my onsen adventures

one of the best things in Japan is onsen (hotsprings). originally, i wasn't all that keen. onsen water was hot, and i couldn't sit there for more than about 10 mns, so i couldn't see the point of spending a whole afternoon there. also, my first experience was expensive, and i think that might have reinforced my opinion. it took place in an outdoor onsen so close to the sea that there were only a couple of rocks between the hot water and the cold one. it also happened to be a temple, so everyone had to wear a light, white yukata (summer kimono). it was a mixed bath (i.e. with men and women), and the yukata offered some protection, but it was awkward moving in the water with it on. the place WAS beautiful, with tree roots hanging in the air above us (the tree had originally grown on rocks that no longer existed, but that didn't seem to bother the tree much), and the volcanic water gushing out from about the same height, straight from the volcano we were on. nevertheless, i only went there once.

(to be continued...)