Birthplace：Fukuoka, Japan / Lived in Kyoto for 14 years
Languages：Japanese, currently learning Japanese and Portuguese
Period：September 2026
Everyone welcomed me so warmly, and through Hostel Knot, I naturally became part of everyday life in Shuzenji Onsen.
From the very first night, I had this feeling: “This whole onsen town is like one big home.”
We’d say “Good night!” and go our separate ways, only to see each other again the next day. For a whole month, our lives overlapped in the most natural way.
Living in the volunteer house with the other volunteers was also a precious experience that I’m truly grateful for.
We worked together with the other helpers in the mornings, and our days off usually came in consecutive days. I was able to slow down, take my time, and enjoy a more relaxed pace of life.
Today, I’m off to Shinyu, the hot spring right next door.
Water that warms you up without asking anything of you…
I want to live a life with Shinyu again.
The people of Shuzenji have a gentle way of caring for you without ever imposing on you. I always felt surrounded by that quiet kindness.
At Fujiya, right next door, they remember everyone's favorite dishes. Everything is delicious, and somehow, I always find myself wanting to go back with someone else.
The bamboo grove and footbath, both within a five-minute walk, became part of my everyday routes rather than places I visited as a tourist.
A place that makes me think of someone I want to write a letter to, bringing a little warmth to my heart.
A place I want to stop by simply because I want to see the lovely couple who run it.
Shuzenji is full of these little everyday joys — things you might never notice if you only came here to sightsee.
Nights at Hostel Knot are so quiet…
And I absolutely loved spending evenings at the counters around the onsen town, sharing a drink and enjoying the atmosphere.
At Yasubei, I was amazed by how delicious the wild ayu sweetfish was!
And I’m so glad Iizuka is here in Shuzenji.
Meeting people and discovering places that make me feel this way became some of my most treasured memories of the month.
“You can always come back, you know.”
“I hope life gets even better for you from here.”
The older men who said these things to me never tried to make me stay. They simply sent me off with such warm, encouraging words, and that meant so much to me.
I want to come back — to explore more of Izu, soak in Shinyu again, and hear the people at Hostel Knot say, “Welcome home!”
To everyone in Shuzenji Onsen who shared this time with me, thank you so much.
English
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