Taipei: Night Markets, Tech Infrastructure, and 7-Eleven Culture in Asia's Safest Digital Nomad Haven

Ranked Top 15 Globally for Digital Nomads: Score 78/100 with 14% return rate, locals quietly proud of international recognition. 7-Eleven Social Hub: 6,000+ convenience stores serve as community centers, ATMs, bill payment, and social gathering spots - locals live around konbini. Scooter Ocean: Millions of scooters flood streets at red lights, tourists terrified crossing roads while locals navigate chaos expertly. Typhoon Day Holiday: Schools and offices close during storms, locals stock instant noodles and wait out nature with acceptance. Complex Political Identity: Taiwanese vs Chinese identity sensitive topic, younger generation increasingly identifies as Taiwanese not Chinese. Bubble Tea Birthplace: Locals invented pearl milk tea and take national pride seriously, every block has competing shops.

Temple Fair Rituals: Locals visit temples on 1st and 15th of lunar month burning incense and seeking fortune, grandparents teach younger generation traditions. Night Market Pilgrimage: Not tourist activity but genuine local tradition, families make weekly rounds eating small portions from multiple stalls. Moon Festival Barbecue: Mid-Autumn Festival locals barbecue on streets and parks, everyone grilling together creating smoke-filled communal atmosphere. Lunar New Year Exodus: City empties as locals return to ancestral hometowns, businesses close for week-long family reunion celebrations.

Taipei Lantern Festival - February: Massive lantern displays for Lunar New Year, locals make family outings to see elaborate light sculptures. Dragon Boat Festival - June: Racing teams on Tamsui River, locals eat zongzi (sticky rice dumplings) and hang mugwort for protection. Mid-Autumn Festival - September: Moon viewing and barbecuing, locals gather in parks grilling meat and eating mooncakes under full moon. Taipei Pride - October: Largest Pride in Asia, Taiwan's marriage equality celebrated, young locals embrace progressive identity. New Year's Eve 101 Fireworks: Massive pyrotechnics from Taipei 101, locals brave crowds for spectacular building-launched fireworks display.

Night Market Obsession: Stinky tofu, oyster omelet, scallion pancakes - locals eat these weekly as normal routine not tourist experience. Beef Noodle Soup Religion: Every local has favorite shop, debates about broth clarity and noodle texture last hours, annual competitions determine best bowls. Bubble Tea Evolution: Invented here 1980s, locals drink multiple daily from competing chains, customization options overwhelming to foreigners. Breakfast Egg Crepe: Dan bing with various fillings eaten at breakfast shops, locals order same combination for decades. Stinky Tofu Divide: Fermented tofu smell repulses tourists but locals crave deep-fried or grilled versions regularly. Hot Pot Social Ritual: All-you-can-eat gatherings where locals cook ingredients in boiling broth for hours, bonding through shared eating.

Face Culture (Mianzi): Avoiding embarrassment crucial, locals communicate indirectly to preserve dignity and social harmony. Filial Piety Strong: Adult children live with parents until marriage, locals expected to care for elderly parents financially and emotionally. Food as Social Glue: Locals bond through eating together, refusing shared meal invitation insults relationship building. Politeness Layered: Japanese colonial influence mixed with Chinese traditions creates elaborate courtesy rituals foreigners find exhausting. Tech-Forward Pragmatism: Locals embrace digital payment, efficient transport, and innovation while maintaining temple worship and traditional values. Night Owl Society: Dinner starts 7-8 PM, night markets peak 9-11 PM, locals stay up late and sleep less than Western societies.

Mandarin Essentials:

• "Nǐ hǎo" (nee how) = hello
• "Xièxiè" (syeh-syeh) = thank you
• "Bù kèqì" (boo kuh-chee) = you're welcome
• "Duōshao qián?" (dwoh-shaow chyen) = how much?
• "Qǐngwèn" (ching-when) = excuse me
• "Gānbēi" (gahn-bay) = cheers

Food Ordering:

• "Zhè ge" (juh guh) = this one (point at menu)
• "Bú yào là" (boo yow lah) = not spicy
• "Wài dài" (why die) = takeaway
• "Niúròu miàn" (nyoh-roh myen) = beef noodle soup
• "Zhēnzhū nǎichá" (jen-joo nye-chah) = bubble tea

Transit & Daily:

• "Yōuyóukǎ" (yo-yo-kah) = EasyCard (transport card)
• "Jīchǎng" (jee-chahng) = airport
• "Xǐshǒujiān" (shee-show-jyen) = bathroom
• "Bāngmáng" (bahng-mahng) = help

Taiwanese Hokkien:

• "Lí hó" (lee hoh) = hello (Taiwanese)
• "Tō-siā" (doh-sya) = thank you (Taiwanese)
• "Chiah-pá buē?" (jya-bah bway) = have you eaten?

