We have had a busy few days out of town organised by Ikoko. We visited the atmospheric lake Chuzenji and the nearby waterfalls, and spent the night in a golf course hotel, which was on special offer. I certainly learned more about slipper culture here and struggled to grasp the need to wear a pair for the 50cm space between the front door and the tatami covered floor of the bedroom but NOT in the toilet, where separate toilet slippers are provided. I also observed very keen Japanese golfers at 7am lining up their buggies and practicing their putting, the scenery was beautiful though so they didn't spoil the view too much.
Day 2 was spent in Kinugawa. We walked by the river and then tried out the fabulous hot spring baths in the hotel. I loved this...drifting from one very hot bath to another, all with different natural minerals and then showering with a choice of complimentary products. We sampled the buffet dinner, which was a real feast and I witnessed Cathal's attempt to get into the Guinness Book of Records for amount eaten at one sitting; he really did eat solidly for 3 hours, I left after 1 1/2 hours for a massage and he was still at it when I got back.
Day 3 was spent visiting the shrine town of Nikko, most famous for Toshogu, Japan's most lavishly decorated shrine and the mausoleum of Tokugawa Ieyasu, the founder of the Tokugawa shogunate. We saw the main sights and despite the icy wind, the weather was beautiful. I yet again indulged in some Japanese language butchering, referring to a well known snack as a 'warm group' and then as a paper dragon', Ikoko and Cathal try to keep straight faces during my attempts but I appear to be suffering from some sort of dyslexia and transpose vowels and syllables without a care for subsequent miscommunication.
It has been a lovely few days, it is much greener and more picturesque than I was expecting. I am now planning my next few days as I validate my rail pass tomorrow and so will have unlimited train travel for 2 weeks. I'm planning to head north and visit some of the places affected by the tsunami, however this may depend on trains and places to stay...I'm going to see where I end up.
Day 2 was spent in Kinugawa. We walked by the river and then tried out the fabulous hot spring baths in the hotel. I loved this...drifting from one very hot bath to another, all with different natural minerals and then showering with a choice of complimentary products. We sampled the buffet dinner, which was a real feast and I witnessed Cathal's attempt to get into the Guinness Book of Records for amount eaten at one sitting; he really did eat solidly for 3 hours, I left after 1 1/2 hours for a massage and he was still at it when I got back.
Day 3 was spent visiting the shrine town of Nikko, most famous for Toshogu, Japan's most lavishly decorated shrine and the mausoleum of Tokugawa Ieyasu, the founder of the Tokugawa shogunate. We saw the main sights and despite the icy wind, the weather was beautiful. I yet again indulged in some Japanese language butchering, referring to a well known snack as a 'warm group' and then as a paper dragon', Ikoko and Cathal try to keep straight faces during my attempts but I appear to be suffering from some sort of dyslexia and transpose vowels and syllables without a care for subsequent miscommunication.
It has been a lovely few days, it is much greener and more picturesque than I was expecting. I am now planning my next few days as I validate my rail pass tomorrow and so will have unlimited train travel for 2 weeks. I'm planning to head north and visit some of the places affected by the tsunami, however this may depend on trains and places to stay...I'm going to see where I end up.
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