Writers Abroad Magazine Issue 2 March 2015 | Page 7
WRITERS ABROAD MAGAZINE
Say Nothing
An Article by Alyson Hilbourne
“Saying nothing… sometimes says the most” Emily Dickinson
An Onsen
The young girl couldn’t stop staring.
Probably only seven or eight, with porcelain skin and dark square-cut bangs, there
was no doubt she hadn’t seen anything resembling my Spam-coloured body before.
But I’ll warrant immersion in 43 degree centigrade water is enough to cook any
English-rose skin to the colour of processed meat.
I was in the onsen at the hotel in Nagasaki where we were staying. I usually enjoy the
onsen culture of Japan. But the girl’s interest was unnerving and I was beginning to
feel very exposed in my naked state.
The onsen are supposed to be relaxing, the waters curative and the whole experience
pleasant. In a country with natural abundance of geothermically heated water, hot
spring bathing is a popular pastime.
There are certain rules and etiquettes that go with it. Most bathing areas are separated
into male and female zones, although some hotels have baths that can be booked for
use by couples or families.
7| March 2015