FADE IN.
INT. CLUBHOUSE - DAY
PETER is reading a newspaper column.
PETER (V.O.)
To boost tourism in
Japan's less-visited
prefectures, eg Miyagi
the Japanese government
is subsidizing tourists
of about HK$360/night
or a maximum of
HK$3570/trip in Spring
2020.
Pausing.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd)
My family was in Miyagi
Dec 20-21, 2019, and
I've a story to tell.
FLASHBACK
INT. RYOKAN, MIYAGI - DAY (Dec 20, 2019)
Peter & FAMILY are checking in with a WOMAN (60s) and a MAN (60s)..
WOMAN
We'll let you have a
superior room at no
extra charge. It's on
the 1st floor. I'm
afraid our lift is out
of service.
INT. SENDAI SEASIDE TEA-HOUSE - NIGHT (Dec 20, 2019)
Peter & FAMILY are enjoying a seafood dinner in the restaurant. They're the only customers there.
EXT. RYOKAN. MIYAGI - NIGHT (Dec 20, 2019)
Returning to the ryokan's large car park in their car, Peter sees no other car parking there.
PETER
(To family)
I believe we're the
only guests in this
family-run ryokan
tonight. The onsen
will close at 10.00pm
and open at 6.00am.
INT. RYOKAN, MIYAGI - NIGHT (Dec 20, 2019)
Quiet male onsen changing room. Peter steps inside and sees no other customer.
PETER (V.O.)
As expected, we're
the only customers.
Except for the lift,
everything here is
in running order.
Peter enjoys the onsen and takes photos freely.
INT. RYOKAN, MIYAGI - DAY BREAK (Dec 21, 2019)
Japanese style room. Waking up, Peter grabs his phone to check the time: 6:00am.
PETER (V.O.)
I'd better use the
onsen facilities that
either the man or the
woman has prepared
for us now.
Peter gets up and goes out as his family are still fast asleep.
INT. RYOKAN, MIYAKGI - DAY (Dec 21, 2019)
An exclusive breakfast area for the family. The woman serves breakfasts to them delightfully.
PETER (V.O.)
I believe she prepares
them for us.
After breakfasts, Peter and family enjoy coffee in a sitting area next to a garden. They're the only guests.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd)
When I was young, I
used to work in a hotel.
It'd be nice if I could
have a ryokan like this.
Peter looks at a name plate of the ryokan.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd)
Yes - in charge of a
"fragrant village" would
be good - not need to
have the fragrant harbour.
But even a job to run
a ryokan can be labour-
intensive.
A CHAP (20s) arrives and bows to Peter & Family before proceeding to his chores.
PETER(V.O.)
He must be a part-time
helper. I feel better
now. We've helped
boost economic
activities during
off-peak months.
Peter taps his phone's Google Maps icon beginning to insert photos and typing.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd)
I really enjoy the stay
in this ryokan and would
like help marketing it.
Later, the woman with two poodles in her arms wave goodbye to Peter and family in their departing car.
END FLASHBACK
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd)
The Japanese government
is doing the right thing,
and so generously.
Pausing.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd)
But I've already fixed
my Japan Spring trips.
I'll go to Tokyo in Jan,
Sapporo and Otaru in
Feb and Kumamoto in
March.
Reflecting.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd)
At my age, I prefer
stability and consistency.
To make myself travel
at least once a month
since 60 isn't a bad
idea after all.
Reflecting.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd)
Wherever I go, they
fill my life with more
stories, and I know
my inner self more.
Pausing.
PETER (V.O.) (Cont'd)
Travel isn't something
that I'm good at; but
is something that I do -
before I run out of
time.
FADE OUT. The End