Coming of Age at the Onsen

Coming of Age at the Onsen, Part 1 by Izayoi

Disclaimer: This is a completely fictional story series. All places, characters, and settings are completely fictional and the author does not endorse any of the actions depicted within outside the realm of imaginary fantasies.

Hello everyone, my name is Izayoi and this is my first contribution to this site. This story series will be set in Japan at an Onsen Ryokan, a traditional Japanese hot spring inn which usually features a large bath with water heated by natural geological processes under the ground. In order to enter the bath you have to first wash your body completely at one of several washing stations which usually line the path to the bathing area. To make things easier to process, I will eschew using too many Japanese terms and taking the time to explain them. Assume conversations are being held in Japanese unless stated otherwise. However sometimes to help deepen the immersion I will use some simple Japanese words (Hai is "yes" for example) and basic name suffixes (-san is the normal polite name suffix, and -chan is a cute one directed towards younger girl usually) that should be easy to follow from context. The mixed cast of international characters was written to my personal preference to help create some interesting scenarios for people of varied tastes to enjoy. Well-read folks might recognize a lot of tropes from Japanese-style erotica in the story as well. I hope you enjoy the story and offer feedback.

Onsen Guests & their mothers: Shion Takamori (Mother) -> Mizuki (Daughter, Age 10) Asuho Furuyama (Mother) -> Airi (Daughter, Age 10) Lisa Douglas (Mother) -> Sara (Daughter, Age 10) Bernadette Berger (Mother) -> Colette (Daughter, 10)

Sakura Paradise Onsen Cast: Junko Watanabe Age 51 (Owner) Daughter Age 19 Yume Daughter Age 14 Natsumi Onsen Staff: Ayaka Sajiki (Age 36) Keiko Takahashi (Age 44) Ai Shiino (Age 56) Yuki Takano (Age 29) Introduction:

"...it'll certainly be a bit of a shock to her at first and that is why I think that it's best for Mizuki to go with your girls. I'm sure that it will be an eye-opening, educational and fun experience for the four of them." said Shion Takamori, aged 39, as she set her tea cup back down on the table. Seated around her in the living room was her eclectic collection of friends she had come to meet over time in her rather upscale, peaceful neighborhood on the outskirts of Sendai, Japan. Filled with middle-aged, educated couples from a multitude of backgrounds, many of them with children, this part of the Touhoku region's largest metropolis was a great place to raise a family. The importance of international awareness and education was not lost on Mrs. Takamori and her husband. She was very happy that her daughter was able to spend the last few years elementary school having made good friends with a pair of foreign girls who lived in the neighborhood with their families.

First there was the energetic and adorable Sara Douglas, whose mother Lisa was now seated right next to Mrs. Takamori at the living room table. Blond haired with a ponytail worn down to half-way down her back, blue-eyed with a freckled face, the 10 year old had a pair of coltish legs on her 4'7 frame. She was almost a perfect fit for the image many Japanese people saw when they imaged what an "American girl" looked like. She had moved to Japan with her family in the 2nd grade, and being so young had managed to pick up Japanese in just a few months. She was now going on her fourth year of being in the same class with Mrs. Takamori's daughter Mizuki. Sara often came over to do homework or play after school and had become a regular and much loved visitor in the Takamori home.

Then there was also the short, angelic Colette, a transplant from Lyon, France who arrived with her family two years after Sara. When it came to height and stature at least, she blended in perfectly with her Japanese classmates, delicate and thin, standing only 4'2. Her long, beautiful chestnut hair and adorable features made her the object of much adoration amongst the mothers at the school. Shouts of "Kawaii!!!" seemed to echo around her whenever she went, from those who couldn't seem to get over just how adorable and doll-like Sakurano Elementary School's French import was. She still spoke both the Japanese and English she was currently studying with a pleasant-sounding infusion of her native French accent which was something that made the adorable little European seem a bit more mature than her age at times.

The third girl included in Mrs. Takamori's plans for her daughter Miyuki was none other than her daughter's best friend since the age of 4, Airi Furuyama from next door. Always energetic and eager to learn, she was a bit of an exception when it came to the typical shyness of young Japanese girls. Her thirst for adventure and boldness had helped Mizuki gain a bit of self-confidence whenever they played together, something that Mrs. Takamori always worried about when it came to her very shy and reserved young daughter. A bit dark skinned compared to the average Japanese, she had a cute, playful smile that she seemed to wear nearly 24/7. Her mother, Asuho was a long time friend of Mrs. Takamori's going back nearly 15 years, and she was a frequent guest at the Takamori's long before they had made the acquaintance of the two foreigners who now sat next to them at the table.

