Geisha
A woman skilled in the arts of entertainment and conversation who works at parties and smaller functions. In the larger cities of Kyoto and Tokyo, geisha are respected performers, but the hot spring geisha is not far removed from a prostitute.
Snow country
The name for Echigo Province, modern day Niigata Province, where the cold air from Sibera that sweeps across the Japan Sea drops large quantities of snow.
Tableau
A picture or scene.
Occidental
Western; i.e., European.
Samisen
A traditional Japanese three-stringed instrument played with a plectrum.
Dilettante
A person who takes up art or some other activity in a superficial way.
Kotatsu
A traditional Japanese low wooden table, which is covered by a blanket and tabletop on top and heated below.
Repulsive
Tending to drive away others due to some unpleasant quality.
Mountain trousers
A sort of pants that women in the snow country wear to protect their kimono from the snow.
Alacrity
Willingness; promptness.
Partition
A divider, e.g. a wall.
Nō drama
A traditional Japanese form of dance-drama involving elaborate costumes, slow movements, and a small chorus.
Masseuse
A person who massages professionally.
Border Range
The mountain range that neighbors the hot spring village.
Penance
A punishment undergone to repent for a wrongdoing.
Nondescript
Undistinguished.
Procession
A line of people or things moving together in one direction.
Akebi
A Japanese fruit.
Superimpose
Placed on top of something else.
Seductive
Captivating.
