Visiting Japan 1 - arrival

Hiro, Sashi's son who teaches English at a local high school and his Korean wife, Chunja, a vetenarian.
















At the Sushi restaurant in Chiba with Sashi and Chunja.








16 July 2010, I flew to Narita airport by Malaysia airline, to be met by my Japanese friend, Sashi at the airport. Her son, Hiro and Korean daughter-in-law, Chunja were waiting there. It was nice meeting Sashi again after 8 years.
We had sushi at a restaurant in Chiba.
Communal bath in Japan is very common. Hiro suggested we went to a communal bath to clean ourselves before going back to his apartment. As his apartment is small it would be inconvenient to the neighbours to hear shower or bath by 4 people. I agreed. I have never done this before.
A small amount of fee was charged for using this facilities, we were allocated a locker and then we have to strip naked. If you're bashful of your body, you have a choice - go back with sweaty body. Of course there are separate sections for men and women.The procedure before taking the bath is as follows:
1. Bring a face towel for rubbing and soaping yourself.
2. Strip naked and store your belonging at a allocated locker.
3. With naked body, shower, soap and thoroughly clean yourself. Soap, shampoom conditioner and body wash are provided.
4. Go into one of the warm pools, together with other bathers soak yourself and relax.
5. You can choose different jacuzzi to massage your tired body and later dip yourself in cool water, if you want.
6. Stay as long as you like in the warm pool or go to sauna, if you prefer.
7. When you have enough, shower again to rinse yourself, dry your body and put your clothes on.
8. Use the hair dryer, facial cleanser, toner and moisturizer provided.
9. Finally, you will feel fresh and invigorating.
I can guarantee you that nobody is interested to look at your body!!

17 July 2010, Sashi and I took a train to Niigata city to Sashi's house, not knowing it was a long way away, about 4 hours ride and 5 hours bus ride. I felt guilty for putting her in such a troubling situation. Tokyo train station is bewildering, riddled with numerous lines. Not knowing Japanese can be intimidating. Thank God, I have Sashi with me.








Meeting new friend at the station, Keiko, at the train station. She is retired and can converse in English.










Toshi, Sashi's husband, welcomed me at Niigata City train station. As he doesn't speak English, we greeted each other by shaking hands and bowing politely.








Picture taken in front of their house.








They have beautiful home with small, well-taken care Japanese garden. I experienced a Japanese hospitality that delighted me and hope I can return it with Malay hospitality when they visit Malaysia one day.




















The corner of Sashi's Japanese garden at her house.








Thank you Sashi, Toshi, Hiro and Chunja for your kind hospitality. You accepted me as your guest gracefully and as a part of your family. I really felt honoured. May God Bless You all.