Excellent MRT System:

• Five lines covering city efficiently, locals navigate with EasyCard stored-value card for seamless travel
• NT$20-50 per ride, air-conditioned comfort, locals prefer metro over traffic congestion
• Extremely clean and safe, eating/drinking forbidden and actually enforced, locals respect strict rules
• Announcements in Mandarin, Taiwanese, Hakka, and English, locals appreciate linguistic inclusion

YouBike Public Bikes:

• Rental stations everywhere, first 30 minutes free with EasyCard, locals use for short trips
• Riverside paths popular, weekend cycling culture growing among health-conscious young professionals
• Hills make biking challenging in some areas, locals stick to flat routes and bike paths

Bus Network Extensive:

• Covers entire city and suburbs, locals use buses for areas MRT doesn't reach
• EasyCard payment, route numbers confusing to foreigners but locals know system intuitively
• Real-time arrival apps essential, locals check timing before leaving to minimize waiting

Scooter Dominance:

• Millions of scooters flood streets, locals rent for freedom but foreigners warned about chaos
• International license required, traffic intense and rule-following optional, locals ride defensively
• Parking on sidewalks normal despite being illegal, locals accept this reality with resignation

Taxi Abundant:

• Yellow cabs everywhere with reasonable meters, locals use for late nights and rain
• Few speak English, having address written in Chinese essential, older drivers friendly but traditional
• Ride-hailing apps growing but traditional taxis still dominate, locals use both interchangeably

Food & Drinks:

• Night market meal: NT$100-200 ($3-6) for filling portion
• Beef noodle soup: NT$150-250 ($4.50-7.50) at local shops
• Bubble tea: NT$50-80 ($1.50-2.50) regular size
• Breakfast egg crepe: NT$30-50 ($0.90-1.50)
• Restaurant dinner: NT$200-400 ($6-12) per person
• Hot pot all-you-can-eat: NT$400-600 ($12-18) per person
• 7-Eleven meal: NT$80-150 ($2.40-4.50)

Groceries (Supermarkets):

• Weekly shop: NT$800-1,500 ($24-45) fresh produce and basics
• Traditional market cheaper: NT$30-80/kg ($0.90-2.40) vegetables
• Rice 5kg: NT$200-400 ($6-12) depending on quality
• Tropical fruit: NT$50-150/kg ($1.50-4.50) seasonal variation
• Locals shop traditional markets for freshness, supermarkets for packaged goods

Activities & Transport:

• MRT ride: NT$20-50 ($0.60-1.50) depending on distance
• YouBike rental: Free first 30 min, then NT$10 per 30 min
• Taipei 101 Observatory: NT$600 ($18) admission
• Hot spring entry: NT$150-300 ($4.50-9) public baths
• Co-working day pass: NT$300-500 ($9-15)
• Cinema ticket: NT$280-350 ($8.50-10.50)

Accommodation:

• Hostel dorm: NT$500-800 ($15-24) per night
• Budget hotel: NT$1,200-2,000 ($36-60) per night
• Mid-range hotel: NT$2,000-4,000 ($60-120) per night
• Airbnb apartment: NT$15,000-30,000 ($450-900) per month
• Digital nomad average: NT$30,000-50,000 ($900-1,500) per month all-in

Subtropical Humidity:

• Hot humid summers (28-35°C), mild winters (12-20°C), locals prepare for temperature and rain variations
• Typhoon season June-September brings heavy rain and wind, locals stock supplies and wait indoors
• Winter surprisingly cold with rain, locals bundle up more than temperatures suggest necessary

Seasonal Dressing:

• Summer (May-September): Light breathable fabrics essential, locals carry UV umbrellas and avoid midday sun
• Typhoon Season (June-September): Rain gear mandatory, locals own quality umbrellas and raincoats for sudden downpours
• Winter (December-February): Light jacket and layers, locals wear more than foreigners expect for mild temperatures
• Year-Round: Rain possible anytime, locals carry collapsible umbrellas habitually in bags