"Do you really think they'll be OK? Of course I was about the same age when I began to experiment myself, but this kind of personal....guidance, perhaps they might be a little frightened, non?" spoke Bernadette Berger in her strong French accent. She was Colette's mother, the wife of a French banker who had been transferred to the local offices here in Sendai. She was a frequent guest at these weekly tea parties where the four women would get together to discuss their lives, practice English and Japanese, and simply help each other overcome the worries and stress that came with being mothers charged with caring for young, growing daughters.

"But just think about it, these girls will be going to middle school soon, and with the onset of puberty will come a whole new set of pressures, worries, and curiosity. It's one thing to learn about the birds and the bees from a textbook, but starting to try new things by yourself or with your friends is an entirely different thing." Lisa had suddenly decided to chime in. "Sex in all its forms can be a wonderful, relaxing, and confidence-building thing. If the girls learn how to seek and manage their own pleasure now, they will have the knowledge and confidence to take care of their own lives when puberty begins to take its course and those hormones start raging. I want them to make smart, honest decisions when it comes to their future relationships, not ones based only on a rabid curiosity to find out "what sex feels like".”

It was then that Asuho Furuyama nodded in assent. "I agree. My little Airi has always been the curious and bold type. She's always tries out new things as soon as she discovers them. When it comes to sex and self-pleasure, it is best that she learns things properly and responsibly. If she were to get started down the wrong path, she might be too stubborn for me to change without her hating me. Plus I have a sneaking suspicion that she has already tried a thing or two on her own, if some late-night teddybear humping I might have glimpsed when peeking into her room is any indication. Knowing Airi, she'll probably give the other girls the confidence they need to really open up and enjoy this "first experience" together."

"You couldn't be more right Asuho, I think your little Airi has been a wonderful influence on my daughter and she really is a great ringleader for our daughters' little playgroup. The place I mentioned before, Mrs. Watanabe's Sakura Paradise Onsen, has an amazing, albeit discreet reputation amongst mothers in the upper-crust of Sendai's suburbs. In fact, I only discovered her spa due to the recommendation of my boss at our law firm. She sent her own daughter there 4 years ago and she feels that what she learned played a big role in helping her grow up into the self-confident and independent high school student she is today. While it's undoubtedly a bit pricy to make one of their "special" 4-day reservations, I have been assured that things are discreet and entirely safe. This winter has also been exceptionally cold and it's not like the girls will be able to have much fun during their winter break playing outside the way things are. There's no better time to send them on this private "mini-vacation". Since I'm asking so much of you all for the sake of my precious Mizuki, it'll of course be my treat."

"Oh we couldn't let you do that!" said an exasperated Lisa. The other women began to chime in with their own chorus of polite objections.

"No, no, I won't have any of that! You all surely know that my culture won't allow me to give in to that when I am asking such a big favor of you. I've been worried for so long about Mizuki-chan and I really don't think there is any way I could really go about teaching her these things myself." "I agree, Colette will need to learn these things sooner rather than later and I just can't think of a way to begin teaching them to her myself" said Bernette in a tone that suggested she was now convinced by Mrs. Takamori's insistence.

Asuho chose the chance to signal that she was fully on board. "Airi and the girls will learn these things sooner or later and it's best that they do it together. Anything's better than getting pressured into experimenting with some trouble-making boy at school in a few years."

"Hear, hear, I think we're all in agreement. So Shion, when was that reservation again?" asked Lisa.

"Check-in will be at 6pm next Friday, right after the 2nd semester of school ends. I'll be glad to drive the girls over so please have them here by 3:30. And please do keep the contents of the girls' "gift" under-wraps. While I hope they will enjoy every moment of it I don't want them getting too worried or curious about all the new "experiences" they will be having." Mrs. Takamori replied as she rose and begin to gather the ladies' teacups. "Thanks again for making this important decision with me. I'm so relieved that Mizuki will have her friends by her side. I look forward to seeing you next Friday!"

Mrs. Takamori had barely said goodbye to the ladies and returned to the kitchen to clean the dishes when she heard the front door open again, followed by a unmistakable, cute voice call out "Tadaima!" (I’m home!). She walked to the front door to greet her adorable 10-year old daughter with a smile and a quick hug, a custom she had learned from the foreign mothers. Mizuki was a little short by western standards, but not much different than her Japanese classmates. She stood 4'3, and had just the slightest bit of cute, youthful roundness in her thighs and midsection that signaled the beginnings of what would one day likely become her attractive feminine curves. Right now she was dressed in her winter school uniform, a pair of black tights under her skirt and blouse with a thick winter coat and earmuffs slung over her head. A ponytail made out of her lustrous black hair bobbed cutely behind her.

