Japanese Hot Springs by Ayako Itou

There are many hot springs in Japan. Many Japanese like hot springs and they take a long time to take a bath. It takes more than 30 minutes for me to take a bath everyday. It makes me so relax. I usually read books and send e-mail on the phone during bath time. There are many kinds of hot springs, such as a whirlpool bath, milk bath, and an open-air bath. I sometimes go to a public bath with my friends. Hot springs are good for health and beauty. They remove fatigue of body, skin become nice, and we sweat a lot. I’m interested in Ganbanyoku nowadays. It is like sauna. We wear pajama like yukata and lie on a hot stone in a hot room. Every about 30 minutes, we have to drink water and can sweat a lot. The sweat is not dirty, so we don’t have to wash our body. I can feel refresh when I go to Ganbanyoku. Women have paid attention to Ganbanyoku for few years these days because they can get slim body. I went to Takayama in Gifu with my friends from university in the last spring vacation. It was so cold and there was much snow. The open-air bath was so comfortable because we could see snow and have a long bath. After that, we ate many kinds of Takayama dish, like Hida beef and Hoba miso. They were fantastic. Food was good because of hot springs. If you plan to have a short trip in Japan, I recommend you to go to a hot spring. You’ll enjoy some types of baths and talking with your family or friends in the bath. It is good for health and communication.

A coming-of-age caremony by Yuika Uchi

In Japan it is the tradition to celebrate a coming-of-age ceremony. It is a national holiday for the whole nation to congratulate those who have come of age. Men usually wear suit or Hakama. Woomen wear a long-sleeved kimono.


Next January, I’ll go to a coming-of-age ceremony. I’m looking forward to it. About two weeks ago, I’ve taken the ceremonial pictures before the event. I’ve worn a long-sleeved kimono. The color is light pink and pattern is yellow, purple and white flowers. The obi’s color is gold. I’ve put my hair up and worn big purple flower. I was pleased this style. I’ve worn kimono for the first time. The obi is so tight. I had been wearing for about three hours. My body was very heavy. When, I took off kimono, I felt free!

When I was taking photos, I enjoyed. I’ve taken some pose and had many goods such as a Bangasa, Mari and flower. Bangasa is a coarse oil-paper umbrella. These are very interesting goods for me. I’m looking forward to completing photos.

On the day of the ceremony. I have to wear kimono for about six hours. I think the ceremony is boring, but I can meet many friends who same junior high school. I’ll meet some friends after a long time. I want to talk them and take pictures.