Date: Sun, 14 Aug 2016 20:20:50 +0200
From: Izayoi
Subject: Coming of Age at the Onsen (Part 1)

Coming of Age at the Onsen, Part 1
by Izayoi

Hello everyone, my name is Izayoi and this is my first story contribution
to this site. This completely fictional story series will be set in Japan
at an onsen ryokan, a traditional Japanese-style 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 bath. To make it easier to understand I will eschew
using too many Japanese terms and taking the time to explain them. 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
girls 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 everyone (who shares similar tastes)
to enjoy. Well-read readers might recognize a lot of tropes from Japanese-
style erotica and the like in the story as well as influences from many
writers on this site which eventually helped inspire me to write this first
story. I hope you enjoy the story and offer feedback.

Cast:
Shion Takamori (Mother) -> Mizuki (10)
Asuho Furuyama (Mother) -> Airi (10)
Lisa Douglas (Mother) -> Sara (10)
Bernadette Berger (Mother) -> Colette (10)
Sakura Paradise Onsen Cast:
Junko Watanabe 51 (Owner)
Daughter 19 Yume
Daughter 14 Natsumi
Staff:
Ayaka Sajiki (36)
Keiko Takahashi (44)
Ai Shiino (56)
Yuki Takano (29)

Introduction:

"...it'll certainly be a bit of a shock for 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 in front of her. 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, and
she was very happy that her daughter has been able to spend the last few
years of her elementary school having been 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, with 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" really
looked like. She had moved to Japan with her family in the 2nd grade. Being
so young, she had managed to pick up Japanese in a heartbeat.

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 to the
Takamori home.

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), 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 and
picking up quickly with a pleasant-sounding infusion of her native French
accent, 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 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
boldness and thirst for adventure 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 shy and reserved young daughter. A
bit dark skinned compared to the average Japanese, she had a cute, playful
smile 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 it 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 agreement and joined the
discussion. "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" 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 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 explaining them to her either"
said Bernette in a tone that suggested she was now convinced by
Mrs. Takamori's insistence.

Asuho chose this moment to signal that she was fully on board as
well. "Airi and the girls will learn these things sooner or later and it's
best that they do it together while surely having an experience they won't
be forgetting any time soon. 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 "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 the fruitful discussion everyone. 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 an unmistakable, cute voice call out
"tadaima!". She walked to the front door to greet her adorable 10-year old
daughter with a smile and quick hug. 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 long
ponytail made out of her lustrous black hair reached down to the middle of
her back.

"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...

****************** At 5:55 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 aways
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 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 and whose picture she had seen on the inn's webpage had
begun to descend the steps wearing sandals and the 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 other 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 while glancing 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!" With that 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 "introduction" 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 a few 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 forever 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, 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. While not "fat" per se, they couldn't exactly be called
skinny, however 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.

They'd 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 closer to 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-inch 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 upstairs 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 Sakura Paradise...