UV Protection Culture:

• Locals avoid tanning, UV umbrellas and arm sleeves common even in intense heat
• Pale skin valued, locals use whitening products and cover up protecting complexion
• Younger generation challenges this but older locals maintain sun avoidance strictly

Local Fashion:

• Casual comfortable, locals prioritize function over high fashion in daily life
• Younger generation follows Korean/Japanese trends, mixing cute and streetwear aesthetics
• Mask-wearing normalized pre-COVID for pollution and privacy, locals maintain this habit

Co-working Spaces:

• CIT, CLBC, and WeWork branches, locals and digital nomads mix in English-speaking entrepreneurial environment
• Startup community welcoming, Taiwanese tech workers friendly to foreign remote workers
• Government supports entrepreneurship, locals appreciate international business perspectives and collaboration

Language Exchange Meetups:

• Locals want English practice, organized exchanges at cafés and bars through Meetup and Facebook
• Genuine friendships form, locals teach Mandarin basics and cultural context beyond textbook learning
• Younger generation eager to interact with foreigners, older locals less comfortable with English

Hiking Groups:

• Weekend mountain treks organized through Facebook groups, locals welcome international hikers
• Yangmingshan, Jiufen, and surrounding trails popular, mixed local and expat groups
• Early starts to avoid heat, locals bring elaborate snacks and share food on summit

Ultimate Frisbee & Sports:

• Pickup games at riverside parks, mixed local and expat teams
• Basketball courts welcome walk-ons, locals play pickup games accepting new players easily
• Running clubs meet for group jogs, Taipei Marathon brings community together annually

Board Game Cafés:

• Huge board game culture, cafés with hundreds of games where locals spend hours
• Social activity for groups, locals teach games to newcomers and include foreign players
• Thursday nights popular for after-work gaming, locals unwind through strategic play

Beitou Hot Springs Night Soak: Volcanic hot springs in city limits, locals make evening visits after work bathing in sulfur waters. Yangmingshan Sunrise Hike: Mountain park above city, locals climb pre-dawn for sunrise views and sulfur fumaroles exploration. Raohe Night Market Less-Touristy: Locals prefer this to Shilin for authentic stalls without tour group crowds, pepper bun queue legendary. Maokong Gondola Tea Plantations: Cable car to mountain tea farms, locals drink oolong while overlooking city lights at night. Treasure Hill Artist Village: Illegal settlement turned creative community, locals appreciate counterculture art scene on hillside. Ningxia Night Market Compact: Smallest major night market, locals call it most authentic for traditional snacks without tourist inflation. 24-Hour Bookstores: Eslite Dunnan open all night, locals read until dawn in comfortable chairs, cultural institution beyond retail.

Dihua Street Traditional Market:

• Historic district with dried goods, herbs, and traditional products, locals shop before Lunar New Year
• Preserved architecture and family businesses, older generation maintains shopping traditions
• Tea shops and traditional medicine, locals seek quality ingredients from trusted multi-generation vendors

Jianguo Weekend Flower & Jade Market:

• Saturday/Sunday markets under freeway, locals buy flowers, plants, and jade jewelry
• Jade quality questionable but locals enjoy browsing, serious buyers have trusted vendors
• Flower market popular for home decorations, locals refresh weekly arrangements from favorite sellers

Shilin Night Market Tourist Trap:

• Largest and most famous, locals avoid due to tour group crowds and inflated prices
• Underground food court modernized and sanitized, locals remember authentic old version nostalgically
• Young locals occasionally visit for specific stalls but generally prefer smaller neighborhood markets

Traditional Morning Markets:

• Neighborhood wet markets where locals shop for fresh produce, meat, and seafood daily
• Vendors know regulars and their preferences, locals build decades-long relationships
• Cheaper and fresher than supermarkets, locals teach younger generation proper market shopping etiquette

Daan Forest Park:

• Urban forest where locals exercise, practice tai chi at dawn, and walk dogs escaping concrete density
• Weekend markets and events, families gather for picnics under trees avoiding city heat
• Elderly do morning calisthenics, younger locals jog around paths, democratic green space all ages use

Riverside Bike Paths:

