Nowadays, hot springs (onsen) are well-known globally as a part of Japanese culture. They are excellent for recovering from daily fatigue. By the way, did you know that it is possible to work at a hot spring resort in Japan? In this article, we will introduce what kind of work can be done and what the conditions are for working there, presented in a story format.
Summary
- Many types of work are possible at Japanese hot spring resorts. (Creating and exchanging data, document creation, communication, meetings, etc.)
- Conditions for working: Having a laptop, mobile Wi-Fi, and a convenience store nearby.
Characters
- Mike: A 12-year-old American boy interested in Japan.
- John: Mike’s father. He frequently visits Japan for business.
- Kelly: Mike’s mother. She is good at cooking.
- Nobu: A Japanese international student.
Prologue
Recently, remote work among office workers has increased significantly. The trigger was the time of the novel coronavirus. As a result of companies pushing forward the introduction of remote work, I believe it has been proven in many workplaces that “working from home is possible.”
By the way, I believe this has also led to a wide recognition of the nomad culture. If it is possible to work even if you are not in the office, in extreme terms, it means “you can work anywhere.” …That is where the “hot spring resort nomad” comes in.
So, what are the necessary conditions for a hot spring resort nomad?
Many People Can Work at Hot Spring Resorts in Japan
Points
- Working at hot spring resorts is possible.
- Conditions for working at a hot spring resort: A laptop, a convenience store, and mobile Wi-Fi.
Mike: “I heard that convenience stores in Japan are incredibly convenient, but what is it actually like?”
John: “Ah, they are open 24 hours a day, have a rich selection of products, and offer a wide range of services. They are truly convenient.”
Nobu: “That’s right. It is no exaggeration to say that if there is a convenience store, you can do most things.”
Kelly: “Are there any secret tricks for utilizing convenience stores?”
Nobu: “…Well, yes. It also becomes possible to work in various places.”
John: “For example, what kind of places?”
Nobu: “There are probably several conditions, but there is one thing I would like to try. Working at a Tojiba (a hot spring cure resort).”
John: “Hey, wait a minute. Staying at a Tojiba means staying at a hot spring resort for a long period, right? For instance, two or three weeks.”
Nobu: “Yes, that’s right. Because many types of work are possible even for two or three weeks.”
John: “That’s a surprise. Could you tell me what kind of work can be done?”
What Kind of Work is Possible?
Nobu: “First, let’s list the jobs that are possible at a hot spring resort. Although there are various kinds of work, I think most office workers can work at a hot spring resort. …The image is ‘a person whose work is almost entirely completed with a laptop.’ While it depends on a case-by-case basis, most administrative roles would be possible.”
John: “Specifically, what kind of things?”
Nobu: “For example, data entry, calculations, and estimation can be done in cases where you can connect to the company’s server. If a company has centralized data, the possibility increases. Also, communicating with company members would be easy. This is because remote meetings are also possible if you have a laptop.”
John: “When it comes to documents, wouldn’t printing them out be necessary?”
Nobu: “That can be done at a convenience store. You can just use net printing with a multi-functional copier.”
John: “What about monetary transactions?”
Nobu: “Up to a certain amount, it is possible at a convenience store. They have ATMs.”
John: “I’m surprised. It really seems possible for someone whose work is completed with a laptop.”
Conditions Required for Work
John: “But there must be items necessary for work. What kind of things would you want?”
Nobu: “Let’s see, probably just a laptop, a convenience store, and mobile Wi-Fi.”
John: “Is that all? …Amazing. Please tell me about what can be done with those three things.”
Laptop
Nobu: “First is the laptop. It is the core equipment for working. I think many tasks are possible if you log into the company’s server. Data entry and calculations would be possible, and you can also create documents. Remote meetings are also possible with today’s laptops, aren’t they?”
John: “It is certainly possible. A certain level of specs would be necessary, but logically speaking, you are correct.”
