Quick Talk Answers

1.  Do you prefer hot springs or public baths?

I prefer hot springs because I like bathing outdoors – in nature. I know most hot springs are indoors, in resorts and hotels, but I always choose the ones that are outside. I went to Toyama last winter and sat in an outdoors bath. It was snowing. There was a really special atmosphere.

2.  Which is better - taking baths or having showers?

Of course, taking a bath is best. A bath is much, much better for our skin. When we have a shower, we just put soap on our body and rinse it off. A bath means we can be really, really clean. I love sitting in deep baths – with the water up to my chin. But, if the bath is too hot, I get dizzy.

3.  Do you need your smartphone when you have a bath?

I think using your smartphone in the bath is a no-no. We don't need to look at YouTube or play games in the bath. We should sit in the bath and appreciate the nice feeling, and relax. Using smartphones in the bath would not create a good atmosphere for other bathers.

4.  What's the best thing in the world?

The best thing in the world is sitting in a hot bath. All my problems disappear in the bath. My favorite thing in the world is to book a room at a gorgeous hot springs in the mountains. I sit in the bath, look at the mountains and appreciate the beauty of nature. There is nothing better than that.

5.  Do you like talking to other bathers at hot springs and public baths?

Sometimes. When I get undressed in the locker room, I never talk to anyone. Also, when I get dressed after my bath, I don’t talk to anyone. But, sometimes, when I'm in the bath, other bathers talk to me. Usually, older people like to talk. They talk a lot. A lot of older people talk to themselves in the bath.

6.  What should people from other countries know about Japanese hot springs?

They should know the dos and don'ts – what to do and what not to do. They should book a room before they go. They don't need toiletries because the bath has soap and shampoo. They should get undressed in the locker room and leave their phone and wallet in the locker. There are many things they need to know.

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