tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-81245795075265779412024-03-18T00:11:09.653+08:00Ariel LandExplore Japan with meArielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03509227042293152734noreply@blogger.comBlogger207125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8124579507526577941.post-61229349464508935152024-03-13T18:33:00.005+08:002024-03-13T18:33:42.737+08:00Saitama Part 4: The Cultured Route | Tokyo Day Trips<div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6AIJimpdK_Ia1J1zjD4f8DVePIVAp0LyCK56UqGnRWQTxIf4B4Gfqdepohis0eJhJYKD3v_JXKRuvTCkg8tcsJXs0ipcjzi-6de8u_E31nWeN78Hcoi4rTZHDgbX3GWw5MTjPV8QhME7uIWcGbqINgmuqAza-ny2kwsaMTCD5Azc4s2hYZlbfBcaOy8a-/s1280/Saitama%20Part%204.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="357" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6AIJimpdK_Ia1J1zjD4f8DVePIVAp0LyCK56UqGnRWQTxIf4B4Gfqdepohis0eJhJYKD3v_JXKRuvTCkg8tcsJXs0ipcjzi-6de8u_E31nWeN78Hcoi4rTZHDgbX3GWw5MTjPV8QhME7uIWcGbqINgmuqAza-ny2kwsaMTCD5Azc4s2hYZlbfBcaOy8a-/w635-h357/Saitama%20Part%204.png" width="635" /></a></div></div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span><a name='more'></a></span><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Prior to moving to Japan, I haven't been to or even heard of Saitama. I didn't know how much I was missing out on until I started traveling there on my own. Before being invited to go for work, I had already gone many times privately and fell in love with its beautiful nature and the well-preserved historical spots. In this 4-part series, I will be introducing 16 locations separated into 4 day trip itineraries. They have a mixture of different kind of locations and activities that will fit different interests. I hope this will help you discover wonderful new places and help plan your next day-trip to Saitama from Tokyo!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>Saitama Prefecture Quick Facts:</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><ul><li>It borders the north of Tokyo</li><li>4 of Tokyo Metro's lines connect Tokyo to Saitama</li><li>The JR Saikyo Line, JR Utsunomiya Line, JR Takasaki Line and the JR Tohoku/Joetsu Shinkansen also connect Tokyo and Saitama</li></ul></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>Locations Covered in Part 4:</b></div></span><div style="text-align: justify;"><ul><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">Tokigawa Town: Tamagawa Onsen</span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">Hanno: Moominvalley Park</span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">Hida City: Koma Shrine</span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">Ogawa Town: Restaurant Futaba</span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">Bonus Spot (Sugito Town)</span></li></ul></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b style="font-family: verdana;">Tamagawa Onsen (Tokigawa Town): Step into Showa Retro world</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">You could easily spend hours at Tamagawa Onsen. This is a day-trip kind of spot, almost like a museum, yet with lots of places to relax. The large indoor and outdoor hot springs are known to be strongly alkalic (pH 10.0) which provides health benefits such as promoting beautiful skin and helping with stress-induced conditions. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Walking in, you'll first see a retro "dagashiya" which is traditional Japanese sweets shop. There's cider brands from all over Japan, bath goods, traditional Japanese snacks, curry sold in the Showa period, inexpensive toys for kids, Showa retro style glassware... you name it. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">*The </span><span style="font-family: verdana;">Showa Era extends from 1926-1989</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">To the left of the dagashiya you'll find a set of staircase which leads you up to the 2/F, entirely dedicated for entertainment. There's a Karaoke stage, kid's play area with lots of toys, old-school night market games, a record player, and Showa style clothing to try on. Back down on the 1/F, the left also has the ordering counter of the restaurant. You can order full meals with a wide variety. I highly recommend the lunch from schools in Saitama in the Showa Era. There's also a cream soda served in a gold-fish bowl shaped cup. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">On the right of the dagashiya, you'll find more lounging spaces. First is an open area that half resembles of an old Japanese school with a chalk board and wooden table and chairs. In front of that is a space that looks like straight out of a granny's living room. There's kotatsu seats on the floor where you can sit and watch TV. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Further to the back of the first floor is a more modern resting area. It's a quiet area with lots of books, leather chairs, and even a bunk bed for naps. Just outside of that is a non-functional but super cute outdoor bath lined full of yellow rubber ducks. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><ul><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">Hours: 10am-10pm (Opening time on weekends and holidays 5am~)</span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">Dining area is opened 1hr after opening time, full menu available online</span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">Entrance fee: ¥500~980 (depending on when you enter), kids under 3yo enter for free </span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">If you didn't bring your own towel, you can rent a towel set for ¥220 and lounge wear for ¥220 as well. Other amenities such as face wash, makeup remover are also available for a small fee. </span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">They do not offer overnight stays </span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">Tattoos are not allowed</span></li></ul></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">For more details please check their official website: <a href="https://tamagawa-onsen.com/">https://tamagawa-onsen.com/</a> </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjop7uPuIzt0U6BFtREVt0MMH8cy4xWb3RCR8RJSqI4njGsY68V_upRjdPhqMwQBR3V7om8rdDazbudvlJfs1PTIAI9-aeiZdVUqZ-9iYeLnvsb5ysBofiixV0g64imJX2T28IqxH4SC2H7toGUInpCEhEewmq-3f-IE1qN_nyqYVm_Hx9DIHSBJ-sAXGcQ/s5712/IMG_2065.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4284" data-original-width="5712" height="369" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjop7uPuIzt0U6BFtREVt0MMH8cy4xWb3RCR8RJSqI4njGsY68V_upRjdPhqMwQBR3V7om8rdDazbudvlJfs1PTIAI9-aeiZdVUqZ-9iYeLnvsb5ysBofiixV0g64imJX2T28IqxH4SC2H7toGUInpCEhEewmq-3f-IE1qN_nyqYVm_Hx9DIHSBJ-sAXGcQ/w492-h369/IMG_2065.jpg" width="492" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: verdana;">(Above: Akira no Yu 昭の湯, the mens and womens side change weekly, please check website on the status) </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE-oRkd55XGr5xLziGPxyGldVRtWX2fbd5OOZ4BGVWzzPhhTYDO_mpc6K1kz6H44BM_kq6VR1e0kdjw88CTAwwxBoGf-jyv4bNTwcIk8MfBiQqIY4UGyxl4uCBcxvTCaQ-43tIWSBpK9GkpbSyY3l-FvvsWFRyoj0DcJgPvhtJRBkdvtP3-F5I6E_z9Ece/s6495/IMG_0656.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4330" data-original-width="6495" height="328" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE-oRkd55XGr5xLziGPxyGldVRtWX2fbd5OOZ4BGVWzzPhhTYDO_mpc6K1kz6H44BM_kq6VR1e0kdjw88CTAwwxBoGf-jyv4bNTwcIk8MfBiQqIY4UGyxl4uCBcxvTCaQ-43tIWSBpK9GkpbSyY3l-FvvsWFRyoj0DcJgPvhtJRBkdvtP3-F5I6E_z9Ece/w493-h328/IMG_0656.jpg" width="493" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: verdana;">(Above: The decorative non-functional bath on the 1/F balcony area)</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyTHoVGc7k2D_eFr5FXVbcce9ti2y0AluWs61KSDL25ZkWEWoBGBsbIPR0AWbbEZsQEUFAOoFqV2b-bQl_KocwnTdUazVWsoTeOQ6mSWPEVMecMED3F_epYYKLMWXikVEZMmyavzqezmPPtp0nDfPv9RL6UWyAIlMbaI3s-5jKEbCoDaa_F35XY28IvKH1/s5712/IMG_2136.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5712" data-original-width="4284" height="491" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyTHoVGc7k2D_eFr5FXVbcce9ti2y0AluWs61KSDL25ZkWEWoBGBsbIPR0AWbbEZsQEUFAOoFqV2b-bQl_KocwnTdUazVWsoTeOQ6mSWPEVMecMED3F_epYYKLMWXikVEZMmyavzqezmPPtp0nDfPv9RL6UWyAIlMbaI3s-5jKEbCoDaa_F35XY28IvKH1/w369-h491/IMG_2136.jpg" width="369" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: verdana;">(Above: I call this the "granny's living room", I'm holding their cream soda in my hand)</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTlXvlevQmdBxSw2fZwblpFWsdTmduNzW-vhbUEnAPdyO5eVksxbpKBhNzJ9ZAqMx_pzOs3VJbwLPlF-ZeEhyphenhyphen8fcwovYss54BHzPK-MJRt-b-Og0Rxv2xNGUjKaRnlFXeqqrSrrjf6G2LCcmLykZbCTFXeVIKSL8tedZnNbzgRmRt8XXDFy9Qs_KVOVq2a/s6729/IMG_0600.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4486" data-original-width="6729" height="287" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTlXvlevQmdBxSw2fZwblpFWsdTmduNzW-vhbUEnAPdyO5eVksxbpKBhNzJ9ZAqMx_pzOs3VJbwLPlF-ZeEhyphenhyphen8fcwovYss54BHzPK-MJRt-b-Og0Rxv2xNGUjKaRnlFXeqqrSrrjf6G2LCcmLykZbCTFXeVIKSL8tedZnNbzgRmRt8XXDFy9Qs_KVOVq2a/w431-h287/IMG_0600.jpg" width="431" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: verdana;">(Above: Lots of locker space inside the changing area)</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiykc-_vNpKllQtXheMaZppv20z9eTW3MoyFotj0LOw9k_H711Bts52fDMZR5WoPN4EsHYe-3rikyjwuo3F4AUMTzGrb_BmmQv7AP43vHkjkSv_HjgMD4RkSGNmOntjLXcSw99JOeQflq9XO_RirsKPcMf0lW_SoYsNrk_SFTRUZfOG8QKGLgpJbh-e8VHg/s6763/IMG_0603.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4509" data-original-width="6763" height="292" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiykc-_vNpKllQtXheMaZppv20z9eTW3MoyFotj0LOw9k_H711Bts52fDMZR5WoPN4EsHYe-3rikyjwuo3F4AUMTzGrb_BmmQv7AP43vHkjkSv_HjgMD4RkSGNmOntjLXcSw99JOeQflq9XO_RirsKPcMf0lW_SoYsNrk_SFTRUZfOG8QKGLgpJbh-e8VHg/w439-h292/IMG_0603.jpg" width="439" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: verdana;">(Above: Both men and women's side will be equipped with a baby cot for chanting)</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3lI68o8UXYcKVy3dAiE-rPeFzpQWiBEIBtRxOdfBqZF_LgnJMMQqextsE_zd0pPVV9DS0QxS8dJoRto3xPKwBWO6FCUG6wpFcSFm3T8Kx5zDoY8DHCE40z08k65OPit54S3Bd-cZ4i7KXi-296dGJnKqtI9ySI_D4d7Ji8tk-PdrdIMAwvQMnCGzptSRZ/s6960/IMG_0605.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6960" data-original-width="4640" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3lI68o8UXYcKVy3dAiE-rPeFzpQWiBEIBtRxOdfBqZF_LgnJMMQqextsE_zd0pPVV9DS0QxS8dJoRto3xPKwBWO6FCUG6wpFcSFm3T8Kx5zDoY8DHCE40z08k65OPit54S3Bd-cZ4i7KXi-296dGJnKqtI9ySI_D4d7Ji8tk-PdrdIMAwvQMnCGzptSRZ/s320/IMG_0605.jpg" width="213" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2pCXb52S7fnE8bOehzjM-0xWMBa8SFTEgD5AfU4xnXRrYPRokAHCGN6hlFCY8jvTdw9LEfbnLbgbsGp2ZyZe97bp3nECilZO1IUT49l0b7-C3dgqw9jsP_bOqFtmgtIWBATgibKyXK_HL8q05ztOvomSyHZCb2cHVch6i7FcmJoNxADan_C7Fp4cy_oTc/s6960/IMG_0625.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6960" data-original-width="4640" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2pCXb52S7fnE8bOehzjM-0xWMBa8SFTEgD5AfU4xnXRrYPRokAHCGN6hlFCY8jvTdw9LEfbnLbgbsGp2ZyZe97bp3nECilZO1IUT49l0b7-C3dgqw9jsP_bOqFtmgtIWBATgibKyXK_HL8q05ztOvomSyHZCb2cHVch6i7FcmJoNxADan_C7Fp4cy_oTc/s320/IMG_0625.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: verdana;">(Top left: inside area of Nagomi no yu 和のゆ, top right: Dagashiya shop)</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYegmWm6BO6RZMKA5YUIIdllPULEApzSKB6232e2kzxb0TDZhN3DsX8oM2eOJdsjSmeEWfBq3TFM3wvXZVVJANjthWRETFM14O9f86CLmypm_naKb3FMS8ZRn0XnWvVH2fifSMC7MWxQ9hj3KgvOsL4Q3tcae_7ScIwjWYdexyFn1kFb1zyy-eYtjN_8LK/s6834/IMG_0649.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4556" data-original-width="6834" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYegmWm6BO6RZMKA5YUIIdllPULEApzSKB6232e2kzxb0TDZhN3DsX8oM2eOJdsjSmeEWfBq3TFM3wvXZVVJANjthWRETFM14O9f86CLmypm_naKb3FMS8ZRn0XnWvVH2fifSMC7MWxQ9hj3KgvOsL4Q3tcae_7ScIwjWYdexyFn1kFb1zyy-eYtjN_8LK/w448-h298/IMG_0649.jpg" width="448" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: verdana;">(Above: full view of granny's living room)</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD9cUGEMP5AnZ9VN0svOv8vCsERSjvYf8kJuUYrayUJvEoKp0JOtohHaDvCoVaQJUGP8VtUZop-yS5Pb1qpiDPXcN2sCzNM6BjRlME40xWFPE6BZDYM8PtMWx9gO2LJVfgk_0U9o2xGfdIneLbWAtS7WudVZgtmx6mlrIIjY-OrAGM53lRCNbm3hggU4hR/s6960/IMG_0647.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4640" data-original-width="6960" height="295" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD9cUGEMP5AnZ9VN0svOv8vCsERSjvYf8kJuUYrayUJvEoKp0JOtohHaDvCoVaQJUGP8VtUZop-yS5Pb1qpiDPXcN2sCzNM6BjRlME40xWFPE6BZDYM8PtMWx9gO2LJVfgk_0U9o2xGfdIneLbWAtS7WudVZgtmx6mlrIIjY-OrAGM53lRCNbm3hggU4hR/w443-h295/IMG_0647.jpg" width="443" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: verdana;">(Above: Saitama school lunch from Showa era)</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFCh1tj92jQPjSdLRJCLdTO_46urFmsWuwnRclax0o46U3l4WJJCogLcDxAVa0VCahVfQqIHa2YyWB3HFfV7MynqPJCo5PmD8gbmfiJB7nMiLuyqn3EXmQtALpn8o2h6VR_jQ_p4YBWGrgwmw26Mrg2M6BD4Mz4KJVQixhjBDY0FMWxwI3cahr3EJoAR-D/s5667/IMG_5609.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3778" data-original-width="5667" height="293" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFCh1tj92jQPjSdLRJCLdTO_46urFmsWuwnRclax0o46U3l4WJJCogLcDxAVa0VCahVfQqIHa2YyWB3HFfV7MynqPJCo5PmD8gbmfiJB7nMiLuyqn3EXmQtALpn8o2h6VR_jQ_p4YBWGrgwmw26Mrg2M6BD4Mz4KJVQixhjBDY0FMWxwI3cahr3EJoAR-D/w440-h293/IMG_5609.HEIC" width="440" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: verdana;">(Above from left to right: onsen pudding made here, milk from the lunch set, jelly snack from the lunch set)</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKCtDyhVCmQ-i-ZZE5b_35d_0rBGIKMleoyaD9d7cDnsHRHd7-0rwdsdmqFcoOA2WoRwvzg7JykO0WmSkmoCaTiN75l3Se7VEVIvO6Nu67NmqVaPCjepuoMuQJrd_LWlvnWqL5e2RDG5osT3PpEhIe-h_EhVcXBJExJl0d2MpifGAyalNbsNUrwKU3dHyK/s5667/IMG_5610.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3187" data-original-width="5667" height="261" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKCtDyhVCmQ-i-ZZE5b_35d_0rBGIKMleoyaD9d7cDnsHRHd7-0rwdsdmqFcoOA2WoRwvzg7JykO0WmSkmoCaTiN75l3Se7VEVIvO6Nu67NmqVaPCjepuoMuQJrd_LWlvnWqL5e2RDG5osT3PpEhIe-h_EhVcXBJExJl0d2MpifGAyalNbsNUrwKU3dHyK/w464-h261/IMG_5610.HEIC" width="464" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: verdana;">(Above: items from the dagashiya shop; onsen goods, cider, and curry)</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDlElbpil8nJhwmR6dclR1lMQGf5mfrf7lD85x6hU1b4Se6ayPv6ZVI5nHh5AmHIljwLI0qudHgDWkQcKG72iZlne3NbA5Foj8ui1pyTY79_XOCzcLrIsUeYweqRnvnHHOpmJM4Ua5tRdBgnsIOqzkRJ2HhceVwTSzNNRX4C0pW7v_19dG_maEVHqyiM1T/s5667/IMG_5611.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3187" data-original-width="5667" height="261" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDlElbpil8nJhwmR6dclR1lMQGf5mfrf7lD85x6hU1b4Se6ayPv6ZVI5nHh5AmHIljwLI0qudHgDWkQcKG72iZlne3NbA5Foj8ui1pyTY79_XOCzcLrIsUeYweqRnvnHHOpmJM4Ua5tRdBgnsIOqzkRJ2HhceVwTSzNNRX4C0pW7v_19dG_maEVHqyiM1T/w465-h261/IMG_5611.HEIC" width="465" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: verdana;">(Above: Photos from the 2/F. From left: kid's play area, record player in one of the rooms, arcade area)</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvspA7XZ8Ofi38lwjMP4fohX28vtUWz43QeO6ts1YYKy3syxg_ikUgqVdwq1w3ziX9NsMpAI19oD2iHj9L-V0KY8oWuq99y74c3gA0K-L3zXLjFBni_NFRufk6crT3sQouQL7FxkpdLvOcU1L8wJt3-qBMgkuaUX7ov9bA7f2xDIbF4RKEj73jnKAAEhhW/s5667/IMG_5614.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3778" data-original-width="5667" height="313" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvspA7XZ8Ofi38lwjMP4fohX28vtUWz43QeO6ts1YYKy3syxg_ikUgqVdwq1w3ziX9NsMpAI19oD2iHj9L-V0KY8oWuq99y74c3gA0K-L3zXLjFBni_NFRufk6crT3sQouQL7FxkpdLvOcU1L8wJt3-qBMgkuaUX7ov9bA7f2xDIbF4RKEj73jnKAAEhhW/w471-h313/IMG_5614.HEIC" width="471" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: verdana;">(Above: Hallway of the 1/F with retro signs on the wall)</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr3Y1j4CtOa2u2Omw5NlADhsrFMltHkluWrZ_gmq3VDVEJ9jrd5l-_ZFcw5E7Skm1DKYT2rs-HOsvRPfSK6YGkKUlipv5mkf6XzwW1HAIQfRR29oOTE2LHk0ecDoRjVFnlCtBK-r7zH4j97wwfs5WNpQfuJudx3RW3QGa7-7menQQ_AUx9p1MIpqutUyu-/s6960/IMG_0672.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4640" data-original-width="6960" height="317" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr3Y1j4CtOa2u2Omw5NlADhsrFMltHkluWrZ_gmq3VDVEJ9jrd5l-_ZFcw5E7Skm1DKYT2rs-HOsvRPfSK6YGkKUlipv5mkf6XzwW1HAIQfRR29oOTE2LHk0ecDoRjVFnlCtBK-r7zH4j97wwfs5WNpQfuJudx3RW3QGa7-7menQQ_AUx9p1MIpqutUyu-/w476-h317/IMG_0672.jpg" width="476" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: verdana;">(Above: Entrance of the establishment, you can take photos freely here! The door of the car opens on one side) </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b>Moominvalley Park (Hanno)</b> </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Hailing from Finland, Moomin is a lovable character that lives in a quiet forest area with lakes and fairytale cabins. In Saitama's Moominvalley park, this all comes to life after stepping through the fairytale book entrances. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">You'll be greeted by many of the characters as you walk through the park. The shops not only offer goods and meals, they also have fun little games you can play to win limited plushies. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Make sure you get the meat bun sold at one of the takeaway stalls! They're extra generous on the high quality meat inside (*contains pork). </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Depending on the season, there are different decor. When I went, the walkway was lined with balloons and bubbles were flying everywhere from the nearby machines. During rainy season and summer, they have their famous "Umbrella sky". See-through colorful umbrellas line the sky which make a super nice scenery to walk by. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">This is not really your traditional theme park with roller coasters, parades, lots of noise and excitement. It's more like a relaxing experience, a walk in nature with cute characters. I especially recommend this for those who are looking to take a break from our overloaded every-day lives and escape into a relaxing fairytale. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">For more details on the park entrance, hours, and more, please check the official website: <a href="https://metsa-hanno.com/en/">https://metsa-hanno.com/en/</a> </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBoFel5HTp-L7mkI9ca9lj1Ld3NiKQbQSkw0M9FsyiZMIojdCD_MshWwoHADKGp_5qzvbjgBVVJNR_cVZ-TeyGvb_3jF3IxXgIJjYu0QGxL-MUb78LAOczcIRJC1Wfc3oYO_aGfwUcvq7S2PWtI7h6o07aRHnmh1y0wyxUyrAGQ4DRqjZTLtXjO9Z0SZZk/s6960/IMG_0733.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4640" data-original-width="6960" height="306" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBoFel5HTp-L7mkI9ca9lj1Ld3NiKQbQSkw0M9FsyiZMIojdCD_MshWwoHADKGp_5qzvbjgBVVJNR_cVZ-TeyGvb_3jF3IxXgIJjYu0QGxL-MUb78LAOczcIRJC1Wfc3oYO_aGfwUcvq7S2PWtI7h6o07aRHnmh1y0wyxUyrAGQ4DRqjZTLtXjO9Z0SZZk/w459-h306/IMG_0733.jpg" width="459" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: verdana;">(Above: meeting Too-Ticky, the compassionate problem solver and Moomin family neighbor)</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCfZUgfvgknpxF1Om8ZrEDR8FrgAk_JBOxFNnLz3esrFPeAsdrVA3ol7VtHU2Wf1KSSiG4bedjQGWk4s_UTaEgwhGyEuST8xEJeuI3npUmJOmHfSHQcMtzhBxxKcf7MGy3ybUAxArCg7th0ZF3ycfwq7xW2YpdKHUqNwnYwnzundEaaPUKzClczR73LZZy/s5667/IMG_5616.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3187" data-original-width="5667" height="262" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCfZUgfvgknpxF1Om8ZrEDR8FrgAk_JBOxFNnLz3esrFPeAsdrVA3ol7VtHU2Wf1KSSiG4bedjQGWk4s_UTaEgwhGyEuST8xEJeuI3npUmJOmHfSHQcMtzhBxxKcf7MGy3ybUAxArCg7th0ZF3ycfwq7xW2YpdKHUqNwnYwnzundEaaPUKzClczR73LZZy/w466-h262/IMG_5616.HEIC" width="466" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: verdana;">(Above from left to right: Moomin Papa, Moomin and Mama, Snufkin)</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3PBzizKs6ohkIgqZwognb8_OETsGcvGll8zq4XTiD7BEd7uM26fGCoT2KCNMp-rq6QvAPWRKQii5LWVaYBLygE17-pRKOhIKLrw-W-Vw3nd8K87s-tN5-qsel16EoQFLRK09xii-dtPUCPwHPQ0WnqUipt0ts9CW4CMMYosd6LL4FMhL2rTvBkFU82vVL/s5667/IMG_5617.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3187" data-original-width="5667" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3PBzizKs6ohkIgqZwognb8_OETsGcvGll8zq4XTiD7BEd7uM26fGCoT2KCNMp-rq6QvAPWRKQii5LWVaYBLygE17-pRKOhIKLrw-W-Vw3nd8K87s-tN5-qsel16EoQFLRK09xii-dtPUCPwHPQ0WnqUipt0ts9CW4CMMYosd6LL4FMhL2rTvBkFU82vVL/w473-h266/IMG_5617.HEIC" width="473" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: verdana;">(Above from left to right: the fairytale book entrance, Moominhouse, balloon gate in front of the shops) </span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXbQM7MnSiPcQZyZ85SCPdO1DwjBMFJ2JwfsF8UXK7Xga4Jm6Nuej76AlYifzAv0LCBNozb53DePW7Nr0mdm9sPQudzM6dJCbCuW0Uw9OqgTHxbzR9mR1nZMPNaIYHG97dyp-ddMJetJTAktMaG-2r9lbhfJ_CTYoXoUyeexn3SsNFfsStimrmy-MyrsB3/s5667/IMG_5615.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3778" data-original-width="5667" height="309" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXbQM7MnSiPcQZyZ85SCPdO1DwjBMFJ2JwfsF8UXK7Xga4Jm6Nuej76AlYifzAv0LCBNozb53DePW7Nr0mdm9sPQudzM6dJCbCuW0Uw9OqgTHxbzR9mR1nZMPNaIYHG97dyp-ddMJetJTAktMaG-2r9lbhfJ_CTYoXoUyeexn3SsNFfsStimrmy-MyrsB3/w465-h309/IMG_5615.HEIC" width="465" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: verdana;">(Top left: the balloon and bubble walk, Top right: the pork bun in front of Moominhouse)</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeCoDAoHJq88lZDpM2ICD-UM9DF0Uztw2-jtvm4bJKWNTcQqXgI1brDiLbnEFBbvtFtRSEyaM4BK-Y1q8pm4arbK2bklPLIJEhUUqU-XrZITCkGea8NDpxAnVuDPSebSGnV93NzYA_SSRgZaa4N5F6UhHGsrx-5A-LRXLp2QKWnonxG3gfjHkMh2NVYSbV/s5667/IMG_5618.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4250" data-original-width="5667" height="346" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeCoDAoHJq88lZDpM2ICD-UM9DF0Uztw2-jtvm4bJKWNTcQqXgI1brDiLbnEFBbvtFtRSEyaM4BK-Y1q8pm4arbK2bklPLIJEhUUqU-XrZITCkGea8NDpxAnVuDPSebSGnV93NzYA_SSRgZaa4N5F6UhHGsrx-5A-LRXLp2QKWnonxG3gfjHkMh2NVYSbV/w461-h346/IMG_5618.HEIC" width="461" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: verdana;">(Above: some example of goods sold at the Main Shop Moominvalley)</span></div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b>Koma Shrine (Hida City)</b></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Pulling up to Koma Shrine, you see these 2 really big totem-pole like statues. They are actually called "Shogunhyo" and is a set of a female and male warrior. This originates from Korea and from this I started discovering Koma Shrine's deep connection with Korea and its culture. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Koma the name itself and its Kanji characters represent the name of the old kingdom of Korea. Inside the Shrine there's an old farm house that used to be the family home of Koma which has been designated as an important cultural asset of the country. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Before getting to the shrine office and main hall, you will find the "Kagura-den" which is the official stage for Kagura dance. When no dance performance is happening, you'll see many traditional formal Korean wear on display year-round. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">At the shrine office, you can purchase a comprehensive pamphlet in English, Korean and Chinese. The omikuji (fortune papers) are also available in those 3 languages. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">At the end of March, a long row of Cherry Blossoms line the "sando" (road leading up to the tori gate and shrine). There's also a 500-year-old large cherry tree by the old farm house. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Please see official website for more details: <a href="https://komajinja.or.jp/guidance/" target="_blank">https://komajinja.or.jp/guidance/</a></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj60nC0S1KOSanDvDH1UcTJQ42biJm_B0NRxu58d0E2HUpC8ZtpeO8OcHkZIY4LV-HY8Agmc-hTnTxSGJocUzqaszR-yPn7rxqpn_0Ky8kR8YzK0HIfdtyoY_UW5sfLW8UmVEZktBtsGTZLuDFNqyCZcZj5_eQnfZwY7MNdsoZf1dxlVpjrsbX23xcgbG1F/s6960/IMG_0696.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4640" data-original-width="6960" height="338" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj60nC0S1KOSanDvDH1UcTJQ42biJm_B0NRxu58d0E2HUpC8ZtpeO8OcHkZIY4LV-HY8Agmc-hTnTxSGJocUzqaszR-yPn7rxqpn_0Ky8kR8YzK0HIfdtyoY_UW5sfLW8UmVEZktBtsGTZLuDFNqyCZcZj5_eQnfZwY7MNdsoZf1dxlVpjrsbX23xcgbG1F/w509-h338/IMG_0696.jpg" width="509" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #666666;">(Above: the 2 warrior statues)</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFhhjL89JUbEkLzJJ_PUshCR8_e2dqy-TxkU5BihVcKnsKrIHy8CnAJZMHYH5p-acSsXCMjmdQ6rZrU-D7hl3NK9s8aPibhnGRUWnlTRnXcR9JqI_rH2_fhOawt0aDBo1hdMvcoNJ2uxXarHZcWPXZ_QaH1dbPMg9Q2j0SXd8jkWH4ww4TvnG4SrhFDK5H/s6310/IMG_0708.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6310" data-original-width="4466" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFhhjL89JUbEkLzJJ_PUshCR8_e2dqy-TxkU5BihVcKnsKrIHy8CnAJZMHYH5p-acSsXCMjmdQ6rZrU-D7hl3NK9s8aPibhnGRUWnlTRnXcR9JqI_rH2_fhOawt0aDBo1hdMvcoNJ2uxXarHZcWPXZ_QaH1dbPMg9Q2j0SXd8jkWH4ww4TvnG4SrhFDK5H/s320/IMG_0708.jpg" width="226" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0dDpE09YLgObOr3fXQeb0dtZx0dUgftJuSgU02RybmWHndrZPUcWhbQrWcueX62_ZtvQ-rmwY7QqS0qT0aRfTMbER47POHGVNF_WAKcS2KhLSvEeouDSHMpWNGXcGYsjwgCzRThxafcc03I0PkV2ec9Qrt1MB6IlwxPnMTmaKPPPOwHMiWGMZxve68b_a/s5712/IMG_2329.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5712" data-original-width="4284" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0dDpE09YLgObOr3fXQeb0dtZx0dUgftJuSgU02RybmWHndrZPUcWhbQrWcueX62_ZtvQ-rmwY7QqS0qT0aRfTMbER47POHGVNF_WAKcS2KhLSvEeouDSHMpWNGXcGYsjwgCzRThxafcc03I0PkV2ec9Qrt1MB6IlwxPnMTmaKPPPOwHMiWGMZxve68b_a/s320/IMG_2329.jpg" width="240" /></a></div></span><span style="font-family: verdana;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #666666;">(Top left: Kagura-den and the traditional Korean clothing display, Top right: Ema wish plaque with the two warrior statues)</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRwMIRrEv4vTqAdXoma7lLof4lgTA_OlHOsClFeXkeM1qLVsCzjQcIofeSPnKQkzJZn7ZH7DfQkHNSeFrF6x7E75Lue1Pho3j6H1uKPhH7PmXk48CMVT_HdEXkbTvjZKQuo6qvGFrhYzpFBYMHa9h9P7zakE0kcJ1lUXn7h8i9JX5RzEKcnBQ1G2S3olpv/s6960/IMG_0699.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6960" data-original-width="4640" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRwMIRrEv4vTqAdXoma7lLof4lgTA_OlHOsClFeXkeM1qLVsCzjQcIofeSPnKQkzJZn7ZH7DfQkHNSeFrF6x7E75Lue1Pho3j6H1uKPhH7PmXk48CMVT_HdEXkbTvjZKQuo6qvGFrhYzpFBYMHa9h9P7zakE0kcJ1lUXn7h8i9JX5RzEKcnBQ1G2S3olpv/s320/IMG_0699.JPG" width="213" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkqpBT0U2yBIdFp_NQgU1UAqz1jIcLhMv0dD-LJ_cw1XfIUPcYtFmnJhhWQ5Mt9FOABRNFEnF1Vwa3kJl4CfN_FCmiZ0w4YEMhxFxAAGgFo_zHFYI7s4rwe2i_ACbitIUm1ShAQWra0CYsPR_z43XhzfaLNMlIxRSo22HwZiKpOOiJnjdxZUSCXNwS5rId/s6960/IMG_0710.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6960" data-original-width="4640" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkqpBT0U2yBIdFp_NQgU1UAqz1jIcLhMv0dD-LJ_cw1XfIUPcYtFmnJhhWQ5Mt9FOABRNFEnF1Vwa3kJl4CfN_FCmiZ0w4YEMhxFxAAGgFo_zHFYI7s4rwe2i_ACbitIUm1ShAQWra0CYsPR_z43XhzfaLNMlIxRSo22HwZiKpOOiJnjdxZUSCXNwS5rId/s320/IMG_0710.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #666666;">(Top left: the Tori gate leading up to the shrine main hall, Top right: The old farm house)</span></div></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioidIbEXgGRQoahcbzcVXkd3QI4AF5_HJJIjJVA-2O_sN-XOrLjTB7mvSwrojJY-hHABR1kXaWZyUWLfZX3Aoqc_SD-EghGtXQDlIDkNncee3jDfwWvaFDmrJ_brRlRerBTE7zNSeBkrGYsX4jXzyYgpBQEmnWfj1X5Dkdvyh569KrEZWeD102q0_Z4oa1/s4170/IMG_2332.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3271" data-original-width="4170" height="354" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioidIbEXgGRQoahcbzcVXkd3QI4AF5_HJJIjJVA-2O_sN-XOrLjTB7mvSwrojJY-hHABR1kXaWZyUWLfZX3Aoqc_SD-EghGtXQDlIDkNncee3jDfwWvaFDmrJ_brRlRerBTE7zNSeBkrGYsX4jXzyYgpBQEmnWfj1X5Dkdvyh569KrEZWeD102q0_Z4oa1/w451-h354/IMG_2332.jpg" width="451" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #666666;">(Above: the english pamphlet)</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-d_rQQQ02gAvQ7EIb-iiEN1F-QX_e10Rk5V77FxNFHZS8NivGEhC5UIyum4UO9CkUd3YoWLqk0mFm_xpjU-xrGOZZz3x-J9a1PFs5ICtWABGcNBDzz770Cf6RbipYjcQGG7wlm2_CqiBssocaiil8MhnXcJp97SbYibQlneY0vhvdzeQaV1TD40a3ck3_/s2854/IMG_2361.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2792" data-original-width="2854" height="407" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-d_rQQQ02gAvQ7EIb-iiEN1F-QX_e10Rk5V77FxNFHZS8NivGEhC5UIyum4UO9CkUd3YoWLqk0mFm_xpjU-xrGOZZz3x-J9a1PFs5ICtWABGcNBDzz770Cf6RbipYjcQGG7wlm2_CqiBssocaiil8MhnXcJp97SbYibQlneY0vhvdzeQaV1TD40a3ck3_/w416-h407/IMG_2361.jpg" width="416" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #666666;">(Above: the Omikuji in 3 languages)</span></div><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b>Restaurant Futaba (Ogawa Town)</b></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">If you are looking for a traditional Japanese dining experience, Futaba is the restaurant to go to. The old building one that's full of history and no longer being used, however you can walk in via the inside of the restaurant's modern hall to browse. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">My favorite feature of this restaurant is its beautiful Japanese garden in the back. The individual private dining rooms have floor to ceiling windows looking at different angles of the garden which has the classic river, rock formation, pine, and tea house combination. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">This restaurant is known for their Japanese eel, however there are plenty of other options that serve other fish and vegetables. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">For menu, hours, prices, and more details: <a href="https://ogawa-futaba.jp/">https://ogawa-futaba.jp/</a> </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZQnoeZzo7CoegxJNPOvPa2zXkQ-QYFDb6Dq1kiVT-FjTjFRBkSOlEbwB2IjK7kVpy34fk-Fp-OFZ97BV0E5v0FY3ih8F0pBIhX1F1MQWv553GCt_Wn1j3rBmVPolxHkwwtcrO_c7EQbNahGmiVaGY_sCYaPxOuGp-uX68vRKmP-Ug_ziTFcfDsHLpfPYl/s5712/IMG_2241.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5712" data-original-width="4284" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZQnoeZzo7CoegxJNPOvPa2zXkQ-QYFDb6Dq1kiVT-FjTjFRBkSOlEbwB2IjK7kVpy34fk-Fp-OFZ97BV0E5v0FY3ih8F0pBIhX1F1MQWv553GCt_Wn1j3rBmVPolxHkwwtcrO_c7EQbNahGmiVaGY_sCYaPxOuGp-uX68vRKmP-Ug_ziTFcfDsHLpfPYl/s320/IMG_2241.jpg" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn7b5WgvrtOd2ipwl6wJ7bXNC6TqY9vigkKoBWMcz9Aq74EQ5oov0a4lALrnohfHstDDrxXIkLnbqX6GxfQ9vG7zacIvhIWsOdM6FpK3pU_Y9dyG_aMkrEEaahm4MNJmIyfIfz0hy2xwhwbRPEFdLjwQpYTkWnxWWQ_E767T237Y7q0H3Y8aPyqPk63XW5/s5641/IMG_2302.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5641" data-original-width="4231" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn7b5WgvrtOd2ipwl6wJ7bXNC6TqY9vigkKoBWMcz9Aq74EQ5oov0a4lALrnohfHstDDrxXIkLnbqX6GxfQ9vG7zacIvhIWsOdM6FpK3pU_Y9dyG_aMkrEEaahm4MNJmIyfIfz0hy2xwhwbRPEFdLjwQpYTkWnxWWQ_E767T237Y7q0H3Y8aPyqPk63XW5/s320/IMG_2302.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #666666;">(Above: The old building entrance and hall)</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB-NXDIPW6zrnx7JV8YTLERhFPjUI5PDsAO4uP9tL8WhbTQAYujMi5MisSCNBgN00KvBZCSDNt9Fc6DjClB4z6FyGCT8uUpswn0y92hTyPMaB3TlilyVDb8XF2GiROBzhO5YDIqNyc1q5vKuGxqABKuBSDscZdvETg0ArfEimP3IO0JdRxxrItynCHHEVJ/s5667/IMG_5619.