For the past week or so, my daughters finally started to take shower by themselves. I know this sounds weird to you, but I used to take shower with them and wash their hair and body and sing songs together. And that's what I miss being in Japan because taking bath together is part of Japanese culture.
Let's talk about "Onsen"{hot springs} for example: Japan is volacanic islands and there are plenty of hot springs all over the cities and towns. We call it "Onsen" - Students go to "onsen" for school trip or family and friend go on vacation to different "onsen" all over Japan. We even have co-ed onsen where ladies and gentlemen bathe together. We say "hello" and talk about nothing and everything. It's where people meet and socialize. Hot springs come from under ground which contains different types of mineral which is very good for your skin. You can see Tom Cruise dip his body in onsen in the movie "Last Samurai"
Anyways, even still today, I take a bath with my sister or my mom if I go back to Japan or even here in the US although bathing in the tiny/shallow tub is kind of hard to do that. We wash our back and talk about our lives. I simply miss taking the bath where I can sit in the tub and let warm water cover my whole body. It feels so great...
Have you ever been to onsen before??
Enjoy the photos of onsen in Japan - see you want to visit, right????
Posts
7 comments:
That is what heaven must be like! That sounds so wonderful to me.
I have never beeen but just by looking at it I might want to go to one now.
That sounds wonderful!
I think it's interesting how in America, we are so sensitive about bathing by ourselves. People have been bathing together much longer than they have been bathing by themselves.
Plus, no bathtub in America could compare to those tubs! How wonderful!
Wow, it's interesting to hear the cultural differences. I love how family-oriented Asian cultures are.
In regards to the bathroom thing, Brian told me that when he went to Korea to visit his grandfolks for the first time, he was surprised that the shower sprayed the whole room. Unlike the west, where we have a shower cubile thing, over there the shower has no walls, and just sprays over the whole room. Is it that way in Japan, too?
Your post goes far deeper than the waters of warmth...they speak of honoring your culture...of longing to be with family...
A post that engages, and informs.
And shares the joy of your life, with all of us :)
i have always wanted to go to an onsen!!! hopefully one day...
DysFUNctional Mom: Yes, it's pretty close especially if you go to the one by the ocean or beautiful mountain! :)
Farrielle Design and Fashionista: Definitely if you have time and chance - you should!
BakerGirl: I agree! This country is really sensitive about many things that are such norm in my country - that's why I find it amazing how culture can tell different stories:) You have to try Japanese tub!
Dionne: Well, in Japan the bathroom consists of a tub and floor with shower head where we wash our body before entering the tub. The shower is detachable, so I don't tink it's the same as Korea's. But I would love to see the one that sprays the whole room!
The Muse: Oh my goodness, I'm so touched that you feel that way about my post. Thanks sooo much!
eri: You should - you will enjoy it!!!!
Post a Comment