Bob:
Hi Yuki. I'm going to a place called Kinosaki tomorrow with a (1) [few / couple] of friends. Do you know it?

Yuki:
Kinosaki? Yes, it's very famous. It's kind of a resort town, full of lovely hot springs and public (2) [bath / baths] . The Japanese word for hot springs is "onsen".

Bob:
Yes, I know that. I'm going to a few in Kinosaki. Or… am I going to a public bath? What's the (3) [different / difference] between hot springs and public baths? I should know that by (4) [then / now] .

Yuki:
Well, an onsen (hot springs) is usually outdoors - in nature. The hot water comes from deep (5) [under / over] the ground, and it is full of minerals, that are good for your (6) [skin / skinny] .

Bob:
Oh. I see. So what about a public bath – a sento? What's that?

Yuki:
Yes, a sento. A public bath is usually manmade (or (7) [humane / human] made), and it's indoors. There are many public baths in the big cities. You should try one.

Bob:
Thanks. I will. OK. Can you tell me about (8) [ [the / a] rules? I don't want to do the wrong thing in front of my Japanese friends. What should and shouldn't I do?

Yuki:
The rules? When you go in, there is a changing room for you to get (9) [overdressed / undressed] . You should leave your clothes, wallet, watch and smartphone (10) [on / in] a locker.

Bob:
OK. And what about getting into the bath. What's the etiquette for that?

Yuki:
There's a lot of etiquette. I'll tell you a (11) [few / some] things you should never forget. First, you should always shower before you get into the bath. There are places to shower near the bath. Each place has a shelf full of (12) [toilets / toiletries] . You should always sit down when you shower.

Bob:
OK. Thank you. That's good to know. What else should I do?

Yuki:
What else? Ermm... Make sure you rinse (13) [every / all] the soap off your body. You should never get into the bath covered in soap. And never put your towel in the bath. Oh, one thing I have to ask… Do you have a tattoo? Most onsen don't (14) [let / allow] people with tattoos.

Bob:
No. No tattoos. Anything else I should know? Any more dos and don'ts?

Yuki:
Erm. Yes. You should never swim (15) [on / in] the bath. That's a big no-no. And make sure you drink lots of water.

Bob:
OK. Swimming is a no-no. One (16) [final / finally] piece of advice?

Yuki:
You shouldn't spend too long in a hot bath. It's usually very hot so it can be a bit (17) [danger / dangerous] . You should get (18) [in / out] if you feel dizzy. I can't sit in a hot bath for a long time

Bob:
OK. Should I talk to other bathers in the bath? Do bathers talk to each other, or are they quiet?

Yuki:
You can do. There's usually a relaxed atmosphere in the bath. Some people like to (19) [chatty / chat] , usually about all kinds of things. Are you staying overnight in Kinosaki?

Bob:
Yes. I've booked a room in a traditional Japanese inn. A ryokan?

Yuki:
Wow. You'll love that. Have fun. And take lots of photos (20) [for / of] me.

Bob:
Thank you Yuki, I will. Thanks for all your advice. I really appreciate it.