• Tamsui and Keelung River paths where locals cycle for exercise and commuting avoiding traffic
• Sunset watching at Tamsui rivermouth, couples gather for romantic views while eating from food stalls
• Basketball and baseball fields along river, weekend sports leagues utilize public facilities

Elephant Mountain (Xiangshan):

• Quick hike with Taipei 101 views, locals climb after work for exercise and Instagram photos
• Crowded at sunset, serious hikers arrive at dawn avoiding selfie crowds and heat
• Elderly climb daily for health, younger generation makes occasional trips for visitor photo opportunities

Beitou Hot Springs Parks:

• Free foot baths in public parks, elderly locals soak daily while chatting with neighbors
• Sulfur smell permeates area, locals embrace volcanic heritage and therapeutic mineral water benefits
• Less touristy than paid bathhouses, authentic local relaxation scene in neighborhood setting

7-Eleven Cultural Institution:

• 6,000+ stores serve as community hubs, locals pay bills, withdraw cash, eat meals, and socialize
• Seating areas where elderly gather, students study, and workers eat lunch, beyond simple convenience store
• ATMs accepting foreign cards, locals direct visitors here for everything from coffee to concert tickets

Breakfast Shop (Zǎocān Diàn):

• Traditional morning eateries serving dan bing, soy milk, and fried dough, locals order same combination for years
• Family-run establishments where regulars don't need to speak, owners remember preferences and greet by name
• Disappearing as younger generation prefers chains, locals mourn loss of neighborhood breakfast culture

Tea House (Cháguǎn):

• Traditional oolong tea ceremony venues, elderly locals spend afternoons sipping Taiwanese high-mountain tea
• Maokong area famous for tea houses with city views, locals make romantic dates and family gatherings
• Younger generation less interested unless making impression, tea culture appreciation declining

Hot Pot Restaurant (Huǒguō):

• All-you-can-eat venues where locals gather for hours cooking ingredients in boiling broth
• Social activity not just dining, locals catch up with friends while constantly adding food to shared pot
• Personal or shared pot options, locals debate meat quality and broth flavor intensity endlessly

Scooter Traffic Jokes:

• "How do you cross Taipei street? Close eyes and pray" - locals joke about chaotic scooter floods
• Foreigners terrified but locals navigate confidently, making fun of tourist hesitation at crosswalks
• "Scooter parking on sidewalk is Taiwanese cultural heritage" - self-deprecating humor about rule-breaking

Mandarin Tone Mistakes:

• Locals laugh at foreigners confusing "ma" (mother/horse/scold/question) tones creating unintended meanings
• "I want to buy your mother" vs "I want to buy a horse" - classic tone error story everyone knows
• Patient correction but locals find tonal mishaps endlessly amusing in private

Mainland China Comparison:

• "Made in Taiwan, not China" - fierce pride in distinction despite similar language and heritage
• Younger generation jokes about mainlanders not understanding democracy and freedom values
• Political humor about independence vs reunification, locals navigate sensitive topic with dark comedy

Bubble Tea Everywhere:

• "Taiwan has more bubble tea shops than 7-Elevens" - locals joke about excessive competition
• Every block has 3-4 competing chains, locals still loyal to specific brand despite saturation
• "I need therapy but bubble tea cheaper" - millennial humor about emotional support through drinks

Jay Chou (Musician):

• Pop superstar and cultural icon, every Taiwanese knows his songs by heart from childhood
• Represents Mandopop excellence, locals defend his music as superior to K-pop and C-pop imports
• Concerts sell out instantly, younger generation grew up with his romantic ballads defining relationships

Ang Lee (Film Director):

• Oscar-winning director from Taiwan, locals claim him proudly as international success story
• Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon put Taiwan cinema on map, older generation respects his achievement
• Represents Taiwanese creativity and storytelling, locals celebrate his continued Hollywood prominence

Tsai Ing-wen (President):

• First female president and DPP party leader, younger locals embrace her progressive independence stance
• Complicated political figure, opposition supporters reject her mainland China policies
• LGBT rights champion who legalized marriage equality, international recognition makes locals proud

Bu Jingyun (Night Market Vendor Legend):

• Fictional representation but locals tell stories of legendary vendors who became wealthy through night market success
• Rags-to-riches mythology represents Taiwanese entrepreneurial spirit and food culture importance
• Every neighborhood has famous vendor locals queue for, generational recipes passed down creating local celebrities