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3778" data-original-width="5667" height="294" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB-NXDIPW6zrnx7JV8YTLERhFPjUI5PDsAO4uP9tL8WhbTQAYujMi5MisSCNBgN00KvBZCSDNt9Fc6DjClB4z6FyGCT8uUpswn0y92hTyPMaB3TlilyVDb8XF2GiROBzhO5YDIqNyc1q5vKuGxqABKuBSDscZdvETg0ArfEimP3IO0JdRxxrItynCHHEVJ/w441-h294/IMG_5619.HEIC" width="441" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #666666;">(Above: two different type of lunch sets, there are more side dishes that come before this as well as desserts)</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn-BHnXzT5qj7-znK36grY09EditOhrrPM41vd4FS8b0zj5fMnFAMm1GTpybK5bOqMNoTbDs__3hJLp_Tt57KHugNJQeHuS0N_9g5zDN2AIT3ubGLPIsx1Qv1DXV8CTXcOui18Fv27eWrey_tQiwz83MmRLDBvzZg0K9iyNNzHBMm4gNJJdjm5_093CS3F/s5712/IMG_2300.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4284" data-original-width="5712" height="329" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn-BHnXzT5qj7-znK36grY09EditOhrrPM41vd4FS8b0zj5fMnFAMm1GTpybK5bOqMNoTbDs__3hJLp_Tt57KHugNJQeHuS0N_9g5zDN2AIT3ubGLPIsx1Qv1DXV8CTXcOui18Fv27eWrey_tQiwz83MmRLDBvzZg0K9iyNNzHBMm4gNJJdjm5_093CS3F/w439-h329/IMG_2300.jpg" width="439" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #666666;">(Above: One of the views of the Japanese garden in the private dining area)</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMFkZA0J4-jgLQ4WY8lYd4wlT0J5Ugg47kqgcR9Wkn7wgvOM351B8NkUGRdznclhjg5quF1ptIAyGNwK8DEFm7x86tZ3mnEPL8JNoCkERFgIpgL_e4SBjqY7MAinG6x-my35TUbb2-HuwcjElgA7HEiDNgPTFW_TGFXhyujNw4aZBq7UgCtBRxNnBgJsCT/s4032/IMG_2255.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="337" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMFkZA0J4-jgLQ4WY8lYd4wlT0J5Ugg47kqgcR9Wkn7wgvOM351B8NkUGRdznclhjg5quF1ptIAyGNwK8DEFm7x86tZ3mnEPL8JNoCkERFgIpgL_e4SBjqY7MAinG6x-my35TUbb2-HuwcjElgA7HEiDNgPTFW_TGFXhyujNw4aZBq7UgCtBRxNnBgJsCT/w448-h337/IMG_2255.jpg" width="448" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #666666;">(Above: The full Japanese garden, you can step outside freely)</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div></span><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><div style="font-family: Times;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b>Uta no Yu (Sugito Town)</b></span></div></span></span><span style="font-family: verdana;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Sugito Town, where the Sugito Natural Hot Spring Uta no Yu is located, is in the eastern part of Saitama Prefecture. Its history is said to date back about 1,500 years, based on various cultural assets such as ancient tombs that have been excavated. During the Edo period, the Nikko Highway which is one of the five major highways, passed through Sugito, and it was a thriving postal town with inns. The area where "Uta-no-Yu" is located has been called "Uta" since ancient times, and it was opened on April 11, 2012 as "Sugito Natural Hot Spring Uta-no-Yu" borrowing that name.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">It is now one of Saitama prefecture's most popular day-trip hot springs facilities. In addition to an open-air bath with natural hot spring water, a carbonated hot spring, a footbath, there's also a buffet restaurant. You can easily spend a whole day relaxing there.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div></span></div><span style="font-family: verdana;">Fees:<br /><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">Admission fee 1,200~1,300 yen</span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">Buffet 1,900 yen</span></li></ul>Website: <a href="https://utanoyu.com/">https://utanoyu.com/ </a><br /><br />More details in this video: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/C2e0bfaSgi2/?igsh=MXhkNThhaG9wdWNzeQ%3D%3D">https://www.instagram.com/reel/C2e0bfaSgi2/?igsh=MXhkNThhaG9wdWNzeQ%3D%3D</a></span><span style="font-family: verdana;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-w3JcTU9Apkx5_fTG4_1yWLrhXy3HspI8zOJZXAJBywyu-ysT01Z16DrJu3jOQPv_HUuY76mcuzoswacGacB9b9lTi0pV6LV8CznbpuqeEyZQlSRb8VlmWmy9hsujZVTYBtaVMNMj8x3-oRmA12kM8k5vvNZXNKnUCwAX1_P_xWkfb5StY7TFf7XScU5f/s676/Screenshot%202024-02-28%20at%2011.45.43%20PM.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="676" data-original-width="508" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-w3JcTU9Apkx5_fTG4_1yWLrhXy3HspI8zOJZXAJBywyu-ysT01Z16DrJu3jOQPv_HUuY76mcuzoswacGacB9b9lTi0pV6LV8CznbpuqeEyZQlSRb8VlmWmy9hsujZVTYBtaVMNMj8x3-oRmA12kM8k5vvNZXNKnUCwAX1_P_xWkfb5StY7TFf7XScU5f/s320/Screenshot%202024-02-28%20at%2011.45.43%20PM.png" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8E3VjJ727WTzPnyFkUieGgfMW1dEZ5m8uYudCaxRKquybClpvSPl5PiFEgg8xP4ztwLhgLDRMaY5ypEuVUBIUI7loxl4Lop38Qj88Fq1XH9bMTBLHSp85eQfnkngiO-ql8qTRRSyhsI1LZRD8P3IweuNKQgbabVbhXv2DcDReMXDuC6YDmvu12PJOiBLs/s724/Screenshot%202024-02-28%20at%2011.45.54%20PM.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="724" data-original-width="544" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8E3VjJ727WTzPnyFkUieGgfMW1dEZ5m8uYudCaxRKquybClpvSPl5PiFEgg8xP4ztwLhgLDRMaY5ypEuVUBIUI7loxl4Lop38Qj88Fq1XH9bMTBLHSp85eQfnkngiO-ql8qTRRSyhsI1LZRD8P3IweuNKQgbabVbhXv2DcDReMXDuC6YDmvu12PJOiBLs/s320/Screenshot%202024-02-28%20at%2011.45.54%20PM.png" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWHW0yyKlsQWpX-9W9Gefe8PL0tMeHkON6yZemN4XloJ_2oN6S95k38C0pRdEZI1xewlfjeyc5ZQbS0DLSVjuSdDwaSqHspbUoGcg7zI42tsuHJUIab_3VmQdAi478LkYq03RXRjiFeG7O1HSYtBnCi7GSSWiEvVKYLk03WNRAC5I-HQj8ja4XcpGU0DYg/s1560/%E5%86%85%E5%BA%AD%20%E7%B8%A6.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1560" data-original-width="1170" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWHW0yyKlsQWpX-9W9Gefe8PL0tMeHkON6yZemN4XloJ_2oN6S95k38C0pRdEZI1xewlfjeyc5ZQbS0DLSVjuSdDwaSqHspbUoGcg7zI42tsuHJUIab_3VmQdAi478LkYq03RXRjiFeG7O1HSYtBnCi7GSSWiEvVKYLk03WNRAC5I-HQj8ja4XcpGU0DYg/s320/%E5%86%85%E5%BA%AD%20%E7%B8%A6.jpg" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjigc_b1fBGdqtDiHBKmMyYluOCWaLFs7Jst7oBYf56iDqf3jIyGU_YMTBOMrS2NkqHZEEh4WBPFV3wu_nzxbBNFvA6eS8oPzK9isLAjhLQ2pMalGv5EWBT78dKtjPmZqIlBk0cEyhkpSE2YpF45krHKLxLscCX3cPVZXruq_7J0TEuM8ICP5RkrvAbVXUd/s1560/%E8%B6%B3%E6%B9%AF%20%E7%B8%A6.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1560" data-original-width="1170" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjigc_b1fBGdqtDiHBKmMyYluOCWaLFs7Jst7oBYf56iDqf3jIyGU_YMTBOMrS2NkqHZEEh4WBPFV3wu_nzxbBNFvA6eS8oPzK9isLAjhLQ2pMalGv5EWBT78dKtjPmZqIlBk0cEyhkpSE2YpF45krHKLxLscCX3cPVZXruq_7J0TEuM8ICP5RkrvAbVXUd/s320/%E8%B6%B3%E6%B9%AF%20%E7%B8%A6.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">I hope this has helped you discover new places to go to in Saitama as a day-trip from Tokyo. Please see the other 3 itineraries for more places! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe height="480" src="https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/0/embed?mid=1s8wXcfQP4WstRSu__j1QMEc5djbX5dM&ehbc=2E312F" width="640"></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Follow me on instagram <a href="http://@ariel.land"><span style="color: #ea9999;"><b>@ariel.land</b></span></a> for more Japan travel guides</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://instagram.com/ariel.land" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="4031" data-original-width="1440" height="1012" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_EKulS2Z2uIQzrhxMsoJRvqr5YK7ui2CqKz2CnuC3MdsWsSncDfdzF0q6_sko1v0pq6rRG4eA-Sk9X3rsmGkB1PXr6hUbSKvl-DZS3v7QsDeqfR75oOmqOZDuDOU_nIW4RJY0JU-g4hEPiItquPlsfka98pWIe80i7AU4WjS-k5G33kaSI3hvZivvS5jz/w360-h1012/IMG_5650.JPG" width="360" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.arielland.com" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="269" data-original-width="660" height="73" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4z3njkueuXjnTrN_pDbANETbiYWn6J7q8n5V-NDVhxCBHUZ6wMLPK9SmZE6guw4F8nqiaih49M61F-FJaEksY0fw8y-wbbeYehQ5qQBILITCA8uYMOq5wfeGSS578deTpiE6Vshm8FqAk9cvFXGNiYL2i7iy3NPXX5hI2MO4FEL_dA84TjSIRJuyO3XUS/w182-h73/IMG_6567.jpg" width="182" /></a></div></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div>Arielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03509227042293152734noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8124579507526577941.post-65741140188011603382024-03-13T18:33:00.004+08:002024-03-13T18:33:35.573+08:00Saitama Part 3: Winter Wonderland Itinerary | Tokyo Day trips <div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiebrPdJUYA7CWpxh_I8Lvsao7-beLNJG0d3NI1pO7cOuZanp_v9lCh-s1QafHCvwXPeqK7rP9mgLfS-naJDPRBHxHR7JyzvDPdjEjKBxgIqfx55ZACn88cnzzwrzhfTQlzns-5TdYI-MyfyNLz5jAHHIWNJVXaLoI7bkoRlIn5zobe6ZWi6qoYkpKpqphu/s1280/Saitama%20Part%203.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="357" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiebrPdJUYA7CWpxh_I8Lvsao7-beLNJG0d3NI1pO7cOuZanp_v9lCh-s1QafHCvwXPeqK7rP9mgLfS-naJDPRBHxHR7JyzvDPdjEjKBxgIqfx55ZACn88cnzzwrzhfTQlzns-5TdYI-MyfyNLz5jAHHIWNJVXaLoI7bkoRlIn5zobe6ZWi6qoYkpKpqphu/w633-h357/Saitama%20Part%203.png" width="633" /></a></div></div><span><a name='more'></a></span><span style="font-family: verdana;"><div style="text-align: justify;">Prior to moving to Japan, I haven't been to or even heard of Saitama. I didn't know how much I was missing out on until I started traveling there on my own. Before being invited to go for work, I had already gone many times privately and fell in love with its beautiful nature and the well-preserved historical spots. In this 4-part series, I will be introducing 16 locations separated into 4 day trip itineraries. They have a mixture of different kind of locations and activities that will fit different interests. I hope this will help you discover wonderful new places and help plan your next day-trip to Saitama from Tokyo!</div><br /><b>Saitama Prefecture Quick Facts:</b></span><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">It borders the north of Tokyo </span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">4 of Tokyo Metro's lines connect Tokyo to Saitama</span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">The JR Saikyo Line, JR Utsunomiya Line, JR Takasaki Line and the JR Tohoku/Joetsu Shinkansen also connect Tokyo and Saitama</span></li></ul><br /><b>Locations Covered in Part 3: </b></span></div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">Chichibu City: Bamba Road</span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">Minano Town: Chichibu onsen Mangan-no-yu</span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">Nagatoro: Kotatsu boat ride</span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">Yokoze: Ashigakubo Icicles </span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">Bonus Spot ✨ (Higashichichibu Village)</span></li></ul></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b>Chichibu's Bamba Road</b></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">This is not my first time in Chichibu, in fact I have now covered 3 out of 4 seasons in Chichibu and there's a reason I keep going back. There's this retro vibe about the town and the magnificent nature backdrop is such a nice escape from the busy Tokyo life. Bamba road is a place you won't miss, it leads you from the station all the way up to Chichibu shrine, and its full of amazing little shops. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">A few shops that I recommend stopping by:</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><ul><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">Imo Urara: for Japanese yam flavored pudding and ice-cream</span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">Jin Jin Bar: for wild-boar skewers</span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">Kanmidokoro Kamakura Chichibu ten: for drinks and warabi-mochi</span></li></ul></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJMsoZudVImsw9cO2HO-jfuWYmXyK6X5wqClZjWlNNoZwtgMimY2PnlCPDzgFaW1y0WaQD5idGwoeSsRWziZNQk6zacpEHFTr-wDANc2FMdbayHmLfQ_Duhmfbo1bhD45dA_M23qrvVHn7HGUIVetJT5BbhuQsl-tFPxFP-27x_h-54ukld_wED0bDMh8_/s5667/IMG_5669.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4250" data-original-width="5667" height="377" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJMsoZudVImsw9cO2HO-jfuWYmXyK6X5wqClZjWlNNoZwtgMimY2PnlCPDzgFaW1y0WaQD5idGwoeSsRWziZNQk6zacpEHFTr-wDANc2FMdbayHmLfQ_Duhmfbo1bhD45dA_M23qrvVHn7HGUIVetJT5BbhuQsl-tFPxFP-27x_h-54ukld_wED0bDMh8_/w503-h377/IMG_5669.HEIC" width="503" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: verdana;">(Top left: Bamba street, Top right: Imo Urara)</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_SF5q_Dn33IlSGn3UzNKpCdTTY2DKJBhVyEtS7t21iH7EyNJFP5HsD2TBnyLhKkWAyfjYRhF1duIBEPUzBP3Hxi8QZXxcxjAMXv8dE03ZCj76C5EDz-mNks6RTzW6i4tPeUVaa_pB-SS9RjJ_4E0XL5aC6drpeZuSXJQfRx2prq8YNffHQkp52G-d2iJp/s5712/IMG_0551.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5712" data-original-width="4284" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_SF5q_Dn33IlSGn3UzNKpCdTTY2DKJBhVyEtS7t21iH7EyNJFP5HsD2TBnyLhKkWAyfjYRhF1duIBEPUzBP3Hxi8QZXxcxjAMXv8dE03ZCj76C5EDz-mNks6RTzW6i4tPeUVaa_pB-SS9RjJ_4E0XL5aC6drpeZuSXJQfRx2prq8YNffHQkp52G-d2iJp/s320/IMG_0551.jpg" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwja7u3nJSI5J2HjkPGF4cuivGkcV-N5hncai02YTKKRoPsTql56KBCbpstLP0BqEiHwnoAl3Ze3oRsm8RnamjC_qJjkgV2dXSzSiAcKKXXCV8SPb5hnpUYByX7PZcF2XJrzdBqdplK552Y7aps-TGH4wOTeu7eZFnk4jDyaV2LaJI3W3TR6LkgH5YVqUq/s5712/IMG_0553.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5712" data-original-width="4284" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwja7u3nJSI5J2HjkPGF4cuivGkcV-N5hncai02YTKKRoPsTql56KBCbpstLP0BqEiHwnoAl3Ze3oRsm8RnamjC_qJjkgV2dXSzSiAcKKXXCV8SPb5hnpUYByX7PZcF2XJrzdBqdplK552Y7aps-TGH4wOTeu7eZFnk4jDyaV2LaJI3W3TR6LkgH5YVqUq/s320/IMG_0553.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: verdana;">(Above: snacks from Imo Urara)</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiibcvYttd9Cq3N8u05xKA4M9UmuEYVsM1MYwcmx2tSrBIdISBwj-ELgA1KFfMtJtVEkdtcalj39h59ltdZtUT_DBa5YNHNgqSpYmbUxgL3R9mLoAy_awI5q5SEoC4o7Hyqs9qgJgVwx3SfyRwSAlEAbgND4pLDy0kTPtOEp6KhLgfs03k8dFNWmY_mEcaR/s5712/IMG_0577.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5712" data-original-width="4284" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiibcvYttd9Cq3N8u05xKA4M9UmuEYVsM1MYwcmx2tSrBIdISBwj-ELgA1KFfMtJtVEkdtcalj39h59ltdZtUT_DBa5YNHNgqSpYmbUxgL3R9mLoAy_awI5q5SEoC4o7Hyqs9qgJgVwx3SfyRwSAlEAbgND4pLDy0kTPtOEp6KhLgfs03k8dFNWmY_mEcaR/s320/IMG_0577.HEIC" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSFDfCb5FO02w5T1GLI2Ug7fj7oZAa9jxuwLU-xI6L7EhJO68iRnPOrXt-4uNfBr1KF4NtEi-Y0y6cP9Jl4b6j8ZXlu_AC3og3s8k0hMSRsliSAXZTaiYHLAMw4c4a2MlY44dIjyNUpJ5YuMjWQWXupD87FPCwk7dqXrgURmubHxxeHFLm31mla77zRHGK/s6960/IMG_0375.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6960" data-original-width="4640" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSFDfCb5FO02w5T1GLI2Ug7fj7oZAa9jxuwLU-xI6L7EhJO68iRnPOrXt-4uNfBr1KF4NtEi-Y0y6cP9Jl4b6j8ZXlu_AC3og3s8k0hMSRsliSAXZTaiYHLAMw4c4a2MlY44dIjyNUpJ5YuMjWQWXupD87FPCwk7dqXrgURmubHxxeHFLm31mla77zRHGK/s320/IMG_0375.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: verdana;">(Top left: Jin Jin bar, top right: Bus stop for Chichibu Shrine)</span></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9CIgWuGZ9eetrp7AMblDVkFGqmNFsFNDgcoeuMWO86mbRLaNFjf05ivCPHH2EY0zgKWpWHRQZ1E7urR8oT5RrDt7davXt83dM8bRzj-XHOlERFSTBdo2rJK8OuhX1rk_HoUgazCkyL0dOWstY8aBZEgYCUEZSDyjRT_ITwjmRkoW59gVUq4jqUC51kRzq/s6960/IMG_0372.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4640" data-original-width="6960" height="351" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9CIgWuGZ9eetrp7AMblDVkFGqmNFsFNDgcoeuMWO86mbRLaNFjf05ivCPHH2EY0zgKWpWHRQZ1E7urR8oT5RrDt7davXt83dM8bRzj-XHOlERFSTBdo2rJK8OuhX1rk_HoUgazCkyL0dOWstY8aBZEgYCUEZSDyjRT_ITwjmRkoW59gVUq4jqUC51kRzq/w527-h351/IMG_0372.jpg" width="527" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: verdana;">(Above: </span><span style="font-family: verdana; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #666666;">Kanmidokoro Kamakura Chichibu ten)</span></span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b>Chichibu Onsen: Mangan-no-yu (Minano Town)</b></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">This is one of those nice traditional onsens that are perfect for day trips. It reels like a ryokan but they don't offer overnight stays. But there are private rooms just like a ryokan where you can rest by the hour, or there are public rooms for dining, resting, and even a dark room for napping. Their onsens are equipped with indoor and outdoor onsen, the outdoor one facing the magnificent mountains surrounding the area. The ladies and mens change regularly so depending on which week you go, you'll have a different view. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><ul><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">The hours are from 10am - 9pm </span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">Entry fees are only ¥900 ~ ¥1,050 all day depending on day of the week </span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">Tattoos are not allowed at this onsen (small covered up tattoos are fine)</span></li></ul></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB_lu_RWnat3AWZRpKS5fwreaTjxy8VeNBzHtYpCWCBeuTRl56XTEjqhcjWDu6HUde_NmVMSde4Ki7-HHwCaJCNEpWy1rVVzVhgwjmkix1nvQzVeEBk6-kv0rlmdJyCdwokhfCh5qAwyhK1JTjIMqGk56L9KJXW90FpmtFhzmSctEzwtQDseRR_2iBcjY5/s6960/IMG_0411.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4640" data-original-width="6960" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB_lu_RWnat3AWZRpKS5fwreaTjxy8VeNBzHtYpCWCBeuTRl56XTEjqhcjWDu6HUde_NmVMSde4Ki7-HHwCaJCNEpWy1rVVzVhgwjmkix1nvQzVeEBk6-kv0rlmdJyCdwokhfCh5qAwyhK1JTjIMqGk56L9KJXW90FpmtFhzmSctEzwtQDseRR_2iBcjY5/w457-h304/IMG_0411.jpg" width="457" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: verdana;">(Above: front door of Mangan onsen) </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEFAKSGXcyqFSD8h67sfJymLpFysfFZfFWRqkRiBqy5gm13tpHR4GVBNHL3oxCwzzcYr_9bTYpwkMcjT5amadNkMtnzMhyg2k1XFdXQlrJia9PKZlLrgeoaaNikp-kU0RbZKUZbsh07oxq-JnQtlL3o_zDyRunvjDqvkrdpRnoDZW9M-e7Pma08fUXBsSJ/s5503/IMG_0683.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5503" data-original-width="4127" height="484" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEFAKSGXcyqFSD8h67sfJymLpFysfFZfFWRqkRiBqy5gm13tpHR4GVBNHL3oxCwzzcYr_9bTYpwkMcjT5amadNkMtnzMhyg2k1XFdXQlrJia9PKZlLrgeoaaNikp-kU0RbZKUZbsh07oxq-JnQtlL3o_zDyRunvjDqvkrdpRnoDZW9M-e7Pma08fUXBsSJ/w363-h484/IMG_0683.jpg" width="363" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: verdana;">(Above: outdoor pool of one of the onsens)</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghMC_8hVs9qJ89WodT6rOn3k01Lf55QlW2079c4BQI6vU9vHBjYQnapQfs0E3M2k4S7yZ7S2tp1NplH7gRQrYv7mPfp5L3AWvIGWO-78VPzUS-UwENbXzFOM17g59cjNDIchXAlH2ap8ohGihHLV37pZrw4I-j1INsed91wOJsjVqyuhAL2_dqPAxazj-3/s6714/IMG_0399.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4356" data-original-width="6714" height="293" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghMC_8hVs9qJ89WodT6rOn3k01Lf55QlW2079c4BQI6vU9vHBjYQnapQfs0E3M2k4S7yZ7S2tp1NplH7gRQrYv7mPfp5L3AWvIGWO-78VPzUS-UwENbXzFOM17g59cjNDIchXAlH2ap8ohGihHLV37pZrw4I-j1INsed91wOJsjVqyuhAL2_dqPAxazj-3/w451-h293/IMG_0399.jpg" width="451" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: verdana;">(Above: private resting room for up to 6-8 pax </span><span style="font-family: verdana; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #666666;">at ¥1,500/hr)</span></span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8MrQjO75Qk36B9PPCATCbYbLhvDSLeFMb0NcXVZiqdV12CGhKkWrS2beNJcIb1Dts3WoWkSOdC1db1jhHjUGqvffVhFyXcJSrZl2iLi1CGzUDCoSmX5jjL1OCpuXuQ2vq79d5fcoRinKtiWFKsKoUyqTCa6TyLS5bh9Ur2uRHm5QBbEitrGYgVy6Youbt/s6733/IMG_0401.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4489" data-original-width="6733" height="302" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8MrQjO75Qk36B9PPCATCbYbLhvDSLeFMb0NcXVZiqdV12CGhKkWrS2beNJcIb1Dts3WoWkSOdC1db1jhHjUGqvffVhFyXcJSrZl2iLi1CGzUDCoSmX5jjL1OCpuXuQ2vq79d5fcoRinKtiWFKsKoUyqTCa6TyLS5bh9Ur2uRHm5QBbEitrGYgVy6Youbt/w454-h302/IMG_0401.jpg" width="454" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: verdana;">(Above:public room for napping)</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKZotqjd8Gj4cArFq4vcZq9Efir0nqJry02wmD_DPm1THDoFb-3SUaW8Zs5z_o7pVjyVNQm-Kh2irY9SHLLyj4osHL7ONZl4eHnG8zWo4V4wdMuGzbgCv30oIey91A8JepreFqffE06muWMzQ4lmU6OBDWTsOR6GCE4Wy7JftYVkccx96lG7iNxhx3ePx3/s5712/IMG_0691.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4284" data-original-width="5712" height="341" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKZotqjd8Gj4cArFq4vcZq9Efir0nqJry02wmD_DPm1THDoFb-3SUaW8Zs5z_o7pVjyVNQm-Kh2irY9SHLLyj4osHL7ONZl4eHnG8zWo4V4wdMuGzbgCv30oIey91A8JepreFqffE06muWMzQ4lmU6OBDWTsOR6GCE4Wy7JftYVkccx96lG7iNxhx3ePx3/w454-h341/IMG_0691.jpg" width="454" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: verdana;">(Above: another outdoor pool but roofed)</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy8OePRg7IUv1vNng5EusscsU38JUVapv23ap-j4E-8f8xq9kRUEXHe9ndLfMxomMa9HaRbfEr35O4Bx4rDh6BZMYjBc-SxYh_LrZ5CJCSz5jgtTs1Hisnx6NkXVJaX_PbEPHbN1isQ52bxJKAliE1SQGXYrnf5nYU_WnhUfKOxVNV4v_n2V7zM28mYmb_/s5712/IMG_0616.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5712" data-original-width="4284" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy8OePRg7IUv1vNng5EusscsU38JUVapv23ap-j4E-8f8xq9kRUEXHe9ndLfMxomMa9HaRbfEr35O4Bx4rDh6BZMYjBc-SxYh_LrZ5CJCSz5jgtTs1Hisnx6NkXVJaX_PbEPHbN1isQ52bxJKAliE1SQGXYrnf5nYU_WnhUfKOxVNV4v_n2V7zM28mYmb_/s320/IMG_0616.jpg" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj09seje6Xdr0VoWMQ5ecTgOs3Q9AJmrDg77CEIE7wEOIZWawPLNm2dw2Y_kDJ9NpVii9qJvg4yfD2CtpwTSrI9pe8Njm1glBcsQUCSfYFURLX9r8AmMcfeHG7tx1JT4Y18z94mHk_P2bJSW8luigFl43cld8wL-rVJKuPVNX8H1oU-XjufexnnzlT7AD-X/s6163/IMG_0396.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6163" data-original-width="4109" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj09seje6Xdr0VoWMQ5ecTgOs3Q9AJmrDg77CEIE7wEOIZWawPLNm2dw2Y_kDJ9NpVii9qJvg4yfD2CtpwTSrI9pe8Njm1glBcsQUCSfYFURLX9r8AmMcfeHG7tx1JT4Y18z94mHk_P2bJSW8luigFl43cld8wL-rVJKuPVNX8H1oU-XjufexnnzlT7AD-X/s320/IMG_0396.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: verdana;">(Above: Extensive menu from their restaurant and Katsu-curry)</span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b>Nagatoro: Kotatsu boat ride </b></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Nagatoro's nature is really like no where else. The rocks here have taken thousands of years to form. There's even been a 20-million year-old dinosaur dug up here and has a dedicated museum nearby. Besides from the beautiful spring flowers and autumn leaves, during winter you get something special: a kotatsu boat ride. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Kotatsu are quintessential to a Japanese winter. It's a low wooden table covered by a futon (thick blanket) and underneath is a heater. Basically it is a warm-trap for you to stay sitting forever despite the weather being cold! It is something once you've experienced you'll never forget. At Nagatoro they bring it to a next level: they bring the Kotatsu onto the boat ride. That way we can enjoy the beautiful scenery around without feeling cold. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><ul><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">Kotatsu boat ride operates only in January and February </span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">Hours: 10:00 ~ 14:30 (20min tours)</span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">Price: ¥1,100/adult </span></li></ul></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieFEt0sarZgzfLh6_16ECPFqr6DRD1GC2THD0k-sZ1BzOlLg7DTqhx4QPGYPweqnEGgGglYNewZozDV2uK8am7l96020Cwa98ReEIntZKKDkdjXktXTYW4ezDPi3h2UJ3a7xos9C4MTdJ734J4R5HWfY6aDiXSMWp11k6RZwkN0hhW3Si6_A-mI4jt1aa7/s6000/DSC06163.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieFEt0sarZgzfLh6_16ECPFqr6DRD1GC2THD0k-sZ1BzOlLg7DTqhx4QPGYPweqnEGgGglYNewZozDV2uK8am7l96020Cwa98ReEIntZKKDkdjXktXTYW4ezDPi3h2UJ3a7xos9C4MTdJ734J4R5HWfY6aDiXSMWp11k6RZwkN0hhW3Si6_A-mI4jt1aa7/w448-h298/DSC06163.jpg" width="448" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHuwPnNS_C843rJNJTcfbC8iby-LMsm1hHzy74MbVMTHnLLOs-av6CiJ0ONj9c3qj6s-SDfJbXtmi0lumKtLjPy_QTxOWgSPB6lwJ5O-O7IZWvhktWDoaYmXETg0Us6E1jIeu8OLnAdrnqeADuUEnE8GuUWXlYUNIoFtuWwn_IOfnVuIbfwjbEebFE44jQ/s6000/DSC06155.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="303" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHuwPnNS_C843rJNJTcfbC8iby-LMsm1hHzy74MbVMTHnLLOs-av6CiJ0ONj9c3qj6s-SDfJbXtmi0lumKtLjPy_QTxOWgSPB6lwJ5O-O7IZWvhktWDoaYmXETg0Us6E1jIeu8OLnAdrnqeADuUEnE8GuUWXlYUNIoFtuWwn_IOfnVuIbfwjbEebFE44jQ/w456-h303/DSC06155.jpg" width="456" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSYA_vX7xfRV_qKnMwnqZtYQugmOXkEn2dAvI4s-iPTl2i4UihKxAD-tD8ESel273j3Wvvd21Zj35zmet5Up_0vIB53YyGAnKpCJxM9RU-vq71c27o-VF5QebWu7BpifSTmj9sbZ2MEQKGPCw16hyadCsmdDrB4n4_MggK5dJE7ew_V9yKo9gdlnsg-P_W/s6000/DSC06139.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSYA_vX7xfRV_qKnMwnqZtYQugmOXkEn2dAvI4s-iPTl2i4UihKxAD-tD8ESel273j3Wvvd21Zj35zmet5Up_0vIB53YyGAnKpCJxM9RU-vq71c27o-VF5QebWu7BpifSTmj9sbZ2MEQKGPCw16hyadCsmdDrB4n4_MggK5dJE7ew_V9yKo9gdlnsg-P_W/w457-h304/DSC06139.jpg" width="457" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2GuHdjBfG6-iTvPbu1zACCeV_T0lfrVMV7ISyPDiElJnWWnyMTPpkDbf_ur8JO1p-pQxNitJ_lYHdXRXDWT_hkGjI35C_fc_Cn_iZPoayw4Bad-l7hrPHHdNMdBLvvdpy_HOOQxqEP7TdkuicNIM_tuO2Pv5UnzluaehEkYVEGQNQxgC82HBmDfO67jPQ/s6000/DSC06136.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2GuHdjBfG6-iTvPbu1zACCeV_T0lfrVMV7ISyPDiElJnWWnyMTPpkDbf_ur8JO1p-pQxNitJ_lYHdXRXDWT_hkGjI35C_fc_Cn_iZPoayw4Bad-l7hrPHHdNMdBLvvdpy_HOOQxqEP7TdkuicNIM_tuO2Pv5UnzluaehEkYVEGQNQxgC82HBmDfO67jPQ/w452-h300/DSC06136.jpg" width="452" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9JRuuaeWdDOYiBy17WM96HUaPVMWuOU0helIk_9xBx0BSvZfvW0QjHtR7jeoSOXAgf4MJLcXLR5AA0W6LyIzbr0o4MF64z3hyW0UFXD8TwdNRQAo9ir8Mm5wyAlRp12cZB5lwZWUCnBv41oVhGULbWg8IlTjmlO9DTbtIDrvIUEixqCrYoPKOsZy-5yvJ/s3088/IMG_5670.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3088" data-original-width="1736" height="583" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9JRuuaeWdDOYiBy17WM96HUaPVMWuOU0helIk_9xBx0BSvZfvW0QjHtR7jeoSOXAgf4MJLcXLR5AA0W6LyIzbr0o4MF64z3hyW0UFXD8TwdNRQAo9ir8Mm5wyAlRp12cZB5lwZWUCnBv41oVhGULbWg8IlTjmlO9DTbtIDrvIUEixqCrYoPKOsZy-5yvJ/w328-h583/IMG_5670.JPG" width="328" /></a></div><b><br /></b></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b>Yokoze's Ashigakubo Icicles </b></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">This location has been on my list of places to visit for a while so I'm super excited to be able to go and introduce it to you. This is straight out of Elsa's world! You wouldn't believe that in just 90 minutes from Tokyo you'd see large mountain side of icicles form. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">During the day time, you can get free hot tea or ama-zake to warm you up. There's staff working a warm bonfire on the hill top where you can sit and enjoy the view. After sundown, the whole place will light up (by artificial lighting) into a beautiful colorful scenery. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">It is typically open during January to February each year, but depending on the condition of the weather, icicles may melt early and the event will end early. Please check their official instagram page for most current updates: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/yokozekanko/">https://www.instagram.com/yokozekanko/</a> </span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2iCqx9Pa9YSwsuabRy3oX9UCgf26lNH9qPG8dhYfxlruKZCjxHoGwmf_E9fea_zSDhGPBMLW2x1-7GNYeIw8ccoa7v07RJp_sc_JqFEU3Vdsm2SdpHTrX7me7bXNRFo9upR8nXMs3-1xLd7P-xQ8jvyyLyCBZZCnFzP_eaf5PFX0t2bGDeYwJND2nezKY/s6000/IMG_5499.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6000" data-original-width="4000" height="548" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2iCqx9Pa9YSwsuabRy3oX9UCgf26lNH9qPG8dhYfxlruKZCjxHoGwmf_E9fea_zSDhGPBMLW2x1-7GNYeIw8ccoa7v07RJp_sc_JqFEU3Vdsm2SdpHTrX7me7bXNRFo9upR8nXMs3-1xLd7P-xQ8jvyyLyCBZZCnFzP_eaf5PFX0t2bGDeYwJND2nezKY/w365-h548/IMG_5499.JPG" width="365" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb679GElioOiDFfMItnBlDVxDMLCFlX9kHKoQn1Zw4yFOFoE3BELmjzzecGzqybcweqwFjYQ_-x2zrtHlc5N9NpfpwfHZfAKaKi0kH-LmGqlTtpff4gxPmnmLH7lrTJe-tTzzGF7ONiUPttI53NFtEcnJ93r3H0WlyB6-jrbglCE-AjSch7P_8uC6-cEsK/s6960/IMG_0309.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6960" data-original-width="4640" height="557" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb679GElioOiDFfMItnBlDVxDMLCFlX9kHKoQn1Zw4yFOFoE3BELmjzzecGzqybcweqwFjYQ_-x2zrtHlc5N9NpfpwfHZfAKaKi0kH-LmGqlTtpff4gxPmnmLH7lrTJe-tTzzGF7ONiUPttI53NFtEcnJ93r3H0WlyB6-jrbglCE-AjSch7P_8uC6-cEsK/w371-h557/IMG_0309.JPG" width="371" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJZTSQxgppctB3-gyIvbm6uOpeE1PE0_PvYqr0z_WOfpHRDxL-cxdJmXcy7Hj0RlMpM_-MfiGEZD8ilzLHRU6vDthrMa5sS9Rtk0nbsRr4sBRLU-IfOT4je8EKumOBHbNLlOqYp5k5a19JJF8vmKmxr_Nw05ifg7KDGknqlYh3lLc5fBFMZkcI8py2krGv/s5653/IMG_0517%20copy.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5653" data-original-width="4240" height="483" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJZTSQxgppctB3-gyIvbm6uOpeE1PE0_PvYqr0z_WOfpHRDxL-cxdJmXcy7Hj0RlMpM_-MfiGEZD8ilzLHRU6vDthrMa5sS9Rtk0nbsRr4sBRLU-IfOT4je8EKumOBHbNLlOqYp5k5a19JJF8vmKmxr_Nw05ifg7KDGknqlYh3lLc5fBFMZkcI8py2krGv/w363-h483/IMG_0517%20copy.JPG" width="363" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUMPMOi930B4hkYHHKZjEgrbuEHFLd2VHTCrEY4sZ1XnqWehnF8wBdy6l4IYT0ptbRLfFf-XRPPmEHqqkRQrvW_L6pGRXOnWWxRxlposAu8fQvQ2ND03DqcLtgbxFJeUdhHmgzKycbQTE3xeFHYtiees9avZaoZ8YBrag-ygfljfasGCHNNB9npatMBds4/s5667/IMG_5603.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3187" data-original-width="5667" height="243" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUMPMOi930B4hkYHHKZjEgrbuEHFLd2VHTCrEY4sZ1XnqWehnF8wBdy6l4IYT0ptbRLfFf-XRPPmEHqqkRQrvW_L6pGRXOnWWxRxlposAu8fQvQ2ND03DqcLtgbxFJeUdhHmgzKycbQTE3xeFHYtiees9avZaoZ8YBrag-ygfljfasGCHNNB9npatMBds4/w432-h243/IMG_5603.HEIC" width="432" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG1HVfBc9kX07DJCGEczKAH6UmMIFaIpo6NT-znnOJHgxlazgsZqUmL6aNKtFXg_i-CetPjCM5DR5Kuao62F0ZH8Y9gaxQ5raw2Q8s2hLcdRm9VZwVFHOE9yD_4lo7Lxmju2asBw7zZ_V4t1c9Ob7eOL2y21CT8k1ZXQPyHsoFy4q-jhUuctiU7KgWkOUl/s5667/IMG_5604.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3187" data-original-width="5667" height="247" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG1HVfBc9kX07DJCGEczKAH6UmMIFaIpo6NT-znnOJHgxlazgsZqUmL6aNKtFXg_i-CetPjCM5DR5Kuao62F0ZH8Y9gaxQ5raw2Q8s2hLcdRm9VZwVFHOE9yD_4lo7Lxmju2asBw7zZ_V4t1c9Ob7eOL2y21CT8k1ZXQPyHsoFy4q-jhUuctiU7KgWkOUl/w440-h247/IMG_5604.HEIC" width="440" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b>Washi no Sato (Higashichichibu Village)</b></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"></span></div></div></div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Higashichichibu Village Washi no Sato opened in 2016 as “Roadside Station Washi no Sato Higashi Chichibu” as a resting stop for people driving through the region. In addition to being a rest spot, you can not only experience handmade washi paper but also seasonal washi experiences and workshops, soba and udon noodle making experiences, and shop for specialty products such as washi products and agricultural products.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Sukifune is a restaurant where you can slowly enjoy the soba and udon noodles you make, and at the food court, you can enjoy local flavors such as salt-grilled char and oyaki.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">In addition, the courtyard of the Japanese garden with thatched-roofed washi Japanese paper-making houses makes you feel as if you have traveled back in time to the Edo period. It is a space where visitors can relax and enjoy various experiences.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">At the paper making facility handmade Japanese paper is made using traditional methods which dates back 1,300 years. You can try making original postcards, mini tapestries, etc. by collecting flowers from the surrounding area, and reservations are not required for groups of up to 15 people. Anyone from adults to small children can experience it.