"While waiting for your evening meal, we suggest you take a dip at the onsen[1] to wash away travel fatigue," the woman named Akiko said.

"Thank you," I smiled.

"You are welcome. If there's anything you need, please don't hesitate to let us know, Ms. Yang," she bowed and left.

Intending to follow Akiko's suggestion, I changed into the floral yukata[2] she prepared for me earlier. It was still cold and drizzling lightly but I couldn't resist the beauty outside, so before heading to the onsen, I decided to look around. I opened one of the sliding doors that lead to my private lawn, combed my hair with my fingers, and snapped a quick selfie. My yukata complimented the garden, I realized.

After connecting to the ryokan's high speed internet, I logged on to my Instagram account and uploaded the photo. Within minutes I was bombarded with notifications from my subordinates.

"callmemike: I don't know which is more beautiful, the woman in the photo or the garden at the back. ???"

"heyitsanne: I agree, @callmemike, miss is so gorgeous! ❤️"

"daveramos: you look like a bride of a daimyo!"

"kimlim92: Miss, don't forget our pasalubong[3]!"

I quickly sent each one of them a reply before heading to the hot springs. It was already dusk, the sound of the flowing water mixed with the rain was calming. At the entrance leading to the women's outdoor bath, I read that the Aras.h.i.+yama onsen's waters were known to beautify the skin. I went to the changing room and placed my huge towel, comb, and robe in a wicker basket. I took a deep breath and with only my modesty towel covering my lower lady bits (I wished I could cover my bosom, too), I went to the row of miniature stools off the side. There, I made sure my hair was secured in a bun before was.h.i.+ng myself thoroughly as a required prerequisite. Once done, it was time for me to hit the onsen. I saw a few women in the bath, lounging. Although we were anatomically the same, I still averted my eyes when I walked past them. Because I was not used to parading in my birthday suit in public, I decided to 'hide' in the far corner.

I tested the waters and slowly got in. Once my body got acclimatized to the tempereture, I felt the tiredness in my body evaporating.The water felt so good. I closed my eyes, relis.h.i.+ng the warmth. I guess I must have dozed off because when I came to, it was completely dark. The only thing illuminating the area were the lamps.

Back in my room, Akiko and two of her colleagues served my full kaiseki[4]. My body was already feeling very heavy after my trip to the bath but what almost knocked me out was my very satisfied stomach. Everything I ate and drank was very delicious. My relaxed muscles and happy tummy made me sleepy.

As soon as the wait staff left, I went to the bathroom to brush my teeth. I went to the bedroom proper, lay on the futon, and surrendered to sleep.

Have you ever had a dream where you know you're dreaming but you still can't control your body? That night, I dreamt that I was in a bamboo grove with a man carrying a samurai sword. His long hair was sleek and black as the night. His brown kimono[5] was untied, exposing his washboard abdominal muscles, his katana's[6] sageo[7] was tied securely to his blue hakama[8]. I was wearing traditional j.a.panese clothes as well, complete with zori [9] and tabi[10]. In this dream, we were having a leisurely stroll through the bamboo forest. My arm was hooked through his.

During our walk, he spotted a vermillion flower and pointed at it. He nodded and guided us to where the plant was. Releasing my arm, he bent to pick the flower. Afterwards, he combed his fingers through my hair before placing it behind my left ear. I smiled, delighted with his gift. He was wearing a mask with a long nose, making it impossible for me to recognize him. Despite this, I was curiously happy.

The man suddenly pulled me in his arms, it was abrupt but it was full of tenderness. In his arms, I felt a warmth and sense of security I've never felt before. In response, I stood on my toes then snaked my arms around his neck, pulling him even closer. He was at least a foot taller than me, I reckon.

"Hinata," he uttered my name. His deep voice m.u.f.fled by his mask. He slightly lowered his head; for some reason I felt as though he was telling me to remove the mask. I slowly undid the knot as he held its chin. Once done, he unhurriedly began lowering it. Just when I caught a glimpse of his closed eyes, a familiar ringing suddenly sounded, waking me up from my dream.

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[1] An onsen* is a j.a.panese hot spring and the bathing facilities and inns frequently situated around them.

[2] The yukata is a casual version of the kimono. (Source: j.a.pan-guide.com)

[3] Pasalubong* is the Filipino tradition of travellers bringing gifts from their destination to people back home.

[4] Kaiseki* or kaiseki-ryōri is a traditional multi-course j.a.panese dinner.

[5] The kimono* is a traditional j.a.panese garment.

[6] Historically, katana* were one of the traditionally made j.a.panese swords that were used by the samurai of ancient and feudal j.a.pan. For a detailed "anatomy" of the katana, see this photo: http://www.kokorokai.co.uk/katana.html

[7] A sageo* is a hanging cord made of silk, cotton or leather that is pa.s.sed through the hole in the kurigata of a j.a.panese sword's saya.

[8] Hakama are loose trousers with many pleats in the front, forming part of j.a.panese formal dress. (Source: oxforddictionaries.com)

[9] Zōri* are flat and thonged j.a.panese sandals made of rice straw or other plant fibers, cloth, lacquered wood, leather, rubber, or—increasingly—synthetic materials.

[10] Tabi* are traditional j.a.panese socks dating back to the 15th century.

* Source: Wikipedia