Basketball Mania:

• NBA worship intense, locals follow Lakers and Warriors religiously, basketball courts in every neighborhood
• SBL (Super Basketball League) domestic competition, locals attend games at Taipei Arena for affordable entertainment
• Streetball culture strong, pickup games at riverside courts where locals play until midnight

Baseball National Sport:

• CPBL (Chinese Professional Baseball League) games social events, locals bring entire family to stadium
• Brother Elephants and Uni-Lions historic rivalries, older generation remembers golden era with nostalgia
• Japanese-influenced game atmosphere, locals chant organized cheers and wave team flags enthusiastically

Badminton Everywhere:

• Community centers have courts, locals play recreationally maintaining fitness and social connections
• World-class players like Tai Tzu-ying make locals proud, badminton achievements celebrated nationally

Cycling Culture Growing:

• YouBike system everywhere, locals commute and exercise along riverside bike paths
• Weekend rides to Tamsui and around island gaining popularity, cycling clubs organize group rides

Stinky Tofu Contradiction:

• Fermented tofu smells like sewage but locals line up for deep-fried or grilled versions enthusiastically
• Tourists cover noses while locals eat happily at outdoor stalls, acquired taste foreigners rarely develop
• Every night market has competing stalls, locals debate best preparation method and sauce combinations

Oyster Omelet (Ô-á-chiáⁿ):

• Gelatinous starch with tiny oysters and egg, texture confuses Westerners but locals eat as comfort food
• Sweet-savory sauce combination seems weird, locals consider balance sophisticated not strange
• Street food staple at night markets, locals order automatically without thinking about oddness

Pig's Blood Cake:

• Coagulated blood on stick covered in peanut powder and cilantro, locals eat as normal snack
• Sweet peanut powder with iron-rich blood cake combination baffles tourists but makes sense to locals
• Older generation especially loves this traditional snack, younger locals maintain appreciation

Braised Everything:

• Lu wei stalls offering braised organs, tofu, vegetables in same pot, locals mix weird combinations
• Choosing duck blood, intestines, and tofu together normal, foreigners squeamish about organ meats
• Locals eat cold braised foods as snacks, temperature contrast with hot broth adding complexity

Buddhist-Taoist Blend: Temples mix Buddhist philosophy with Taoist folk deities, locals pray to multiple gods for specific needs without contradiction. Longshan Temple Ritual: Oldest temple in Taipei where locals shake fortune sticks and ask moon blocks for divine guidance on decisions. Ghost Month Observance: Seventh lunar month when spirits roam, locals burn offerings and avoid major life decisions respecting supernatural. Grandmother's Temple Visits: Elderly locals visit temples daily burning incense and praying, younger generation accompanies during festivals maintaining family tradition.

Payment Methods:

• Cash still common at night markets and small vendors, locals carry NT$500-1,000 notes
• EasyCard works at 7-Eleven and some shops, locals use for small purchases beyond just transport
• Credit cards accepted at larger establishments, contactless payment growing among younger locals

No Tipping Culture:

• Tipping not expected or practiced anywhere, locals never tip regardless of service quality
• Some upscale restaurants add 10% service charge automatically, included in bill not voluntary
• Attempting to tip causes confusion, locals politely refuse or chase customers returning money

Shopping Hours:

• Shops: 11 AM - 9 PM typical, later hours at malls and night markets
• Night markets: 5 PM - midnight, peak crowds 8-10 PM when locals finish dinner
• 7-Eleven: 24 hours everywhere, locals shop anytime for convenience
• Department stores: 11 AM - 10 PM, locals browse weekends for air-conditioned window shopping

Bargaining Culture:

• Fixed prices everywhere, bargaining not practiced except vintage/antique markets
• Night markets have set prices, attempting to haggle marks you as rude foreigner
• Locals accept prices as stated, shopping culture different from Southeast Asia bargaining

Absolute Essentials:

• "Nǐ hǎo" (nee how) = hello
• "Xièxiè" (syeh-syeh) = thank you
• "Bù kèqì" (boo kuh-chee) = you're welcome
• "Duìbùqǐ" (dway-boo-chee) = sorry
• "Shì/Bú shì" (shur/boo shur) = yes/no
• "Qǐngwèn" (ching-when) = excuse me
• "Tīng bù dǒng" (ting boo dong) = I don't understand
• "Yīngyǔ" (ying-yoo) = English