"Okaeri Mizuki-chan! How was school?"

"It was OK, but it is sooo cold outside!"

"I know, I know, it has been really cold recently. It's funny that you mention that because I was thinking, wouldn't it be nice to go to an Onsen resort again? Do you remember the one we went to together in Matsushima last fall?"

"Oh yes! That was great! It was so warm and relaxing! Can we go again soon?"

"Well I'm a bit busy...but I guess now that you asked, would you like an early Christmas present?"

"Really Mom!? What is it?"

"Well...recently I was told about another great onsen by a friend of mine. It seems to be a really nice place and I managed to make a private reservation just for you and your friends for next Friday."

"You mean Airi-chan?"

"Well Sara and Colette too, you want them to come right?"

"Yes! YES! That would be so amazing! I can't wait!! Can I tell them myself!?"

"Well you better hurry up! Their mother's might have already told them!"

"OK! I'm going to borrow your phone! Thanks Mom! I'm so excited!"

Mrs. Takanori smiled as Mizuki dashed around the corner towards her mom's waiting cellphone on the kitchen table. If only Mizuki-chan knew what was really in store for her…

At 5:55pm the next Friday, Mrs. Takamori was seated in the driver's seat of her van as she drove the 4 young girls to the Sakura Paradise Onsen. Secluded deep in the Touhoku Mountains, it was quite a ways down the beautiful backroads of Miyagi Prefecture, the nature-filled region that surrounded their hometown of Sendai. The most recent snowfall had covered the surrounding hills and the tall stands of Japanese pine in a light dusting of snow that created a beautiful, serene landscape. As she checked on the girls with a quick glance into her rear-view mirror she saw Mizuki and Colette sleeping cutely while leaning on each other in the back seat. Airi and Sara were busy playing a wireless versus match on whatever the popular new gaming system was, but despite their determined faces they were still politely keeping down the noise for the sake of their two napping friends . Passing one final sign signaling that the onsen was only 1km ahead, she decided it was time to get the girls up and ready to go.

"Alright everyone! We're here! We'll be arriving soon so everyone, wake up! Mizuki...did you hear me?"

Her young daughter was rubbing the sleep from her eyes as she replied drowsily "Yes, mother." Her movements had already awoken Colette who slowly rose off of Mizuki's shoulder and began stretching and yawning in quite the cute fashion.

As they rounded the last corner, the onsen finally came into view. Nestled in the middle of a large stand of Japanese pines, overlooking a small lake to the back, it really did seem to be hidden away from it all. Just past the large sign decorated in a flower print declaring the place to be "Watanabe's Sakura Paradise Onsen" stood a beautiful and rustic Japanese-style inn. It was two stories tall with a beautiful Japanese-style shingled roof. The parking lot was quite empty except for a van belonging to the inn and a few cars which Mrs. Takamori assumed must belong to the women working there. As she pulled into the parking lot, she noticed that Junko Watanabe, the inn's 51-year old owner and manager who she had already met on the phone, matching the picture she had seen on the inn's webpage had begun to descend the steps wearing traditional sandals and a colorful yet dignified traditional hakama of a female Japanese inn worker.

She parked the van, cut the engine and opened her door before calling out to the girls saying "Ok everyone! Time to get out! We're here."

A chorus of obedient and yet excited "Hai!"’s followed her announcement and the sound of the other doors opening and slamming shut began to ring out. They were half way through unloading the girls' bags from the trunk when Mrs. Watanabe reached them and called out a greeting.

"Welcome everyone! Thank you so much for visiting today! We are so honored that you have chosen us for your stay. We are very eager to serve you." She announced with a deep, respectful bow.

Mrs. Takamori bowed in return and thanked her for her hospitality. From her perspective she already felt quite at ease with the middle aged lady standing before. She was of average height and had a slight bit of gray seeping into her meticulously styled hair. The way she carried herself belied decades of training in refinement and hospitality, no doubt gained over the course of the years spent running her family's esteemed and exclusive inn. Nevertheless there was still a great deal kindness and warmth to be found in her bright, sparkling eyes as she regarded the girls who would be in her charge for these next 4 days.

The four girls were now done unloading as well and lined up side-by-side, proceeding to bow and shyly greet the older lady who stood before them. They were all dressed in warm jackets, turtlenecks, and collection of colorful girly skirts, stockings, and boots. Mrs. Takamori turned to the four of them and said. "This lady is Mrs. Watanabe, the owner and manager of the end who will be so kindly watching over you for the next four days. While I am sure you will have a nice and relaxing time, be sure to follow her instructions. If there's any mischief your mothers and I will surely hear about it quickly. Am I understood?"