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Washi paper making fee ranges from ¥500 ~ ¥1,100 depending on what you decide to make</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">English details: <a href="https://www.blogger.com/blog/post/edit/8124579507526577941/6574114018801160338">https://en.chocotabi-saitama.com/spot/20926</a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Official website in Japanese: <a href="http://www.higashichichibu.jp/hosokawashi/washinosato">http://www.higashichichibu.jp/hosokawashi/washinosato</a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">More details in this video: <a href="https://www.blogger.com/blog/post/edit/8124579507526577941/6574114018801160338">https://www.instagram.com/reel/C2j-lBKyqNH/?igsh=bnpxenZ6MHRuanph</a></div></span><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg58HwXxlBNJkaFhVrgsTUpmG4Psia1wfkJIGvHi5csPgySszPp8mLM2OyG4HIW6mzri1OgHcdnKsoH55oy0Lq-wPLf38Egc1ucALcPblv7rG13WulhCqZj2WLw17qrfDjr0pONY1BcQ7p-DmOI46dldT36gE45mstjwaYr3PskvOmjxXlVGVOPu2fvo3zC/s716/Screenshot%202024-02-28%20at%2011.37.06%20PM.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="716" data-original-width="540" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg58HwXxlBNJkaFhVrgsTUpmG4Psia1wfkJIGvHi5csPgySszPp8mLM2OyG4HIW6mzri1OgHcdnKsoH55oy0Lq-wPLf38Egc1ucALcPblv7rG13WulhCqZj2WLw17qrfDjr0pONY1BcQ7p-DmOI46dldT36gE45mstjwaYr3PskvOmjxXlVGVOPu2fvo3zC/s320/Screenshot%202024-02-28%20at%2011.37.06%20PM.png" width="241" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqIvndQu3MXLzhRm7PCeIB0MGaOeCPLy8kPsimnFUUF7iWQa2zGEpjcOZAp2QTi-tibpoIfpLwcsUP3e3T7QMObrRGpc7M6XfpvRqwQzgq-T8K1rmX99qVgVZ443le_8ALehjfo_6m6IwMkrHiPMBg4LdBxMcGAmrHPm4ctwZ_a6SRx2I44oYa85L0vykK/s716/Screenshot%202024-02-28%20at%2011.37.13%20PM.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="716" data-original-width="536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqIvndQu3MXLzhRm7PCeIB0MGaOeCPLy8kPsimnFUUF7iWQa2zGEpjcOZAp2QTi-tibpoIfpLwcsUP3e3T7QMObrRGpc7M6XfpvRqwQzgq-T8K1rmX99qVgVZ443le_8ALehjfo_6m6IwMkrHiPMBg4LdBxMcGAmrHPm4ctwZ_a6SRx2I44oYa85L0vykK/s320/Screenshot%202024-02-28%20at%2011.37.13%20PM.png" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbSk_w1Cq7c5Q1SLcfJ4pEUogvI31uYsZfBaox1V9VJaFn0XPEX6wvttshzc8tCITptU3XNS9ZgDWFzY6t942bOguhB6fJg1RODZ2ZFEqIwxiQMqRigLCnE7LktI-DKO5bxoDU9DY34yTofEzEYxy0CJzXnADIITx4MplYOVFjuX-pep5CDGWFwCGgEYn_/s1170/%E5%BA%97%E5%86%85%20%E6%A8%AA.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="878" data-original-width="1170" height="289" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbSk_w1Cq7c5Q1SLcfJ4pEUogvI31uYsZfBaox1V9VJaFn0XPEX6wvttshzc8tCITptU3XNS9ZgDWFzY6t942bOguhB6fJg1RODZ2ZFEqIwxiQMqRigLCnE7LktI-DKO5bxoDU9DY34yTofEzEYxy0CJzXnADIITx4MplYOVFjuX-pep5CDGWFwCGgEYn_/w385-h289/%E5%BA%97%E5%86%85%20%E6%A8%AA.jpg" width="385" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">I hope this has helped you discover new places to add to your day-trip itinerary to Saitama! Please read the other 3 articles of the 4-part series to find other wonderful locations to visit. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"> <iframe height="480" src="https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/0/embed?mid=1s8wXcfQP4WstRSu__j1QMEc5djbX5dM&ehbc=2E312F" width="640"></iframe></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Visit my instagram <a href="https://instagram.com/ariel.land" target="_blank"><span style="color: #ea9999;"><b>@ariel.land</b></span></a> for more Japan travel content </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://instagram.com/ariel.land" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="4031" data-original-width="1440" height="842" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu3A9IzKLYf2CgrTiZMCwwMNq18984PYWRDmwusNTVVDzOThyphenhyphenMuRKlzh2vd_Ss3awreaRtL5sMelhnOy2lpIMXeuLnpGu9fFjr3lrx2Qx2as86wxWs76ZV6cDAB2boZ3s6piZluCySwir8B7BHgvs4FIhpqxWwZqNCxVwXbYOUAiiCKGq59bPpNfCALBCs/w300-h842/IMG_5650.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.arielland.com" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="269" data-original-width="660" height="78" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcy4_JIEUp7U9uzNm28VLP32JXk1aplOeL6x-aES-02VPXw45kl9U_RmjHgG2FL9V1i8z7Oc_ajYHEXuzxWuCFoFGPIOyrFCwPPsOS0hyphenhyphenTOIhHIU-Du-Ce4ur0d7HmybMeqUfTUN2nwhhbVecBMqArAAgjTJHNJr5RbjfhLWlw6NRCrap0hdyWC0zaCpYZ/w192-h78/IMG_6567.jpg" width="192" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div>Arielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03509227042293152734noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8124579507526577941.post-38964115754963029012024-03-13T18:33:00.003+08:002024-03-13T18:33:27.860+08:00Saitama Part 2: Unique walks and Shrines | Tokyo Day Trips<p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC83LgwprFJL_nUmfIKezFAabuBj0BPIGnLclyNZOtM7uapgfChQUI5d7waDdfe9PpAxNn62JzGrduWeRzwbXeroYN2XQm0SjFJ8TtkYZu_bth0rSX-Vsb8JKyvtQ37XHKw6pVRAZppggdLf-skHBo5k7GljjzPneJo-ZScTPEtjFjxR1zpQWp6JRieQim/s1280/Saitama%20Part%202.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="351" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC83LgwprFJL_nUmfIKezFAabuBj0BPIGnLclyNZOtM7uapgfChQUI5d7waDdfe9PpAxNn62JzGrduWeRzwbXeroYN2XQm0SjFJ8TtkYZu_bth0rSX-Vsb8JKyvtQ37XHKw6pVRAZppggdLf-skHBo5k7GljjzPneJo-ZScTPEtjFjxR1zpQWp6JRieQim/w624-h351/Saitama%20Part%202.png" width="624" /></a></div><p></p><span><a name='more'></a></span><p><span style="font-family: verdana; text-align: justify;">Prior to moving to Japan, I haven't been to or even heard of Saitama. I didn't know how much I was missing out on until I started traveling there on my own. Before being invited to go for work, I had already gone many times privately and fell in love with its beautiful nature and the well-preserved historical spots. In this 4-part series, I will be introducing 16 locations separated into 4 day trip itineraries. They have a mixture of different kind of locations and activities that will fit different interests. I hope this will help you discover wonderful new places and help plan your next day-trip to Saitama from Tokyo! </span></p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><b><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></b></p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><b><span style="font-family: verdana;">Saitama Prefecture Quick Facts:</span></b></p><ul class="ul1"><li class="li1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span class="s1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal;"></span>It borders the north of Tokyo </span></li><li class="li1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span class="s1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal;"></span>4 of Tokyo Metro's lines connect Tokyo to Saitama</span></li><li class="li1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span class="s1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal;"></span>The JR Saikyo Line, JR Utsunomiya Line, JR Takasaki Line and the JR Tohoku/Joetsu Shinkansen also connect Tokyo and Saitama</span></li></ul><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><b><span style="font-family: verdana;">Locations Covered in Part 2:</span></b></p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"></p><ul><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">Soka City's Hyakudai Bridge</span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">Kasukabe City's Ryu-Q Temple (Underground water disaster prevention system)</span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">Kuki City's Washinomiya Shrine </span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">Gyoda City's Sakitama Shrine</span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">Bonus Spot from Yoshimi Machi</span></li></ul><p></p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><b><span style="font-family: verdana;">Soka City's Hyakudai Bridge</span></b></p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><div style="text-align: justify;">This 1.5km long walk called the "Soka Matsubara Walking Trail" is designated as one of Japan's top 100 roats. The relaxing walk will take you through 2 beautiful bridges and rows of tall Japanese pine trees by Ayase river. It is said that famous poets and writers have walked this road and written important pieces in Japanese poetry, so you can find poetry related signs and statues all around this area.</div></span><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><div style="text-align: justify;">Soka city is also known for their Senbei (rice crackers). At "Osen Chaya Park" you can read up about the history of making of senbei. I really love that there are so many signs up that include both Japanese and English so you can actually get to understand each location by reading up about it.</div></span><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><b><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></b></p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><b></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEaG2SD2YOv6es0WTObGKmDrB4j208X8NJyDa02jOIbCTl81tAn5DFxzzSGchaZR7MdOFQBZhPDmDFnsxLmT_oLqGPm6xiUPzXl8uF0KDStDlU5sB1sfd-PbnnLlgJRaiAhCOPsQrVvRQ8ldFxhw6Eo5x9fGTdHhztfh6gH3NAREZwiYghpDQCvc2_KxRe/s5667/IMG_5628.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3778" data-original-width="5667" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEaG2SD2YOv6es0WTObGKmDrB4j208X8NJyDa02jOIbCTl81tAn5DFxzzSGchaZR7MdOFQBZhPDmDFnsxLmT_oLqGPm6xiUPzXl8uF0KDStDlU5sB1sfd-PbnnLlgJRaiAhCOPsQrVvRQ8ldFxhw6Eo5x9fGTdHhztfh6gH3NAREZwiYghpDQCvc2_KxRe/w480-h320/IMG_5628.HEIC" width="480" /></a></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #666666;">(Above: bridge lined with pine and poet designs on the railing) </span></span></div><b><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6tT5qhFABDYJ26z2W78XoULfw71V7Rq3qD0JEv6pKX8oBTWb3DGJThQn3fqTLCYiBd6t8K_trkU07vflaZow9ckAGecQHeGSt6D7XGLHzD29Vb8AfR3O9fX-eB3a1Tn3yD9zPvM8tPRQ0V-QAONtXA7I1t921Wkcjc6u_6fHLyU8UUh1yG3e8W0_-6djN/s6532/IMG_9847.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4355" data-original-width="6532" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6tT5qhFABDYJ26z2W78XoULfw71V7Rq3qD0JEv6pKX8oBTWb3DGJThQn3fqTLCYiBd6t8K_trkU07vflaZow9ckAGecQHeGSt6D7XGLHzD29Vb8AfR3O9fX-eB3a1Tn3yD9zPvM8tPRQ0V-QAONtXA7I1t921Wkcjc6u_6fHLyU8UUh1yG3e8W0_-6djN/w457-h304/IMG_9847.jpg" width="457" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: verdana; font-weight: 400; text-align: justify;">(Above: One of the two bridges that you cross on the 1.5km walk)</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDfk2xUTmqmMajD7tq8gENJvU-_pcF8t975U1QNCkOH2MNZVEw2AfDTRU9QJvcE1JIU9a-EtTMT1spn93c54adFp5IwoG05J_NUruU-nhXYCG-Ox-FZVexgX_yUAhB8VwnBjPBiGGfJSOgXamIbWHE4oeFYZiylP7jMEK0CoaxBx-HSoboBr3Y2NWCAHMo/s5337/IMG_9531.heic" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4003" data-original-width="5337" height="349" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDfk2xUTmqmMajD7tq8gENJvU-_pcF8t975U1QNCkOH2MNZVEw2AfDTRU9QJvcE1JIU9a-EtTMT1spn93c54adFp5IwoG05J_NUruU-nhXYCG-Ox-FZVexgX_yUAhB8VwnBjPBiGGfJSOgXamIbWHE4oeFYZiylP7jMEK0CoaxBx-HSoboBr3Y2NWCAHMo/w465-h349/IMG_9531.heic" width="465" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: verdana; font-weight: 400; text-align: justify;">(Above: Osen Chaya and its helpful sign)</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha3kEBkEnEK4i_4X1wGdpgmEUJmFG9bO0xYBcAeml3NWFVg-pyeU2uOruIBYBCe8E1sDg8Rb_Xpi5IuiuKrS5CWD6cce9rs8W6nMgsa5ycNSjlog6mcM6O-bFPG988NCK5AOVatswkeyHlU_4tkf3J1b2BKd_kxdauMjHEMjRHFHTiyRboQFdV58WbuErl/s6960/IMG_9851.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6960" data-original-width="4640" height="566" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha3kEBkEnEK4i_4X1wGdpgmEUJmFG9bO0xYBcAeml3NWFVg-pyeU2uOruIBYBCe8E1sDg8Rb_Xpi5IuiuKrS5CWD6cce9rs8W6nMgsa5ycNSjlog6mcM6O-bFPG988NCK5AOVatswkeyHlU_4tkf3J1b2BKd_kxdauMjHEMjRHFHTiyRboQFdV58WbuErl/w377-h566/IMG_9851.jpg" width="377" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: verdana; font-weight: 400; text-align: justify;">(Above: Seeing the pine-lined walkway from the top of the bridge) </span></div><br /></b><b style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Kasukabe City's Ryu-Q Temple </span></b><div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Japan is hit with so many natural disasters that it is very good at disaster prevention. This underground system is one of the prime examples. Water from different rivers in this area funnel into the system and it divers it to appropriate places to prevent flooding of Greater Tokyo area. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Officially this place is called "The Metropolitan Outer Area Underground Discharge Channel", and officially nicknamed "Disaster-Prevention Underground Shrine"</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">When there's no water, you can visit this impressive underground structure that's like nothing else. The unique architecture has even invited musicians to film their music videos there. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Above ground you can see the central command center and see some small models to better understand how it all works! Another bonus is: Kasukabe is the manga charafter Crayon Shin-Chan's hometown, so you can collect stamps with Shin-Chan and the Ryu-Q temple. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">The official reservation site in english is here: </span><span style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><a href="https://reserva.be/guidetour">https://reserva.be/guidetour</a> </span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu7hIEH1d_4A61kU5XiWJCuadCB_uMbQGCGGV6CwF3Ho-VqYc9T8TQ5_EfqAD876442xuLvnUeeRmUDDb0Q-iCtEK2r-UCz-GIy3g8rtURaTOgANpJq8KtMdl1v9xgsg8oG1u2KIOkhxkEZelk21kqA8I0O6Livp7KYWKm5MD0dVRpZFWBhSK4MnOQsgJn/s5667/IMG_5630.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3778" data-original-width="5667" height="326" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu7hIEH1d_4A61kU5XiWJCuadCB_uMbQGCGGV6CwF3Ho-VqYc9T8TQ5_EfqAD876442xuLvnUeeRmUDDb0Q-iCtEK2r-UCz-GIy3g8rtURaTOgANpJq8KtMdl1v9xgsg8oG1u2KIOkhxkEZelk21kqA8I0O6Livp7KYWKm5MD0dVRpZFWBhSK4MnOQsgJn/w492-h326/IMG_5630.HEIC" width="492" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: verdana; text-align: justify;">(Above: Down underground, the left side is where the water is guided and funnled, the right is where the shaft where water comes in)</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitMMwgkGw8A73TO9jR8XaLjhO7NdqPt9tiyPvrL5NBcilZq2sDFi6yy1fx6tXHr-FxkZN6TLtxysN9n49S-UxPkkF09vnrX73DJ8QSY7nTOeiCHUeKlp3x6eibXNoISr1GSHr4aVH7k1S7_qnHra1PeqS-jMnGhyphenhypheno9xa0H56GygYHAaCzmoSis8fAosXTf/s5712/IMG_9575.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4284" data-original-width="5712" height="356" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitMMwgkGw8A73TO9jR8XaLjhO7NdqPt9tiyPvrL5NBcilZq2sDFi6yy1fx6tXHr-FxkZN6TLtxysN9n49S-UxPkkF09vnrX73DJ8QSY7nTOeiCHUeKlp3x6eibXNoISr1GSHr4aVH7k1S7_qnHra1PeqS-jMnGhyphenhypheno9xa0H56GygYHAaCzmoSis8fAosXTf/w474-h356/IMG_9575.jpg" width="474" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: verdana; text-align: justify;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: verdana; text-align: justify;">(Above: photo sample of the entire system)</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRW7VgPe3t7QTl7FXWJT-gpXfetBDK6AET2DLgiwDG1DBOV8GW9haMOBNp-HpYjXHVaI2zb27re08YeIWO_PsoNRBhb2AnK0PXiBFITIoclZE7-st4nnAuBr0WvyeCAfrgnLqkIzZG5VyGiVDLzKFzvNaQORGPCD9VnyaFCZAKMbVxltiQzkENS8dt17ac/s5712/IMG_9614.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4284" data-original-width="5712" height="364" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRW7VgPe3t7QTl7FXWJT-gpXfetBDK6AET2DLgiwDG1DBOV8GW9haMOBNp-HpYjXHVaI2zb27re08YeIWO_PsoNRBhb2AnK0PXiBFITIoclZE7-st4nnAuBr0WvyeCAfrgnLqkIzZG5VyGiVDLzKFzvNaQORGPCD9VnyaFCZAKMbVxltiQzkENS8dt17ac/w485-h364/IMG_9614.jpg" width="485" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: verdana; text-align: justify;">(Above: on the 2/F at the central command center)</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYxyOPaXF76rb7oRl5BSSoQVCHXwiqu5-8mKiRdlfVAjXun4uAJFzX-f_3slEZHQMNJXM27P0r-rKV5k1YI6dV-JuZr30CN3pmZRlKfV322-A8JcNKTnrbb39eRfwr5PNqY4kwpCWTTTYvcihMub8yiFTIucX87fSENkaNRKniUM8dh-ctT_Z_rOPVyd7w/s5712/IMG_9607.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4284" data-original-width="5712" height="370" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYxyOPaXF76rb7oRl5BSSoQVCHXwiqu5-8mKiRdlfVAjXun4uAJFzX-f_3slEZHQMNJXM27P0r-rKV5k1YI6dV-JuZr30CN3pmZRlKfV322-A8JcNKTnrbb39eRfwr5PNqY4kwpCWTTTYvcihMub8yiFTIucX87fSENkaNRKniUM8dh-ctT_Z_rOPVyd7w/w492-h370/IMG_9607.jpg" width="492" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: verdana; text-align: justify;">(Above: a photo of what the drill looked like to drill down into this large underground space) </span></div></div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="font-family: verdana;">Washinomiya Shrine (Kuki City) </span></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">There are so many shrines in Japan, it's hard to pick which to visit. But Washinomiya shrine is special because it is Kanto region's oldest Grand Shrine (over 2,000 years old). It shares many similarities with the famous and sacred Ise Grand shrine, like the roof structure. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">They also have a designated important intangible folk culture property of Japan which is Washimiya Saibara Kagura (it's a stage performance and a theatrical shinto dance). It is performed 6 times a year, but if you're not lucky enough to see it, you can still see the stage and also get a Goshuin (proof of visit with official shrine stamp) that has a depiction of the dance. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Another thing I love about this shrine is that it has many beautiful designs of omamori (talisman). A personal favorite is shown in a photo below. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvN5xHzDTfPk_Hq3V9zwzjmuVHxmriVE2rHtz6uEqHcZHAbFXpqKLPXg3sFSF2H7f2dyBWTvM8PVsR-UCGf5XHumr68OdFk3AS7ILV_H0qDhmhsb-HxNpth3_BPD1fb4HwsnkTY8nTV_LhCioAWBFaum1cVyPmj8sPU_qw21AvTWukqvhXzcCIXM_3OckA/s6960/IMG_8928.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4640" data-original-width="6960" height="351" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvN5xHzDTfPk_Hq3V9zwzjmuVHxmriVE2rHtz6uEqHcZHAbFXpqKLPXg3sFSF2H7f2dyBWTvM8PVsR-UCGf5XHumr68OdFk3AS7ILV_H0qDhmhsb-HxNpth3_BPD1fb4HwsnkTY8nTV_LhCioAWBFaum1cVyPmj8sPU_qw21AvTWukqvhXzcCIXM_3OckA/w526-h351/IMG_8928.jpg" width="526" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: verdana; font-weight: 400; text-align: justify;">(Above: main shrine building)</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhROVKJUfPykAcxOaR6FUaWOkjdvVTM9odQrYKNWq3xpY7eobgpe89Fd2pq4tD0V3-XDwQSc6tN4_LZKKOFYxhUkLNaymx0ZI6ltrGX61k8CQkJswHt03-nBtaAnWMt_sJQQ0FNzCRgjjBer2QXbNTvCNp8_x3SyxWjuV6EXCh5E0rQYHDfSc6muPZbRtZH/s6960/IMG_8933.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4640" data-original-width="6960" height="342" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhROVKJUfPykAcxOaR6FUaWOkjdvVTM9odQrYKNWq3xpY7eobgpe89Fd2pq4tD0V3-XDwQSc6tN4_LZKKOFYxhUkLNaymx0ZI6ltrGX61k8CQkJswHt03-nBtaAnWMt_sJQQ0FNzCRgjjBer2QXbNTvCNp8_x3SyxWjuV6EXCh5E0rQYHDfSc6muPZbRtZH/w514-h342/IMG_8933.jpg" width="514" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: verdana; font-weight: 400; text-align: justify;">(Above: the roof which looks similar to Ise Grand Shrine) </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhtoj0KJVg1jEDZLJRNH4v-4WQgcwzpUGZlF7muoB5f0mSnj-MwwAbyD_yGIM2AI4mC26Tr2tHMYKwN-2xG9XLVnvNrYIydD3AvY_bnf7TH22n8-59C1poOt01tGl_BODWbexZYnNCyv7AH160B5X4obh4KDHTck_1qi2g74NlYjVWyN4X8sfdm8ml99Gb/s5667/IMG_5658.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4250" data-original-width="5667" height="377" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhtoj0KJVg1jEDZLJRNH4v-4WQgcwzpUGZlF7muoB5f0mSnj-MwwAbyD_yGIM2AI4mC26Tr2tHMYKwN-2xG9XLVnvNrYIydD3AvY_bnf7TH22n8-59C1poOt01tGl_BODWbexZYnNCyv7AH160B5X4obh4KDHTck_1qi2g74NlYjVWyN4X8sfdm8ml99Gb/w502-h377/IMG_5658.HEIC" width="502" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: verdana; font-weight: 400; text-align: justify;">(Top left: Goshuin with Kagura drawing, top right: Omamori for love and work)</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL5iO1rWikeQBZEJ-bB-0nqDJqHWTGPgn10LZPua9l7J4CfZ6T1PNEoSRH0YZ2JVR4OovM4X0DQOTQ76_4GNl-KzQ0AWY9WVhFEmFFNKGGVfvxRPMxNcBMk_WfmlYQAiFEB79itntDM6k6snlfkUYomZ31oYKnroqNeu8lBltiuvcQdfzfHWJQGoY8R9fO/s5712/IMG_8715_jpg.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4284" data-original-width="5712" height="377" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL5iO1rWikeQBZEJ-bB-0nqDJqHWTGPgn10LZPua9l7J4CfZ6T1PNEoSRH0YZ2JVR4OovM4X0DQOTQ76_4GNl-KzQ0AWY9WVhFEmFFNKGGVfvxRPMxNcBMk_WfmlYQAiFEB79itntDM6k6snlfkUYomZ31oYKnroqNeu8lBltiuvcQdfzfHWJQGoY8R9fO/w503-h377/IMG_8715_jpg.JPG" width="503" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: verdana; font-weight: 400; text-align: justify;">(Above: other kinds of omamori) </span></div></b></div><p></p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><b><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></b></p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><b><span style="font-family: verdana;">Sakitama Shrine (Gyoda City) </span></b></p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">If you love cats, you will love Sakitama Shrine. They've adopted quite a few cats that freely roam the grounds. You can see cat designs all over the different things you can get at a shrine: omikuji (fortune), omamori (talisman), ema (wooden plaque for wish writing) and goshuin (official proof of visit). I was lucky enough to see 2 of their resident cats who were very enthusiastic about the visit! </span></p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">On top of that, Sakitama shrine also part-takes in Gyoda city's Hanachozu week. Hanachozu is a display of flowers in water, and there are a total of 2 large ones on the shrine grounds. </span></p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS2oe1EXaBPROrbfxDLcwlqVuy70vPE7wCqzrCckTEvGldhfqg88PxppqR1dsZiqVHo5OEmUTtoT61qf0m-VM7SJxBXFYq_Sbc2snyVmAJCY2OHTtMS62MppliAPwQbWl11eRoNckLX-a1VYy3n7C_s4EWFfWKh9nlKymyJ6xgYl3ud3ff0GDtf_yzClzG/s5667/IMG_5627.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3778" data-original-width="5667" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS2oe1EXaBPROrbfxDLcwlqVuy70vPE7wCqzrCckTEvGldhfqg88PxppqR1dsZiqVHo5OEmUTtoT61qf0m-VM7SJxBXFYq_Sbc2snyVmAJCY2OHTtMS62MppliAPwQbWl11eRoNckLX-a1VYy3n7C_s4EWFfWKh9nlKymyJ6xgYl3ud3ff0GDtf_yzClzG/w457-h304/IMG_5627.HEIC" width="457" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: verdana; text-align: justify;">(Above: Cat Omikuji, Cat Goshuin, and 2 of their pet cats)</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_j1mOEChzzDYosX0KT2c3siFOi_u5nSOa8aXoNzdL5H6bm59mMs8CUuORyTE15NJVkxMONu9f1CK07dNxOyNHHD6U_-CpLgvTAoB0k8gqp1VaOfs3CmsDmW3UoqHpr3tNrn69Pq8lV00C7Xrov3ui3sLp2T_M6YMEbzxIUkbWxNastaNy-t1eoqd93NHX/s5667/IMG_5631.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3778" data-original-width="5667" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_j1mOEChzzDYosX0KT2c3siFOi_u5nSOa8aXoNzdL5H6bm59mMs8CUuORyTE15NJVkxMONu9f1CK07dNxOyNHHD6U_-CpLgvTAoB0k8gqp1VaOfs3CmsDmW3UoqHpr3tNrn69Pq8lV00C7Xrov3ui3sLp2T_M6YMEbzxIUkbWxNastaNy-t1eoqd93NHX/w452-h301/IMG_5631.HEIC" width="452" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmX1r8ct8Wz27KX50GeMeakm-z66Gddpoc0TgDSQxIwxUYc-0IurNUlBpW0VbpfF7705QlpT7GAGUs9S3N0yxQB__lDVxau94LUkNUGS9B7osaqljXtYwLB6SYz4lnwoLDkjC5JRCri6bb5oE5rsDpkJR53F8nwDhzVTwplmw30K_Z9SWn7xKMQ7ghusb5/s5667/IMG_5632.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5667" data-original-width="4250" height="432" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmX1r8ct8Wz27KX50GeMeakm-z66Gddpoc0TgDSQxIwxUYc-0IurNUlBpW0VbpfF7705QlpT7GAGUs9S3N0yxQB__lDVxau94LUkNUGS9B7osaqljXtYwLB6SYz4lnwoLDkjC5JRCri6bb5oE5rsDpkJR53F8nwDhzVTwplmw30K_Z9SWn7xKMQ7ghusb5/w324-h432/IMG_5632.HEIC" width="324" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: verdana; text-align: justify;">(Above: Hanachozu on display)</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuXXEWpsGFnJ-Yoc3vRf2JoF2D9jtiPlfXHBb14cpy-Yqctd3rj86ISLebRgcfP6kx2WkjpxS4cOHYgfTdtH7nE9rycG8Jy3gt28AvxdnFevL-Zi4Lgm-PkkP-jnrAvL6rplIL8GEXkVzQWbGD6LW5F74NQQUw00fLm5FltI0Ec_VQd6BIvq0SUccIu0Qp/s5508/IMG_9648.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4131" data-original-width="5508" height="326" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuXXEWpsGFnJ-Yoc3vRf2JoF2D9jtiPlfXHBb14cpy-Yqctd3rj86ISLebRgcfP6kx2WkjpxS4cOHYgfTdtH7nE9rycG8Jy3gt28AvxdnFevL-Zi4Lgm-PkkP-jnrAvL6rplIL8GEXkVzQWbGD6LW5F74NQQUw00fLm5FltI0Ec_VQd6BIvq0SUccIu0Qp/w435-h326/IMG_9648.jpg" width="435" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: verdana; text-align: justify;">(Above: cat design ema)</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4_H0A3yXb2OpldkhDp1-Pfenyww5Hlh-Uj6ght4PmQw3KMX6svdnu77aDj7wYs62yo7Fod0yHntZPzSpuEQ60p7PxeNDQ0YFiEiCHgxg-6tJTAQDFBIPgGAhEDVqX6h-8JCQFJn7mpr9J-gy-XD8-Fk08cvgQai9nnUgaywhVt8Qo4mXTAeEkFZee_Bb5/s5712/IMG_9664.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4284" data-original-width="5712" height="324" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4_H0A3yXb2OpldkhDp1-Pfenyww5Hlh-Uj6ght4PmQw3KMX6svdnu77aDj7wYs62yo7Fod0yHntZPzSpuEQ60p7PxeNDQ0YFiEiCHgxg-6tJTAQDFBIPgGAhEDVqX6h-8JCQFJn7mpr9J-gy-XD8-Fk08cvgQai9nnUgaywhVt8Qo4mXTAeEkFZee_Bb5/w432-h324/IMG_9664.jpg" width="432" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: verdana; text-align: justify;">(Above: the two on the right are special cat-day 2/22 limited goshuin)</span></div><p></p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><b><span style="font-family: verdana;">Miyazaki Tatami Shop (Yoshimi Town) </span></b></p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Did you know you can try making your own Tatami? </span></p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">First of all, what is tatami? They are 0.9m x 1.8m sized mats made of rice straw or compressed wood. It’s commonly found in Japanese-style rooms, for example in Japanese restaurants where you sit down on the floor, onsen ryokans where you sleep on a futon on the floor, or in a Japanese tea ceremony room. It dates back to over 1,300 years ago and is a previous traditional craft that is still being passed down today.</span></p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Here, with craftsman Satoshi Miyazaki you can get hands on and try it out yourself. It's perfect as a souvenir to bring home and remember your special trip to Saitama. There are different ways to enjoy this location. You can buy souvenirs, if you have time you can tour the factory and even make your own coaster or mini tatami mat.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><ul><li>Experiences offered and cost:Igusa (Rush Grass) coaster 700 yen</li><li>Mini tatami for interior decoration 1,000 yen</li><li>Factory tour and hands on tatami craftsperson experience 3,000 yen</li></ul></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Booking website in English: <a href="https://saitama-supportdesk.com/experiences/take-on-a-hands-on-mini-tatami-mat-making-experience-at-one-of-the-exclusive-tatami-factories-nestled-in-the-eastern-part-of-the-countrys-main-island-honshu-known-as-the-kanto-region-this-factor/">https://saitama-supportdesk.com/experiences/take-on-a-hands-on-mini-tatami-mat-making-experience-at-one-of-the-exclusive-tatami-factories-nestled-in-the-eastern-part-of-the-countrys-main-island-honshu-known-as-the-kanto-region-this-factor/</a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div></span><span style="font-family: verdana;">More details here: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/C2uQOo1Stde/?igsh=MWZ1cDZ3dDUybndibg%3D%3D">https://www.instagram.com/reel/C2uQOo1Stde/?igsh=MWZ1cDZ3dDUybndibg%3D%3D</a><br /></span><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh31y2vr0vOwDLLr3JCV3fbaGh_aArNfLPmHXyF0cqG9IXNNGzp6aJ5QHxOuK4WUjINB0inyLUs7BXHuwht87ZwNa4XKEMFYPltRX1XuZpLF7kLDOAhyphenhyphenUmAt_8P-Rvoyar8kkdwvc1KUGvgV-h3q1CFtUvrx-2UjlDoXh4-_kOasBZrSC9I0p-Hdbg8Q05Y/s1560/%E3%83%9E%E3%82%B7%E3%83%B3%20%E7%B8%A6.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1560" data-original-width="1170" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh31y2vr0vOwDLLr3JCV3fbaGh_aArNfLPmHXyF0cqG9IXNNGzp6aJ5QHxOuK4WUjINB0inyLUs7BXHuwht87ZwNa4XKEMFYPltRX1XuZpLF7kLDOAhyphenhyphenUmAt_8P-Rvoyar8kkdwvc1KUGvgV-h3q1CFtUvrx-2UjlDoXh4-_kOasBZrSC9I0p-Hdbg8Q05Y/s320/%E3%83%9E%E3%82%B7%E3%83%B3%20%E7%B8%A6.jpg" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEAtaqwBS72uy-bizoINX48d3aef0F3N9icNlfR1X2ItblGQ7Q15mBwgOM88dxWDOCjeLhivQy8y29EmjtFDFFgRS9Dk4DDBOODUx9UnS7PRM0u2ILR16xUMEN1EAJBELX7cUM2jsx5jeiLKJAHmASr17Ys8bLjzjXf-3cxth3FRZgDo4bKJF0Fdb6sKgH/s1560/%E4%BD%93%E9%A8%93%20%E7%B8%A6.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1560" data-original-width="1170" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEAtaqwBS72uy-bizoINX48d3aef0F3N9icNlfR1X2ItblGQ7Q15mBwgOM88dxWDOCjeLhivQy8y29EmjtFDFFgRS9Dk4DDBOODUx9UnS7PRM0u2ILR16xUMEN1EAJBELX7cUM2jsx5jeiLKJAHmASr17Ys8bLjzjXf-3cxth3FRZgDo4bKJF0Fdb6sKgH/s320/%E4%BD%93%E9%A8%93%20%E7%B8%A6.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz2RP-hdSoIg9GyAhwJrx5mQRVUgFBhyphenhyphen_ArtpZTPOwL5dYCV1eGClhYyt8YVadFrcHqohDl0FUbG_wFE06sabb0UGf1_Ix-9Wg0WO_RE2mznpYwPrQn9mobgpPSvYfvTlRJEQp0Mzw5jEfIYat_xHZiCfcoaPByRNYsDaTkiefpnUtpgjK9SGJCda-iPz4/s1170/%E8%AA%AC%E6%98%8E%20%E6%A8%AA.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="878" data-original-width="1170" height="293" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz2RP-hdSoIg9GyAhwJrx5mQRVUgFBhyphenhyphen_ArtpZTPOwL5dYCV1eGClhYyt8YVadFrcHqohDl0FUbG_wFE06sabb0UGf1_Ix-9Wg0WO_RE2mznpYwPrQn9mobgpPSvYfvTlRJEQp0Mzw5jEfIYat_xHZiCfcoaPByRNYsDaTkiefpnUtpgjK9SGJCda-iPz4/w391-h293/%E8%AA%AC%E6%98%8E%20%E6%A8%AA.jpg" width="391" /></a></div><p></p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">I hope you were able to find some new and interesting places for your next day-trip to Saitama! Please see the other 3 blog posts for other spots to explore in Saitama. </span></p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"> <iframe height="480" src="https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/0/embed?mid=1s8wXcfQP4WstRSu__j1QMEc5djbX5dM&ehbc=2E312F" width="640"></iframe></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Follow me on instagram <b><a href="https://instagram.com/ariel.land" target="_blank"><span style="color: #ea9999;">@ariel.land</span></a></b> for more Japan travel updates </span></p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><br /></p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://instagram.com/ariel.land" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="4031" data-original-width="1440" height="895" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu3A9IzKLYf2CgrTiZMCwwMNq18984PYWRDmwusNTVVDzOThyphenhyphenMuRKlzh2vd_Ss3awreaRtL5sMelhnOy2lpIMXeuLnpGu9fFjr3lrx2Qx2as86wxWs76ZV6cDAB2boZ3s6piZluCySwir8B7BHgvs4FIhpqxWwZqNCxVwXbYOUAiiCKGq59bPpNfCALBCs/w319-h895/IMG_5650.JPG" width="319" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.arielland.com" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="269" data-original-width="660" height="84" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcy4_JIEUp7U9uzNm28VLP32JXk1aplOeL6x-aES-02VPXw45kl9U_RmjHgG2FL9V1i8z7Oc_ajYHEXuzxWuCFoFGPIOyrFCwPPsOS0hyphenhyphenTOIhHIU-Du-Ce4ur0d7HmybMeqUfTUN2nwhhbVecBMqArAAgjTJHNJr5RbjfhLWlw6NRCrap0hdyWC0zaCpYZ/w206-h84/IMG_6567.jpg" width="206" /></a></div><p></p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><b><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></b></p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><b><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></b></p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><b><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></b></p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><b><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></b></p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><b><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></b></p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><b><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></b></p></div>Arielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03509227042293152734noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8124579507526577941.post-7084443390369477512024-03-13T18:33:00.002+08:002024-03-13T18:33:22.359+08:00Saitama Part 1: For the museum and history lover | Day trips from Tokyo<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBS2KmO2GEaeW6mr3cDWB3XBDYFLnBWnYdrExIeZozhDH94tho5v9h2RIsdn0Q5NjeZpjZzi7AZiMllB3ilMyKDka2feXThny4C1ip0SDnEr2rmbL-p5-KXqaU9KkzrRcQJR4OYxdFFXmn0zohI8tUi2dq5kvjrDiKzr3-Uole6HVnjipv0lzfUQOubamH/s1280/Saitama%20Part%201.