A couple of Japan questions...
 

Hello<BR><BR>Here's a couple of questions..<BR><BR>Does Tokyo have night buses like London that run through the night?<BR><BR>In onsen, I get the impression that being naked is the norm. What I want to know is - is it ok to wear a swimming costume in onsen? I'm not worried about other people being naked, just me!!<BR><BR>Thanks in advance<BR><BR>Jo

Wearing a bathing suit is sometimes permitted/required at shared (m/f) outdoor onsen pools. However it shouldn't be done in the regular bath since are supposed to clean yourself thoroughly before entering the water.

Taxis are pretty much it in the late night hours.<BR>As far as swim suits...Ed is right. In a coed one, often they may be allowed, but in a single sex one, it would be highly unusual. When you are bathing, you are expected to get yourself REALLY clean, before getting into the furo. Don't just do a quick soap and rinse...you should really make a show of scrubbing all over. japanese really don't care about nudity...kids bathe with their parents, grandparents, and classmates, so it isn't odd to them. Just act like its normal and don't peek too openly! = )

Ok then<BR><BR>Thanks for your help!

Being a Japanese lived in Japan till 23 y.o.incl.8years in Tokyo till '84 (living in Switzerland since), I can tell you :<BR><BR>1.There is no night buses(after mid-night) as far as I remember and people<BR>take taxi at such hours.<BR><BR>2.At the tranditional onsen(public thermal bath), you will look really out<BR>of place to the others' eyes with your bathing suit on. I wish you can go naked as the others do! Also they will probably consider it not hygienic somebody bathe with a cloth (though it's a bathing suit in you case) on and they even might not allow you to go in.<BR><BR>If above comments of mine don't make sense, please ask me.

Being a typically modest American, I was a bit leery of the onsen too. But I went for it and had the most fun! It is a liberating experience and a great way to sample a bit of true Japanese culture.

Sorry this is not a direct reply to Jo Lewis. Mimi, <BR><BR>Nice to hear you enjoyed Onsen bath.