It took me 19 minutes to figure out how to turn on the shower this morning. That’s an unbelievably long time to try and get hot water to come out of a faucet.
All I could do at first was get water to come out of the bottom spout but had no luck with the telephone spigot to actually shower. Here’s the real root of the problem, though:
THIS is the control panel for just the shower and bathtub {we won’t even get to the control panels for the toilet or ventilation systems in this post!}. It electronically controls the precise temperature, the fill level, and even the time. I believe it has a PhD in bathroom controls. However, I don’t read a single Japanese character yet, so I was left to just randomly press buttons, hoping to get the water to magically turn on. No such luck. Suddenly, my button pushing had the bathroom talking to me. In the nicest voice. It sounded so polite. It was also in Japanese.
Cute Husband managed to take a shower all by himself this morning, so I KNEW it could be done, and the competitive side of me certainly wasn’t going to be bested by my husband on this one, even though he DOES hold the title of Chairman of All Thing Electronic in our household. Besides, I don’t have a telephone yet, so I couldn’t call him at work and ask for help anyway.
Are you laughing at me yet?
Turns out, I wasn’t turning a simple knob far enough and all that technology really had nothing to do with it.
Gotta tell you ~ it was one of the best showers I’ve ever had.
Felt So Cute 
seriously, a mirror in your SHOWER?! That is genious!
Genius for shaving husbands. I don’t know that I’m such a fan of staring at myself in the shower, LOL.
I noticed the mirror too–and had exactly the same thoughts you did! Yikes…a full body naked profile during every shower?? I don’t think I’d eat the rest of the day!!
It’s amazing how different things that seem like they should be so simple are.
I hope that was the most trying part of your day.
I think if I had a mirror in my shower I would stop eating as much 🙂 Glad you made it there…love reading all the posts! Take Care
LOL Yes, I was laughing! Wow on the electronic panel, too! Looks so difficult!
I was about to post about the mirror too! I wouldn’t be a fan! :p I’m glad you were able to get a shower! I am so excited to read about your new adventures!!
Yeah, don’t know that I’d enjoy watching myself shower – maybe 3 kids ago, but not now.
Completely hilarious! I didn’t notice the mirror at first (but I like it). I’m wondering if that’s a bathtub right next to the shower area with a drain running alongside? I hope you give a bathroom tour someday, Alisha!
It is a drain. The Japanese way to bathe is to cleanse yourself in the shower (which simply drains alongside the tub) and then soak in a very hot tub. The tub can reheat and be reused by multiple family members for conservation since everyone has already cleansed themselves in the shower first from a hygiene standpoint. There is also an elaborate ventilation system so that the area can be used for other purposes. There is a special dry heat feature so that you put a free-standing clothes rack in there and use if for drying clothing as well.
Have you ever read http://thequonfamily.blogspot.com/ ? They just got back from living in Tokyo and her posts are amazing!!
Alisha, I’m so glad you are keeping us up to date on your experiences in Japan! Thanks and Happy Travels!
Hehe! We all noticed the mirror! Not too sure I’d want a full body mirror in my shower. Glad you finally figured it out.
Good morning from Los Angeles!
I have to ask what apartment building you live in in Tokyo, because it reminds me so much of our old apartment at Park Habio Azabu Tower! We had a high-rise apartment right next to Tokyo Tower in Minato-ku. We just moved home to the US after living there for two years, so it’s great to see another gal living abroad going through the same things we did. I cannot wait to read more and see whose job brought you there, what your plans are…I am so happy to have found your blog! Feel free to get in touch if you have any questions. I’d love to be of help in any way possible.
Warmly,
Elizabeth
I’m so proud to say that I got through all your posts from the latest to this one since this morning. Your blog is so entertaining, and because I so love Japan and dreams of getting there in the future, I can’t help but drool at your photos and stories. Congratulations on getting Freshly Pressed! Love your creativity! 🙂
Thank you so very much! We are having the time of our lives and can’t wait to see and do as much as possible! 🙂