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="328" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBS2KmO2GEaeW6mr3cDWB3XBDYFLnBWnYdrExIeZozhDH94tho5v9h2RIsdn0Q5NjeZpjZzi7AZiMllB3ilMyKDka2feXThny4C1ip0SDnEr2rmbL-p5-KXqaU9KkzrRcQJR4OYxdFFXmn0zohI8tUi2dq5kvjrDiKzr3-Uole6HVnjipv0lzfUQOubamH/w582-h328/Saitama%20Part%201.png" width="582" /></a><br /></span><span></span></p><a name='more'></a><p></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; text-align: justify;">Prior to moving to Japan, I haven't been to or even heard of Saitama. I didn't know how much I was missing out on until I started traveling there on my own. Before being invited to go for work, I had already gone many times privately and fell in love with its beautiful nature and the well-preserved historical spots. In this 4-part series, I will be introducing 16 locations separated into 4 day trip itineraries. They have a mixture of different kind of locations and activities that will fit different interests. I hope this will help you discover wonderful new places and help plan your next day-trip to Saitama from Tokyo! </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b>Saitama Prefecture Quick Facts:</b></span></p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">It borders the north of Tokyo </span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">4 of Tokyo Metro's lines connect Tokyo to Saitama</span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">The JR Saikyo Line, JR Utsunomiya Line, JR Takasaki Line and the JR Tohoku/Joetsu Shinkansen also connect Tokyo and Saitama</span></li></ul><div><b><span style="font-family: verdana;">Locations Covered in Part 1:</span></b></div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">Kawagoe City's Little Edo (Kawagoe City) </span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">Omiya Bonsai Museum (Saitama City)</span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">Kadokawa Musashino Museum (Tokorozawa City) </span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">Kawaguchi Brewery (Kawaguchi City) </span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">BONUS SPOT ✨ (Okegawa City)</span></li></ul></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b>Kawagoe City's Little Edo</b> </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">This was the first place I visited in Saitama prefecture and I have since visited many times, probably at least 4 times a year. The old town area is full of buildings from the <span style="color: #ea9999;"><b>Edo period (1603-1867)</b></span>, giving a feeling of stepping back in time. They are famous for their <b><span style="color: #8e7cc3;">purple sweet potato</span></b> which can be found in many forms of snacks from ice-cream to dumplings and more. Head to <b><span style="color: #ea9999;">Kashiya Yokocho</span></b> to find many confectionary shops galled "Dagashiya" selling affordable snacks! You can grab some as souvenir for friends and family back home. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: verdana; font-size: x-small;">*A side note: walking and eating at the same time is prohibited in this historical area! Please use the designated seating area, and throw your trash away at the shop or bring it home. Let's keep this precious place clean and tidy 💖</span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO1SOn9YS5acnXJtzU22E_-RT1PUv0ki8gYof_K2FZQySEM4SCzcVLUdpz6jmhRP9cYPnw1IQr6eSqwcUD71o_D6ZnVnLjXI3GqDcWNuXCWfXLaEhq_NINaFV9aKDjqWafl3e6TdOE_g0XbtmTN2ctd2wQ2nOxrLUCX6YVSmzoSWLdpKaIk0lEdiLfj7-o/s5667/IMG_5607.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3778" data-original-width="5667" height="345" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO1SOn9YS5acnXJtzU22E_-RT1PUv0ki8gYof_K2FZQySEM4SCzcVLUdpz6jmhRP9cYPnw1IQr6eSqwcUD71o_D6ZnVnLjXI3GqDcWNuXCWfXLaEhq_NINaFV9aKDjqWafl3e6TdOE_g0XbtmTN2ctd2wQ2nOxrLUCX6YVSmzoSWLdpKaIk0lEdiLfj7-o/w519-h345/IMG_5607.HEIC" width="519" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: verdana; font-size: small; text-align: justify;">(Above: Main streets of Kawagoe)</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCPT254w8Cq50LLwlYnCW9i5Giyp3I4jrFbk-Aqk5ne7HywJ5IzxZfGUEIgh7Q07XnpNlRh-A-sXkT07YX_DpAY6ryIVJ3y3ynRtNCJfrnFgTv5izzmh_9kVCeutAA-onqdLynS7SzEVOqwiQXkq8jUynxAY6w65AfZdAwDxMSodZQB90-60lKWrCOYnwn/s5712/IMG_8771.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5712" data-original-width="4284" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCPT254w8Cq50LLwlYnCW9i5Giyp3I4jrFbk-Aqk5ne7HywJ5IzxZfGUEIgh7Q07XnpNlRh-A-sXkT07YX_DpAY6ryIVJ3y3ynRtNCJfrnFgTv5izzmh_9kVCeutAA-onqdLynS7SzEVOqwiQXkq8jUynxAY6w65AfZdAwDxMSodZQB90-60lKWrCOYnwn/s320/IMG_8771.JPG" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM-AWG0kGAyWz2UksVHGfbzQVzsBVRvWadn4vNi2KGfsIiK5q_4fKBxZohuixaGcER-bnJDbGsDJ0pzA3q8D8Jayg5EAjj6YGm8of-NNRCWxmJ_dFBXIzRrs80jt9xipRc0BMoFYjn64JbUSajnmZOdeeZNEKNYqX41iibEEeEeTb0q0_exI14h7tT4rSq/s5712/IMG_8801.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5712" data-original-width="4284" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM-AWG0kGAyWz2UksVHGfbzQVzsBVRvWadn4vNi2KGfsIiK5q_4fKBxZohuixaGcER-bnJDbGsDJ0pzA3q8D8Jayg5EAjj6YGm8of-NNRCWxmJ_dFBXIzRrs80jt9xipRc0BMoFYjn64JbUSajnmZOdeeZNEKNYqX41iibEEeEeTb0q0_exI14h7tT4rSq/s320/IMG_8801.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: verdana; font-size: small; text-align: justify;">(Top left: Kasho Umon's purple sweet potato ice cream, </span><span style="color: #666666; font-family: verdana; font-size: small; text-align: justify;">Top right: Kashofumon Kashiyayokochoten freshly made manju filled with sweet potato and red bean paste) </span></div></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt6HUZKlC31ELPNrSp-vVzdzoyFMMr-lnGpJBMHda69fqQZsM-MFEWlPjc7_oRp3COOJrcUfTgkCYDOWF5LewyJeMULA-Rcjg68ZPiBaxkf9AR78oHoSfXj-dct6nDdjmm2BTu5BCLWwevVEzDQU1TKOVmjxRmeMAl51EWHEWPSvSCw6Nq4PSaQH6iHxe6/s6648/IMG_8940.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4432" data-original-width="6648" height="327" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt6HUZKlC31ELPNrSp-vVzdzoyFMMr-lnGpJBMHda69fqQZsM-MFEWlPjc7_oRp3COOJrcUfTgkCYDOWF5LewyJeMULA-Rcjg68ZPiBaxkf9AR78oHoSfXj-dct6nDdjmm2BTu5BCLWwevVEzDQU1TKOVmjxRmeMAl51EWHEWPSvSCw6Nq4PSaQH6iHxe6/w491-h327/IMG_8940.jpg" width="491" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: verdana; font-size: small; text-align: justify;">(Above: Kawagoe's famous clock tower)</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyvXoW6VhxiSjW6nZHKa3q8Rb-9pJicreH98vsjGL651VVkzteLGHqJgv1URcU-Pfa_03Uypd7yYZm6jiwfIHksZCAWsFrDWLNoSYePjh3MY-62KIdedLkigOZ0iGE82bojL9ppGPO3f9HW3kKuI9V_exBH3a3BzzE0bDPGo4dbRyonJZEDTFfDTqIUY3h/s6960/IMG_8946.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4640" data-original-width="6960" height="333" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyvXoW6VhxiSjW6nZHKa3q8Rb-9pJicreH98vsjGL651VVkzteLGHqJgv1URcU-Pfa_03Uypd7yYZm6jiwfIHksZCAWsFrDWLNoSYePjh3MY-62KIdedLkigOZ0iGE82bojL9ppGPO3f9HW3kKuI9V_exBH3a3BzzE0bDPGo4dbRyonJZEDTFfDTqIUY3h/w500-h333/IMG_8946.jpg" width="500" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: verdana; font-size: small; text-align: justify;">(Above: Kashiya Yokocho) </span></div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b>Omiya Bonsai Museum (Saitama City)</b></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Bonsais are one of those things where you don't really grasp how incredible they are until you start learning about them. Some of these plants are 500 years old or more, and they need to be watered every single day, trimmed, and taken care of. Can you imagine how many generations each of these plants have gone through? Every single one of them hot failing to take care of these work of art on a daily basis. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">There are so many more facts about Bonsais I can share, but you can see it for yourself at Omiya Bonsai Museum. There are 2 sections, an indoor area with lots of information about the upkeep and usage/display of bonsai. The outdoor garden has 60 bonsais on display and they change seasonally. I was fortunate enough to catch many plum flower ones which are so unique. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Not to mention, the entry is only ¥310/adult 🥲 that is criminally cheap considering the upkeep of these plants. So please go give them a visit! </span></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJYrHTbaMZBq2Pej9zEqqyO8okZIlYvy9FLSZLue7GLrhxzKJuAo9ri99aKIckq-1Pep73iWolFdpMZx9TYGpv8c0NB0rE7zEK5urW9T05DaFpVz4vp59II2le1coOKXxQpIeMB-YjmAK2tERA-WLIxN0uP_QVs9cEZFwuALfDl_KGkD96_cKnlNPhA9YV/s6540/IMG_8949.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4360" data-original-width="6540" height="339" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJYrHTbaMZBq2Pej9zEqqyO8okZIlYvy9FLSZLue7GLrhxzKJuAo9ri99aKIckq-1Pep73iWolFdpMZx9TYGpv8c0NB0rE7zEK5urW9T05DaFpVz4vp59II2le1coOKXxQpIeMB-YjmAK2tERA-WLIxN0uP_QVs9cEZFwuALfDl_KGkD96_cKnlNPhA9YV/w510-h339/IMG_8949.jpg" width="510" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: verdana; text-align: justify;">(Above: Example of how bonsais are displayed in a Japanese room) </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnnkDCyYqTfYGMVMNE_mXyqiFLxJ32TmfBcaq7wTwKsfcYOhq1IaPjkc5zP5gZwsxygv2RmDubzmGTG8sdsUbn6y77KUT2Go4vVqEAycK7JDlqGJz8sSBWiSzIkIKscVnBUz2I1kYH7RSTYtBjvOjR64E-FY456FTcQV3sAq6RnxLTkJfp2eRsTZZQocGo/s5667/IMG_5623.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3778" data-original-width="5667" height="329" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnnkDCyYqTfYGMVMNE_mXyqiFLxJ32TmfBcaq7wTwKsfcYOhq1IaPjkc5zP5gZwsxygv2RmDubzmGTG8sdsUbn6y77KUT2Go4vVqEAycK7JDlqGJz8sSBWiSzIkIKscVnBUz2I1kYH7RSTYtBjvOjR64E-FY456FTcQV3sAq6RnxLTkJfp2eRsTZZQocGo/w496-h329/IMG_5623.HEIC" width="496" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEianyYgZDrvL7Apk6nCJ826poEiiTOLAoqU0txNkpTYq_BcVxzlTOV4z_T_oagjjHuIFW2S2RId-LflONS41h-nApjusD6NweVmlJwHB0hmcB5qpsiKFMNxj1C5rIzBPE15Uqmnh8T3b0z5TycDKQHLNhMVuXbZKvsjPEprcjR3UV1rHGC36nWcY4cUw7WE/s5667/IMG_5624.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3778" data-original-width="5667" height="330" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEianyYgZDrvL7Apk6nCJ826poEiiTOLAoqU0txNkpTYq_BcVxzlTOV4z_T_oagjjHuIFW2S2RId-LflONS41h-nApjusD6NweVmlJwHB0hmcB5qpsiKFMNxj1C5rIzBPE15Uqmnh8T3b0z5TycDKQHLNhMVuXbZKvsjPEprcjR3UV1rHGC36nWcY4cUw7WE/w495-h330/IMG_5624.HEIC" width="495" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisdpEK6CJGbxn91BKSOp8nX0szrtQt8ORXUcVH71UPBZi6eK_lZdqmomXvcdUOtFyxxFGVOVdjRV8JrKC2YaMchik4npTumDuByQ07C0S5QeKnSpM85q9yY5828Edblio6akIVsttFyVBNAXbc9AAsNjEzouounsc1nAZfiNyKSfkOjjbi-f-cfy93NQ5d/s5667/IMG_5626.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3778" data-original-width="5667" height="332" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisdpEK6CJGbxn91BKSOp8nX0szrtQt8ORXUcVH71UPBZi6eK_lZdqmomXvcdUOtFyxxFGVOVdjRV8JrKC2YaMchik4npTumDuByQ07C0S5QeKnSpM85q9yY5828Edblio6akIVsttFyVBNAXbc9AAsNjEzouounsc1nAZfiNyKSfkOjjbi-f-cfy93NQ5d/w499-h332/IMG_5626.HEIC" width="499" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: verdana; text-align: justify;">(Above 3 photos: examples of different bonsais on display in the garden)</span></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b>Kadokawa Musashino Museum (Tokorozawa City)</b></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">This spot is heaven for architecture, design, and book lovers. The asymmetrical building was built using 20,000 granite stones and designed by renowned architect <span style="color: #6fa8dc;"><b>Kengo Kuma</b></span>. Walking into this 5-floor building, you are welcomed by incredible interior design and <b><span style="color: #ffa400;">80,000 books</span></b> to choose from. The museum was designed by an engineer, natural historian, and researcher of arts and art education. You can see that coming through with its unique way to displaying books and presenting different topics. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">One of the most iconic spots is <b><span style="color: #6aa84f;">the Bookshelf theatre</span></b>. It houses 20,000 books and has a visual-audio <b><span style="color: #6fa8dc;">projection mapping show</span></b> which plays every 30 minutes. Light hits the books and projects different elements such as a tree growing, rain, fire, and so on. It's a vision into the world of books and the story they hold. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Aside from the books, you can also enjoy a bite at their cafe, restaurant, or bar. There's also a longing area with hammocks and finally a museum store if you wish to bring some souvenir home. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcitjs9kKX-cUarw2mY7LKKkXU896n0nDN9jh2Rw3id2bGPnOgCzyzjDj3PeV_Z4tBo1DAzEv2IFLCSgxpIgeHDz8qbkJZGlSfzZqQ3S65pko82p7TkXi2NGbaioT2ZCLIj783n47L_LzyjSt2d8zAkj8sQ7itcAoWtOeL1xovyQwLvU6C4_RprngKkXiP/s6960/IMG_9897.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6960" data-original-width="4640" height="614" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcitjs9kKX-cUarw2mY7LKKkXU896n0nDN9jh2Rw3id2bGPnOgCzyzjDj3PeV_Z4tBo1DAzEv2IFLCSgxpIgeHDz8qbkJZGlSfzZqQ3S65pko82p7TkXi2NGbaioT2ZCLIj783n47L_LzyjSt2d8zAkj8sQ7itcAoWtOeL1xovyQwLvU6C4_RprngKkXiP/w409-h614/IMG_9897.jpg" width="409" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #666666; text-align: justify;">(Above: The Bookshelf theatre, where projection mapping happens)</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1kKAMUXBv6sQSG0Q0dq89_wL3Na09gJU1x01GzHbX32GiHZ7-stpQ5ElW0FPQ8XUwHzYo2jXxod1cIuap_puislPgq1M95o2UFlSqQ01xUX7mAha0R2XqBnpotcElA67MUbf4I8cxejpQS2t-fFEIo9GGSJPD82HUeRfl7QBK-cqjGxIky2AwPD0c70Nv/s5667/IMG_5629.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3778" data-original-width="5667" height="342" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1kKAMUXBv6sQSG0Q0dq89_wL3Na09gJU1x01GzHbX32GiHZ7-stpQ5ElW0FPQ8XUwHzYo2jXxod1cIuap_puislPgq1M95o2UFlSqQ01xUX7mAha0R2XqBnpotcElA67MUbf4I8cxejpQS2t-fFEIo9GGSJPD82HUeRfl7QBK-cqjGxIky2AwPD0c70Nv/w514-h342/IMG_5629.HEIC" width="514" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #666666; text-align: justify;">(Above: feeling of the books inside the museum)</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8-7OPwFOL4846G0wkPvW1vtqFo2y3rG2KalEQj0nmKmtgwV7_Hy7a6XWUdtQR7UCP4U0zQlXI2Tp0HexeH0IF9qgNZvuLM7jM8vWa-Tu5SQsDqkoePzDov5iZgOjsa9Fn9T_SoO9n3hIGeV7MK2KRuPJEn5pxu35VCjAL5Q6Es-QYHSh8nG_dVWVM3r6k/s5667/IMG_5633.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5667" data-original-width="5667" height="503" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8-7OPwFOL4846G0wkPvW1vtqFo2y3rG2KalEQj0nmKmtgwV7_Hy7a6XWUdtQR7UCP4U0zQlXI2Tp0HexeH0IF9qgNZvuLM7jM8vWa-Tu5SQsDqkoePzDov5iZgOjsa9Fn9T_SoO9n3hIGeV7MK2KRuPJEn5pxu35VCjAL5Q6Es-QYHSh8nG_dVWVM3r6k/w503-h503/IMG_5633.HEIC" width="503" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #666666; text-align: justify;">(Above: projection mapping in the bookshelf theatre)</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnY3fwXLx0Mmx3F8hbu041aS0_Cuz6QW_umfEJHjtSLt4zBD_9hAaRj9hKL9d96SWjw9H64Uc6iWFIHzFmlc1sCwb0eDXSYNXFlXIZFKSxIr8z9uh8U5pjjmK_IjkIUxhR8hclqAdTEj8TRZQ-uUepWALUUYcpG9aLAwY1-t6P_1aybIpdKTCK3S9RAbYT/s5712/IMG_9774.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4284" data-original-width="5712" height="378" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnY3fwXLx0Mmx3F8hbu041aS0_Cuz6QW_umfEJHjtSLt4zBD_9hAaRj9hKL9d96SWjw9H64Uc6iWFIHzFmlc1sCwb0eDXSYNXFlXIZFKSxIr8z9uh8U5pjjmK_IjkIUxhR8hclqAdTEj8TRZQ-uUepWALUUYcpG9aLAwY1-t6P_1aybIpdKTCK3S9RAbYT/w504-h378/IMG_9774.jpg" width="504" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #666666; text-align: justify;">(Above: unique pens with the museum's building and bookshelves design)</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM7luub74cQCNXkcSg0wrRGHVxehTPWui1Izw2lvXlu63Urfsvrp2M3uLKjfYwt4Hxni_vLxQReAaWJdviZiPGc6czBd3lXSIAY-bvgIsJ_eLzITp4jY6MFtk7yrsBXejL-DXLUmPDVbSGmgttfxKWO6qj5zf3R1312Zb1FjZ-7comt2FBwXd4lhWyWphx/s5413/IMG_9775.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3725" data-original-width="5413" height="348" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM7luub74cQCNXkcSg0wrRGHVxehTPWui1Izw2lvXlu63Urfsvrp2M3uLKjfYwt4Hxni_vLxQReAaWJdviZiPGc6czBd3lXSIAY-bvgIsJ_eLzITp4jY6MFtk7yrsBXejL-DXLUmPDVbSGmgttfxKWO6qj5zf3R1312Zb1FjZ-7comt2FBwXd4lhWyWphx/w506-h348/IMG_9775.jpg" width="506" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #666666; text-align: justify;">(Above: wooden 3D post cards from the souvenir store)</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHNaf9CpNqkermtZ8fD5e7ZAkTg3PVvJpbMxLAPoahB4q3qYTNCFZDhlS4b3zR7j-DG8hVWdrs8yz98iHtfU2CQwO-lTQYGJcBWmcrWY9a9HMjfSeWUnEz3xMs5UXXMDSKGaceykH2coCi1dek4VQLIoVepkHE0A7KiVT_jjVAiAQTDjCGKXqRzwka6dM4/s5667/IMG_5642.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3778" data-original-width="5667" height="337" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHNaf9CpNqkermtZ8fD5e7ZAkTg3PVvJpbMxLAPoahB4q3qYTNCFZDhlS4b3zR7j-DG8hVWdrs8yz98iHtfU2CQwO-lTQYGJcBWmcrWY9a9HMjfSeWUnEz3xMs5UXXMDSKGaceykH2coCi1dek4VQLIoVepkHE0A7KiVT_jjVAiAQTDjCGKXqRzwka6dM4/w507-h337/IMG_5642.HEIC" width="507" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #666666; text-align: justify;">(Above: "Musashino Reiwa Shrine" by the museum with an LED tori gate)</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidFuSFoDK163AXD35c9oCu87aNuVpsiQoUhCAXvjPFN2xuURqkjBCJumYMow3Oc0o4sQxYDX6JCB1N-Y9F3G2mjDPkApaKwpqlS_pGlXfvfuvYaYHNHjT6u5ydpLpsp3GhYy_hERCNe_X8aSTxpiZGejACF9V2llzJywftJmmNoKSipw1lfcBFtA_s5xnQ/s5667/IMG_5643.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3778" data-original-width="5667" height="337" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidFuSFoDK163AXD35c9oCu87aNuVpsiQoUhCAXvjPFN2xuURqkjBCJumYMow3Oc0o4sQxYDX6JCB1N-Y9F3G2mjDPkApaKwpqlS_pGlXfvfuvYaYHNHjT6u5ydpLpsp3GhYy_hERCNe_X8aSTxpiZGejACF9V2llzJywftJmmNoKSipw1lfcBFtA_s5xnQ/w506-h337/IMG_5643.HEIC" width="506" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #666666; text-align: justify;">(Above: the shrine and the museum exterior) </span></div></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b>Kawaguchi Brewery (Kawaguchi City) </b></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Did you know Saitama has a booming <b><span style="color: #e69138;">craft beer </span></b>scene? With many beautiful mountains and and sources of water from its rivers, there are many beer breweries and Kawaguchi Brewery is one of them. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">After a long day of fun, you can grab a bite and have a <b><span style="color: #e69138;">beer-tasting set</span></b>. I especially recommend the limited seasonal beer as they are only made once and once sold out it's gone. You can pair the beer with some karaage (fried chicken) or pizza. Lots of other items on the menu are available as well, and the restaurant is suitable for big groups. They also have a<b><span style="color: #6fa8dc;"> 2hr all you can drink</span></b> deal, and girl's all you can drink on weekday afternoons for only ¥,3000 (2pax) </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">If you don't have time to sit down and have a drink, their shelves are stocked with lots of craft beers from all over Saitama! Grab one to bring back as a souvenir so you don't miss a chance on tasting these once of a kind brews. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnfXRB-GJvB6o_k-s3JIfuEaLzQ59ojqSz5rHykXhkp1Uzyx1TWiE3fR9ogNR_oAA_IdN3QF4hGb8tW7G2GvhDGxMRhxgRJ6vzjmbXcxgkphRoTbYE6DR_Eob7ADipsvdKhSfJm7BphIe-uIcsxbo45DMf0B5OepXkLQ-lse0Mh4afmeafEvon0TavjEmd/s5667/IMG_5646.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4250" data-original-width="5667" height="366" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnfXRB-GJvB6o_k-s3JIfuEaLzQ59ojqSz5rHykXhkp1Uzyx1TWiE3fR9ogNR_oAA_IdN3QF4hGb8tW7G2GvhDGxMRhxgRJ6vzjmbXcxgkphRoTbYE6DR_Eob7ADipsvdKhSfJm7BphIe-uIcsxbo45DMf0B5OepXkLQ-lse0Mh4afmeafEvon0TavjEmd/w488-h366/IMG_5646.HEIC" width="488" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: verdana; text-align: justify;">(Top left: Kawaguchi Brewery entrance, top right: beer tanks inside the store)</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3FbIvqJLGHl5Nv0q6gkbjXS_sk8cSRUtT8BMKDnQGoX18FNvpjpb_vBmBC79DMqniGC6BytDa2Xq9qnfO37TB3jpJ1lLVQHpzN_2MwlyQcOBWTqpQooC1FvL6kN1smU_lQyyvZe3ciLSwHj_GM0d_UycFwg77X5OK3dKBaDAK2HsoL2xQrQ9s7xqtkHrq/s6960/IMG_8977.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4640" data-original-width="6960" height="335" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3FbIvqJLGHl5Nv0q6gkbjXS_sk8cSRUtT8BMKDnQGoX18FNvpjpb_vBmBC79DMqniGC6BytDa2Xq9qnfO37TB3jpJ1lLVQHpzN_2MwlyQcOBWTqpQooC1FvL6kN1smU_lQyyvZe3ciLSwHj_GM0d_UycFwg77X5OK3dKBaDAK2HsoL2xQrQ9s7xqtkHrq/w504-h335/IMG_8977.jpg" width="504" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: verdana; text-align: justify;">(Above: The range of beer from Kawaguchi Brewery)</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfGUM9qpoNxEuNXRxuWIBOLJq5t_CPrHJ-3YAmMSjIUK-unhvZG875h4P0tW8XPQ2SuB6QwoZZcCpP9QHvZ-eYod7mDD-G7owRMf_1Hxfl6c0UdCevBag3ZH-idMNQxrPujq4MbSc_O-NbEx8G8s1r_eQCVZsX6AvTt-wWmKKbxFpXr3tojv1I_vq1IVgq/s6960/IMG_8983.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4640" data-original-width="6960" height="331" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfGUM9qpoNxEuNXRxuWIBOLJq5t_CPrHJ-3YAmMSjIUK-unhvZG875h4P0tW8XPQ2SuB6QwoZZcCpP9QHvZ-eYod7mDD-G7owRMf_1Hxfl6c0UdCevBag3ZH-idMNQxrPujq4MbSc_O-NbEx8G8s1r_eQCVZsX6AvTt-wWmKKbxFpXr3tojv1I_vq1IVgq/w498-h331/IMG_8983.jpg" width="498" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: verdana; text-align: justify;">(Above: Tasting set ¥1,350)</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZgWNyont4DVGk-LFk6kxncU8cj3J0pElvdRDxVUK7FRicA7jyEg76NoEPEbzZm-BtNjL0PxO8s9eX16f64sMeTVwNGbjhhGKGA1hi7h_1ioZj3rf4-YIYM1lO0IC2Qpe99gcbfe1br1OScxPx1FYj4e53afI9LxBT0zrOpGHiNgR_ZIgWE8inaJl4GnHM/s6960/IMG_8989.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4640" data-original-width="6960" height="331" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZgWNyont4DVGk-LFk6kxncU8cj3J0pElvdRDxVUK7FRicA7jyEg76NoEPEbzZm-BtNjL0PxO8s9eX16f64sMeTVwNGbjhhGKGA1hi7h_1ioZj3rf4-YIYM1lO0IC2Qpe99gcbfe1br1OScxPx1FYj4e53afI9LxBT0zrOpGHiNgR_ZIgWE8inaJl4GnHM/w497-h331/IMG_8989.jpg" width="497" /></a></div><span style="color: #666666; font-family: verdana; text-align: justify;">(Above: Karaage)</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: verdana; text-align: justify;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="color: #666666; font-family: verdana;"><div style="color: black; font-family: Times; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b>Bonus Spot: Benibana, The Safflower Museum (Okegawa City) </b></span></div></span><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: verdana;"><span style="color: black;">If you are looking to get hands on, then this is the perfect spot. You can try experiences such as pottery making and soba noodle making. There's also handmade udon noodles which are made from 100% local flour.</span></span><span style="font-family: verdana;"> In particular, Benibana Furusatokan serves "handmade udon" made with local Saitama prefecture flour and soy sauce from the local Okegawa, based on the tradition of "handmade udon" that has been eaten in many homes since ancient times. There are many different types of udon in the prefecture, so be sure to try other udon as well!</span></div><span style="color: #666666; font-family: verdana;"><div style="color: black; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="color: black; text-align: justify;">This renovated private house from over 100 years ago provides a nostalgic and retro atmosphere.</div></span><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /><span style="text-align: justify;">Fee (Reservation required):</span><br /><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="text-align: justify;">Soba noodle making experience 2,500 yen~</span></span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="text-align: justify;">Udon noodle making experience 1,800 yen</span></span></li></ul></span><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">If you wish to dine there, reservations are not required. However keep in mind they are closed every Monday. <br /><br />Official Website here: <a href="https://www.furusatokan.or.jp/">https://www.furusatokan.or.jp/</a> <br /><br /> English Details here: </span><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span><span style="text-align: justify;"> </span><a href="https://en.chocotabi-saitama.com/spot/34593" style="text-align: justify;">https://en.chocotabi-saitama.com/spot/34593</a></span></span></p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /><span style="text-align: justify;">More details in this video: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/C2RwAvBS5Ru/?igsh=dXAzbDVuMnMweDhx">https://www.instagram.com/reel/C2RwAvBS5Ru/?igsh=dXAzbDVuMnMweDhx</a></span></span><span style="color: #666666; font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-k7ld8NfKM0W5mRaqssur1u9evUmfy7Gz09Cg9U0fZ3tBR-JMVv0lrGQmCcy_W5_EVqzFkbxqNW6L-Ogr9U9h-4E9AIScjnBzdGcs39Pv2VP5mAJbFLZLSbaQr7DrEz8l-snk2z62OK5ucssZXZHgJn4uKD3lGB4yJuJ7ajKo-h_5Urh2VydrOh8iYZLV/s327/Picture%201.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="327" data-original-width="246" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-k7ld8NfKM0W5mRaqssur1u9evUmfy7Gz09Cg9U0fZ3tBR-JMVv0lrGQmCcy_W5_EVqzFkbxqNW6L-Ogr9U9h-4E9AIScjnBzdGcs39Pv2VP5mAJbFLZLSbaQr7DrEz8l-snk2z62OK5ucssZXZHgJn4uKD3lGB4yJuJ7ajKo-h_5Urh2VydrOh8iYZLV/s320/Picture%201.jpg" width="241" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQkj_KpTt9TEiPcBIYwRQ45F4uIhIpxt-cP0E3q90vJgqDLkcl72mWvDBMTKmwwi_6t_UYtHqdVPAm-SyRLyq2lDPR6_eIXyMXIC55CV2I0uvEFnIOF5GHGmrM8cTIsfF-K2Cl8wiFFGvgutazWSyLXbCnw_L1jUvN8JQ9C_bZNRWlidBdzxws0SWudbw3/s231/Picture%202.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="231" data-original-width="173" height="318" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQkj_KpTt9TEiPcBIYwRQ45F4uIhIpxt-cP0E3q90vJgqDLkcl72mWvDBMTKmwwi_6t_UYtHqdVPAm-SyRLyq2lDPR6_eIXyMXIC55CV2I0uvEFnIOF5GHGmrM8cTIsfF-K2Cl8wiFFGvgutazWSyLXbCnw_L1jUvN8JQ9C_bZNRWlidBdzxws0SWudbw3/w238-h318/Picture%202.jpg" width="238" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEg7UG5Eu1fFVU2lCfHAD7SAaASeCgY_Cv188Mm7o7WYgGbN1tkmyhSq0sEy5CjJryyEwuHZVW1hAUso57N1EYJrkGn5lq81bMiOqs9Np4kCp7vY1VmNvLuysgrlXq2Zs3o8hU8Zv1YNhgDzl-m2Ihyyk8br_J6mlBGGZzAgrBsoNYnmGdUJT9CVdG459p/s1170/%E3%81%86%E3%81%A8%E3%82%99%E3%82%93%20%E6%A8%AA.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="878" data-original-width="1170" height="317" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEg7UG5Eu1fFVU2lCfHAD7SAaASeCgY_Cv188Mm7o7WYgGbN1tkmyhSq0sEy5CjJryyEwuHZVW1hAUso57N1EYJrkGn5lq81bMiOqs9Np4kCp7vY1VmNvLuysgrlXq2Zs3o8hU8Zv1YNhgDzl-m2Ihyyk8br_J6mlBGGZzAgrBsoNYnmGdUJT9CVdG459p/w422-h317/%E3%81%86%E3%81%A8%E3%82%99%E3%82%93%20%E6%A8%AA.jpg" width="422" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana; text-align: justify;">I hope this has helped you discover some new places in Saitama! Please check part 2-4 for other amazing places you can add to your list of day-trip spots to go to. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: verdana; text-align: justify;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: verdana; text-align: justify;"> <iframe height="480" src="https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/0/embed?mid=1s8wXcfQP4WstRSu__j1QMEc5djbX5dM&ehbc=2E312F" width="640"></iframe> </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: verdana; text-align: justify;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana; text-align: justify;"><b><span style="color: #ea9999;">Follow me on instagram <a href="https://www.instagram.com/ariel.land" target="_blank">@ariel.land</a> for more Japan travel tips</span></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: verdana; text-align: justify;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/ariel.land" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="4031" data-original-width="1440" height="882" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlPD7Lv-1LY0mi0yEz0Oz-ladPPeUw88iZ2kGHdArT6Qn-SXqzjBqlxWUvC5l44fULrfJLrI3VBK0dICPcE3fo60f07pt_Pic_7NRQ5hS383mj9YxR-lygtHvqjvxsZlGJQYVF77EGdMvPFFNhtgR92kydiLbb0KdiGQbfoXAkJtILu6sA4qo3Lwgmt5TP/w314-h882/IMG_5650.JPG" width="314" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.arielland.com" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="269" data-original-width="660" height="91" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfjI7sVAIxr9Z0U8ANhGUX5sBqt2_USaEISF1aT0fDjrgnJdefSKRXur2ALEReNRmpg6uonCWiBvnWC6dSmIIdcztyzGv2RbJqzeVT9_k7QyU7_wvqQfvfSLwfujQXe4So3sXYykGH68MluZRFfXW6bgxfXEnxsMxb1bBeLqGm053Tb2I2L0VDDUgI_6vE/w224-h91/IMG_6567.jpg" width="224" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><br /></div><p></p>Arielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03509227042293152734noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8124579507526577941.post-25006728242255459912024-03-06T00:15:00.001+08:002024-03-06T00:15:20.798+08:00Saitama Experiences | Japanese Armor<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmJ6P6Vi2KNa57Kesgi_o129w_cljVfdAHDtXVstx8ES72yTbO6XgZwSMYSP7vHZPwuiPRKxHgjhyPhW4Y00rrUH08Jl3WJj0AdvPs5dGSvagNA62tRNgCGQsLsocph7GXk0JbCwiqvy4cTBAw3faHw1ReKCrK-m0srdp0qN9mEzLCjlQkzjpzv47E-RKM/s1280/Saitama%20Katana.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="369" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmJ6P6Vi2KNa57Kesgi_o129w_cljVfdAHDtXVstx8ES72yTbO6XgZwSMYSP7vHZPwuiPRKxHgjhyPhW4Y00rrUH08Jl3WJj0AdvPs5dGSvagNA62tRNgCGQsLsocph7GXk0JbCwiqvy4cTBAw3faHw1ReKCrK-m0srdp0qN9mEzLCjlQkzjpzv47E-RKM/w656-h369/Saitama%20Katana.png" width="656" /></a></div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span><a name='more'></a></span><div style="text-align: justify;">Being overshadowed by the capital city of Tokyo just next door, Saitama prefecture is often overlooked. However, it is home to many wonderful craftsmen that keep previous traditional crafts alive, one of them being Tadayasu’s Armor.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">The history of Japanese armor dates all the way back to the 4th century. The elaborate pieces of armor takes months to make and is made up of metal, leather, lace, fabric, and a lot of intricate elements. Though hundreds of years have passed, the craftsmanship of Japanese armor is still being passed on through generations.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">As there are no combat use for these armor, many are now being made as decorations, especially for Children’s Day for those who have boys in their families. And you can find exactly that at Tadayasu’s Armor. From full-size armor to 3-piece bottle covers, you can find a range of designs that fit your needs.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYaocr9RjTAwCjn9b36d0nRhvmbrKcbXhK0ywZQElX8jZPbnmylvU1lZ-pdOce8SQlaAkgltPYp_onBpTGlDeSl2pPJ_IbeEWx6vSdm-qh0YgacKdcgZtN93K4uEAK0NksQ5aPmryNDMYY3m-OnERovaDiPzffsHGsAsXh8mCa4i7HEpUTas9WzZYlXD5-/s6960/IMG_3350.