Nobu: “By the way, there is one more thing that becomes possible with a laptop.”
John: “What is that?”
Nobu: “I can’t really say this out loud, but you can work without getting out of your futon (bedding). Because you can operate a laptop even while being in a futon.”
John: “That is a terrible temptation.”
Convenience Store
Nobu: “Next, what is necessary is a convenience store. As I mentioned a little earlier, the key to making work possible is that convenience store multi-functional copiers are extremely excellent. They are not just simple copy machines; net printing is also available. Therefore, it takes the form of sending the data of the document you want to print from your room at the hot spring resort, and receiving it at the convenience store’s copier. …Though, for companies making progress with paperless operations, that might not even be necessary.”
John: “That’s true. But there are more things you can do at a convenience store, right?”
Nobu: “Yes. Since convenience stores also handle parcel delivery services (Takkyubin), sending documents is also possible. Furthermore, because they have ATMs, though there may be limits on the amount, small transactions are also possible.”
Kelly: “Convenience stores in Japan are truly excellent, aren’t they?”
Mobile Wi-Fi
Nobu: “Next, I think mobile Wi-Fi is necessary. Although some hot spring resorts advertise that they are fully equipped with Wi-Fi, there are cases where the communication speed is slow. To ensure communication speed, you would want a mobile Wi-Fi.”
John: “The speed of communication, I see.”
How to Enjoy Yourself at a Hot Spring Resort
Points
- You can enjoy morning baths at hot spring resorts.
- Strolling around is the ultimate way to refresh your mind.
- Depending on the area, you can also enjoy activities like mountain stream fishing.
Mike: “By the way, aren’t there unique ways to spend time that are specific to hot spring resorts?”
Nobu: “There certainly are. Because many hot spring resorts are located in places rich in nature, there are ways to enjoy yourself that you cannot do in the city.”
Mike: “Tell me a little about it.”
Enjoying Morning Baths
Nobu: “The first thing that can be mentioned is probably the point that ‘you can enjoy morning baths.’ While there are many people who take a shower in the morning before facing their work, I think people who take a hot spring bath from the morning before working are in the minority. It is attractive because that becomes possible at Japanese hot spring resorts.”
John: “It might also be good to take a short bath during the lunch break.”
Nobu: “That’s right. Since you can enter the baths at hot spring resorts all day long, it is also possible to take a bath after eating lunch.”
John: “That is attractive.”
Strolling Around Hot Spring Resorts is the Ultimate Refreshment
Nobu: “Next, most hot spring resorts are located in places rich in nature. Taking a walk in the morning, for example, must feel great.”
John: “That’s very true. Taking a walk while bathing in the morning sun seems good for both mind and body. It is a luxury you cannot experience in the city.”
Depending on the Area, Mountain Stream Fishing Can Also Be Enjoyed
Nobu: “Depending on the hot spring resort, there are places close to rivers. Some are even close to mountain streams (keiryu). In such places, you can also enjoy mountain stream fishing.”
Mike: “Eh? You can fish too?”
Nobu: “Yeah, you can. What’s more, if it’s a Tojiba, you cook your own meals, so you can also cook and eat the fish you catch.”
Kelly: “That sounds interesting.”
End
Conclusion
When the novel coronavirus spread, many Japanese companies advanced their shift to remote work. Employees worked using the company laptops they brought home. And from that experience, it was proven that remote work is fully possible.
In fact, I myself was in a state of standby at home during the corona period. I was contacting the company via a mobile device and receiving instructions.
Now, the remote work at hot spring resorts mentioned here is fully possible. Moreover, it is possible even while staying in your futon. Since you can work at fast-food restaurants, as long as you have a communication environment and a multi-functional copier, you will be able to work.
Well, what do you think? I think there are many foreign people who stay for a long period for business. If you can work freely outside your workplace, working at a hot spring resort is possible. Why not try consulting your supervisor?
