On Saturday, November 9th, we had a spontaneous boot camp session.

Here's a polished highlight of the day.

**Facilitator:**

Alright, M-san, your turn. If you could visit any hot spring in Japan right now, where would you go? Imagine it’s autumn.

**Participant 2:**

We usually go to hot springs around here, like Atami or Kitsuregawa in the Kanto area. But if I could go right now, I’d choose Hokkaido. I’d love to soak in a hot spring there, maybe in December or January, where I could even try skiing. It’s been 20-30 years since I last skied, but it’d be fun to try it in Hokkaido.

**Facilitator:**

That sounds amazing. And what about snowboarding? Have you ever tried it, M-san?

**Participant 2:**

No, I’ve never snowboarded. It seems a bit risky—I've heard of people getting injured, so I think I’ll stick with skiing.

**Facilitator:**

Totally understandable. Snowboarding has become more popular than skiing in recent years, though.

**Participant 2:**

Yes, I agree.

**Participant 4:**

It’s true—about 20-30 years ago, snowboarding was really big, but lately, it seems like skiing is making a comeback.

**Facilitator:**

Oh, really? I didn’t know that! Could it be because of the aging population? Maybe more experienced skiers are returning to the slopes.

**Participant 4:**

Yes, it’s possible. Skiers are coming back.

**Facilitator:**

Interesting. I know a few acquaintances who are licensed ski instructors and might return to resorts like Niseko. It’s nice to hear skiing is coming back.

**Participant 4:**

Yes, skiing has been making a comeback for about five years now.

**Facilitator:**

My knowledge on this is definitely outdated! Thanks for the update.

**38:28 - Facilitator:**

Have you ever tried leaf-peeping?

**38:34 - P3:**

People go to many places to see beautiful autumn leaves, but since I live in Tsuchiura, close to Tsukuba, I can enjoy them nearby. Tsukuba has so many places with autumn leaves, even if they’re not major tourist destinations. In Japan, you don’t have to go far—autumn leaves are everywhere. Here in Tsukuba, we have a beautiful road called Higashi Odori, one of Japan’s “100 beautiful streets.” It’s lined with cherry blossoms in spring and gingko trees in autumn. Tsukuba has so many parks and beautiful roads. I recommend it if you’re nearby and have a car—it’s worth visiting!

**48:30 - Facilitator:**

Next question, I-san: what’s one important lesson that travel has taught you?

**49:10 - P1:**

Well, when we travel, my husband usually decides on all the places to visit. Recently, we planned a trip with his friends to Gunma, but at the last minute, he changed it to Nikko, so we couldn’t see everything we wanted. I realized I should start researching and suggesting places myself. Last time, we only saw a shrine and some tourist spots. I’ve learned that planning ahead is essential to make the most of our travels.

vivid conversations