A quick series of four silent nods answered her. "Mizuki, if you or the other girls need to contact us, be sure to ask permission from Mrs. Watanabe. I am leaving a cell phone with her that can be used to call me or the girls' parents"

"OK, mother." Mizuki said somewhat impatiently. "Can we go inside now?" The others girls eyes also looked full of excitement.

With a brief sigh and roll of her eyes she glanced at Mrs. Watanabe who was wearing an understanding smile. Mrs.Takamori gave in and prepared to leave. "Alright girls, have fun, and be sure that you don't stay in the hot water too long!" Getting in one final admonition, she prepared to leave. In the chaos that followed the excited cheers from the girls she had to catch the excited-looking Mizuki from behind for a quick goodbye squeeze before they had run off towards the inn. The cacophony of the eager girls' voices could still be heard as they began walking, carrying their bags towards the inn. She turned towards Mrs. Watanabe and said "Thank you so much for making this reservation on somewhat short notice. The other mother's and I were really worried if they were ready for this but it's so important that they receive this essential "lesson" for the sake of their futures. Please contact me if there is anything I need to know or if they are causing trouble".

"Mrs. Takamori, once again as the owner of Sakura Paradise, I want to thank you for making a reservation with us. The reason we began to specialize in this kind of service here at our inn is that I too believe that a proper awareness of one's body and sexuality is necessary for healthy growth, development, and life choices. We will make our best efforts to ensure that the girls are comfortable and fully enjoy themselves while learning the valuable lessons we plan to teach them. We are always striving to be as gentle, understanding and caring as possible. There will always be someone watching over the girls, making sure that their needs are met and that they feel completely comfortable with what is going on at all times. My staff and my daughters take great pride in our inn and services and we will all do our best to make sure they have the most memorable time together. Please feel at ease these next few days and know that I will contact you the instant there are any problems."

Mrs.Takamori bent at the waist as she delivered her final parting bow, which was quickly reciprocated by Mrs. Watanable. "Thank you for putting me at ease. I'll leave the girls in your experienced and well-recommended hands. Yoroshiku onegaishimasu!"

"See you in four days Mrs. Takamori. Hopefully you will notice a positive and reassuring change in your girls by then. I'm sure that little Mizuki might have some interesting things to tell her mother." Mrs. Watanabe said with a knowing smile.

"Until then, please take care of them" With a final smile and a wave to the 4 little girls waiting in distance, Mrs. Takamori turned back to her van and reached into her bag for the keys to leave.

"I wonder how hot the bath will be?" Sara asked as she turned excitedly towards Mizuki. "My mother has been to one and she said that sometimes it's so hot you can barely stay in it for 3 minutes!"

"Last time I went with my Mom it was really great. I stayed in for like, forever! Afterwards I felt so relaxed, I went to sleep so fast!" Mizuki replied.

"You're so lucky Mizuki! I've been asking my Mom to go, but she keeps saying that she doesn't want to take me cause I'll "cause a scene" by splashing and being noisy" Airi suddenly interjected.

"That's because you ALWAYS cause a scene Airi!" The quiet Colette always came out of her shell a bit around her friends. "Our lunch group gets in trouble 3 times every week because you get too loud and start arguing with Ryouta!".

"We'll that's because he's stupid!" Airi stuck out her tongue in disgust.

"Don't be mean, maybe you just tease him because you like him!" Sara said with a mischievous smile.

"Stop it! That's so gross! I could never like someone that stupid!" While Airi exhorted her denials, Mizuki was blushing next to her at the thought of love and romance, things these young girls only knew about from novels and manga that they read from time to time. The thought of liking a boy terrified her. In the books they always wound up kissing or something right? She could never bring herself to do that!

While the girls' eager conversation devolved into a near-screaming match of playful teasing, Mrs. Watanabe finished making her way over to the girls.

"Excuse me everyone, pardon my interruption but it's time for us to go inside and get out of the chilly weather. The sun is already setting! Follow me up the steps and I'll introduce you to the staff."

As Mrs. Watanabe and the girls ascended the steps and entered the automatic sliding door at the front of the onsen, 6 women, ranging from 14 to 56 in ages, stood at the lip of the foyer dressed in colorful traditional hakamas, waiting to welcome the young guests. Together they bowed in unison and said "Welcome to Sakura Paradise! Please enjoy your stay!"

