- rules are meant to be broken -

「規則は破るためにある」。

それとも、単に自分が反抗的なだけかな。
小学生の頃、よくカンニングしてました（笑）
しかも一人や二人とかじゃなく、クラス単位で ^p^
そういえばクラス単位でネトゲー中毒になったことが・・
あるような、ないような。

そんなこんなで、こんなモン見つけました。
日本に住む（あるいは旅行に来ている）外国人のためのフリーペーパー『att.JAPAN』。
それの7月/8月号に載っている「温泉入浴方法」です。
これはさすがに守らなきゃダメですな　^p^

or is it simply because i'm rebellious?
i used to cheat in exams when i was in primary school LOL
and it wasn't just one or two of us, it's the entre class :p
not sure if it's true or it's just my imagination,
but i think there was a time when the entire class was addicted to internet games.

anyways, i found this.
on issue 47 of "att.JAPAN",
a free magazine for foreign residents and visitors in Japan,
there's an article regarding "how to bathe in an Onsen".
obviously, you wouldn't wanna break these rules :p

*****

How to Bathe in an Onsen

1. First of all you will have to completely undress... Other than you birthday suit, you may bring one small towel or wash-cloth to the bathing area for washing with. Do not make the mistake of changing into and going in your bathing suit!
↑ i actually paused for a moment when i saw "birthday suit", then i finally got what it means. oh dear, i not speeek engrish D:

2. Once in the bathing area, rinse off with hot water before getting into the onsen... Hot water is drawn from the tub or tap and poured over the entire body to rinse thoroughly. This is considered one of the most important points of onsen manners.

3. After you have completely rinsed, it's time to get into the hot tub. Get in slowly up to your knees, then up to your waist, followed by the chest, then neck. In doing so your body will slowly get used to the water temperature. Do not put the towel into the water. You may see people fold and put it on their heads, now you know why - it doesn't belong in the water.
↑ yes we did it once when we went to an onsen in Nagano, and we were scolded by the old ladies. you've only washed your body, not your towel. it's just common sense not to put something dirty into the onsen, where everyone's enjoying the bath - even if the towel is new and unused and you think it's "clean".

4. One dip is usually no more than 10 minutes. As there are mineral elements in the water, longer exposure is not only relaxing, but allows the body to soak up more of those minerals. Getting at least 2 to 3 times a day is reasonable.
↑ you'll faint if you dip yourself for too long due to the heat of the water. i always fainted or puked in onsen when i was a kid, now i think i know why. or is it true that kids are not allowed in onsen?

5. Where tap and washing stalls are available, switching from wash stall to tub and back is up to you... Never bring the soap or suds into the tub!

6. Some hot springs provide more than one tub, such as the rotenburo (outdoor onsen). Switching from bath to bath may also be done freely.

7. When your body is hot and your are totally relaxed, taking a shower is entirely up to you, although may be a waste of the onsen's mineral healing properties. Leaving them to soak in may be better for your skin.

8. Once out of the onsen, dry off with a towel. Taking a nap is effective; bathing in a hotspring takes quite some physical energy.

[extracted from att.JAPAN issue 47, pg.25]

*****

these links might help too ;D

・Onsen, the Japanese Bath - pure inside out
↑ details on bathing in an Onsen. also, benefits of the Onsen.
・What to wear inside Oedo Onsen? - JapanForum.com
↑ your birthday suit ;D
・Onsen Japanese vs American Spa for Skin Care - Free Online Library
・Types of Onsen and Their Effectiveness - Nara: A Journey to the Ancient City


*****

hmm, i couldn't think of a good word/phrase for "さすがに".
it's "memant patut sekali" in Malay, in this context.

oh, and i'm going to Kansai later this month. Kobe: for shopping and tabehoudai. Kyoto, Nara, Shiga: visiting temples and shrines, more tabehoudai. Osaka: visiting CJLC at Osaka U, and Semba Curry at Kitasenri! i just can't wait to see my bank savings drop to 5 digit -.-