Food Ordering:

• "Zhè ge" (juh guh) = this one
• "Bú yào là" (boo yow lah) = not spicy
• "Duōshao qián?" (dwoh-shaow chyen) = how much?
• "Wài dài" (why die) = takeaway
• "Hǎo chī" (how chur) = delicious

Getting Around:

• "Zài nǎlǐ?" (dzai nah-lee) = where is?
• "Xǐshǒujiān" (shee-show-jyen) = bathroom
• "Duōshao shíjiān?" (dwoh-shaow shur-jyen) = how long (time)?
• "Tài guì le" (tie gway luh) = too expensive

Polite Phrases:

• "Bù hǎo yìsi" (boo how ee-suh) = excuse me/sorry (apologetic)
• "Máfan nǐ" (mah-fahn nee) = to trouble you (polite request)
• "Gānbēi" (gahn-bay) = cheers

Authentic Taiwanese Products:

• Pineapple cakes: Traditional pastry gift locals give relatives, famous brands like SunnyHills NT$300-500/box
• High mountain oolong tea: Alishan or Lishan tea locals drink daily, quality leaves NT$500-2,000
• Taiwanese whisky: Kavalan award-winning, locals proud of international recognition NT$1,200-3,000
• Taiwan Beer merchandise: National beer with pineapple flavor variant locals drink casually NT$50-200

What Locals Recommend:

• Traditional masks and puppets: Folk art from temples, locals appreciate craftsmanship NT$500-3,000
• Indigenous crafts: Aboriginal weaving and beadwork, supporting local communities NT$300-2,000
• Sun cakes (Tàiyáng bǐng): Taichung specialty but sold in Taipei, locals gift to friends NT$200-400
• Preserved fruits: Taiwanese snacks locals eat and gift, dried mango especially popular NT$150-300

Avoid Tourist Traps:

• Generic "Made in Taiwan" items actually from China, locals cringe at fake local products
• Overpriced jade at tourist markets, quality questionable and locals know better sources
• Shilin Night Market inflated prices, same items cheaper at neighborhood markets

Where Locals Shop:

• Dihua Street: Traditional products and dried goods from established family businesses
• Eslite Bookstore: Taiwanese cultural items and quality souvenirs locals trust
• Jason's Market Place: Upscale supermarket where locals buy gift sets for relatives
• Airport duty-free: Pineapple cakes and whisky at reasonable prices before departure

Family-Friendliness Rating: 9/10 - Extremely family-friendly culture with excellent infrastructure and safety but language barrier challenging

Taiwanese Family Culture:

• Children welcomed everywhere - restaurants accommodate families, locals bring children to night markets even late evenings
• Grandparent childcare standard - extended family lives nearby, locals rely on grandparents for daily childcare
• Education obsession - cram schools (buxiban) everywhere, locals prioritize academic achievement over play
• Sunday family gatherings - multi-generational meals at restaurants, locals maintain close family bonds

Practical Family Infrastructure:

• MRT extremely stroller-friendly - elevators at all stations, locals navigate city easily with children
• Public restrooms have changing tables - even in MRT stations, locals appreciate family-focused infrastructure
• Nursing rooms everywhere - department stores and malls have dedicated spaces, locals support breastfeeding mothers
• Parks and playgrounds abundant - every neighborhood has facilities, locals bring children daily for outdoor play

Taiwanese Parenting Style:

• Academic pressure intense - locals enroll children in cram schools from young age for competitive advantage
• Safety-focused - locals watch children closely, stranger danger emphasized, less independent play than Western kids
• Food-centric - locals teach children to appreciate Taiwanese cuisine, night market trips educational
• Respect emphasized - children taught to greet elders formally, filial piety values instilled early

Family Activities:

• Taipei Zoo - excellent facilities and panda exhibit, locals visit regularly with season passes
• National Palace Museum - world-class Chinese art collection, locals bring children for cultural education
• Maokong Gondola - cable car to tea plantations, families make outings for views and nature
• Children's Amusement Center - indoor playground in MRT station, locals use for rainy day entertainment
• Beitou Hot Springs - family-friendly public baths, locals introduce children to hot spring culture