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6960" data-original-width="4640" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYaocr9RjTAwCjn9b36d0nRhvmbrKcbXhK0ywZQElX8jZPbnmylvU1lZ-pdOce8SQlaAkgltPYp_onBpTGlDeSl2pPJ_IbeEWx6vSdm-qh0YgacKdcgZtN93K4uEAK0NksQ5aPmryNDMYY3m-OnERovaDiPzffsHGsAsXh8mCa4i7HEpUTas9WzZYlXD5-/s320/IMG_3350.JPG" width="213" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQlY3O-nDfzA4Ci3q7P1XMrJY2gu_uEjhBNKFL3IxqgCove2oDHaQulVBEaBQMnuE5AY7sXFhaP9uRGLVz6OG74KMgPVds1AeXIhvIa-DIZsrocA-DLeUTYaP9AToc05Fy-0rJU8btnaDYkZ1Pp-MD3mq7-qPrW8XNXFPCbgXEcpvsq2nGP3pIuKxP7Oit/s6960/IMG_3354.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6960" data-original-width="4640" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQlY3O-nDfzA4Ci3q7P1XMrJY2gu_uEjhBNKFL3IxqgCove2oDHaQulVBEaBQMnuE5AY7sXFhaP9uRGLVz6OG74KMgPVds1AeXIhvIa-DIZsrocA-DLeUTYaP9AToc05Fy-0rJU8btnaDYkZ1Pp-MD3mq7-qPrW8XNXFPCbgXEcpvsq2nGP3pIuKxP7Oit/s320/IMG_3354.JPG" width="213" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqi9ESH6rYRuk8_G6Y0XK18hWrHMKjqDNgJkCMC5SgKR8sP2MnqwhyGct-SHPFpDMyysb5JzG7wo05Xu05udnGslrvVfpONStERj2HQPG9cmksmlLzyRtvvvxq1wDLHKCF9yJX1ssCO3413OEEkjTbaxDH4Dm3cuKpf25dgOF4oo9a3S9SRKJCvQWOQ1Tr/s6960/IMG_3356.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6960" data-original-width="4640" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqi9ESH6rYRuk8_G6Y0XK18hWrHMKjqDNgJkCMC5SgKR8sP2MnqwhyGct-SHPFpDMyysb5JzG7wo05Xu05udnGslrvVfpONStERj2HQPG9cmksmlLzyRtvvvxq1wDLHKCF9yJX1ssCO3413OEEkjTbaxDH4Dm3cuKpf25dgOF4oo9a3S9SRKJCvQWOQ1Tr/s320/IMG_3356.JPG" width="213" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKGmHsDL5pNCkbBIvlv17fVS1ad_222zWjQV0U2XpXJUut2HOwCluIncfcejIF2kF6_-9D1gHy_g08Oeb3wt0Vi_k6CeI09WNYkDgggzUHgfvnyb7YgtZtZ2_jd4piQM0Wd8qoeKe3Vm3Hi4IAStkvt7QDkUeWBznVdPg5MYnT-0JuPvBJ0fYbA8B6u5g0/s6960/IMG_3361.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6960" data-original-width="4640" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKGmHsDL5pNCkbBIvlv17fVS1ad_222zWjQV0U2XpXJUut2HOwCluIncfcejIF2kF6_-9D1gHy_g08Oeb3wt0Vi_k6CeI09WNYkDgggzUHgfvnyb7YgtZtZ2_jd4piQM0Wd8qoeKe3Vm3Hi4IAStkvt7QDkUeWBznVdPg5MYnT-0JuPvBJ0fYbA8B6u5g0/s320/IMG_3361.JPG" width="213" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL79wKoVJQEaWnlVzBaQ7k4rrZ4Ca7q-2ck-OVSWckkZRHh_UTDzFKi9OpOAjCS2MzJkKxmYxMMSeDiqo1CGa7SXdkyrhFdkJkOz9igPNthz8IvbxOrVBzdgZCgEJlFZ7bAiFDbFE51BvMrCi4YSfEOpsbyvB9VLp9QVJIk4-P8qETLymy5oq_pw6Jnq0P/s6960/IMG_3363.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6960" data-original-width="4640" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL79wKoVJQEaWnlVzBaQ7k4rrZ4Ca7q-2ck-OVSWckkZRHh_UTDzFKi9OpOAjCS2MzJkKxmYxMMSeDiqo1CGa7SXdkyrhFdkJkOz9igPNthz8IvbxOrVBzdgZCgEJlFZ7bAiFDbFE51BvMrCi4YSfEOpsbyvB9VLp9QVJIk4-P8qETLymy5oq_pw6Jnq0P/s320/IMG_3363.JPG" width="213" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC9Q9TAEmO_IccY2kh8uwU8g_m9_npgB52oEyzV8dus9U7GQdx-gnuQJbzO4G2nk_Jaoi96dqqO2feny4fFghbiYlj1XOz0GgQSkYhbAA8A-bSZpq1T7hCTnH8fl9CiaxH2ARjlnto_g9EhOv0QF4xkxnLuW_eZJAeeiEA-PbIgZfljKFpAaVaxAS_RRir/s6960/IMG_3364.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6960" data-original-width="4640" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC9Q9TAEmO_IccY2kh8uwU8g_m9_npgB52oEyzV8dus9U7GQdx-gnuQJbzO4G2nk_Jaoi96dqqO2feny4fFghbiYlj1XOz0GgQSkYhbAA8A-bSZpq1T7hCTnH8fl9CiaxH2ARjlnto_g9EhOv0QF4xkxnLuW_eZJAeeiEA-PbIgZfljKFpAaVaxAS_RRir/s320/IMG_3364.JPG" width="213" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">The 2-floor warehouse and factory has a team of 7 Shokunin (craftsmen), some with as many as almost 30 years’ experience that produce the armor being sold here. It requires more than 5,000 steps and 2 months to hand make these decorative armor. Visiting there, I got a chance to see the making in action.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7E6DKtd6iwTWQX0yKYgHV09M0xrGbOUOnx1pbzwLPiM1nODCU9oigMuF52ow_dg_UAYfdwOlrhA4oNIceped8JPXzJHNGNaJ8aRvjBoKpQJvtQPMIPB3fNYZjQhLFj4sKAEwMDvWPcoP55v6a8vVimqsLbkOTR8xDCgRfRqjhzQnB5y9s7Lzhzx_IXnUK/s6960/IMG_3368.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6960" data-original-width="4640" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7E6DKtd6iwTWQX0yKYgHV09M0xrGbOUOnx1pbzwLPiM1nODCU9oigMuF52ow_dg_UAYfdwOlrhA4oNIceped8JPXzJHNGNaJ8aRvjBoKpQJvtQPMIPB3fNYZjQhLFj4sKAEwMDvWPcoP55v6a8vVimqsLbkOTR8xDCgRfRqjhzQnB5y9s7Lzhzx_IXnUK/s320/IMG_3368.JPG" width="213" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi53UaQAqY3u9pF3dhC-zuV70wG4zGsk5JpcO7HtRxqlq2Gg_6Ns_60ZriL4ASxY4p5BNW8UDp0zR6fKeQ8eo9zDgXF8HJpoRtvnAmu5kojCJ2eAo9TZf5xoMHb6UcqlU_2cOmqmqJT_j69dRLnEWKnWG4jmN0QHz-VX0U4hyphenhyphenQ6RfRU1AoX380IPcAevGc5/s6960/IMG_3370.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6960" data-original-width="4640" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi53UaQAqY3u9pF3dhC-zuV70wG4zGsk5JpcO7HtRxqlq2Gg_6Ns_60ZriL4ASxY4p5BNW8UDp0zR6fKeQ8eo9zDgXF8HJpoRtvnAmu5kojCJ2eAo9TZf5xoMHb6UcqlU_2cOmqmqJT_j69dRLnEWKnWG4jmN0QHz-VX0U4hyphenhyphenQ6RfRU1AoX380IPcAevGc5/s320/IMG_3370.JPG" width="213" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC6FZZB2almvwn9PVF0sau6dfLI3YOoOdm1jWsFEGFwTExotANs9ZswSsYRk877MijTFQ8ZKXltW0Wdsabtwt7dTGqme-IJGPdVvcQS835YZZrx1J5k02LSH3ZI6Fcw6U5OVX8p8pu_33e_OsSvRh_eYd2zue1qF7PrIGHs60fcKC4VXb8tjZS3PpF4922/s6960/IMG_3375.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6960" data-original-width="4640" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC6FZZB2almvwn9PVF0sau6dfLI3YOoOdm1jWsFEGFwTExotANs9ZswSsYRk877MijTFQ8ZKXltW0Wdsabtwt7dTGqme-IJGPdVvcQS835YZZrx1J5k02LSH3ZI6Fcw6U5OVX8p8pu_33e_OsSvRh_eYd2zue1qF7PrIGHs60fcKC4VXb8tjZS3PpF4922/s320/IMG_3375.JPG" width="213" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiAaRak_CvNrmz6R7RydZZPUyU3PZPJSiokn7A0pro2s8jKjWqoo5G4jCefZMh2eMIhduKX2XTcWoCjQSGbZdF1YRuL89Qj6-UUF_su_cId9rqU-LYA_Q3W0owWogsZMOE-w64aVYhD_O-W7q7OUg4Jm64O8IXkvDytGQP6pZ1VAvtoeAZ-Lkoo7Yii-tm/s6960/IMG_3365.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6960" data-original-width="4640" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiAaRak_CvNrmz6R7RydZZPUyU3PZPJSiokn7A0pro2s8jKjWqoo5G4jCefZMh2eMIhduKX2XTcWoCjQSGbZdF1YRuL89Qj6-UUF_su_cId9rqU-LYA_Q3W0owWogsZMOE-w64aVYhD_O-W7q7OUg4Jm64O8IXkvDytGQP6pZ1VAvtoeAZ-Lkoo7Yii-tm/s320/IMG_3365.JPG" width="213" /></a></div></span><span style="font-family: verdana;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">If you are interested in visiting, booking isn’t required. Please book via the link below to visit, and I do recommend bringing your own translator if you wish to ask questions.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div></span><span style="font-family: verdana;"><div style="text-align: justify;">🌐 Reservation link: https://tadayasu.co.jp/en/contact/</div></span><span style="font-family: verdana;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">📆 Store hours 9:00-16:00, Monday to Saturday</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">🗺 Location: <a href="https://maps.app.goo.gl/66MLw3ddPNt44rcd6">https://maps.app.goo.gl/66MLw3ddPNt44rcd6</a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Check out <a href="https://www.instagram.com/saitama.japan.official/">@saitama.japan.official</a> for more experiences in Saitama prefecture</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div></span>Arielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03509227042293152734noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8124579507526577941.post-77966253569470895592024-03-02T09:47:00.000+08:002024-03-02T09:47:14.139+08:00Saitama Experiences | Japanese Sword Making<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpkeT3ZrRMgy4CYZkNCNcag-okOWqW5sbNgJNKq6E1ulbbwgXQrZE1_535m65DsErMA7-695AWvm9ZXPzB1aHp77lrzVtMBhVAHlvBgYRdkCNLBwv1Igkn5HLX4AEqr0UiNcAVbyU6ksCj3l8C8hJuStmekpiDg90pkd6DtAK0rjellp7E4a07yqlDRR0U/s1280/Saitama%20Katana.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="348" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpkeT3ZrRMgy4CYZkNCNcag-okOWqW5sbNgJNKq6E1ulbbwgXQrZE1_535m65DsErMA7-695AWvm9ZXPzB1aHp77lrzVtMBhVAHlvBgYRdkCNLBwv1Igkn5HLX4AEqr0UiNcAVbyU6ksCj3l8C8hJuStmekpiDg90pkd6DtAK0rjellp7E4a07yqlDRR0U/w620-h348/Saitama%20Katana.png" width="620" /></a></span></div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span></span></p><a name='more'></a><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">The first modern Japanese sword appeared around year 700 in the early Heian period. Since then, many of the finest swords have been passed down and preserved till today. Most people consider it a weapon, but the Japanese sword has much deeper meaning to it. It is one of the 3 sacred treasures offered to god in the Shinto religion: a mirror, a jewel, and a Japanese sword. The sword is a symbol of protection, a talisman to families.</span></div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">With modernization, machines took over the making of swords. During WWII, machines churned out thousands of swords which were a mixture of iron and carbon. They were much weaker and is no competition of an artistry and masterpiece of the hand-made Japanese sword which technique has been around for over a thousand years.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Fusahiro-san was just a child when he laid eyes on a Japanese sword at the national art gallery. He was moved and was determined to also make a sword that will last for hundreds of years and stay beautiful and strong. In his adult years, he spent years training and earning ¥0 to become a Japanese sword making master. He is now one of the 180 only remaining Japanese swordsmiths in the world.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">For Fusahiro-san, he doesn’t take on any order from anybody. Because to him, the Japanese sword is a sacred treasure. It’s not to be wielded as just a killing weapon. I was curious so I asked him for the reasons of why people make order from him, and what has stuck with him the most.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">“Most orders I receive, are from people welcoming a birth of a boy into the family, or the head of the household wanting to protect the home in a spiritual way. However, what stuck with me the most was an English man. Him and his sisters lost their parents and he wanted a sword in order to protect his sister as they rely on each other now.”</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">At the quickest, Fusahiro-san can makea sword within 3 months. But that doesn’t yield the best results. On average he makes 6-8 swords per year. In each batch there’s 3 swords and only the best one is actually given to the client. The currently wait list is 1.5 years, and the cost for Fusahiro-san’s craftsmanship, artistry, time and effort is a mere ¥1,500,000 per katana. If you do the math, it’s not a glamorous or money printing job. It’s a gruelling, labor-intensive job that demands attention to detail while at the same time, they are upholding Japan’s dying tradition.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Luckily, Fusahiro-san opens his workshop for tours. This not only helps you understand the process, you can also get hands on by helping with the furnace while watching him create a masterpiece out of mere Iron sand (from Shimane prefecture. Japan does not have natural Iron ore.)</div></span><br /><p class="p2" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwNBIQkLaVlGtH70k_RoADIIIuWitxjJKnL7Ube-uCk9wNQHnwJSyE3KAGGYtrEwGtFnDOmU4HKAdwYv2McIXJU7JLAN7hCq7uJ-yVs47bXrV1vJZO4tRVuh-mgBTUPacqZg2hEywrkGi7JRTjnjIxN2EvIBcBCMoDpkr0tJCFDJCK_Kk0jYwwGUybNyQh/s6960/IMG_3384.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: verdana; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6960" data-original-width="4640" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwNBIQkLaVlGtH70k_RoADIIIuWitxjJKnL7Ube-uCk9wNQHnwJSyE3KAGGYtrEwGtFnDOmU4HKAdwYv2McIXJU7JLAN7hCq7uJ-yVs47bXrV1vJZO4tRVuh-mgBTUPacqZg2hEywrkGi7JRTjnjIxN2EvIBcBCMoDpkr0tJCFDJCK_Kk0jYwwGUybNyQh/s320/IMG_3384.JPG" width="213" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUBtrJ0IWr6Za98jo3RyY7y_j3rg6QzXpLbLNHhwlX_kP0FdOFwJc9S1JWPBE56UXssgMYChJeKH7DPbH6vPqSUGhPyOr-CuQVXn3MnCRJMnysuGpykATBd6vhq_IxWwIoxSdSaCEklsKhyDb64KDmsS3Ue5eEpyAE2AfxqXbxkH_nO8qKHmA4kzt7VA2h/s6960/IMG_3392.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: verdana; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6960" data-original-width="4640" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUBtrJ0IWr6Za98jo3RyY7y_j3rg6QzXpLbLNHhwlX_kP0FdOFwJc9S1JWPBE56UXssgMYChJeKH7DPbH6vPqSUGhPyOr-CuQVXn3MnCRJMnysuGpykATBd6vhq_IxWwIoxSdSaCEklsKhyDb64KDmsS3Ue5eEpyAE2AfxqXbxkH_nO8qKHmA4kzt7VA2h/s320/IMG_3392.JPG" width="213" /></a></p><p class="p2" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"> </span></p><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Between the sparks flying, the smoke rising, and the loud hammering of iron, you can’t help but wonder what goes through his mind. What I know is, there’s definitely a lot of respect and focus. Afterall, it’s not anybody that can make a Japanese sword which lasts for hundreds of years.</span></div><p class="p2" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio9HHGJdFucHFOE__bBOqDKhHDQBjH8JLMPOplTpkmLNtUTEJlbzIbHA4W6wno4stem9_P2xbZdYvXFHlH-7BmFhDzwMaCBgAKIT_fJoqUuyV4RZiKXxmAoEllweOKVV1B64-wfSM572gNLrO6NGAMjYephEgm7UfJre60bek0yNFNm42jJQJ3vs0qWng1/s6960/IMG_3419.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6960" data-original-width="4640" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio9HHGJdFucHFOE__bBOqDKhHDQBjH8JLMPOplTpkmLNtUTEJlbzIbHA4W6wno4stem9_P2xbZdYvXFHlH-7BmFhDzwMaCBgAKIT_fJoqUuyV4RZiKXxmAoEllweOKVV1B64-wfSM572gNLrO6NGAMjYephEgm7UfJre60bek0yNFNm42jJQJ3vs0qWng1/s320/IMG_3419.JPG" width="213" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_pT90oibXzU00k3LWiGd6E2svx3_X7SIGuOcifGjtXIe4GFMaK7zut-RnMKoVDzYMm5EvRrUx4FlyBItH1fVrfmRI5mi00GtyzqyczsE5LqyvVICJsxtV93uyBgpfPWwAdf_sfHsQE5e6tfKzMkl93k4cNrimh1RjPTrtKUZQf5eXLU-NatgqDm5PSoy1/s6960/IMG_3428.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6960" data-original-width="4640" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_pT90oibXzU00k3LWiGd6E2svx3_X7SIGuOcifGjtXIe4GFMaK7zut-RnMKoVDzYMm5EvRrUx4FlyBItH1fVrfmRI5mi00GtyzqyczsE5LqyvVICJsxtV93uyBgpfPWwAdf_sfHsQE5e6tfKzMkl93k4cNrimh1RjPTrtKUZQf5eXLU-NatgqDm5PSoy1/s320/IMG_3428.JPG" width="213" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibinuwnxSNdyh_yN6kLpgt7xCjR-V-cpKoSjfD7ISP8UanCG1fnn3-itBeKR3vrVOCNyBa6b6Hp8d9xh8BE2Wbp5Q2mZI0q1al6kJWqXLDKXvk3xoSrnn_zPjaz41Dpame5SP9s1fGnNNATifDlEZ90cVAFD-jnxfOiIlzjsCnvhRs2y_dLD1knORSwPP5/s6960/IMG_3431.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6960" data-original-width="4640" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibinuwnxSNdyh_yN6kLpgt7xCjR-V-cpKoSjfD7ISP8UanCG1fnn3-itBeKR3vrVOCNyBa6b6Hp8d9xh8BE2Wbp5Q2mZI0q1al6kJWqXLDKXvk3xoSrnn_zPjaz41Dpame5SP9s1fGnNNATifDlEZ90cVAFD-jnxfOiIlzjsCnvhRs2y_dLD1knORSwPP5/s320/IMG_3431.JPG" width="213" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX35GHeTzI_wG13sxuvsU1Dh9f3ViYrKSx1bg8_m_5rTQ5vyo4pjtOW1uzAEKdf1toJur_GsePg1JEJ8vNtMW0mc-X32HJY33zkXI1x1Q2jKnhuZ0b5jzP5polDQXhM-JuF2BvFL9SeYuph7v6F4SNdD5XViry_Z1q9L1MFaxnav94LSK-offGiic3r20X/s6960/IMG_3434.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6960" data-original-width="4640" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX35GHeTzI_wG13sxuvsU1Dh9f3ViYrKSx1bg8_m_5rTQ5vyo4pjtOW1uzAEKdf1toJur_GsePg1JEJ8vNtMW0mc-X32HJY33zkXI1x1Q2jKnhuZ0b5jzP5polDQXhM-JuF2BvFL9SeYuph7v6F4SNdD5XViry_Z1q9L1MFaxnav94LSK-offGiic3r20X/s320/IMG_3434.JPG" width="213" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></span><span style="font-family: verdana;">✅ Tour reservation here: <a href="https://www.samurai-sword.jp/index.php/tours/">https://www.samurai-sword.jp/index.php/tours/</a> <br />(Please bring your own translator as only Japanese tours are provided)<br /><br />🗺️ Location: <a href="https://maps.app.goo.gl/WECVLuxtyRxEnbRP7">https://maps.app.goo.gl/WECVLuxtyRxEnbRP7</a><br /><br />Fusahiro Shimojima, Katana Master<br />房宙(ふさひろ)日本刀鍛練場<br /><br />Check out <a href="https://www.instagram.com/saitama.japan.official/">@saitama.japan.official</a> for more experiences in Saitama prefecture</span><p class="p4" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px; text-align: justify;"><br /></p></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><p></p>Arielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03509227042293152734noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8124579507526577941.post-67245559057575946102023-08-23T22:18:00.006+08:002024-02-25T16:02:54.488+08:00Goto Islands | Activities to best enjoy its nature<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.arielland.com/2023/08/goto-islands-activities-to-best-enjoy.html" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="335" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjho9SZQ59j6QI6-zfdqO9slCNZEoVnGl9OIgFSbljLQh70gKMyzt8E2mYw3qF0TFxxdeg9mRmXRT63-ckp-JDqeqgrFUh35vRsV-guwk1GdQ3t9lczoby4wmdB72fRcW311uoR0x8dCk_WUJq0bGaUDhVtfnpq0p9DgP-ySm1jDQv0d7vqhUxAcLWyF6V8/w596-h335/Goto%20(2).png" width="596" /></a></div><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span></span></span></p><a name='more'></a><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span><div><span style="font-family: verdana;">When visiting Goto Islands, there is no doubt that you will be in awe with its stunning nature. The most obvious way to enjoy it is to relax on the many beautiful beaches it has to offer. However there are other ways to enjoy as well. Let’s dive right into it!<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span><p></p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"> </span></p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><b><span style="font-family: verdana;">Cycling tour</span></b></p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">If you’d like to see more of Goto, but not be limited by worrying about where to park your car, the cycling is an excellent option. I had the pleasure of joining a cycling tour with Will (<a href="https://www.instagram.com/will.l17123/" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: #6fa8dc;">@will.l17123</span></b></a>) who is the only English speaking guide on the island. His enthusiasm and sunshine-like energy made the cycling tour even more enjoyable. We were able to cycle by beaches, see the famous Onidake mountain of Fukue island, and even ended up in a secret cave where we enjoyed coffee made by Will.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"> </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrmzdAJkHylStzSM7sSqb7OKIkta-yCHGF5U7TWNQXxebJ-5JdPQiermafplzDB78moAgps0zg23UTD0K36BflJMiY7AyAm9j0nHsfa6iyhTVfX2Cpll7AaU2IN1FyvGZNVwntYv7Er_f806TLCiePzt4YDf5_32qSX3W2xK777pRGrVjoFQhWX44oao2_/s4032/IMG_6367.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="407" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrmzdAJkHylStzSM7sSqb7OKIkta-yCHGF5U7TWNQXxebJ-5JdPQiermafplzDB78moAgps0zg23UTD0K36BflJMiY7AyAm9j0nHsfa6iyhTVfX2Cpll7AaU2IN1FyvGZNVwntYv7Er_f806TLCiePzt4YDf5_32qSX3W2xK777pRGrVjoFQhWX44oao2_/w544-h407/IMG_6367.JPG" width="544" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZL12hCUUNaNbeBi03tLh_ck8T2y-P4MgxheVQjHd8uxM6LgX5SGt5Tc9hpKAPWlIKiZejBv0qH2drSaDVEapuIaUDgUipSiSnJZiKdycxlo3e_uZYV2VmuqKWrDOxtGuzLicTJ8MpAT8OEOs4Ceo002dXWD-gEvcAxKuhMyAkr_wt0BmpMewUwYazzo9Y/s4032/IMG_1547.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="416" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZL12hCUUNaNbeBi03tLh_ck8T2y-P4MgxheVQjHd8uxM6LgX5SGt5Tc9hpKAPWlIKiZejBv0qH2drSaDVEapuIaUDgUipSiSnJZiKdycxlo3e_uZYV2VmuqKWrDOxtGuzLicTJ8MpAT8OEOs4Ceo002dXWD-gEvcAxKuhMyAkr_wt0BmpMewUwYazzo9Y/w553-h416/IMG_1547.JPG" width="553" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: verdana;"><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/TORF7hwau68" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe></span></i></p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"> </span></p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><b><span style="font-family: verdana;">Trekking (light house, onidake)<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></b></p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">If you are someone who is looking for something slower pace, and you can stop to take photos, then trekking is your option. There are 2 that are easy and perfect for beginners but take you to beautiful look out spots.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"> </span></p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">The first one is the trek down to Osezaki Lighthouse. The trek is downhill in the beginning, and is under 2km so it takes less than an hour even if you walk leisurely. On the first half of the trek down, it’s mostly covered by trees, but once you get closer to the lighthouse, you get a glimpse of the majestic and endless ocean surrounding the lighthouse. The lighthouse looks small from afar, but as you get closer, you realize that the building is actually quite tall. It was designed all the way back in 1876 by an Englishman to be able to guide the fishing boats in that area. The most incredible thing about this spot is, it is the last place where the sun sets on Japan mainland (excluding Okinawa). <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"> </span></p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6ryJPZ1nqMaOfMLH6YstYoEd1VlEFPUf0k-nDC0W7Xxrs9CEBNQqMgPWmgtn_6AfELe-3unR8H6gHPyiRD9Id_EMbNK50hyIbw-ZDDJNd9W5oEJxs1jcrpXotAnfRSyKZS2Ttm6B7kW7LoaTYXIwwy_Qz2ojWlVbKoUX8Jz3ogotNEcpohHRv4x79GT_m/s6960/IMG_1994.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6960" data-original-width="4640" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6ryJPZ1nqMaOfMLH6YstYoEd1VlEFPUf0k-nDC0W7Xxrs9CEBNQqMgPWmgtn_6AfELe-3unR8H6gHPyiRD9Id_EMbNK50hyIbw-ZDDJNd9W5oEJxs1jcrpXotAnfRSyKZS2Ttm6B7kW7LoaTYXIwwy_Qz2ojWlVbKoUX8Jz3ogotNEcpohHRv4x79GT_m/s320/IMG_1994.JPG" width="213" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvMz_QMW26cpPCKqMMxgGOpz-iXUVbEKA87Wtnl9MFhLjEGa5QLzzu2Rc5TGKgl2PUozaugM-4avAWQVQq6PCM17pW7PsQBby0SEEvCiNBMgcof-L6S9I7KMN9UIqUYkttRJYEGSvXgY7KfHol011G4HCMuhve0vstMYQpl8O7QcEhZC6wCVYfTsYIJqSO/s6749/IMG_1991.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6749" data-original-width="4499" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvMz_QMW26cpPCKqMMxgGOpz-iXUVbEKA87Wtnl9MFhLjEGa5QLzzu2Rc5TGKgl2PUozaugM-4avAWQVQq6PCM17pW7PsQBby0SEEvCiNBMgcof-L6S9I7KMN9UIqUYkttRJYEGSvXgY7KfHol011G4HCMuhve0vstMYQpl8O7QcEhZC6wCVYfTsYIJqSO/s320/IMG_1991.JPG" width="213" /></a></p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><br /></p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtmOenvUQkhb4ElXPn5ZvE_D0hM4TpT7QdLYXHFpErtLcKLq0ZEh1sM7dSHph7JWUwspKSwIPAhI2MWCiTTp1D9LgL77KRkGOdPcNNx4Yq01VIL1cXhC8YUnKOReVn5pP2Xe-BzbVLmRJMskPIXs1nDTqpJafvbLgx2-6n2LdTUFKe764TeZg8sq1zEmU-/s6960/IMG_2020.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4640" data-original-width="6960" height="278" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtmOenvUQkhb4ElXPn5ZvE_D0hM4TpT7QdLYXHFpErtLcKLq0ZEh1sM7dSHph7JWUwspKSwIPAhI2MWCiTTp1D9LgL77KRkGOdPcNNx4Yq01VIL1cXhC8YUnKOReVn5pP2Xe-BzbVLmRJMskPIXs1nDTqpJafvbLgx2-6n2LdTUFKe764TeZg8sq1zEmU-/w417-h278/IMG_2020.JPG" width="417" /></a></p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><br /></p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">The second trekking spot is an even easier one, just 10-20 minutes up Mt. Onidake. It is a symbol of Goto, and a cinder-cone volcano. It last erupted 18,000 years ago so the mountain is covered entirely in lush green grass. There’s also a telescope where you can look down at the city just below.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"> </span></p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUt3JTRuM9G8Ghj9We0J2oKbtEvWvEqhXgen0EMzRe6bgA8nZ6aVh2ObpXcEB5AMizPJOofAUeqI8tbXVqY9USYbYPSeZl9K_N93_vBgMZpdy7771iTdQCU41zqOMNsLq_RNgnPcsf7JqXRNJ1VBP3xOKKXWKbgXuOyoesBQu9A0chswEYRdw8lIzQSneU/s6960/IMG_2244.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4640" data-original-width="6960" height="311" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUt3JTRuM9G8Ghj9We0J2oKbtEvWvEqhXgen0EMzRe6bgA8nZ6aVh2ObpXcEB5AMizPJOofAUeqI8tbXVqY9USYbYPSeZl9K_N93_vBgMZpdy7771iTdQCU41zqOMNsLq_RNgnPcsf7JqXRNJ1VBP3xOKKXWKbgXuOyoesBQu9A0chswEYRdw8lIzQSneU/w467-h311/IMG_2244.JPG" width="467" /></a></p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"> </span></p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><b><span style="font-family: verdana;">Stand-up Paddleboarding (SUP)</span></b></p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">If you love the ocean and want to get right into it, try Stand-up Paddleboarding. At the coast of Ohama Beach (大浜海水浴場) is Goto International House. A couple runs the SUP experience and its suitable even for complete beginners. It was my first time doing Stand-up paddleboarding, but they were very detailed in their teaching and I was able to stand up for quite a while. They do have a simple shower facility and shampoo, conditioner, and body wash, so all you need to bring is swimwear and a change of clothes.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"> </span></p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho7McQ-t0BClTZGIQFuDf34pvxbKDrdvwmKxpmom_XgIDmh-Y7LNtzUkRNuk12YJGgZ-23jNuGkgydmN4OrvkBmvtN5n1XngIe01XtBjsaGoypctg_AA8kL9RgCyUe4xkYY3ee8kxmUHGzQT-CESq7UMq0JhhlYcJiVVTOrpga5hVPCdsDg01LUlkNYY0i/s1947/IMG_6369.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1947" data-original-width="1272" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho7McQ-t0BClTZGIQFuDf34pvxbKDrdvwmKxpmom_XgIDmh-Y7LNtzUkRNuk12YJGgZ-23jNuGkgydmN4OrvkBmvtN5n1XngIe01XtBjsaGoypctg_AA8kL9RgCyUe4xkYY3ee8kxmUHGzQT-CESq7UMq0JhhlYcJiVVTOrpga5hVPCdsDg01LUlkNYY0i/s320/IMG_6369.JPG" width="209" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUqAHLf_sLxISG2UtTjxWw6uQwyO7d18RxgpD9cm5WC3JOUDpsfBLquUXcjYF0akVZz7AFR3kaajvGzxd9RFgIdrB0UTeg_VdzczJphVjaJ3xQr-vH1IlAyh6kH7K54s94heXFw5q2Mj1-hllO7U69IzA_Fyyo56wRS9eY_aeM7OpG_n64U44UKpRxpYHm/s2548/IMG_6368.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2548" data-original-width="1672" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUqAHLf_sLxISG2UtTjxWw6uQwyO7d18RxgpD9cm5WC3JOUDpsfBLquUXcjYF0akVZz7AFR3kaajvGzxd9RFgIdrB0UTeg_VdzczJphVjaJ3xQr-vH1IlAyh6kH7K54s94heXFw5q2Mj1-hllO7U69IzA_Fyyo56wRS9eY_aeM7OpG_n64U44UKpRxpYHm/s320/IMG_6368.JPG" width="210" /></a></p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">For all of the locations mentioned in this series, please check the map below: </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><i><iframe height="480" src="https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/0/embed?mid=18ExQf20V9iwOhTNcsfCWUSI_Teu1-Aw&ehbc=2E312F" width="640"></iframe></i></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Follow me on instagram <a href="https://instagram.com/ariel.land" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: #e06666;">@ariel.land</span></b></a> for more Japan travel tips</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://instagram.com/ariel.land" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="4096" data-original-width="1544" height="740" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxj7hPIMCn63EztgmGENA8qAEp1xhqbguEw5yT0hTVtfC6KuRnRoawn3qQ3rRaM7XpbmfoAnbFIZe-GFsELWb_qNQ31_BkjQMqnw4gDaAKdcRjqdvHprwF2v-sB_GOyWcwUbVfSReO6Zhts04X7rcqWlIJn6i1JaxGAiH9hbaxFnaXlzi6zotVNimxDvtb/w280-h740/IMG_6314.HEIC" width="280" /></a></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0qLQNNnkAv-PTXFgBgUUnXoYXe05FtPG1_6pjxnylg0L_tz0VSAddxBgnZ73jcyGxRkzUP_sGzXVRfNK4omZm2WzXrAXQkREnL9780vgU4HwhQz0viaFIgF5wJiYVGg66ILdp6o2TllxQJWONv6m0hxXfyqAzSE3hE68QWUvI7ircRkV2Y1-Sf7zwaIeO/s660/IMG_6567.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="269" data-original-width="660" height="91" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0qLQNNnkAv-PTXFgBgUUnXoYXe05FtPG1_6pjxnylg0L_tz0VSAddxBgnZ73jcyGxRkzUP_sGzXVRfNK4omZm2WzXrAXQkREnL9780vgU4HwhQz0viaFIgF5wJiYVGg66ILdp6o2TllxQJWONv6m0hxXfyqAzSE3hE68QWUvI7ircRkV2Y1-Sf7zwaIeO/w223-h91/IMG_6567.jpg" width="223" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p></div>Arielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03509227042293152734noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8124579507526577941.post-71272522406289659132023-08-22T21:38:00.004+08:002024-02-25T16:03:02.799+08:00Goto Islands | Historical tour of Fukue and its Churches<p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.arielland.com/2023/08/goto-islands-historical-tour-of-fukue.html" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="356" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisc6BuL6QX6Bm1DhoNKkRLvi4b1Tl7dhD--LRaVyJ40ewbejHO0hf6gQwNhC5UlOWrydqJpKSo7TlRqNxyTGR50Ct0YjsAd0ea0_sI2XVhe3nbl62UqEYh10Sgp9ZlC-mq_vCNU-7wgN92tfcJoyY588kDhCRVpLvEVk14Yy2aWEsDd3CBz5Tcq3dtux1z/w633-h356/Goto%20(1).png" width="633" /></a></div><p></p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span></span></p><a name='more'></a><p></p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Like most of Japan, Goto Islands had their castles and samurai. You can still find remanence of the past near the city center of Fukue. </span></p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">First is Fukue Castle which was built in 1606 and is now being used as school grounds for children. Right nearby you will find the Bukeyashiki road, which is where the samurai used to live. Along this cobble stone road lined with stone walls are various museums that will teach you about the people, history, and art of Goto Islands. A must visit is Furusatokan (武家屋敷通りふるさと館). It exhibits local crafts and arts and even has a café where you can rest. More importantly, they offer many hands-on experiences for you to make something that is famous in Goto for you to bring a piece home.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh94MmvV-dwKfz90mneLtXzzRbi4J0yiVx9-fVCWjXpCPAtLOTeKoBeTN7wNErainxLYcTDlSowrq3cY-Lw53Jy7AoOdCdVsalb2GO0mtkgbHx2w6waQKADy6Uibs6I0V1uPmgOIxBASer8jlkm0UOk81rp0OAAQcRffw4jP43kCm7G7JFdeTprvg33uoy0/s6960/IMG_2240.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4640" data-original-width="6960" height="272" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh94MmvV-dwKfz90mneLtXzzRbi4J0yiVx9-fVCWjXpCPAtLOTeKoBeTN7wNErainxLYcTDlSowrq3cY-Lw53Jy7AoOdCdVsalb2GO0mtkgbHx2w6waQKADy6Uibs6I0V1uPmgOIxBASer8jlkm0UOk81rp0OAAQcRffw4jP43kCm7G7JFdeTprvg33uoy0/w409-h272/IMG_2240.JPG" width="409" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaOqmL_sjSIwKLriL7sM9YLenUhXfNLsYK8fDjClhEm-WOsv9FZnqeIFMTe8JffDnS3NK3EnFpOX_Mjn_WdvqMA1ftCOG1PMy6Gsr3gzcIn4EKAes50tHjGJb1qIbh9jJE8VnX2odN8NTmZIqoOBirEctv32gwZpawo_4sDFFq7Gs-voeUULf3BrQT8u7o/s6797/IMG_2241.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4531" data-original-width="6797" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaOqmL_sjSIwKLriL7sM9YLenUhXfNLsYK8fDjClhEm-WOsv9FZnqeIFMTe8JffDnS3NK3EnFpOX_Mjn_WdvqMA1ftCOG1PMy6Gsr3gzcIn4EKAes50tHjGJb1qIbh9jJE8VnX2odN8NTmZIqoOBirEctv32gwZpawo_4sDFFq7Gs-voeUULf3BrQT8u7o/w400-h266/IMG_2241.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq3mmwePcI0FS1bcAErzxb1h1NhCOE-wh2ltjU5V6FqGoePEQ7KOoZZLKGGUWNHeNgmgiH7vxU5yZXTZ32FJlfVUhljbWEvwD_uzL2q3feiWued9FvXRNyvCmKABZ2R7mAlf8t-klZu_7h20ITFBTvtTd0DSvNV0BPfEGUchd8DRLbQLBiW_EPlgREPnjt/s2508/IMG_2279.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2508" data-original-width="1672" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq3mmwePcI0FS1bcAErzxb1h1NhCOE-wh2ltjU5V6FqGoePEQ7KOoZZLKGGUWNHeNgmgiH7vxU5yZXTZ32FJlfVUhljbWEvwD_uzL2q3feiWued9FvXRNyvCmKABZ2R7mAlf8t-klZu_7h20ITFBTvtTd0DSvNV0BPfEGUchd8DRLbQLBiW_EPlgREPnjt/s320/IMG_2279.JPG" width="213" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdrpYQzLmugGVaK4fopjKKzB3DjXTL5QMZXMlDc4JoDcwlrH6rUq1cyIjqzPsZHcKldzgZEEa0JkZMJsp7ZXJoUUQzF555UDRAE8ehusU5w-fKQ9YdlVAnD4-VAo4moc6wv4ZGtEbQK9qVvIA-iL5qRJJUKjFYVZAP551hIyhpue1u45hRUpUgzJqoc0Si/s4032/IMG_2234.