The little guests responded in kind and then Mrs. Watanabe stepped forward to make the introductions. "Alright girls, let me begin by introducing you to my staff here at the inn. From right to left they are Ayaka Sajiki, Keiko Takahashi, Ai Shiino, and Yuki Takano. Please free to call everyone here by their first names." The four women bowed in order as their names were called. Ayaka Sajiki was much younger than Mrs. Watanabe at 36 years of age but she had worked at the inn since she turned 18. She was much beloved by the Watanabe family and was considered to be family. She was 5'4, with a slight, graceful build and long, beautiful hair she kept orderly with several ornate pins.

Keiko Takahashi and Ai Shiino were separated by an age difference of twelve years at 44 and 56 years respectively but were nearly identical in figure and comport. Both a bit curvy, their compact, well-busted figures made them both appear very motherly (quite apt given the 3 children they each had borne). They were very kind, caring and enjoyed loud, cheerful banter. The two veterans had worked at the inn for nearly 5 years and helped add a different kind of charm to the facility. To the foreign eye it could be hard to tell them apart if not for the obvious chesnut hair-coloring of the older Ai's hair.

Last was Yuki Takano, Sakura Paradise's newest addition. Arriving last year she had been a quick study in Mrs. Watanabe's "special services" and had come to the facility as a well regarded young masseuse in her own right when she was hired. The young fit beauty radiated a sly, attractive, very feminine charm from her taller, 5'9 figure. She was as striking in a kimono as she was in the sexy outfits she often donned to go out with her girlfriends in Sendai on her off days. Yuki's maturity, confidence and natural attractiveness often left her young visitors in awe, providing a strong, magnetic personality to help guide them through their new "discoveries". Mrs. Watanabe was glad to have her.

Mrs. Watanabe next turned to the two youngest members in the welcome line and gestured to them with her hand. Her eyes were obviously beaming with love and parental affection as she said "allow me to introduce you to my daughters Yume and Natsumi. Yume is a student at the women's college in Sendai and Natsumi is half-way through her first year of high school. They are training to one day take over the inn and are always here helping us on weekends and vacations. Feel free to talk to them too if you ever have any questions. Natsumi loves singing and dancing and perhaps you can all enjoy some karaoke in the lounge together!"

The two younger girls eschewed bowing for a pair of radiant smiles and excited waves in order to welcome for the girls. As Mrs. Watanabe looked on she could tell that at least Colette and Mizuki looked a little relieved to see some girls their age.

Natsumi was a 14-year high school student who could be described as "criminally cute". About 5'3 with medium length hair always done up in pigtails and a cute button nose, she was quick to smile and loved girly romance comics and idol music. She had a taste for skirts worn halfway up her thighs with a pair of just-above-the-knee socks, something she could always be found wearing both in and out of school. She also stayed active, playing softball for her school club team. She was fit and athletic, with thighs that just barely touched each other in an alluring fashion. The 19-year old Yume was a 2-inche taller, more mature version of her younger sister with curves which had already filled in a bit and breasts that would make most Japanese women jealous. Though college and her hospitality major keep her busy in Sendai most of the time, she still tried to make it back from time to time and help out around the inn.

Though Natsumi was much newer to the going-ons at Sakura Paradise than her sister, they had both been well indoctrinated into what went on there and continued to share, learn, and enjoy the pleasures the inn provided both with their guests and with the other staff. Natsumi was especially good with the younger guests and able to connect with them easily and enjoyed "showing them the ropes". Her older sister on the other hand was exceptionally talented in the inn's craft and probably had left quite the crowd of love-struck young admirers in her wake despite her inability to be at the inn too often recently. With both of them in attendance this weekend the guests were most certainly in for a special treat.

With introductions done, the staff stepped forward and relieved the girls of their luggage. "Girls, now that you have met everyone please follow Ai and the rest of the ladies up stairs so they can show you to your rooms. Since you have the inn to yourselves you'll each get an individual room on the second floor. You can meet, talk and have tea in the common room right in the middle. After you put your things away change into your yukatas and then come down for dinner. Afterwards you can get in the onsen. However, since you are still too young to go in alone, Natsumi and Yume will be joining you. Afterwards you'll all have some relaxing massages, so I hope you're looking forward to it!"

Airi was positively beaming by this time "Yes! We get to take a bath with just us girls! This is so much cooler than going in and getting yelled at by our moms!" All four girls had already seemed to take a liking to Mrs. Watanabe's young daughters and seemed excited by the evening's plans. Amidst their excited chatter they ran up the stairs following ladies from the inns who were carrying up their bags. As Mrs. Watanabe turned back towards the kitchen to begin preparations for tonight's dinner she allowed herself a slight, private smile as she thought about how tonight would be another exciting night of firsts at the Sakura Paradise Onsen...

To be continued…

Thank you for reading. Continue to Chapter 2