Zabouan Stay&Spa

First of all, I am a westerner, thus, I do not have the same standards Japanese have about Onsen. I am simply a woman of good taste and culture, but also a scientist and, therefore, if there are "algae" at the bottom of the Onsen, to me, as a scientist, is guarantee that the water has the good algae that ensure there is a natural source of beneficial trace elements, such as Fe, for my skin and health. Therefore, I did not care about the algae. I thought that was good. Second, I am not accustomed to be served as a Princess, or a Queen. I am not accustomed to be treated as a "Honoured guest". I have no words to express my gratitude and my surprise about being taken care almost as if I were the Goddess Kwannon visiting Earth and humans to have a nice chat and make friends, even though...we were "lost in translation". I could not believe everyone were so attentive to what I ate and did not eat. To my vegetarianism and frugal habits. I was taught how to behave in a correct JApanese way, without being ashamed. I was greeted, welcomed with a warmth I could not expect. All my "prejudice" related to the strictness of JApanese behavioural rules was scattered in smithereens. Such loving-kindness as what I experienced here was heartfelt, not a polite habit. The room was spacious, and I felt, for the first time, in "real" Japan. A place that is off the beaten tourist pathways. Thus, here is a bathroom with a shower you need to take before plunging in the bath. Here is a room where you can not wear shoes. tatami on the floor, a small table, no wi-fi. As t should be if you want to "vacate" and clean your mind of clutter. Here is an Onsen that I loved, with all its algae at the bottom. You see, I love bacteria, they are so good to our Life, they are part of Life. We want to get rid of the good ones, and then we are all fraught with allergies and prone to be sick. I was born at the end of the post WW2 generation and beginning of the "boom", when things were still tough, and people were still simple. I am lucky I have known to learn how certain bacteria are good to us, and appreciate their role in Life. If people think these are "dirt" I feel sorry, as too much cleanliness is part of our current paranoia. Thus, I hope thet at Zaboan they will keep this testament to their good water quality on the floor of the Onsen, despite rebukes. For us westerners...staff does not speak English fluently. But it is not a problem. Some do. And we could manage very well. The breakfast is JApanese, thus, you need to adapt to the taste. There is plenty of food, and make sure you tell them if you do not like fish, as it seems that fish is a staple food in Japan. Make sure you learn the rules to the Onsen. Wash yourself before you go in. There is also a sauna. And then all the amenities a woman should wish for...in Japan, where to clean your skin comes first...then you can wear make up. But first: clean! The area surrounding the Hotel is lovely. We took a walk along a trail leading up to the mountains and we got to a spot where we could see Mount Fujii, and the city below. We saw deers, squirrels, hawks, strawberries, raspberries...Mononoke. The Spirit of the forest whispered amongst the trees. Thus, Zaboan is a spot where you can relax, walk, go to a city, which is nice because off the tourist circuit, a truly Japanese experience. It is a place where you feel precious, like Murasaki. You can get a glimpse, just a tiny little one, of Prince Genjii and the Fujiwara Era. I have to thank my colleagues at the University who booked for us Zaboan. It was the best Hotel I have ever been to. Yet, bear in mind, I am a westerner, and a scientists and, although sophisticated, I can feel comfortable even sleeping under the stars. Thus, to myself, the welcoming at Zaboan was that a Princess deserved.