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdrpYQzLmugGVaK4fopjKKzB3DjXTL5QMZXMlDc4JoDcwlrH6rUq1cyIjqzPsZHcKldzgZEEa0JkZMJsp7ZXJoUUQzF555UDRAE8ehusU5w-fKQ9YdlVAnD4-VAo4moc6wv4ZGtEbQK9qVvIA-iL5qRJJUKjFYVZAP551hIyhpue1u45hRUpUgzJqoc0Si/s320/IMG_2234.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><br /></p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">If you don’t already know, most of Japan practices Shintoism and Buddhism. Shinto Shrines can be recognized by their red torii gates, whereas Buddhist temples are often marked with wooden gates (mon). You will find all sorts of shrines and temples as you drive around Fukue Island. Two temples that I recommend to visit are:<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"></p><ul><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">明星院 Myojoin: known for their many rows of buddha statues<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">大宝寺 Daihoji: run by a kind monk and the main hall is decorated with incredible carvings<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></li></ul><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiobYhfrCpyHqBrTvESq5-bpc7FWTklrja_WWLkNr8HbHmQkhSLSvRuzTEdWQ40PiGBqyqoFFETVGkStpogdfpVtF5HDmt4kxKxN0I3dREGh38WpEMmvgHfoUzjT2y6-3BLSfpTEmbiB-FfHCmzVShoW-icni2AvdxSfqEF1MrXs8JzlkiJCwyUgF7BjmYB/s6960/IMG_1981.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4640" data-original-width="6960" height="292" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiobYhfrCpyHqBrTvESq5-bpc7FWTklrja_WWLkNr8HbHmQkhSLSvRuzTEdWQ40PiGBqyqoFFETVGkStpogdfpVtF5HDmt4kxKxN0I3dREGh38WpEMmvgHfoUzjT2y6-3BLSfpTEmbiB-FfHCmzVShoW-icni2AvdxSfqEF1MrXs8JzlkiJCwyUgF7BjmYB/w439-h292/IMG_1981.JPG" width="439" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinyf-hEku4Hx_A8nu1x4TLMCtL_S71-JzWlw4u07w6sysnesJJUzMmYN745WI-DgAUT139q8ESDDoZGCAwLWV4bbsT5jqIPHhuRKuv_n2P8CovaEChK0_MIG_nquqpCchEEOU9g2gT752mFvY82zwe1BbqieZ2lSON1X7gUULfaHMV9und2Zu82fny0_I3/s6960/IMG_1983.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4640" data-original-width="6960" height="293" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinyf-hEku4Hx_A8nu1x4TLMCtL_S71-JzWlw4u07w6sysnesJJUzMmYN745WI-DgAUT139q8ESDDoZGCAwLWV4bbsT5jqIPHhuRKuv_n2P8CovaEChK0_MIG_nquqpCchEEOU9g2gT752mFvY82zwe1BbqieZ2lSON1X7gUULfaHMV9und2Zu82fny0_I3/w440-h293/IMG_1983.JPG" width="440" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: verdana;">(The 2 photos above are from Myojoin)</span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: verdana;">(The 4 photos below are from Daihoji)</span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoRsNQPK56tJ_fBlNxm35GsfWurBb4U1kWU_sqrDjbvt3KyTtWPsdR43tBjDrpBV_ykjitaifyAeZtv4J8LHZksl_x9aN30BJ0mDEFdTRV2Md39mdeVyLB16A04g4NTV2Ld2VwXxbCn79hF6RQv2guXO2brG_CwsVx2hfLREylr9rkXRBFTl6BKn5f3Utk/s4032/IMG_1844.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoRsNQPK56tJ_fBlNxm35GsfWurBb4U1kWU_sqrDjbvt3KyTtWPsdR43tBjDrpBV_ykjitaifyAeZtv4J8LHZksl_x9aN30BJ0mDEFdTRV2Md39mdeVyLB16A04g4NTV2Ld2VwXxbCn79hF6RQv2guXO2brG_CwsVx2hfLREylr9rkXRBFTl6BKn5f3Utk/s320/IMG_1844.JPG" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7B4BwjMIQulNG9cXQ9I1CNhzdDG-r8Ym4-Fa_YFHVd6d5bOp2aUloqu6FW5z8W2L2Hw1pf9bR_siUEQuTziGAANJaayWDdcnGbXu1cZCxAs50aJ7bRl7Odfgh4MZ6ej6OWhMPr3nte7Zxm7lfX-Z47Isqtn2dAEUedFSgIDL6OfOf3GULRHka2LwSqJP6/s4032/IMG_1857.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7B4BwjMIQulNG9cXQ9I1CNhzdDG-r8Ym4-Fa_YFHVd6d5bOp2aUloqu6FW5z8W2L2Hw1pf9bR_siUEQuTziGAANJaayWDdcnGbXu1cZCxAs50aJ7bRl7Odfgh4MZ6ej6OWhMPr3nte7Zxm7lfX-Z47Isqtn2dAEUedFSgIDL6OfOf3GULRHka2LwSqJP6/s320/IMG_1857.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9Z65dAM_PUGFPOUEmjVKHDwovDnVk0b214JxAnns6edRja-dY4XHg7eGETxtJswLb7f4q5dTZLWekffIOa4-JCpdlqmQR16w4u4R28v789NFUBhv4crPu5XkMS5TPgU_JizloelGu_jlbn30EPyiF3X6ukwaHfWcOLKRY-JawWubhelqZdf1vzWzq83JD/s4032/IMG_1859.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9Z65dAM_PUGFPOUEmjVKHDwovDnVk0b214JxAnns6edRja-dY4XHg7eGETxtJswLb7f4q5dTZLWekffIOa4-JCpdlqmQR16w4u4R28v789NFUBhv4crPu5XkMS5TPgU_JizloelGu_jlbn30EPyiF3X6ukwaHfWcOLKRY-JawWubhelqZdf1vzWzq83JD/s320/IMG_1859.JPG" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM0dvyD7aP5lnzdo0ywkAv528xBP5CaX6PIfO8WEwAbTgok3iQf5IuCaXtwICdnOKhEGSKUAu9JiogFIkfnyCRSRV96Z62_MKFcQNyglLElXETqcxtTqFznyC_GkCmlIap88yqECOgEepE4Zpn4gKZGZtiWebalX7cRhg78NUO4XnP7lNbheqWZZoOxYhy/s6960/IMG_1988.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6960" data-original-width="4640" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM0dvyD7aP5lnzdo0ywkAv528xBP5CaX6PIfO8WEwAbTgok3iQf5IuCaXtwICdnOKhEGSKUAu9JiogFIkfnyCRSRV96Z62_MKFcQNyglLElXETqcxtTqFznyC_GkCmlIap88yqECOgEepE4Zpn4gKZGZtiWebalX7cRhg78NUO4XnP7lNbheqWZZoOxYhy/s320/IMG_1988.JPG" width="213" /></a></div><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><br /></p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">During the Edo period (1603-1865) when the Tokugawa shogun ruled Japan, Christianity was banned for over 250 years. As a result, many of them fled to Goto Islands since it is remote. Hidden Christianity was therefore what Goto became famous for. After the ban was lifted in the late 1800s, churches started to be built everywhere and can be found throughout the islands. They are now a designated UNESCO heritage sight listed under the “Hidden Christian Sites in the Nagasaki Region”.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"> </span></p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Some of the churches are still being used by believers today, and with permission you can see the inside as well. There are signs in various languages to teach you about the origin of each church.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"> </span></p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Here are some of the key ones that I was able to visit:<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"></p><ul><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">Kaitsu Church 貝津教会 </span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">Imochiura Church 持浦教会 </span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">Dozaki Church 堂崎教会 </span></li></ul><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq7P57YqcA2eoqEjSk0B5a69zog5GGrMs9VQkQpU8BM_zzoqyw5pVK2fq7WA2VOXr9Xe8zTn-S2my78_L6HvFmB-gcNBzfvKgujUzCpfQGlmv0_ATp1EUfL2r8X5bOXEFp9yKC30rICPyDQi0GgxaO-oqKCWmw6dspat3BkGbKrLJkm2vccc3i_fz9QEkQ/s6960/IMG_2017.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6960" data-original-width="4640" height="491" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq7P57YqcA2eoqEjSk0B5a69zog5GGrMs9VQkQpU8BM_zzoqyw5pVK2fq7WA2VOXr9Xe8zTn-S2my78_L6HvFmB-gcNBzfvKgujUzCpfQGlmv0_ATp1EUfL2r8X5bOXEFp9yKC30rICPyDQi0GgxaO-oqKCWmw6dspat3BkGbKrLJkm2vccc3i_fz9QEkQ/w327-h491/IMG_2017.JPG" width="327" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i style="font-family: verdana;">(Photos above is of <span style="text-align: justify;">Imochiura Church by New </span><span style="text-align: justify;">Pandora restaurant)</span></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYDuh0PuG-DvhF9cxLG0i27mLsIj5S-BL1SY3DItIk4_WTiYEPcy2gVwIAlrZkRvHJIbkOmTvzznHarIkAgreuKDZVGxbzkGnxs8XWUhzxTPIU_BiNY__E37iCNwZXL_tcp8R788kqKOy0u2tK5pKBedp_LbATV4Cabd2ggy9EbivMWQr2bzYBH4iYn39W/s1448/IMG_6341.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1448" data-original-width="1170" height="397" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYDuh0PuG-DvhF9cxLG0i27mLsIj5S-BL1SY3DItIk4_WTiYEPcy2gVwIAlrZkRvHJIbkOmTvzznHarIkAgreuKDZVGxbzkGnxs8XWUhzxTPIU_BiNY__E37iCNwZXL_tcp8R788kqKOy0u2tK5pKBedp_LbATV4Cabd2ggy9EbivMWQr2bzYBH4iYn39W/w321-h397/IMG_6341.jpg" width="321" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><i>(Photo above is from Dozaki Church)</i></span></div><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><br /></p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">In part 3 of this series, I will dive into how to enjoy and get close to the nature of Goto Islands with activities.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span class="Apple-converted-space"><br /></span></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span class="Apple-converted-space">Below is a map of locations mentioned in this series of blog posts:</span></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"> </span></p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><i><span style="font-family: verdana;"> <iframe height="480" src="https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/0/embed?mid=18ExQf20V9iwOhTNcsfCWUSI_Teu1-Aw&ehbc=2E312F" width="640"></iframe> </span></i></p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><i><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></i></p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: verdana;">Follow me on instagram <a href="https://instagram.com/ariel.land" target="_blank"><span style="color: #e06666;"><b>@ariel.land</b></span></a> for more tips on travel in Japan</span></i></p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><i><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></i></p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://instagram.com/ariel.land" style="font-style: italic; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="4096" data-original-width="1544" height="764" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxj7hPIMCn63EztgmGENA8qAEp1xhqbguEw5yT0hTVtfC6KuRnRoawn3qQ3rRaM7XpbmfoAnbFIZe-GFsELWb_qNQ31_BkjQMqnw4gDaAKdcRjqdvHprwF2v-sB_GOyWcwUbVfSReO6Zhts04X7rcqWlIJn6i1JaxGAiH9hbaxFnaXlzi6zotVNimxDvtb/w289-h764/IMG_6314.HEIC" width="289" /></a></p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><i><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></i></p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><i><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></i></p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><i></i></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0qLQNNnkAv-PTXFgBgUUnXoYXe05FtPG1_6pjxnylg0L_tz0VSAddxBgnZ73jcyGxRkzUP_sGzXVRfNK4omZm2WzXrAXQkREnL9780vgU4HwhQz0viaFIgF5wJiYVGg66ILdp6o2TllxQJWONv6m0hxXfyqAzSE3hE68QWUvI7ircRkV2Y1-Sf7zwaIeO/s660/IMG_6567.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="269" data-original-width="660" height="92" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0qLQNNnkAv-PTXFgBgUUnXoYXe05FtPG1_6pjxnylg0L_tz0VSAddxBgnZ73jcyGxRkzUP_sGzXVRfNK4omZm2WzXrAXQkREnL9780vgU4HwhQz0viaFIgF5wJiYVGg66ILdp6o2TllxQJWONv6m0hxXfyqAzSE3hE68QWUvI7ircRkV2Y1-Sf7zwaIeO/w227-h92/IMG_6567.jpg" width="227" /></a></i></div><i><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></i><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><br /></p>Arielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03509227042293152734noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8124579507526577941.post-57781100538741019002023-08-21T21:36:00.003+08:002024-02-25T16:03:11.964+08:00Goto Islands | Where is it, and a 3-day Itinerary <p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.arielland.com/2023/08/goto-islands-where-is-it-and-3-day.html" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="365" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxEb2j85gLtH6JLnuI_TgxrFsZ2Kse6Hr14W3w_sWzD352v0wxUyfYVHQUptJqMp41MrdsJFIH1Juc-jckz01xRSEYSLSJkC27r0xWzeXZCfXJHzigLJwSHAsf7HH--RIiy3BM-kWGFuy-52z9hebMYkJOnqZoO_kmhoXrjFgN0pAmnWqsb9n8nJQ4GKZh/w650-h365/Goto.png" width="650" /></a></div><p></p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span></span></p><a name='more'></a><p></p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">If you are looking for a lesser-known place in Japan with a lot of nature, Goto is the perfect place for you. It is part of Nagasaki Prefecture in Kyushu, and is the last place for the sun to set on Kyushu area in Japan. Besides from activities such as hiking, cycling, or sports in the ocean, you can also learn about the history by visiting its many churches, shrines, and temples. Overall it’s a balanced and relaxed getaway option to leave behind the hustle and bustle of the city.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"> </span></p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">I will be focusing on the largest island, Fukue Island, in this series.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"> </span></p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><b><span style="font-family: verdana;">How to get to Goto</span></b></p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">There are 2 ways to get there:</span></p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">1) By plane (30mins): you can fly via Nagasaki airport or Fukuoka airport </span></p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">2) Jetfoil highspeed boat (1.5hr): from Nagasaki to Fukue port </span></p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">3) Ferry (3hrs): from Nagasaki to Fukue port</span></p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">4) Ferry (8hrs): from Hakata to Fukue port </span></p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"> </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.discover-nagasaki.com/en/featured-topics/about_goto" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1400" height="366" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4acUwMnfMOai-698Ei7BEdPfuQXRW7I_Cu1Q7ciH2wX9MD2K2hKTfwdI6WGcUzvDz656hcV8NU33vjSP0310C5YLfmHoL0XLk2lVXHhJspkBEe0oQs9LR9wqLSTJFB77FmCWFz4PxelPmBZQsD1sCKlHQUiQcWPawWPq1tXdyOiFE2lrFE06AUni0Hd8h/w640-h366/Goto%20Map.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: x-small;"><i>Photo from <a href="https://www.discover-nagasaki.com/en/featured-topics/about_goto" target="_blank">Discover Nagasaki</a> </i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><b><span style="font-family: verdana;"> </span></b></p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><b><span style="font-family: verdana;">Where to stay in Goto</span></b></p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">There are a wide range of accommodations to choose from, all of which gets you close to the nature that Goto Islands have to offer. Here are 3 excellent accommodation choices for your trip:</span></p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"> </span></p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">1) Ocean views right from your private balcony: Colorit Goto Islands</span></p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Newly opened in late 2022, Colorit Goto Islands provides a relaxing atmosphere for those who love the sea. Walking into the lobby and restaurant area, you are greeted by a gorgeous floor to ceiling view of the Ohama beach front. A limited amount of rooms are situated at the ocean front so you can wake up to the gorgeous blue green view of the ocean and sky. </span></p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Colorit Goto Islands is suitable for small groups of up to 3 guests (2 adults and 1 Child) For those in bigger groups, there is one option called the "Maisonette Wide Terrace" (</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">メゾネットワイドテラス) which will fit 5 people. </span></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"> </span></p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Website: <a href="https://colorit.jp/">https://colorit.jp/</a> </span></p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"> </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH4-eQrWxQljnWRDxuYppU6khHd2rklNq4SZ6Syf47sWHbL9q4N6-epZhCzJZY7HWS7ppNluuA2H2ZPfoN3TeTu3zxs1KLFxt_mskOka1ULJTvk73Vp8zFaea1mWtiFRNHAvEZzC1lKCkviJzc55mpqd3PE5hYqmut9ET5iD1j_N-dv36HqRu7417-1PCY/s4032/IMG_2067.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH4-eQrWxQljnWRDxuYppU6khHd2rklNq4SZ6Syf47sWHbL9q4N6-epZhCzJZY7HWS7ppNluuA2H2ZPfoN3TeTu3zxs1KLFxt_mskOka1ULJTvk73Vp8zFaea1mWtiFRNHAvEZzC1lKCkviJzc55mpqd3PE5hYqmut9ET5iD1j_N-dv36HqRu7417-1PCY/s320/IMG_2067.JPG" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUd_PsqQLid38mZqGdJjZZ5iVr19i04ryLx14etz_J41JzmTz3LeRXPM1JlQ4BUsaeKIUUk5EGvAusGdw4IgLoCGkBxm9bAlL0OBXm4GpRiZTqD3vO22nlYMvyjOVJxxznqxfeitvCWO1L7nLqjHb6w1LxnzlRANAlbh6Qf9EaggfFkgrr_Vvo2BwYBdAK/s3936/IMG_2080.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3936" data-original-width="2952" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUd_PsqQLid38mZqGdJjZZ5iVr19i04ryLx14etz_J41JzmTz3LeRXPM1JlQ4BUsaeKIUUk5EGvAusGdw4IgLoCGkBxm9bAlL0OBXm4GpRiZTqD3vO22nlYMvyjOVJxxznqxfeitvCWO1L7nLqjHb6w1LxnzlRANAlbh6Qf9EaggfFkgrr_Vvo2BwYBdAK/s320/IMG_2080.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHQ1c01rZGY-QXfhV9BlOnUAiA7PjSH5By7-LikvvvhDXgJfsnWUbZJSnprSyh39e99yfha50ltheT0HorMbsxs1IKfNDRPdwmxvGqxDDB8d-H1GcaJlByhJuU4aB4PibCKfuPQRS8-gPunC6S4s8S9iT7hLi1LajxeOKnrIIEMpgEL6p5yeXYLJey0vlO/s6960/IMG_2238.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6960" data-original-width="4640" height="530" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHQ1c01rZGY-QXfhV9BlOnUAiA7PjSH5By7-LikvvvhDXgJfsnWUbZJSnprSyh39e99yfha50ltheT0HorMbsxs1IKfNDRPdwmxvGqxDDB8d-H1GcaJlByhJuU4aB4PibCKfuPQRS8-gPunC6S4s8S9iT7hLi1LajxeOKnrIIEMpgEL6p5yeXYLJey0vlO/w353-h530/IMG_2238.JPG" width="353" /></a></div><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"> </span></p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">2) Glamping under the starry sky: Nordisk Village</span></p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Nordisk Village was built on the grounds of a former elementary school. The main building was renovated to various types of spacious rooms. Outside on the lawn are many tents and BBQ spaces. </span></p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Nordisk Village is suitable for small groups of up to 3 guests</span></p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"> </span></p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Website: <a href="https://www.nordiskvillage.jp/">https://www.nordiskvillage.jp/</a></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiJwW_n638R7hNpY4VcckZhW64T8Cy2j02XTH_XvzpH-NFIx6U96OvmXjanShgjVlh96hE-2-_oaSAFTaujySYTPHvhWTiiL8xaJ_9xTlvqSviCiMJGjdX3iiMbYC9W43gePrUixBrFV5um88WbkvwYnWjSmHJGRaKAvFtc5nju9mGDNOX3_yXDhFzMMMd/s6960/IMG_1633.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4640" data-original-width="6960" height="281" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiJwW_n638R7hNpY4VcckZhW64T8Cy2j02XTH_XvzpH-NFIx6U96OvmXjanShgjVlh96hE-2-_oaSAFTaujySYTPHvhWTiiL8xaJ_9xTlvqSviCiMJGjdX3iiMbYC9W43gePrUixBrFV5um88WbkvwYnWjSmHJGRaKAvFtc5nju9mGDNOX3_yXDhFzMMMd/w422-h281/IMG_1633.JPG" width="422" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfyQdux35PvHNCBB1XZosXYyuIj2UH-JNBV6kPCJYJQvBnIHPc_3kfB0-M5Y4hOjePlt8YIgH7Dxm4qEB-sXkt2SliejDx-e1zWjUb4Qa2OntdUSP2nGUJA419B97ivWt7CJextmyTgSDi6Wmq5WuIFS1j2E8ziYmn70dNamdjcGpMUdJ1OrjrefeWbY-t/s6739/IMG_1636.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4493" data-original-width="6739" height="284" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfyQdux35PvHNCBB1XZosXYyuIj2UH-JNBV6kPCJYJQvBnIHPc_3kfB0-M5Y4hOjePlt8YIgH7Dxm4qEB-sXkt2SliejDx-e1zWjUb4Qa2OntdUSP2nGUJA419B97ivWt7CJextmyTgSDi6Wmq5WuIFS1j2E8ziYmn70dNamdjcGpMUdJ1OrjrefeWbY-t/w426-h284/IMG_1636.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJsRseavcsjZFv1hMISYhLcXHhdXhagjH2ezZFpFjHpp9Zg9WgHsKO7UV8mPDPvEehS3LXkGlptB4nhIAXJQ2d3cTR0t-WG6-KAWBT_XmoRdkvCQsDSg0J_mXHzn0Q50kNQ5qaIXOMPQn2QwztYcf7H-3XWh5bdgTRugJHn45NEOWHGbQOzoT1VuwXYRIg/s6960/IMG_1639.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4640" data-original-width="6960" height="284" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJsRseavcsjZFv1hMISYhLcXHhdXhagjH2ezZFpFjHpp9Zg9WgHsKO7UV8mPDPvEehS3LXkGlptB4nhIAXJQ2d3cTR0t-WG6-KAWBT_XmoRdkvCQsDSg0J_mXHzn0Q50kNQ5qaIXOMPQn2QwztYcf7H-3XWh5bdgTRugJHn45NEOWHGbQOzoT1VuwXYRIg/w427-h284/IMG_1639.JPG" width="427" /></a></div><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"> </span></p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">3) BBQ by the ocean: Meguri Megurasu </span></p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">If you are traveling in a larger group, Meguri Megurasu is your best choice. It's a cabin with a full kitchen, dining, 2 showers, 2 baths, and 6 rooms, accommodating up to 8 guests at a time. The large front deck is perfect for BBQ while you look at the ocean. Just next door is the Goto Gin distillery. This craft Gin is carefully designed and often sold out as soon as a new batch is made. </span></p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Meguri Megurasu is suitable for large groups up to 8 pax.</span></p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"> </span></p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Website: <a href="https://megurimegurasu.jp/">https://megurimegurasu.jp/</a></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"> </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-ycj_BplrkbARw-twvQB9gCBw8x4ztqytvvt8p4IO5wdFY_Fvjhx2UCs9m9719fMo5UvOdYojYWqkt5IlltJ0fMcvppJOKOQLItsORDB-2o_UtqcT9Xqlk2pXSSUPqLKDyOqkePM6n6ytUiQc2TKIAiu26oITEo01xUqhd8lpToxCkaF8KMmK0p5nFz8I/s6960/IMG_1652.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4640" data-original-width="6960" height="287" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-ycj_BplrkbARw-twvQB9gCBw8x4ztqytvvt8p4IO5wdFY_Fvjhx2UCs9m9719fMo5UvOdYojYWqkt5IlltJ0fMcvppJOKOQLItsORDB-2o_UtqcT9Xqlk2pXSSUPqLKDyOqkePM6n6ytUiQc2TKIAiu26oITEo01xUqhd8lpToxCkaF8KMmK0p5nFz8I/w431-h287/IMG_1652.JPG" width="431" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimAGFq5EUJxosaNdxjJm_DtsqEeRFpJmJaHQabxKkVbba6zxpN-UCWLmXFcSd8vs1-gJwHNiD7wU51EjMNgaKy8hUTYalKigdQEpVejCeqjXkcLDZD0Nc-YPc9549VZ2I_2ebYRt5fdkRT0Z8dUW5JgSyJ85hPhQhjOliYx6hTOxepHtBYEdKFTBCKPgDP/s6960/IMG_1653.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6960" data-original-width="4640" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimAGFq5EUJxosaNdxjJm_DtsqEeRFpJmJaHQabxKkVbba6zxpN-UCWLmXFcSd8vs1-gJwHNiD7wU51EjMNgaKy8hUTYalKigdQEpVejCeqjXkcLDZD0Nc-YPc9549VZ2I_2ebYRt5fdkRT0Z8dUW5JgSyJ85hPhQhjOliYx6hTOxepHtBYEdKFTBCKPgDP/s320/IMG_1653.JPG" width="213" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIWrP4i7yCukP6D6vxfK2Fi-80FNMcJ9s9PWzxAyL9q2Cm2eHh07ziZlg0h3WqIQksD8KQh0P8m6dRO4SSofvwkxkmt7LkQNDjHIxzh3EcnbUK60e5xFTkmJekekjVhAcFSC0O4RSsBy-yyWZfGLKi6xLqPoK94RC175UO-kUypFHMATbPAwLSTO7k_nRp/s6960/IMG_1657.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6960" data-original-width="4640" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIWrP4i7yCukP6D6vxfK2Fi-80FNMcJ9s9PWzxAyL9q2Cm2eHh07ziZlg0h3WqIQksD8KQh0P8m6dRO4SSofvwkxkmt7LkQNDjHIxzh3EcnbUK60e5xFTkmJekekjVhAcFSC0O4RSsBy-yyWZfGLKi6xLqPoK94RC175UO-kUypFHMATbPAwLSTO7k_nRp/s320/IMG_1657.JPG" width="213" /></a></div><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><br /></p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><b><span style="font-family: verdana;">Taste of Goto</span></b></p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"> </span></p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Being an island rich of nature and right by the ocean, Goto has a lot of offer to your tastebuds. One of the best ways to enjoy is to purchase from local shops and have a BBQ.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"> </span></p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">And you can’t miss Goto beef. Mochizuki is a restaurant that is right in the heart of Fukue city, and they serve Goto beef sizzling on a hot plate.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKeLoNBaBIraIqR_UDQB0UfQ1UKQZiM70uOSMTdMh_WtYom23Lt3-8wxzpIngMJLmUTmjMbZ1Hg2rNfh3lua_Dxa9fSSIXufZ_CuqTVQCkUjgGI7KjSwWT9xPn7plY-omrNHEyGyW4ipBXs41xs8tnIIVFBluWncPAr2Rj464ut0aVFBIqybnRIHtxx3nO/s4032/IMG_2190_jpg.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKeLoNBaBIraIqR_UDQB0UfQ1UKQZiM70uOSMTdMh_WtYom23Lt3-8wxzpIngMJLmUTmjMbZ1Hg2rNfh3lua_Dxa9fSSIXufZ_CuqTVQCkUjgGI7KjSwWT9xPn7plY-omrNHEyGyW4ipBXs41xs8tnIIVFBluWncPAr2Rj464ut0aVFBIqybnRIHtxx3nO/s320/IMG_2190_jpg.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br /><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><br /></p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"> </span></p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">You might notice in some shops and restaurants, there is Goto Beer. It can be recognized by “Baramon” on the label. Baramon is an icon of Goto Islands. It comes from the Goto dialect of “baraka” which means lively and energetic. The beer is a refreshing one after some activities outdoors. </span></p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"> </span></p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX-hQF8E217IptO_JoayykJeyYX8Pnp6OrMvnifI8wMicexzmJSPCqmt2GFX10EaRWFC4WLFp_7jcM8dZ6DRJwlOg9bfmG2-1WOuxKycIASxMyrQuZJnM4mC21ZPGMy9Co9F3gTFJLejwniXqEBTiLdCBpEqSzlOeRlYaKb30WjzNDeF_bHwnZKtpxagmu/s4032/IMG_1831.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX-hQF8E217IptO_JoayykJeyYX8Pnp6OrMvnifI8wMicexzmJSPCqmt2GFX10EaRWFC4WLFp_7jcM8dZ6DRJwlOg9bfmG2-1WOuxKycIASxMyrQuZJnM4mC21ZPGMy9Co9F3gTFJLejwniXqEBTiLdCBpEqSzlOeRlYaKb30WjzNDeF_bHwnZKtpxagmu/s320/IMG_1831.JPG" width="240" /></a></p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"> </span></p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">If you are looking for a variety of food, try “New Pandora”. It is just nearby Osezaki Lighthouse on the very west side of the island. They especially have a lot of seafood, but they also have noodle based dishes and hot pots. Grab a bite here after watching the sunset near Osezaki Lighthouse.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"> </span></p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpnsYLTvkVX57M4OAdsaYONzLH08-ZkS0DF3LmtdIpZwqNMFGp7RDKXbOFBM-0Fz-vMPEvFz6xzwSeLe-iaXGF3m16KUZElo11rb3FuJalWRaF20QEnAaZrqtESp4GB7JBBAL1yOwxacef0JUffArddisPFj-3xz-P6xO3YR6w_XoqVNRyFEejg9EFqfmM/s4032/IMG_1959_jpg.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpnsYLTvkVX57M4OAdsaYONzLH08-ZkS0DF3LmtdIpZwqNMFGp7RDKXbOFBM-0Fz-vMPEvFz6xzwSeLe-iaXGF3m16KUZElo11rb3FuJalWRaF20QEnAaZrqtESp4GB7JBBAL1yOwxacef0JUffArddisPFj-3xz-P6xO3YR6w_XoqVNRyFEejg9EFqfmM/s320/IMG_1959_jpg.JPG" width="240" /></a></p><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiipMTjMP5G581ngtQwwKQUbU3AtHffGQyHFPQjP1_vVwXWHJanr9ogTYR6m7XktuHIrlfuc7OabsqV-LL_a6TVS7IjE4VGftyH90UNuFI_bFBKGaHQ6MrYCk6-BM5vgjo9fkiFnK4plfickf9PtXZEXByF-SFXBjZ39deUObVYP25rEwWX9coHKSdDb9-H/s6960/IMG_2020.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4640" data-original-width="6960" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiipMTjMP5G581ngtQwwKQUbU3AtHffGQyHFPQjP1_vVwXWHJanr9ogTYR6m7XktuHIrlfuc7OabsqV-LL_a6TVS7IjE4VGftyH90UNuFI_bFBKGaHQ6MrYCk6-BM5vgjo9fkiFnK4plfickf9PtXZEXByF-SFXBjZ39deUObVYP25rEwWX9coHKSdDb9-H/w448-h298/IMG_2020.JPG" width="448" /></a></div><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"> </span></p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b>Sightseeing in Goto</b> </span></p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"> </span></p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">There are quite a lot of beaches in Goto, most of which provide a place to shower so remember to bring your swimwear. Here are list of some of the beautiful beaches you can go to:</span></p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"></p><ul><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">Takahama Beach 高浜海水浴場</span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">Tontomari Beach 頓泊海水浴場</span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">Kojushi Beach 香珠子海水浴場</span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">Hantomari Beach半泊ビーチ</span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">Takasaki Beach 高崎ビーチ</span></li></ul><p></p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b><i> </i></b></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWCJIVmcH99TTlSIyY_rN5aSEqRyGZQOXZrhIp7QEQXIMxR_mTFzLFB1Peou_uLOt8RZYIHEc0DW70c7FPYJ9Lhu4S2Ik2eehyFI1Ps7n6HrQcIkrt4-UY3Dp1wEliaDZB0HiaHc-a6aTb6InQ5CYCgMsZk8PigCaNxu9BVmWN32VIiOjDqKETdxpUBxUS/s6960/IMG_1976.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6960" data-original-width="4640" height="442" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWCJIVmcH99TTlSIyY_rN5aSEqRyGZQOXZrhIp7QEQXIMxR_mTFzLFB1Peou_uLOt8RZYIHEc0DW70c7FPYJ9Lhu4S2Ik2eehyFI1Ps7n6HrQcIkrt4-UY3Dp1wEliaDZB0HiaHc-a6aTb6InQ5CYCgMsZk8PigCaNxu9BVmWN32VIiOjDqKETdxpUBxUS/w294-h442/IMG_1976.JPG" width="294" /></a></p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><br /></p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwi6qWy2VJvpuvv_7c_S5MXjbKbYH6gQaJBBoXw9IlwxuVolECZXwNbVPTmc7J7hs_ufrG_LCJ80tKIidQVuYQ-vVieIeISmx4Rv3X26RFMDYia9-Ph8DpNcwgcaawek16pmBWz_X83bHetPF2kIsu85QLdFKfPyDcQFHsN9ZRO81TU42CvjvdTDoE7KXi/s6775/IMG_2009.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4517" data-original-width="6775" height="317" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwi6qWy2VJvpuvv_7c_S5MXjbKbYH6gQaJBBoXw9IlwxuVolECZXwNbVPTmc7J7hs_ufrG_LCJ80tKIidQVuYQ-vVieIeISmx4Rv3X26RFMDYia9-Ph8DpNcwgcaawek16pmBWz_X83bHetPF2kIsu85QLdFKfPyDcQFHsN9ZRO81TU42CvjvdTDoE7KXi/w476-h317/IMG_2009.JPG" width="476" /></a></p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"> </span></p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">The history of Goto is also quite interesting, with a mixture of Shinto, Buddhism, and Christianity. It's a melting pot of religions. I will dive into this in more detail in the second blog post.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"> </span></p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Also, don’t forget that Goto Islands was ruled under the shogunate, and there were lots of samurai residing there. Some historical part still remains today, such as Fukue Castle and Bukeyashiki street. These will also be covered in the blog post to come, stay tuned!<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><br /></p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><i><span style="font-family: verdana;"><<Below is a map of all the locations mentioned in this blog post>></span></i></p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><i><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></i></p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><i><iframe height="480" src="https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/0/embed?mid=18ExQf20V9iwOhTNcsfCWUSI_Teu1-Aw&ehbc=2E312F" width="640"></iframe></i></p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><i><br /></i></p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Follow me on instagram <a href="https://instagram.com/ariel.land" target="_blank"><span style="color: #e06666;"><b>@ariel.land</b></span></a> for more Japan travel tips </span></p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://instagram.com/ariel.land" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="4096" data-original-width="1544" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVlck_JcBbG-yZmMwAhZLHVCNLlaLhzw93sRQM_bjJzQgezyRta6QCaXN5ftFn9IpGXKKn1GVWr_oQRtmF8Z6pIPOYM4-bNQU3mfpLbZmP_X5QfbnLtS4QikjrVsAc1956KzTO2O1FyUuT_oE3f692f6QVxudU1qSUnzcAx1ZhYd4mJHPl7IQ2byo3A7IV/w241-h640/IMG_6314.HEIC" width="241" /></a></div><p></p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><br /></p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><i></i></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNCkVs7LW5TdRZV3OkF-Q5dAS4t4Ez6-wUR3l-L6gmUBNb8vJcSh6JeX9XCwSSMO8x-ZY_v0Ttf4eXA9U5xnd9WxP_O0838duPIYTEWcN0s1IgQBct3gTyjICVFrLXdkwiTu0vPhS4vZto_ckDAehrzk_jeVqb26_hx6unIGOvqLrdCGSFhayoQlaaePXG/s660/IMG_6567.