but not first hand). So, here is my account.
First of all, the countless people on here who say that NOBODY cares about your body are absolutely correct. The only slight side eye I got was from a young girl (probably 7ish) who just looked confused. I happened to be in the sitting down washing area and she was far away and could probably just see my very flat chest. She was probably wondering if I was another pre-pubescent kid or a boy lol.
Also, I think that there is a stereotype pre-conceived notion that all Japanese women are very petite. Well, I'm here to tell you that there were all body types. Fat, skinny, old, young, fit, droopy, groomed and not groomed. Although no one "checks you out", you can't help but notice people walking by you but the overall vibe is one of absolute body positivity.
Before going in, I'd told my husband that if I hated it, I'd just head home and text him but that he should stay as long as he wants. Well, I came out later than he did! I was the only foreigner and I felt completely welcome and comfortable. I can't wait to go back.
Long way of saying, just do it.
by c_l_who