How I survived my first onsen experience

Take a dip in the open-air onsen, Kirin-no Yu, which overlooks a breathtaking, quiet forest. Photo: Hoshino Resorts

I used to be the kid in school that was too shy to even change in the toilet if there were other schoolmates around.

When colleagues learned that I was visiting Club Med Tomamu in Hokkaido, Japan, where guests have access to an onsen operated by the neighbouring Hoshino Resorts, they were adamant I put my inhibitions aside and give it a go.