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="269" data-original-width="660" height="83" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNCkVs7LW5TdRZV3OkF-Q5dAS4t4Ez6-wUR3l-L6gmUBNb8vJcSh6JeX9XCwSSMO8x-ZY_v0Ttf4eXA9U5xnd9WxP_O0838duPIYTEWcN0s1IgQBct3gTyjICVFrLXdkwiTu0vPhS4vZto_ckDAehrzk_jeVqb26_hx6unIGOvqLrdCGSFhayoQlaaePXG/w204-h83/IMG_6567.jpg" width="204" /></a></i></div><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><i><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></i></p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><i><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></i></p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><i><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></i></p><p class="p1" style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><i><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></i></p>Arielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03509227042293152734noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8124579507526577941.post-37402377811044174452023-02-19T21:26:00.003+08:002024-02-25T16:21:14.541+08:00Kawazu & Matsuda's Cherry Blossom Festival | Day Trip Guide<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><a href="http://www.arielland.com/2023/02/kawazu-matsudas-cherry-blossom-festival.html" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAvj2lR7_9uumzR4_MJvrvS9ZkKIADtclQzWz3o2VJXsY_hfiNatmoViPahbVSVv-uH0oblPSFc4jikPpHDC1QyJofG79VzpiP71tKW2eDMwIFkVnEEoNh5X7EIQqkrTI76IPLzjoJUKSNOUw8TuRC1OdCY8KUzl6Fuq_ICr_8oB0ANzFckzZBQw5ILA/s16000/Kawazu.png" /></a></span></div><p></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span></span></span></p><a name='more'></a><span style="font-family: verdana;">Before moving to Japan, I didn't know much about Cherry Blossoms, let alone the fact that there are different breeds. Since moving here, I have absolutely fallen in love with the bright pink Kawazu-zakura. </span><p></p><p><span style="color: #e06666; font-family: verdana;"><b>The origin of Kawazu-Zakura</b></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">This breed of Cherry Blossom was found by chance in 1955 in the town of Kawazu in Shizuoka and was only officially named in 1974. From 1991 onwards, each year from early February to March, Kawazu town celebrate their beautiful pink blooming cherry blossoms with a festival. The trees line up along the riverbanks for a 3km stretch, and you'll be able to enjoy all kinds of festival or matsuri stall food. One particular item is very special: the Pink Taiyaki. It's a cream custard cake that is usually a tan color, but for this festival only it's pink. </span></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxrN2UYxOXkhyZvjoIhW09-HNKqScGemvYmiOjAOajvCSNrF05tkChTHLIRD9e2jFu58WVGTpRF0oNT8I0oGbuW8gw5Nb8Gv1LA6qk486UqZ8b2ci9hvbQZ1qe9dDS7p5gQncxwFGRzLw2d7ymCxe5oo43URVf_QQ023EGQH8iJlK4nFtI5aOG7VhAxg/s5184/IMG_0918.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="5184" height="314" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxrN2UYxOXkhyZvjoIhW09-HNKqScGemvYmiOjAOajvCSNrF05tkChTHLIRD9e2jFu58WVGTpRF0oNT8I0oGbuW8gw5Nb8Gv1LA6qk486UqZ8b2ci9hvbQZ1qe9dDS7p5gQncxwFGRzLw2d7ymCxe5oo43URVf_QQ023EGQH8iJlK4nFtI5aOG7VhAxg/w471-h314/IMG_0918.JPG" width="471" /></a></div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="color: #e06666; font-family: verdana;"><b>Matsuda Sakura Festival in Kanagawa (Feb 11 - Mar 12, 2023)</b></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Though I did just say Kawazu-Zakura originates from Izu peninsula's Kawazu town, let me take you to Matsuda's Nishihirabatake Park in Kanagawa Prefecture first. The reason being, my travel route for this day trip started in Matsuda then continued onto Kawazu. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">What is so special about Matsuda? 2 things: <b>Mount Fuji</b> and a mixture of yellow <b>Nanohana</b> within the pink Sakura tree fields. </span><span style="font-family: verdana;">The yellow and pink form a gorgeous contrast, really bringing out the spring vibes. There's also a cute small train you can ride on with kids. </span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigT1Cr4U1_eqaG1j05c7IkL8hw48RoGhyY-QRAptbUOWutfOh-Z8086QmjRPeLuzMxIaXGsEqJwOCVT_mmgxMNFljgPPwe-vZ3eqImQ4dx4usEAEPuekMhuvT7XjmaPLvW3M7doe41z-THdYXyv0FtXZh8-2Xs6RoLTj5K9w8yZ1nBBoLFSI5Xav5vYA/s4608/IMG_1058.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4608" data-original-width="3456" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigT1Cr4U1_eqaG1j05c7IkL8hw48RoGhyY-QRAptbUOWutfOh-Z8086QmjRPeLuzMxIaXGsEqJwOCVT_mmgxMNFljgPPwe-vZ3eqImQ4dx4usEAEPuekMhuvT7XjmaPLvW3M7doe41z-THdYXyv0FtXZh8-2Xs6RoLTj5K9w8yZ1nBBoLFSI5Xav5vYA/s320/IMG_1058.JPG" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEianGeDwa92SxXvhED4uwU4j71DA8GY80gG7_EeEltg6ZhfVzk50C476wO6k6AGCW0D4FIHC-qT6CvjlId1418HQ0IUr9afeLCBN1ObGAt1jSQMYRJgKk8Mx-92ztVny-m9zjpj2RY20r5bR2EhVYdXYosr4sxtj36GIHzfVWl82zvW3orpq_tvpIPatA/s5184/IMG_0821.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5184" data-original-width="3456" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEianGeDwa92SxXvhED4uwU4j71DA8GY80gG7_EeEltg6ZhfVzk50C476wO6k6AGCW0D4FIHC-qT6CvjlId1418HQ0IUr9afeLCBN1ObGAt1jSQMYRJgKk8Mx-92ztVny-m9zjpj2RY20r5bR2EhVYdXYosr4sxtj36GIHzfVWl82zvW3orpq_tvpIPatA/s320/IMG_0821.JPG" width="213" /></a></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi945SvzWZI4wpgltQQy5oUgBK8dwOos8NUdeo7XHLE4zRjb1UWT25BvzvAki1n2xFiY47S3lWKxp-MhHEAN0hobB6Pg9Qyzsx85WB70FyIAfmW5GPil2VLhdnK7raJ-vpq5vsfu0NjEW9WTKDM_6rEUbLen1i0njEnZnJ27aPiLgw0u4YiQdEMYU_wgw/s4032/IMG_0515.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi945SvzWZI4wpgltQQy5oUgBK8dwOos8NUdeo7XHLE4zRjb1UWT25BvzvAki1n2xFiY47S3lWKxp-MhHEAN0hobB6Pg9Qyzsx85WB70FyIAfmW5GPil2VLhdnK7raJ-vpq5vsfu0NjEW9WTKDM_6rEUbLen1i0njEnZnJ27aPiLgw0u4YiQdEMYU_wgw/s320/IMG_0515.jpg" width="240" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrpSBIpL8C0wY-UEYG5ELpxNGK0aU3QURkQfBmF_n3et7XDqxnDIyLtCV3-_5W6s_QPYpHwoyXXwpaXVXYSLTiKs8X5og58TfphkSjlq_V-FPHJRcTqFyLlcgCwuwSF65bCgWFTqb9Xna_K8fKxsa9T038BcvnEQkdRHT04frRSTSnk8rDkou2cKiY6A/s4721/IMG_0809.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4721" data-original-width="3147" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrpSBIpL8C0wY-UEYG5ELpxNGK0aU3QURkQfBmF_n3et7XDqxnDIyLtCV3-_5W6s_QPYpHwoyXXwpaXVXYSLTiKs8X5og58TfphkSjlq_V-FPHJRcTqFyLlcgCwuwSF65bCgWFTqb9Xna_K8fKxsa9T038BcvnEQkdRHT04frRSTSnk8rDkou2cKiY6A/s320/IMG_0809.JPG" width="213" /></a></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">During the festival, they also provide <b>free shuttle busses</b> from the festival area which is on a mountain side down to the <b>JR Odawara station</b> so you don't have to walk through steep hills. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">*Because all the flowers are on a hill side with many stairs, strollers and wheelchairs are not possible in this area. If you're looking for something more accessible, check out the next section about Kawazu-Zakura Matsuri. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><u><span style="color: #6aa84f;">Getting to Matsuda</span></u></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">I used the highway bus from Shinjuku to get to Matsuda. It's super convenient and reasonably priced. Here are the details: </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><ul><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">Bus Route: Shinjuku to Gotemba/Hakone 新宿‐御殿場・箱根</span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">Bus Stop for Matsuda: Tomei Matsuda 東名松田</span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">Time required from Shinjuku: 1hr 15m</span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">Cost: ¥1,230/adult one-way</span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">Bus has charging sockets and wifi </span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">Bus booking site: <a href="https://secure.j-bus.co.jp/hon">https://secure.j-bus.co.jp/hon</a> (you can also buy tickets at the Shinjuku highway bus station, weekdays aren't crowded, but would advise to buy in advance for weekends)</span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">After you get off, follow the pink sign towards the matsuri entrance, it's a short 10min walk </span></li></ul><div><span style="font-family: verdana;">The bus I took in order to fit in time for both festivals was the 7:35am bus</span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgP2vZ1ePJaS1A-Je8So3syv6KZk_vh5ZHYyMplKHNR-DGSqCuiitpquq5oM5HmjRsUgi6cpMvskbEJ6cqiCokEvDG-8cL-z7WUyVPvjFi0HJVQB0-GV6DuE2N-U7v_kmsDvi2FtXGemBBb7JtQp8VXEDVftGKxT4AfGV26Dyky15vVwmSysMb2_2Htw/s4032/IMG_0358.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgP2vZ1ePJaS1A-Je8So3syv6KZk_vh5ZHYyMplKHNR-DGSqCuiitpquq5oM5HmjRsUgi6cpMvskbEJ6cqiCokEvDG-8cL-z7WUyVPvjFi0HJVQB0-GV6DuE2N-U7v_kmsDvi2FtXGemBBb7JtQp8VXEDVftGKxT4AfGV26Dyky15vVwmSysMb2_2Htw/s320/IMG_0358.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBIJNK4DZeS2JdWyDQm_5WPEhK6M8vSoSbe3pgIHCdiY2Gz4rtxaAOmSBVe5U9m5PVNmwsQvN7T_VO8vGmHY7garwNOmCFdWBApKbaFd9ZJusDxVADooxydfB0ayvN4YvFvhfok-sZqusAXBOaV4AKd-OWtB2nDTOScNQEbZwLoiA8xLn2ObXYZb6OzQ/s4032/IMG_0359.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBIJNK4DZeS2JdWyDQm_5WPEhK6M8vSoSbe3pgIHCdiY2Gz4rtxaAOmSBVe5U9m5PVNmwsQvN7T_VO8vGmHY7garwNOmCFdWBApKbaFd9ZJusDxVADooxydfB0ayvN4YvFvhfok-sZqusAXBOaV4AKd-OWtB2nDTOScNQEbZwLoiA8xLn2ObXYZb6OzQ/s320/IMG_0359.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnPdwGQFijUHWNEtpha_bMCGrDsbA23gD--I3yH4rTKl8tX5C0SZL694VRKq5HuxQ4dv8OzN26AmwhZiDVP36z25c9rri-d3Mn1GELVTNTLjzx7i7hT8Wb_JK-PrOKh3_ibYaGu_XhQP8o7VPgRTBlKJ2lgcNMmrxJK2O-AYH8KZn4urOPXMv3ZePSkA/s4032/IMG_0373.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnPdwGQFijUHWNEtpha_bMCGrDsbA23gD--I3yH4rTKl8tX5C0SZL694VRKq5HuxQ4dv8OzN26AmwhZiDVP36z25c9rri-d3Mn1GELVTNTLjzx7i7hT8Wb_JK-PrOKh3_ibYaGu_XhQP8o7VPgRTBlKJ2lgcNMmrxJK2O-AYH8KZn4urOPXMv3ZePSkA/s320/IMG_0373.HEIC" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilcqkKqyCaiPs5c8vOLxKqdNxi-CFy3hgKbPb4He6_q44jt6wt-dzG73h4VNahZWqdNlXnmlNhtLHDzRnGDme2B-aySt9bQh6uCY-zPKUHT-6QvKPdaw4303dWirZC9S9hDWlHuZlw6RArpfpQJdGR1a4CEIRf2VyuNRU9JvMDk8H98waATcjFQsXeiA/s4032/IMG_0390.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilcqkKqyCaiPs5c8vOLxKqdNxi-CFy3hgKbPb4He6_q44jt6wt-dzG73h4VNahZWqdNlXnmlNhtLHDzRnGDme2B-aySt9bQh6uCY-zPKUHT-6QvKPdaw4303dWirZC9S9hDWlHuZlw6RArpfpQJdGR1a4CEIRf2VyuNRU9JvMDk8H98waATcjFQsXeiA/s320/IMG_0390.HEIC" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgeIRIusxrL92smhzeTRGhR8aFehZKwk-JGdTwaWltUxN21GEZZeG3x9V0RMHe_XkiFu4Vd6vqUsdLXqHhW9e7eGQOg0hY4hXQrCboVzLbAkWuh-GH2SdhU_BUzbj9rlzdzdy7z3VIKC4wQoUGnmdGXXZfp0Vyerel5fktwMIhbwFYEODWA-SfaWWi_Q/s4032/IMG_0392.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgeIRIusxrL92smhzeTRGhR8aFehZKwk-JGdTwaWltUxN21GEZZeG3x9V0RMHe_XkiFu4Vd6vqUsdLXqHhW9e7eGQOg0hY4hXQrCboVzLbAkWuh-GH2SdhU_BUzbj9rlzdzdy7z3VIKC4wQoUGnmdGXXZfp0Vyerel5fktwMIhbwFYEODWA-SfaWWi_Q/s320/IMG_0392.HEIC" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p><span style="color: #e06666; font-family: verdana;"><b>Kawazu-Zakura Matsuri in Kawazu, Shizuoka (Feb 1-28, 2023)</b></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">This year (2023) the festival will be held on Feb 1 to 28th. However I wouldn't suggest rushing there just yet. The flowers don't reach full bloom until late February, so the best time to go is towards the end of the festival. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">The <span style="color: #e06666;"><u><b><i><a href="http://www.kawazuzakura.net/kaikainfo/index.php?area=1" target="_blank">official website</a></i></b></u></span> will upload daily photos to show you the flowering conditions of 9 different areas where these flowers bloom. Generally when reading Cherry Blossom flowering conditions, places all around Japan use this standard:</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja6LWkZsYLVtkH5ItLlSlf219LMsWDpuVtMVdSWe3R4BgOL8w3FddDKDM2wma3qsYfTRxgo3QDlowPNOQk9sIzH0zGfmz27kAl-h5zy0KnM0VxcRx_vXF3h0kCdSDXI5dce92O16BatfbTWhwCVMaeykNMxiyvlnPch9u7rHkod9-W7tqx5GAwEND98g/s664/Screenshot%202023-01-31%20at%2011.14.37%20PM.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="664" data-original-width="474" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja6LWkZsYLVtkH5ItLlSlf219LMsWDpuVtMVdSWe3R4BgOL8w3FddDKDM2wma3qsYfTRxgo3QDlowPNOQk9sIzH0zGfmz27kAl-h5zy0KnM0VxcRx_vXF3h0kCdSDXI5dce92O16BatfbTWhwCVMaeykNMxiyvlnPch9u7rHkod9-W7tqx5GAwEND98g/w150-h210/Screenshot%202023-01-31%20at%2011.14.37%20PM.png" width="150" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;">Tsubomi: buds appear, flowering starts</span><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">50% bloom, 70% bloom: half of the flowers are still in buds</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Mankai/Migoro: full bloom or best viewing time, everything has flowered </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Chirihajime: leaves are starting to fall, this is the best time to view Hana Ikada (</span><span style="font-family: verdana;">花筏) which is fallen petals in river, aka flower rafts. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Owari: the flowers are all gone </span></p><p><span style="color: #6aa84f; font-family: verdana;"><i><u><br /></u></i></span></p><p><span style="color: #6aa84f; font-family: verdana;"><i><u>From Matsuda to Kawazu</u></i></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">I did a day trip last year to see both festivals, so from </span><span style="font-family: verdana; text-align: justify;">Nishihirabatake Park I took the free shuttle bus down to JR Odawara Station. From there I took the Odoriko Express train down to Kawazu. It takes 1.5hr ride on the train, and I took the 11:20am train and had my lunch there. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; text-align: justify;">There are sockets for charging your phone, so make sure you bring your own plug! </span></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3H6OWSQFYM5Jw-XyOtwmJ7JCo7jgofnZpcJpETVSX9unLQgypHw9qnMZKyZd0DcftbY4u38bp1o1uo3I0IIBeJWo3a9aYIH5UVuDw-GFxiZYD0kGE6rt0AUVlKdzRYjopxLRzW1GW32BwF7aKwsZEOFtxcLjMrAUYIzG9VJLxexsonV1N3CDl3ZAB_w/s4032/IMG_0553.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3H6OWSQFYM5Jw-XyOtwmJ7JCo7jgofnZpcJpETVSX9unLQgypHw9qnMZKyZd0DcftbY4u38bp1o1uo3I0IIBeJWo3a9aYIH5UVuDw-GFxiZYD0kGE6rt0AUVlKdzRYjopxLRzW1GW32BwF7aKwsZEOFtxcLjMrAUYIzG9VJLxexsonV1N3CDl3ZAB_w/s320/IMG_0553.HEIC" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJFDNuTGGBvdDVYtXMAotZcvzyIOWOg3e0JdTjZg_87BwLX-AdyW3rSp_W0N7123spw8AwdI6TeiJNJYxOzemviQy-kYwP8tgVqTbEdnw2I196wIW6AbO077qz3rQUoujz2rY1lV4qHSiKMSIDvy8ruU_492PkUkxofvDfgRi4yzHz6UarogQp3VCmTQ/s4032/IMG_0552.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJFDNuTGGBvdDVYtXMAotZcvzyIOWOg3e0JdTjZg_87BwLX-AdyW3rSp_W0N7123spw8AwdI6TeiJNJYxOzemviQy-kYwP8tgVqTbEdnw2I196wIW6AbO077qz3rQUoujz2rY1lV4qHSiKMSIDvy8ruU_492PkUkxofvDfgRi4yzHz6UarogQp3VCmTQ/s320/IMG_0552.HEIC" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><i><u><span style="color: #e06666; font-family: verdana;">Main spots in Kawazu</span></u></i></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;">Allow me to get straight to the point: <b><span style="color: #e06666;">WHERE ARE THE PINK TAIYAKI FISH?</span></b> </span></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">After getting off at Kawazu Station, it'll be pretty clear that everyone is walking towards the northwest direction as that's where the flowers are. Follow the banks of Kawazu river north until you see a <b>large red bridge</b>, it's called </span><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b>豊泉橋 (Housenbashi)</b>. From there the food stalls are on the right side (east) of the riverbank, and you will eventually run into the pink taiyaki shop. It's about after <b>20mins of walking</b> from the station. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">There are actually 2 pink taiyaki stalls when I went, the one further north had a better shape (less burned and they cut off the crusty edges), so don't rush to the first stall you see, walk a bit more north to find the second one. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">After the red bridge is also where you will see the iconic row of bright pink cherry blossoms with mountains in the background and the river in front of it. So don't give up until you've walked at least 20mins. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">The red bridge isn't marked in English on google maps, but it's just to the west of the "Kawazu Sakura Original Tree"</span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYmOTTFPI1EtHYaFTVafjjYnyUGKiIkad3ChcxVqbGc4Xkv4VdYh7uemTpuSZauhsizpzqPHWBKdQsUb3Jk6O-kZIMguZNh-UsY3L4s07Ma7ScT9_WHcGxzmOcxfAHO7zQINw3howDe4Q54bcHElCgw_ii8q_Hk-zPKJloJx7PugXQOLRTYHPYPVi3Gg/s5184/IMG_0907.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="5184" height="289" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYmOTTFPI1EtHYaFTVafjjYnyUGKiIkad3ChcxVqbGc4Xkv4VdYh7uemTpuSZauhsizpzqPHWBKdQsUb3Jk6O-kZIMguZNh-UsY3L4s07Ma7ScT9_WHcGxzmOcxfAHO7zQINw3howDe4Q54bcHElCgw_ii8q_Hk-zPKJloJx7PugXQOLRTYHPYPVi3Gg/w434-h289/IMG_0907.JPG" width="434" /></a></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibCNdikROHw9DrgttfAD8pDOilk97vryDawZunCMAWT-tL5vTLMTw3FSPJvKBa0CN-UvuCikjt8DQ-lRy_yMopc1M5X9-ZQ_9zrvvoq9kRta7ReJq8Pq-z8JADrtmig4K9fajHG9lHiCIxGC2hjr0XJtt-cYomvY30nR-2KVN_kj2Ec-gJgpeIbmP5qQ/s2880/IMG_0741.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2880" data-original-width="2160" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibCNdikROHw9DrgttfAD8pDOilk97vryDawZunCMAWT-tL5vTLMTw3FSPJvKBa0CN-UvuCikjt8DQ-lRy_yMopc1M5X9-ZQ_9zrvvoq9kRta7ReJq8Pq-z8JADrtmig4K9fajHG9lHiCIxGC2hjr0XJtt-cYomvY30nR-2KVN_kj2Ec-gJgpeIbmP5qQ/s320/IMG_0741.JPG" width="240" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0F3y3STZJf-dIq99xddxrcPWOqGgftrpMD0mDgzfEvUeWq8e-8LkIbIPUVzMloaldHAIXLSiHPrtg6rEJ2s6Ux9XZ8nf7yapT2Bnojfk4gh-uGgVZ2aYiDVQPTjyiUhNU_YBnlXII_m05jq0tp0NeSvKQhNaT5enJ-OmgdAMaiPnLrQTGi1ubLEp5Sg/s2880/IMG_0764.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2880" data-original-width="2160" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0F3y3STZJf-dIq99xddxrcPWOqGgftrpMD0mDgzfEvUeWq8e-8LkIbIPUVzMloaldHAIXLSiHPrtg6rEJ2s6Ux9XZ8nf7yapT2Bnojfk4gh-uGgVZ2aYiDVQPTjyiUhNU_YBnlXII_m05jq0tp0NeSvKQhNaT5enJ-OmgdAMaiPnLrQTGi1ubLEp5Sg/s320/IMG_0764.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJgvcVaHe1pH0FtJFEMwtlyYfCme6uygfpajvhW2uTimFkInjHXHQCxT0ynaSBMV6Gxr5AfHcYy6i5v1deegK8zb9A72ZHxSDFGggRTdhdkwicxHgFrrM8yYH0oER_Vqn0wJ-blI7I0lAvDdM6BKnEXr8he1fOJoDRaBgoUD4RZwbW-hZHiROdVUihng/s4032/IMG_1456.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJgvcVaHe1pH0FtJFEMwtlyYfCme6uygfpajvhW2uTimFkInjHXHQCxT0ynaSBMV6Gxr5AfHcYy6i5v1deegK8zb9A72ZHxSDFGggRTdhdkwicxHgFrrM8yYH0oER_Vqn0wJ-blI7I0lAvDdM6BKnEXr8he1fOJoDRaBgoUD4RZwbW-hZHiROdVUihng/s320/IMG_1456.JPG" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsy3h3QD9gEC2sbl7lxyK2cAZuE0rKvRCjGDmjfYzP5cqvYTRAR3GWntbU4zt3XHSzMzE7OXt4GM9ipM9oqhhDycqASOFDKtmbJQjoiaH5kgsyMZFnAwt0VK0s-R26agQn093dvuEtGoWbhXRCusBy4CgEBJOQF6-hNxHF057MocwJ6Bdkb083BZpmyQ/s5184/IMG_0876.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5184" data-original-width="3456" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsy3h3QD9gEC2sbl7lxyK2cAZuE0rKvRCjGDmjfYzP5cqvYTRAR3GWntbU4zt3XHSzMzE7OXt4GM9ipM9oqhhDycqASOFDKtmbJQjoiaH5kgsyMZFnAwt0VK0s-R26agQn093dvuEtGoWbhXRCusBy4CgEBJOQF6-hNxHF057MocwJ6Bdkb083BZpmyQ/s320/IMG_0876.JPG" width="213" /></a></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b>栖足寺 Seisokuji Temple</b></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;">This cute temple is excellent for those who would like to get away from the crowds. It's close to Kawazu Station, across the river on the west bank. There are places to sit down inside the main hall for a rest, and also lots of beautiful Goshuin for those who like to collect. They draw inside your actual book so make sure to bring your Goshuincho! If you forgot, then please purchase one there. <br /></span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAJf1AgcZe_Pl7Y4tZ-4Ahc9BWgQ4-BtOg36ByLVNF_mSp16KZY07yNg3r5Bz88TFmhw-V1Q1-oydPZgFZDFgHrnDR1wsHlz48TTV8P3eypm7ayexjPg7JlZR6AafF-6tb9pIyBZcVtz-gG7zBZebVj0xh7OvUBSFRW3oxNINILzvAMGCC-fr4Bkmr_Q/s4608/IMG_0937.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4608" data-original-width="3456" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAJf1AgcZe_Pl7Y4tZ-4Ahc9BWgQ4-BtOg36ByLVNF_mSp16KZY07yNg3r5Bz88TFmhw-V1Q1-oydPZgFZDFgHrnDR1wsHlz48TTV8P3eypm7ayexjPg7JlZR6AafF-6tb9pIyBZcVtz-gG7zBZebVj0xh7OvUBSFRW3oxNINILzvAMGCC-fr4Bkmr_Q/s320/IMG_0937.JPG" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp8P8yKsTz0Xi63X0SMneW8bADyKEa5pN2fpXV6RRnNGIIohZ_dQrLpch_S2iZ-zFKWrZQxknacVCqMVEz5Dd1wHh42MizgDjLARP2ZZ2biMPl9skjYsViNIn4mS51FQh1lq-BZXjlOvSiD8wVw9OZaqfo05x5Yp2TtC999LArXk24vlgakSNUp-GuDA/s3520/IMG_0662.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3520" data-original-width="1980" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp8P8yKsTz0Xi63X0SMneW8bADyKEa5pN2fpXV6RRnNGIIohZ_dQrLpch_S2iZ-zFKWrZQxknacVCqMVEz5Dd1wHh42MizgDjLARP2ZZ2biMPl9skjYsViNIn4mS51FQh1lq-BZXjlOvSiD8wVw9OZaqfo05x5Yp2TtC999LArXk24vlgakSNUp-GuDA/s320/IMG_0662.JPG" width="180" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">As always, thank you for supporting me by reading my blog and following me on instagram. It means a lot that the effort I put into documenting travels around Japan is helpful to some of you. Not a lot of information about Japan is readily available in English, especially for locations outside of Tokyo/Osaka/Kyoto, so I hope by documenting everything I can invite more people to see the beautiful side of Japan outside of the main tourist areas. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Follow me on instagram <a href="https://instagram.com/ariel.land" target="_blank"><span style="color: #e06666;"><b>@ariel.land</b></span></a> for more Japan travel tips </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://instagram.com/ariel.land" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="4160" data-original-width="1641" height="810" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG1NCSNr3YO_RRbUmXN1EjuxrLV58LlI2OiYPJhNyYRa18cUYsugREQ0lklMbNtufsxhIKG8283x1bIYlf6F9rZo2zbQJ3OOn7osu3D7Hj_0U_ODxZqvheZoeAqFv2Hy2vDdQuxNqsEoyLBVJnYrAfIjVykwZ0ozahPSqbQaDAU78Uu8a9FlMQE6o2oQ/w319-h810/IMG_5522.JPG" width="319" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><p><br /></p><p><br /></p></div></div>Arielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03509227042293152734noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8124579507526577941.post-73804130477075130942023-02-08T22:45:00.003+08:002024-02-25T16:21:04.980+08:00Hiroshima in-depth Part 2: The Underrated Gems<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.arielland.com/2023/02/hiroshima-in-depth-part-2-underrated.html" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZhcUMQxabgxtU1B1LwcVkRD56lOMOemlAcyIfQff8NrjAeu67BIANC-YGCxF7bR1PBHeVOm5uXG8k339lGeouI_VyXhBgOpyjPkLU57MMIKLqmkBjFu0Y0wPUep03AWFGiCySXE4p5aa4cxeCg3lp-Tw_0XIRukyca3ijmntZfZMxQuYjmKseWBIV9w/s16000/Hiroshima.png" /></a></div><a name='more'></a><span style="font-family: verdana;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">In <i><u><a href="http://www.arielland.com/2023/02/hiroshima-in-depth-part-1-road-well.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #6fa8dc;"><b>Part 1</b></span></a></u></i> of this series, we went over some of the most popular and well known tourist destinations in Hiroshima, such as the Peace Memorial Park in Hiroshima City and Itsukushima Shrine's big red tori gate in Miyajima. In part 2 we will dive deep into the unknown parts of Hiroshima that are underrated gems. </div></span><span style="font-family: verdana;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><b><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="color: #f1c232;">Setoda 瀬戸田: A quaint seaside town famous for lemons</span></b></div></b><div style="text-align: justify;">Setoda town is part of Onomichi area, but on an island called Ikuchijima. You can access it by ferry from Onomichi or by driving. It’s well-preserved with historical buildings that date back to the edo period, one of which is the beautiful Hotel Azumi Setoda.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMcWTQ1Iou4VD8CsoUbLnMG5Yai4Qsot5UyAFKgh70mYd8vHxEJ7wIjT5z6bOYSFRvcO6FZiAjohQRgxzqaK5MeIMB3e_HnBlNUrxdzxPV20YgokWy37FZDkSHFccyjFkjEP18teg5Q9SUCGtGLjTlrbCK3sQCXex5pFsVjKAa7L2I4FtH1x2afDSGjA/s6960/IMG_0424.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4640" data-original-width="6960" height="258" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMcWTQ1Iou4VD8CsoUbLnMG5Yai4Qsot5UyAFKgh70mYd8vHxEJ7wIjT5z6bOYSFRvcO6FZiAjohQRgxzqaK5MeIMB3e_HnBlNUrxdzxPV20YgokWy37FZDkSHFccyjFkjEP18teg5Q9SUCGtGLjTlrbCK3sQCXex5pFsVjKAa7L2I4FtH1x2afDSGjA/w388-h258/IMG_0424.JPG" width="388" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Created by the founder of luxury hotel group Aman, Azumi Setoda is a gorgeous modern hotel within a historical house. It’s minimal at the same time not losing touches of the Japanese experience. The rooms are fit with sliding paper doors for window shades, and a fragrant hinoki bathtub. Light colored wood finishing within the rooms also gives you a feeling of staying at a traditional onsen ryokan. The rooms have either a private balcony or a garden. Across from the estate is the bath house yubune where guests can enjoy and relax. It’s opened from 7am to 10pm and offers indoor bath, sauna, and cold bath.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">The essence of Azumi Setoda is preserving as much of the history and originality as possible. This means the dinnerware used within the hotel restaurant was inherited from the family that used to reside in this estate. The meals served here features vegetables and meat from farms within 50km radius of the hotel and are hand selected by the chef.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div></span><span style="font-family: verdana;"><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9cOcC-vxqHIa3psVGXP9OU41mwPLJ0NJkvGDbEQfxV6etYO44gaJMVjMYKDNvUtmuFYbMHWMUvTedCgZHjgIpAokf-FaJ_8qlOD29mRF6d_M60SfSOm3ZDpQic5-ivPni4_TIkYUwT8Tiimbm9dwzNffJazO_3LNSrR8kt4hoGDNtR3iaf6ku2VFeKw/s6960/IMG_0014.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6960" data-original-width="4640" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9cOcC-vxqHIa3psVGXP9OU41mwPLJ0NJkvGDbEQfxV6etYO44gaJMVjMYKDNvUtmuFYbMHWMUvTedCgZHjgIpAokf-FaJ_8qlOD29mRF6d_M60SfSOm3ZDpQic5-ivPni4_TIkYUwT8Tiimbm9dwzNffJazO_3LNSrR8kt4hoGDNtR3iaf6ku2VFeKw/s320/IMG_0014.JPG" width="213" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVtVx3p253J70gbO1hfUOon1aFXKeNmay5vBNiLhZz3pPBc2wExLySal2XVU2f7fPf3vyZJEn3U0BJyr40BmhBZkFG2Swe74UX8i6PZu1TV4bkv9FvtIkglQrxek7nRSXEqTDwdb7tcY5MWoGog85HdgW9qySpOiUnNboHScZxJnpN6YwyQIYTW3tZcQ/s6960/IMG_0011.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6960" data-original-width="4640" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVtVx3p253J70gbO1hfUOon1aFXKeNmay5vBNiLhZz3pPBc2wExLySal2XVU2f7fPf3vyZJEn3U0BJyr40BmhBZkFG2Swe74UX8i6PZu1TV4bkv9FvtIkglQrxek7nRSXEqTDwdb7tcY5MWoGog85HdgW9qySpOiUnNboHScZxJnpN6YwyQIYTW3tZcQ/s320/IMG_0011.JPG" width="213" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Shiomachi Shopping Street is the main street of about 600m from the ferry port to Kosanji temple. It has a historical retro vibe with 50+ stores offering local dishes and shopping. The icon of Setoda arehe lemons, which thrive under the warm climate of SetInland Sea. At the Lemon Valley, you can see a grove of lemons with a backdrop of Tatara Bridge in the blue ocean. You can rent a bike and cycle the Shimanami Kaido Cycling Road which is a 70km bike path that will tour you through these gorgeous ocean views.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNjcso4P2hJgUYGIQGIgQp89J3y2hCuRNvGIDHrdK83sLXcODyb1RfNAetW_BJvMjQrAjjC4XjDEe_UWnj8cgG5zcnnS9N7Ktz3XvA-J9MYT9gr_4H02Fsm2q_Us0GXRsUyc9K6bZ5rMgVP92TYxYu1phNnj0U5gANmV4YsotEzZ_nJKq0COGAPlbrcg/s6960/IMG_0381.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6960" data-original-width="4640" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNjcso4P2hJgUYGIQGIgQp89J3y2hCuRNvGIDHrdK83sLXcODyb1RfNAetW_BJvMjQrAjjC4XjDEe_UWnj8cgG5zcnnS9N7Ktz3XvA-J9MYT9gr_4H02Fsm2q_Us0GXRsUyc9K6bZ5rMgVP92TYxYu1phNnj0U5gANmV4YsotEzZ_nJKq0COGAPlbrcg/s320/IMG_0381.JPG" width="213" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgijPDhkSUMFpv-EVB2YkBHBcdj_aKdW4XIKEjMavmYBivxJxdbLBL0BtKBslvGK-tlp1YqZHaoJzZDh7nCJMTd-nEs8nRSrm8T72U2m0hDbF-B31rOBQxYKzv5P7-2yGe-lYksyMQgNaC_HWAQ_EcFZdLnTBZnIJC1aNXNiwCezKe_S8a6VRC0-NB94Q/s6681/IMG_0383.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6681" data-original-width="4454" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgijPDhkSUMFpv-EVB2YkBHBcdj_aKdW4XIKEjMavmYBivxJxdbLBL0BtKBslvGK-tlp1YqZHaoJzZDh7nCJMTd-nEs8nRSrm8T72U2m0hDbF-B31rOBQxYKzv5P7-2yGe-lYksyMQgNaC_HWAQ_EcFZdLnTBZnIJC1aNXNiwCezKe_S8a6VRC0-NB94Q/s320/IMG_0383.JPG" width="213" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGZMP5aG4svbEocn43CMP2WwcTdGzfNNE43ZAx_3GGuPmCEsP9rAnLxxcRAd0jVvwrFRBmN_qMK7rBR-BeGYXSi9Fm3yCuq7v4Umugs27THWQun0bDX89FVrSMEX6suSUf9phFbO-LzsdndVYcu2zCOZGixXb2qceebwQ8J7PDvuw8KNNZdwwizdvMmA/s6761/IMG_0389.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6761" data-original-width="4507" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGZMP5aG4svbEocn43CMP2WwcTdGzfNNE43ZAx_3GGuPmCEsP9rAnLxxcRAd0jVvwrFRBmN_qMK7rBR-BeGYXSi9Fm3yCuq7v4Umugs27THWQun0bDX89FVrSMEX6suSUf9phFbO-LzsdndVYcu2zCOZGixXb2qceebwQ8J7PDvuw8KNNZdwwizdvMmA/s320/IMG_0389.JPG" width="213" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie_0WxhWWOG1XT9lc9OFkEujMOt-fo1kcd7iRwANw_PIAkFOSwiMIOMh37d45VHrEn5Fj7xMissucwVarwBUZcDiF3kGPRlpDrmQn5hYhgAV5g7Plif_39b9gxttXmurqJUqTXo-zzRQakPTpis7GAXhDxIlCrGjjGj5VzuBEA8PlP1S9LIG-JpQpKrQ/s6960/IMG_0390.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6960" data-original-width="4640" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie_0WxhWWOG1XT9lc9OFkEujMOt-fo1kcd7iRwANw_PIAkFOSwiMIOMh37d45VHrEn5Fj7xMissucwVarwBUZcDiF3kGPRlpDrmQn5hYhgAV5g7Plif_39b9gxttXmurqJUqTXo-zzRQakPTpis7GAXhDxIlCrGjjGj5VzuBEA8PlP1S9LIG-JpQpKrQ/s320/IMG_0390.JPG" width="213" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3aLnKZ_NTOHeaAwMjiKm9sZyMbBi-NIymbxZ_VhDxdtcRcHjMIccmUmrugdld4hRHmJeQO5swRJznrgg6CcRGhz84izrdwQp5xqWRZT6H2--1Z491kF01POBWrFLC7m-W1eioeOEg89beQfUUcoR6EV1eyO_6Rf_ww8AcGveoBWWWiyYqnIsEYqDQlQ/s6960/IMG_0009.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6960" data-original-width="4640" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3aLnKZ_NTOHeaAwMjiKm9sZyMbBi-NIymbxZ_VhDxdtcRcHjMIccmUmrugdld4hRHmJeQO5swRJznrgg6CcRGhz84izrdwQp5xqWRZT6H2--1Z491kF01POBWrFLC7m-W1eioeOEg89beQfUUcoR6EV1eyO_6Rf_ww8AcGveoBWWWiyYqnIsEYqDQlQ/s320/IMG_0009.JPG" width="213" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgry8J87JrqqUFORIzss7C_qNTukvDPsmeDEqhHWlKC3Q1VcDHyy7dweent1IA6oprkqDVN2FFUrlopH7PtHTIWC8babHi6-hEM7qb8gqkMz49wx09Y0xRJlQjLy_L57xJJXdG4g_3yflPrK19GdxuZPwcO9L58HH7mOoRXTks2L5LSURBxEeRygfoTtg/s6960/IMG_0426.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6960" data-original-width="4640" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgry8J87JrqqUFORIzss7C_qNTukvDPsmeDEqhHWlKC3Q1VcDHyy7dweent1IA6oprkqDVN2FFUrlopH7PtHTIWC8babHi6-hEM7qb8gqkMz49wx09Y0xRJlQjLy_L57xJJXdG4g_3yflPrK19GdxuZPwcO9L58HH7mOoRXTks2L5LSURBxEeRygfoTtg/s320/IMG_0426.JPG" width="213" /></a></div></span><span style="font-family: verdana;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="color: #6fa8dc;">Tomonoura 鞆の浦 - The seaside town that inspired a Ghibli movie</span></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;">This is the seaside town that inspired Ghibli’s movie: Ponyo. It’s said that Miyazaki spent a few months here, drinking coffee each morning with the gorgeous ocean view. You can spot Sosuke’s yellow and red house on the hillside, and according to locals they can also spot their neighbor’s houses throughout the animation.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Historically, Tomonoura was a popular stop for delegates from Korea visiting Edo. Fukuzenji Temple is a place that retains the friendship between the Korean and Japanese delegates as that was one of the favorite places for Korean visitors to stay. The panoramic view of the sea and the islands from the temple is what attracted the Korean delegates at first, and in modern times it has been featured in various animation as well.