You Shy?

I hope not, because this is your introduction to the Japanese bath:

Step 1 - Pay, if necessary.

Step 2 - Step to the hall with the appropriate gender. I've learned that the Japanese character for women kind of looks like a woman. You'll know real fast if you've made a mistake.

Step 3 - Enter the vestibule and remove your shoes.

Step 4 - Locker room, but don't think gym class. There's carpet (you're not wearing shoes) and a wall full of shelves. Put your clothes in a hole. Leave your bath towel too - it's just you and a wash cloth from here on out.

Step 5 - Shower room. Sit down - that's right - sit down at a shower. Mind the playing children, grab a shower head and a bar of soap, and go at it. The Japanese women are at this for at least 10 minutes. Wash everything before

Step 6 - Tub time. The water is 45 degrees C. Sit and soak. Chat - if you're so inclined - or admire the murals till good and pruny.

Step 7 - Work backwards - minus the soap in Step 5 - till out. Done.