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL8lAYZqqBImhRcqmmICYmomCLyWimQUhmXItGioJGdZH-CKKnitymelO6J1uYjun8RuJqdqjteASsKLiIdQbrIwgtJxmbL9vXqDgn2JDLJ0lfyUfCavLciE74lBI_uS6DZdSjTJPHXTEATqOKVBxrrRj6MWlGB8RE4bpJ-hrhmRWQXkg71vl6Dp4VdQ/s4032/IMG_0215.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL8lAYZqqBImhRcqmmICYmomCLyWimQUhmXItGioJGdZH-CKKnitymelO6J1uYjun8RuJqdqjteASsKLiIdQbrIwgtJxmbL9vXqDgn2JDLJ0lfyUfCavLciE74lBI_uS6DZdSjTJPHXTEATqOKVBxrrRj6MWlGB8RE4bpJ-hrhmRWQXkg71vl6Dp4VdQ/s320/IMG_0215.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmngnXfRi57P_T1Bw-bpEC78tPn-HTzYsXZJ6hPCeK2SfmwOJitQToalHQZU2FlvPMqQk4Z7eikFBzMjblbttv_yIcGCKTY_zDlk4UdQNtsJufy2PZc7LrzTERGdgiXJRNp5Du6nrXEJhLt2xD8toGjvVFutFDZNsuZoshsE1QAiUNLDlC3AVpHsngbg/s6960/IMG_0457.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4640" data-original-width="6960" height="270" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmngnXfRi57P_T1Bw-bpEC78tPn-HTzYsXZJ6hPCeK2SfmwOJitQToalHQZU2FlvPMqQk4Z7eikFBzMjblbttv_yIcGCKTY_zDlk4UdQNtsJufy2PZc7LrzTERGdgiXJRNp5Du6nrXEJhLt2xD8toGjvVFutFDZNsuZoshsE1QAiUNLDlC3AVpHsngbg/w406-h270/IMG_0457.JPG" width="406" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Strolling through Tomonoura, you can really feel the tight nit community as well as their history of this place. One of the most iconic landmarks in Tomonoura is the Joyato Stone Light House which lights up the coast and provides safety to the town. The buildings are well maintained, one of my favorites being the shop for Okamoto Kametaro Honten for Homeishu alcohol. Homeishu is a herbal liqeur that dates back to the 17th century. It’s a specialty of Tomonoura area. I love this shop because they have a gate of Fukuyama castle and an elaborate wood carving of two dragons inside the shop.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYpiIush5ZoJoL6-GOc7NmaGNF9oCKUX7uz3WhFtjU932DBhKb5j-YLznqsHfpELKqghgEvENOvsoh0vlQedAMMHuwhUr_RKw0Z-KBn2NdNOVYy9Jhz0fzk_JoYDu3R-PIZJhaMttEJOuB0Fk-Ewyu0AMJMHkI0QNKzrCRNWbThp9ywUQGZBK1XucpRg/s4032/IMG_0238.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYpiIush5ZoJoL6-GOc7NmaGNF9oCKUX7uz3WhFtjU932DBhKb5j-YLznqsHfpELKqghgEvENOvsoh0vlQedAMMHuwhUr_RKw0Z-KBn2NdNOVYy9Jhz0fzk_JoYDu3R-PIZJhaMttEJOuB0Fk-Ewyu0AMJMHkI0QNKzrCRNWbThp9ywUQGZBK1XucpRg/s320/IMG_0238.JPG" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdjkI2rM8JxtkyakJqwzanCORNdAczX11ZfeqYDIZPjzGJYFqJ1spf92W3SgjnbSWU7_zckN7t9z1Aktnl_8h21GyLpTbyF0bVBMTgZqwgXBLguj0g5f7uskE6vhkA6mPnppqTXcY65eYRK_7JdNiak_FB-Acn7xHYLCdAUKZhI7Oy80s9lIWEnEM5iw/s4032/IMG_0250.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdjkI2rM8JxtkyakJqwzanCORNdAczX11ZfeqYDIZPjzGJYFqJ1spf92W3SgjnbSWU7_zckN7t9z1Aktnl_8h21GyLpTbyF0bVBMTgZqwgXBLguj0g5f7uskE6vhkA6mPnppqTXcY65eYRK_7JdNiak_FB-Acn7xHYLCdAUKZhI7Oy80s9lIWEnEM5iw/s320/IMG_0250.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">If you are staying the night, I highly recommend Hotel Ofutei ホテル鷗風亭. This hotel is a really nice onsen resort with has both traditional Japanese tatami floor rooms as well as large western rooms with beds. The onsen has both indoor and outdoor baths, sharing the same beautiful panoramic view of the ocean. It’s especially beautiful during sunset and sunrise.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho-mKBs31TYZJON9OLE3IQAff-3Zk6nZmoNJcuNfUCmPxKbfOV0Ksfp7RnxwdlgmfE3-CZysKUYcK-7Vw5djS41lpc9CATMDBCdOPOVzroUAgTaR8CHOhSNOQZtCVmw6wVBcxjHABMd3YSJ1kejy1Vu4W2q23b3oDlqo3f8OY_lZ22xDIVr1W93ENaMw/s3598/IMG_0759.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3598" data-original-width="2698" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho-mKBs31TYZJON9OLE3IQAff-3Zk6nZmoNJcuNfUCmPxKbfOV0Ksfp7RnxwdlgmfE3-CZysKUYcK-7Vw5djS41lpc9CATMDBCdOPOVzroUAgTaR8CHOhSNOQZtCVmw6wVBcxjHABMd3YSJ1kejy1Vu4W2q23b3oDlqo3f8OY_lZ22xDIVr1W93ENaMw/s320/IMG_0759.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP_FDQNX4boCjfDmkejDiQ0qWb4cLDyv4GjHV_Z9vYnsrMDxQxzHDHgLvYbDuYSq2RHLucUstWi0bywhHjZGG1wMsTqy6SP5gQ9Y7UDNdlXqxhF0nGSrrg71b66nVjtoMehit3M1_sq48_bL1gszJNhJ51ZB8IKUj_c-bxenxmdX3UGmlirmxqv1l_7Q/s6945/IMG_0894.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4630" data-original-width="6945" height="270" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP_FDQNX4boCjfDmkejDiQ0qWb4cLDyv4GjHV_Z9vYnsrMDxQxzHDHgLvYbDuYSq2RHLucUstWi0bywhHjZGG1wMsTqy6SP5gQ9Y7UDNdlXqxhF0nGSrrg71b66nVjtoMehit3M1_sq48_bL1gszJNhJ51ZB8IKUj_c-bxenxmdX3UGmlirmxqv1l_7Q/w406-h270/IMG_0894.JPG" width="406" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="color: #783f04;">Takehara 竹原 製塩町 - a quiet town rich with history and bamboo crafts</span></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;">About 1.5hr from Hiroshima station is Takehara city. It’s a coastal town known for their salt production and bamboo crafts. The charming town is also filled with historical houses dating back to the Edo period. One of them now belongs to a group of hotels known for renewing old houses called Nipponia. They have 3 buildings for both accommodation and dining. You can see within the buildings the preserved wood engravings from the past.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjllBaShlmYTB1fWeMZCxfYHB5EFgxqWEAvu92rBq6XSNxGq-HFs_iq-SPOjI7XBkh08UCd4gQvOIWin6u1sy1EX7g3rKV6vo3LCgn4lmRCNXJhBOLPCEC8gn7KRMhkN74lxITj08zVVvqwcc-sGI-DkvGOo5o445ws58d_miYlp_fCNkJJAh6QhLji6g/s6960/IMG_0901.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6960" data-original-width="4640" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjllBaShlmYTB1fWeMZCxfYHB5EFgxqWEAvu92rBq6XSNxGq-HFs_iq-SPOjI7XBkh08UCd4gQvOIWin6u1sy1EX7g3rKV6vo3LCgn4lmRCNXJhBOLPCEC8gn7KRMhkN74lxITj08zVVvqwcc-sGI-DkvGOo5o445ws58d_miYlp_fCNkJJAh6QhLji6g/s320/IMG_0901.JPG" width="213" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMUCYrQsTfrLpwCMvbZz4OADauaZscfS4IYyjRIvTBMmU3oinRi4ZDRj6kTNuVIAwht2j6ptY8RWYJVQzR8CRXnRMCDRM59Ky8dLbZiycb03i2YDmafrTLgO8LfVTQduwkb9RPQkwCHjGUpIiILG-GfbeplGroBNSvLZJLOR48lFvQNPWLJZZ2LZnQHQ/s6960/IMG_0905.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6960" data-original-width="4640" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMUCYrQsTfrLpwCMvbZz4OADauaZscfS4IYyjRIvTBMmU3oinRi4ZDRj6kTNuVIAwht2j6ptY8RWYJVQzR8CRXnRMCDRM59Ky8dLbZiycb03i2YDmafrTLgO8LfVTQduwkb9RPQkwCHjGUpIiILG-GfbeplGroBNSvLZJLOR48lFvQNPWLJZZ2LZnQHQ/s320/IMG_0905.JPG" width="213" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><div>Because of the booming salt production, at one point there was as many as 26 breweries that trived. We got to visit one called Fujii Shuzou- brewery. We were able to taste 3 different types of sakes brewed there, each with a different taste, some light, others fruity.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinOVbuAW21zrrjXgpE9NwcHgJdDrZlM4PL874GOkEUSGOU_66R_NWEbhUUDSlWjtD_pL4ogG0L8OjozTrUidSVvLa5C_o6lNYub9EWO9LWkSs2bameI-jOwvCZRk3fWQZ4zi_shPB3-mMzFu75Xm-iUu4KftIXA6YIYFBx6VDPFbjmvX-1KAlLrD4zxg/s6897/IMG_0936.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4598" data-original-width="6897" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinOVbuAW21zrrjXgpE9NwcHgJdDrZlM4PL874GOkEUSGOU_66R_NWEbhUUDSlWjtD_pL4ogG0L8OjozTrUidSVvLa5C_o6lNYub9EWO9LWkSs2bameI-jOwvCZRk3fWQZ4zi_shPB3-mMzFu75Xm-iUu4KftIXA6YIYFBx6VDPFbjmvX-1KAlLrD4zxg/s320/IMG_0936.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Before leaving Takehara, we stopped by the visitor’s center to do some bamboo crafts. There we were paired with local elderly volunteers to teach us how to make bamboo windmills. The process took about an hour and was easy to follow. You can walk in, or please make a reservation for those traveling in larger groups.</div></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4261OTklj4ummdz5-pNIZGA_FBjOFZRA2gKNFwCQHUxuiQaB3QepxrIZ5QpI_hdlxRKgMrEt4Ez9xt9p8_6gh3K4HJOCN_y7ZokW2c4k694JcqCplWEX_0spfbitE0mc1XkZYMDSXumk_dt6GYo0fPFZ0toT3a9Rj8dUKxSP_Tpatuex7pAQELsSwhA/s6960/IMG_0924.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6960" data-original-width="4640" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4261OTklj4ummdz5-pNIZGA_FBjOFZRA2gKNFwCQHUxuiQaB3QepxrIZ5QpI_hdlxRKgMrEt4Ez9xt9p8_6gh3K4HJOCN_y7ZokW2c4k694JcqCplWEX_0spfbitE0mc1XkZYMDSXumk_dt6GYo0fPFZ0toT3a9Rj8dUKxSP_Tpatuex7pAQELsSwhA/s320/IMG_0924.JPG" width="213" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyZtyVm24-BmzfYdXQvVS-lR3NYJMXJ4YaWQ7K7LHlhpmOQxFbSNPLwpS0UUBaDB_IiRCqpw8PzDqgkKNmh8fx8o8Dta9ES_hT2TEYHPh0s1B_c1Hn2TZhEsspHc3WJzsAHvE2vD4MbIntI1CBAMh0drBB3zRjqtdyDL-aDCqJupUTsEGUq_jsgoGHvQ/s6960/IMG_0928.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6960" data-original-width="4640" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyZtyVm24-BmzfYdXQvVS-lR3NYJMXJ4YaWQ7K7LHlhpmOQxFbSNPLwpS0UUBaDB_IiRCqpw8PzDqgkKNmh8fx8o8Dta9ES_hT2TEYHPh0s1B_c1Hn2TZhEsspHc3WJzsAHvE2vD4MbIntI1CBAMh0drBB3zRjqtdyDL-aDCqJupUTsEGUq_jsgoGHvQ/s320/IMG_0928.JPG" width="213" /></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBsLPg5MClXo54JByjmlHMUB4TbiyfES44gqzrNT1hf4C5AGZy0F24jNDZd9fgGL5oncEoEYNmUFH0_xaVHRKf0t7Cq7hnSGZUKMPrjsW2KYgKhpEK-r3tMVsyB_rN61iw17vI0a3BloHDi-vPLffk8j8i3X1V13N0u2PAGl81vNnZgZTAb0i-ALfCYg/s6960/IMG_0940.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4640" data-original-width="6960" height="302" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBsLPg5MClXo54JByjmlHMUB4TbiyfES44gqzrNT1hf4C5AGZy0F24jNDZd9fgGL5oncEoEYNmUFH0_xaVHRKf0t7Cq7hnSGZUKMPrjsW2KYgKhpEK-r3tMVsyB_rN61iw17vI0a3BloHDi-vPLffk8j8i3X1V13N0u2PAGl81vNnZgZTAb0i-ALfCYg/w453-h302/IMG_0940.JPG" width="453" /></a></div><br /></span><span style="font-family: verdana;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyY54FdWTbSwLWT8hN4VmkVWCyM4udl6VE374A_eyIvDOEs-vH0D-WeS6e0tQGyX-8TykLLGBI1seKsNJQ1bqYgBkxrOFtuCFNsxyM9h60mM43mE7Tctxe9XGKYtA8iWJudaNsjryUf_BGl_LiNyHAt0glkPH3OryAH2AX0FB2HGW8rR-qfi03vmPE1A/s6960/IMG_0930.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6960" data-original-width="4640" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyY54FdWTbSwLWT8hN4VmkVWCyM4udl6VE374A_eyIvDOEs-vH0D-WeS6e0tQGyX-8TykLLGBI1seKsNJQ1bqYgBkxrOFtuCFNsxyM9h60mM43mE7Tctxe9XGKYtA8iWJudaNsjryUf_BGl_LiNyHAt0glkPH3OryAH2AX0FB2HGW8rR-qfi03vmPE1A/s320/IMG_0930.JPG" width="213" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYB8uAP4pFwOXQJF4Imro4cHfq28ENRnN_n5jGiQ2UyYN9fg1hIs4WLptax5X4e4RBn-NgOWFRGuWVmFNzN-d9_Ea0JiiHfP4Q3mowIHpAk5w_RQcN5Zs0XIm9nkBvsAxhOJh6JP1I1TkbcMze6yGW5uHF0gFZa6B792SJEeNH06Cg2qPUb28rI3ouqQ/s6960/IMG_0951.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6960" data-original-width="4640" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYB8uAP4pFwOXQJF4Imro4cHfq28ENRnN_n5jGiQ2UyYN9fg1hIs4WLptax5X4e4RBn-NgOWFRGuWVmFNzN-d9_Ea0JiiHfP4Q3mowIHpAk5w_RQcN5Zs0XIm9nkBvsAxhOJh6JP1I1TkbcMze6yGW5uHF0gFZa6B792SJEeNH06Cg2qPUb28rI3ouqQ/s320/IMG_0951.JPG" width="213" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="color: #6fa8dc;">Akiota </span></b><span style="color: #6fa8dc;"><b>安芸太田町</b></span><b><span style="color: #6fa8dc;">, deep within the woods of west Hiroshima</span></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Deep within the mountains on the west side of Hiroshima is the town of Akiota. The population there has been on a year-on-year decline since the 1950s and now only has around 5,000 inhabitants. Most of it is mountainous with forests and rivers covering the landscape.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">We visited 2 Yokohata residences, first one for sushi making and second one for wood crafting. Though they share the same name they are 2 separate households next door to each other. Other than sharing names, they also share this amazing warmth of welcoming visitors, it felt as if I was in my own grandparent’s homes.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAAF4Ro08plUxujawU8axGEQd6kPwoXg_D5kgwAd8xvcxdh_8HqJhFU5jbvs2dl_fKmlCo5Z4LtCJo1LlVraygZ9uS7vkIphhmwejQRKL5indAZ0s2HWxJuJCE0mRXSrDP7IL6Hsj9OBgYO0MH_rOt_PnqZAyl_Bf4uYOy0p6W4nEkSNF5nIZBRVnUUQ/s6960/IMG_1338.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4640" data-original-width="6960" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAAF4Ro08plUxujawU8axGEQd6kPwoXg_D5kgwAd8xvcxdh_8HqJhFU5jbvs2dl_fKmlCo5Z4LtCJo1LlVraygZ9uS7vkIphhmwejQRKL5indAZ0s2HWxJuJCE0mRXSrDP7IL6Hsj9OBgYO0MH_rOt_PnqZAyl_Bf4uYOy0p6W4nEkSNF5nIZBRVnUUQ/s320/IMG_1338.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOSD-0qpUoF1SZPKEmun4j8nVA246Uu1vtp8l94KZ5lYupoQf7aXtx7e5eM0BeDYlwAmlZWv_A69slbpXa4emOQ2-2OxmW47eaxL9E2z7dXURzX0jgYXnlF94dfq9Pny58m-bm5Xfs4tUR7HIT7pguuaTWnb8yIZXLLCS8OeMj_cqfvSfJ7lXeHTJMAQ/s6960/IMG_1339.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6960" data-original-width="4640" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOSD-0qpUoF1SZPKEmun4j8nVA246Uu1vtp8l94KZ5lYupoQf7aXtx7e5eM0BeDYlwAmlZWv_A69slbpXa4emOQ2-2OxmW47eaxL9E2z7dXURzX0jgYXnlF94dfq9Pny58m-bm5Xfs4tUR7HIT7pguuaTWnb8yIZXLLCS8OeMj_cqfvSfJ7lXeHTJMAQ/s320/IMG_1339.JPG" width="213" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLOrQfG9GWCZ0ahs3zTsoHC4b515Y0g0e1Y8KAEcMPeJEqYUh3zdn9lsxFzihTwwy2qyAP_dKA9WvlKu2ABT5jrxI0K8BFTqSIvCGbXqN5JygcVdfKtZk3PBsxtz8bYWfJCGGALB4V4Ov70DJnmd2sWv-lAT8GBiAQWslX1qIiIt3RfbzQoP0njvhpBw/s6960/IMG_1345.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6960" data-original-width="4640" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLOrQfG9GWCZ0ahs3zTsoHC4b515Y0g0e1Y8KAEcMPeJEqYUh3zdn9lsxFzihTwwy2qyAP_dKA9WvlKu2ABT5jrxI0K8BFTqSIvCGbXqN5JygcVdfKtZk3PBsxtz8bYWfJCGGALB4V4Ov70DJnmd2sWv-lAT8GBiAQWslX1qIiIt3RfbzQoP0njvhpBw/s320/IMG_1345.JPG" width="213" /></a></div></span><span style="font-family: verdana;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">The wood carving was one of the best crafting experiences I’ve tried in Japan. You get to learn first-hand from Yokohata San who has been practicing this craft for almost 70 years. This style of carving has existed since Edo period and is an invaluable cultural asset to Japan’s history. It took us about an hour to refine a roughly cut-out spoon. You can find Yokohata-san’s work in large department stores throughout Japan, or you can book your own crafting experience here: <a href="http://yokohata-craft.com/"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">http://yokohata-craft.com/</span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdEVUP5acfAGnxk3UhLDuqdU2CkO5IAysxP20c6mzeUPzQbsNxlbY_Vl4XxZJ1iufRX4Lg0lagcJ7ElGz6qYXtdGfhjde5FvOQH-8i0qMUJYznJGKQGdmrKyveThMi5Qeko65whx4pfjARb9vWD_mYo_pDF3Jv2gU8mv17KlWliXcooglqxMj3gExUWQ/s6960/IMG_1351.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6960" data-original-width="4640" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdEVUP5acfAGnxk3UhLDuqdU2CkO5IAysxP20c6mzeUPzQbsNxlbY_Vl4XxZJ1iufRX4Lg0lagcJ7ElGz6qYXtdGfhjde5FvOQH-8i0qMUJYznJGKQGdmrKyveThMi5Qeko65whx4pfjARb9vWD_mYo_pDF3Jv2gU8mv17KlWliXcooglqxMj3gExUWQ/s320/IMG_1351.JPG" width="213" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEz3U4kOh8-PRdnZ2vDsYZfMyA0IO_ILWXvT9M5s-MVhc_zEeUsCMpB-r4ji4DTVtx3FWl48CCWXt2lOMJmByXcKvosdys34bh3QRNS9_yTo7GriobdWAfEceWQg1EerAkl59gUO4Mffh-J5chqI-zdJUwbFh6yywffqb2Cpk26fM2efWxYg7ds_dfkg/s6960/IMG_1380%202.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6960" data-original-width="4640" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEz3U4kOh8-PRdnZ2vDsYZfMyA0IO_ILWXvT9M5s-MVhc_zEeUsCMpB-r4ji4DTVtx3FWl48CCWXt2lOMJmByXcKvosdys34bh3QRNS9_yTo7GriobdWAfEceWQg1EerAkl59gUO4Mffh-J5chqI-zdJUwbFh6yywffqb2Cpk26fM2efWxYg7ds_dfkg/s320/IMG_1380%202.JPG" width="213" /></a></div></span><span style="font-family: verdana;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBWWUTC_1_DEUOzIYaEc__96bri6Ki_sWxAsIhCKCmfkGKG6EcOZd9UScetSORqFRk4kJcfSHhvOr_131GXTBFnRP1og5mKivwaEPHQkHCzAGV2QV45lwYklLY72DMKmTbtDL8Pq1-mh1qknlf6NuQS6TPCCxsfZ4MRwuQlYBXYV6dbL5KVLrRlbmpSQ/s4032/IMG_1156.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="282" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBWWUTC_1_DEUOzIYaEc__96bri6Ki_sWxAsIhCKCmfkGKG6EcOZd9UScetSORqFRk4kJcfSHhvOr_131GXTBFnRP1og5mKivwaEPHQkHCzAGV2QV45lwYklLY72DMKmTbtDL8Pq1-mh1qknlf6NuQS6TPCCxsfZ4MRwuQlYBXYV6dbL5KVLrRlbmpSQ/w212-h282/IMG_1156.JPG" width="212" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLwmNR7f3uZ3AcbgKjXW9VQb9FoJR46SHYpPZo5J4ixB89C4DQOD11MMJzGmabtj0udUOiIGZFs0McmnYTAC9WSGuY2XVvXyX7EDY53K5Ly17hpmUH1Aj1l5SN1PNWAbPnMD_oERMuRCs4by1jYKe8u5uO94xTUVldNscuJXZMiOAAi7HoM9-eLRy5gg/s4006/IMG_2416.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4006" data-original-width="3004" height="286" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLwmNR7f3uZ3AcbgKjXW9VQb9FoJR46SHYpPZo5J4ixB89C4DQOD11MMJzGmabtj0udUOiIGZFs0McmnYTAC9WSGuY2XVvXyX7EDY53K5Ly17hpmUH1Aj1l5SN1PNWAbPnMD_oERMuRCs4by1jYKe8u5uO94xTUVldNscuJXZMiOAAi7HoM9-eLRy5gg/w215-h286/IMG_2416.JPG" width="215" /></a></div></span><span style="font-family: verdana;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">I hope you’ve learned about new and interesting places you’ll want to visit in Hiroshima. It was my first visit and I was blown away by how beautiful and diverse it is. There are so many undiscovered places, and I’d highly recommend Hiroshima to anyone, whether it’s for first time visitors or those who live in Japan and are looking for a quiet sea-side getaway.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Follow me on instagram <a href="https://instagram.com/ariel.land" target="_blank"><span style="color: #e06666;">@ariel.land</span></a> for more Japan insights</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://instagram.com/ariel.land" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="4160" data-original-width="1656" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9_hVeuZ-XJA1Pt1sQmKvbckRW9pdjDcmMxJQyJaVGDBQNnz1tiFyHbSreFxMNPzFA_1cu0WSuHZyWzu3Ga2jxXfpzbV5eHbP3vyA0kF0dN-0eX3OPMVWZbn2zPgRsxkj1cjqkJBnRNihqI0TzeGnAUvHS3jpb3wPxPg2_FGsD7CUdPxrgYgrKa-hhzQ/w254-h640/IMG_2180.JPG" width="254" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div></span>Arielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03509227042293152734noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8124579507526577941.post-43637810303206662852023-02-08T21:59:00.004+08:002024-02-25T16:20:56.119+08:00Hiroshima in-depth Part 1: The Road Well Travelled <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.arielland.com/2023/02/hiroshima-in-depth-part-1-road-well.html" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="876" data-original-width="1558" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMeMuTHGbg4hHECfogx2CUHO2sevO6tu02SR39LZKAHc1EYMEsnFxmRhU1UtnvHdZxPSqgUhskmC572KOrfcJ2XsdYBSw5-Drf-cosZHL0mC2yFolSuE4LAgj2JJATZ9zEfmDIIrNeYfLd7kTqya8XQXX5OgynSk9ozu_87GA2GGeFmSlb0cTPkqNL4Q/s16000/Screenshot%202023-02-08%20at%2010.36.45%20PM.png" /></a></div><span><a name='more'></a></span><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">When Hiroshima is named as a travel destination, most people think of the </span><b style="font-family: verdana;">big red torii gate of Itsukushima shrine</b><span style="font-family: verdana;"> and the </span><b style="font-family: verdana;">atomic bomb dome</b><span style="font-family: verdana;">. And there is no doubt that these UNESCO world heritage sites are worth visiting. If you don’t have a lot of time to spare in your itinerary, aka you’ve only got 1-2 days, then here are the spots you must visit.</span></div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">In part 2 of these series, I’ll dive deep into the less well-known spots with lots of hidden gems (and I don’t throw around this term lightly), place where you’ll get a real feel of the history, culture, people and get a calming recharge plus time away from the bustling cities.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #6fa8dc;"><b>Where is Setouchi?</b></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Setouchi region covers the prefectures surrounding Seto Inland Sea. It spans across Honshu, Shikoku and Kyushu, covering prefectures such as Hiroshima, Yamaguchi, Okayama, Hyogo, Osaka, Kagawa, Ehime, Fukuoka and Oita.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Throughout this series, you’ll notice that the ocean and what it offers is an essential part of life here. Other than beautiful seaside towns, the seafood is also delicious here, with oysters and saltwater eels being the most famous exports from Hiroshima.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="color: #93c47d;">Onomichi 尾道 - cats and temples on a retro seaside city</span></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Before we dive into Hiroshima city, let me introduce you to Onomichi. This is the 5th largest city in Hiroshima prefecture by population and was historically a place where wealth gathered due to the trade of rice. Because there were many well-off businessmen, they gave back to the community by building and donating to many temples. At its peak, there were over 80 shrines and temples throughout town. Nowadays the most visited one is Senkoji Temple, founded in the 9th century, which sits at a hilltop with a panoramic view of the city and Inland Sea.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="color: #93c47d;">All aboard the tourism train etSETOra</span></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;">To get to Onomichi, I highly recommend the tourism train called “<u><b><a href="https://www.jr-odekake.net/railroad/kankoutrain/area_hiroshima/etsetora/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #6fa8dc;">etSETOra</span></a></b></u>”. It’s a leisurely 3hr ride with champagne, wine, and beer served along with sweets and a fantastic view of the Seto Inland Sea. It starts at Hiroshima JR station and takes you right to Onomichi Station on the local train line along the coast. The train features large windows and with some seats facing the window for a better viewing experience. If you are a fan of collecting stamps, there’s also one near the train bar.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">*Seats on etSETOra is by advanced reservation only, you can do that by enquiring with a Japan travel agency</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7uCvUreyI0bKdJYuaxY6NBhttQuEMtU8zMzS8QsSx1VZeJAzrzgEAwWJ19cujcJU_yhlFehsp1jOUdX-mq1dwg2uP_r8q2hR2WMiJn6mXOf8HjPv0bSoMEeOxHtlbt4blaq5gRksgZMtTimRfeVuOhkJsovssBcBLQsUJ6I1IEMMAtmT72Hl4RmEr_A/s6960/IMG_9956.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6960" data-original-width="4640" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7uCvUreyI0bKdJYuaxY6NBhttQuEMtU8zMzS8QsSx1VZeJAzrzgEAwWJ19cujcJU_yhlFehsp1jOUdX-mq1dwg2uP_r8q2hR2WMiJn6mXOf8HjPv0bSoMEeOxHtlbt4blaq5gRksgZMtTimRfeVuOhkJsovssBcBLQsUJ6I1IEMMAtmT72Hl4RmEr_A/s320/IMG_9956.JPG" width="213" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8jTAiBwl2SdGQ16SHWfwadIqzJZ42V4kbthYPt3uU7pMGPKJkDSRO8jhwP8IkZrDX7-djw2whf4ctxnXJKLopLYUbDerPXTEfCgUD11m1nCQGyaCPilQuOdd5lcRrvi0ujKp16c67Gj8oGcgFVJ2xG_NgYPAQsqJzduko85xRTuv_zbjGMSo5Neh77w/s6960/IMG_9961.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6960" data-original-width="4640" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8jTAiBwl2SdGQ16SHWfwadIqzJZ42V4kbthYPt3uU7pMGPKJkDSRO8jhwP8IkZrDX7-djw2whf4ctxnXJKLopLYUbDerPXTEfCgUD11m1nCQGyaCPilQuOdd5lcRrvi0ujKp16c67Gj8oGcgFVJ2xG_NgYPAQsqJzduko85xRTuv_zbjGMSo5Neh77w/s320/IMG_9961.JPG" width="213" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWEwqreocZw8wc1LdmLJyc4IpEAIrtp-n-aLus_bHw0CbeKEeo5Qzu4iwqT2UGxcgfXoaQ9uvQNuJjB7bMX3saAxrJUuFrPiqwaVfm0s7-v7nqt_ol8n20cn3qZsOg3SLjXv14ytMT32Cg07AFUo_dPWmzy7K6ouyq6HGiggVRzEN_RcrIIploXCndGQ/s6755/IMG_9958.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6755" data-original-width="4503" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWEwqreocZw8wc1LdmLJyc4IpEAIrtp-n-aLus_bHw0CbeKEeo5Qzu4iwqT2UGxcgfXoaQ9uvQNuJjB7bMX3saAxrJUuFrPiqwaVfm0s7-v7nqt_ol8n20cn3qZsOg3SLjXv14ytMT32Cg07AFUo_dPWmzy7K6ouyq6HGiggVRzEN_RcrIIploXCndGQ/s320/IMG_9958.JPG" width="213" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ6l-Aq-HZ-uNMyvrMzLJ4NVL-ej9yVp75l1VRu6aiw8quwKJIQrVXMDonqebvpu-kmefzuLeplXXAn5w0Dl2OV36JRSaEF3Vo4EhSr6-KtSuXJeAvcesRiT8NVQwSAvueX3hXKatGdEnxe23QkQDjuvwxLasgcRxX2smkvfTXKiO2Zvajpuu5CGnTAQ/s4032/IMG_9683.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ6l-Aq-HZ-uNMyvrMzLJ4NVL-ej9yVp75l1VRu6aiw8quwKJIQrVXMDonqebvpu-kmefzuLeplXXAn5w0Dl2OV36JRSaEF3Vo4EhSr6-KtSuXJeAvcesRiT8NVQwSAvueX3hXKatGdEnxe23QkQDjuvwxLasgcRxX2smkvfTXKiO2Zvajpuu5CGnTAQ/s320/IMG_9683.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="color: #93c47d;">Where to stay in Onomichi</span></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;">If you plan on staying overnight in Onomichi, check out the newly built <u><b><a href="https://www.beacon-onomichi.com/stay/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #6fa8dc;">Hotel Beacon Onomichi</span></a></b></u>. It’s attached to the station, and the types of rooms are very well-designed. My favorite one is the room that comes with bike racks, perfect for the cycling enthusiast. There are also rooms with Japanese traditional designs and bunkbed rooms, too. Within the hotel is a restaurant which serves healthy food local to the region.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM_5tnMwXowdwM2Kmono5wBXBmLV3kKXDaelVrb5nZi-9WsQckoKCvMk6DyGLY3Vw4AQT0BzG2XttxX4jIMiRuXLERLirtD5mrX6tU4SeB2nvo1M1jLYuXBvrd2iabLZ574JKIX23d6hGhprgxYcrehxYehEdSikUceD0TdYi3bNJzUgFSAl1gOWO7Rw/s4032/IMG_9767.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM_5tnMwXowdwM2Kmono5wBXBmLV3kKXDaelVrb5nZi-9WsQckoKCvMk6DyGLY3Vw4AQT0BzG2XttxX4jIMiRuXLERLirtD5mrX6tU4SeB2nvo1M1jLYuXBvrd2iabLZ574JKIX23d6hGhprgxYcrehxYehEdSikUceD0TdYi3bNJzUgFSAl1gOWO7Rw/s320/IMG_9767.JPG" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8wR4t0nRiLJe9DLI4malvnjiNPsKJwgoB1zJxKflXw304ry21M81GmPqpjXlTdiU2dtNNIUtyafoCnmkirEf0k85AB1E5PjW9-itiYsnuVNDthVaDz2Zp714Or9sn20_RxtHkaZBO5pKF4fFQHsiNnQzakZ2k11lndKJv7_RcmOWX3mXPaiHaE2RJWA/s6621/IMG_9968.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6621" data-original-width="4414" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8wR4t0nRiLJe9DLI4malvnjiNPsKJwgoB1zJxKflXw304ry21M81GmPqpjXlTdiU2dtNNIUtyafoCnmkirEf0k85AB1E5PjW9-itiYsnuVNDthVaDz2Zp714Or9sn20_RxtHkaZBO5pKF4fFQHsiNnQzakZ2k11lndKJv7_RcmOWX3mXPaiHaE2RJWA/s320/IMG_9968.JPG" width="213" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="color: #93c47d;">Senkoji Temple and a panoramic view up the cable car</span></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Before taking the ropeway up to Senkoji temple, make sure you download <u><b><a href="https://mt-senkoji-rw.jp/wp/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/catmap2022.png" target="_blank"><span style="color: #6fa8dc;">this map</span></a></b></u> first for the cat trail. There are many cats in Senkoji area and cute little cafes along the way. Take the ropeway up, check out the PEAK observation deck where you can see the train line, then take a leisurely hike down so you can take a closer look at all the different temples and look for cute cats along the way.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-omXmFi4FpnkE8R6Cx5_js8UhP5T4h3c0am5BzY43zra5xd1cuyNgKm9uuJ4wvnPU0TqkRGsEO5oFt6MzYTTR1tJLS-eljCo5QwLo5ZhrfF_V_pw2RiFRFdx_uH-vj03QEqeZ6zHaNEKUSsNd8ehI2EfxLavGfiQbsFbBxD6wChANg4aiI0YpLOpSUw/s6799/IMG_9973.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6799" data-original-width="4533" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-omXmFi4FpnkE8R6Cx5_js8UhP5T4h3c0am5BzY43zra5xd1cuyNgKm9uuJ4wvnPU0TqkRGsEO5oFt6MzYTTR1tJLS-eljCo5QwLo5ZhrfF_V_pw2RiFRFdx_uH-vj03QEqeZ6zHaNEKUSsNd8ehI2EfxLavGfiQbsFbBxD6wChANg4aiI0YpLOpSUw/s320/IMG_9973.JPG" width="213" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwJHD4QEMg_bq1Of7tZprni3rlBtpo1qMkzC1JY0YbMoDdpjYuOTv-YIhIZfCuODqkIW1yuIWH_bS0UyLwfSj7nWhjmoX4ThFzGlsWo0TzE5BIWGtTK82qNfqAcC1yIfTQwnlslz6LevtqIMkDKAkkpBRxUO8RMqo0jC6KAUFzEF9I0LWx0AKIIO1uSw/s5900/IMG_9983.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5900" data-original-width="3933" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwJHD4QEMg_bq1Of7tZprni3rlBtpo1qMkzC1JY0YbMoDdpjYuOTv-YIhIZfCuODqkIW1yuIWH_bS0UyLwfSj7nWhjmoX4ThFzGlsWo0TzE5BIWGtTK82qNfqAcC1yIfTQwnlslz6LevtqIMkDKAkkpBRxUO8RMqo0jC6KAUFzEF9I0LWx0AKIIO1uSw/s320/IMG_9983.JPG" width="213" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBYBnj7b_IZsvOerp3o_pyKRF1Z3dBcSf49x1ZDoIe09YvQPMxxd43sVheB_34n1wkU5Wre7ww7hokbTc-KYX1FZubU1GL25gICDdBdZ_93nfzkUHjzPayIJVLeKlkCKiLal0lsR3Dkca3LlnXXQXbr1nOTfYYWpJn5Q6nJEwukI84XJlXnk-lk4k41A/s4032/IMG_2306.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBYBnj7b_IZsvOerp3o_pyKRF1Z3dBcSf49x1ZDoIe09YvQPMxxd43sVheB_34n1wkU5Wre7ww7hokbTc-KYX1FZubU1GL25gICDdBdZ_93nfzkUHjzPayIJVLeKlkCKiLal0lsR3Dkca3LlnXXQXbr1nOTfYYWpJn5Q6nJEwukI84XJlXnk-lk4k41A/s320/IMG_2306.JPG" width="240" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfnPUpLiuiAi3YobZlpv_NBC8Ap-D_AP9MzvHDxihZHSQpWkdhHqp5eX0OP6LyBBNK7cAaOQ0u4ZAVRcw_djUL9ub2Zb2qVbRAGTzDK9VheA5EKi7h-6967CRCEyusbjy6iduKS_QWEkdDH0lhHkbUNYya0mgY3APt1yEvNUuFoTSzKdeCgHj2hWPGFw/s6918/IMG_9978.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6918" data-original-width="4612" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfnPUpLiuiAi3YobZlpv_NBC8Ap-D_AP9MzvHDxihZHSQpWkdhHqp5eX0OP6LyBBNK7cAaOQ0u4ZAVRcw_djUL9ub2Zb2qVbRAGTzDK9VheA5EKi7h-6967CRCEyusbjy6iduKS_QWEkdDH0lhHkbUNYya0mgY3APt1yEvNUuFoTSzKdeCgHj2hWPGFw/s320/IMG_9978.JPG" width="213" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #93c47d;"><b>Travel back in time at the shotengai of Onomichi</b></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;">At the bottom of the ropeway, you’ll cross the train line and get to the shotengai or shopping street area. It’s charming with lots of retro shops that take you back in time. There’s even a sento themed restaurant and a kissaten (old-school Japanese café). I’d recommend to give yourself lots of time to stroll down here and browse all the interesting shops here.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzov27v7H9QMcwcmhi8_Px9Kf_h59-iwVnTwtZQi4evONcp1-6avSyPqD9PbxVcdxdXlZmi4-LZRSYjb2CA0bKIrCjsQ7do1388TcOZlHUefGsGv5Vkdz_LGj_7uj7W8DjWSTbfn6uCxvLnya96PPsyYaBmtInwbrBdTT9ibeab55SVtKgRh-ohMntJw/s6960/IMG_0003.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6960" data-original-width="4640" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzov27v7H9QMcwcmhi8_Px9Kf_h59-iwVnTwtZQi4evONcp1-6avSyPqD9PbxVcdxdXlZmi4-LZRSYjb2CA0bKIrCjsQ7do1388TcOZlHUefGsGv5Vkdz_LGj_7uj7W8DjWSTbfn6uCxvLnya96PPsyYaBmtInwbrBdTT9ibeab55SVtKgRh-ohMntJw/s320/IMG_0003.JPG" width="213" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_Ga6HWP5NfWxuQyjBoRTyjnFTwSQyNO8h9Ybch95oueOQGM9iUcusWrI8QgWriQSvKMcO1CFhs5LRvYILYAsBlF7wbMHbGiokDaIgC8_EKSTDedzssTaj8VtYh5wBs0s0qaKj0nnCn6pGK1E7IZPW5vkvu0qYta1xPiiwZq17Bx3PbZllo0aD-GM8mA/s4032/IMG_9867.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_Ga6HWP5NfWxuQyjBoRTyjnFTwSQyNO8h9Ybch95oueOQGM9iUcusWrI8QgWriQSvKMcO1CFhs5LRvYILYAsBlF7wbMHbGiokDaIgC8_EKSTDedzssTaj8VtYh5wBs0s0qaKj0nnCn6pGK1E7IZPW5vkvu0qYta1xPiiwZq17Bx3PbZllo0aD-GM8mA/s320/IMG_9867.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">From Onomichi, we took a ferry over to Setoda Island, but that is a location I’ll dive into in part 2.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="color: #b45f06;">Fukuyama City 福山市 - finding the only Japanese castle right next to a Shinkansen stop</span></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Just 20 minutes east on the train from Onomichi is the second largest city in Hiroshima. It’s a major transportation hub with 4 types of Shinkansen trains stopping there (Nozomi, Hikari, Kyuushu Shinkansen and Kodama). But perhaps the coolest thing is, it also has the only Japanese castle that is right next to a Shinkansen station. On top of that, Fukuyama Castle is also the only castle in Japan built with iron plates, giving it a dual color look. It was built over 400 years ago in 1622, and the original castle stood until heavy bombings in WWII destroyed most of the building. It was rebuilt in 1966 to celebrate recovery from WWII, and the inside is a museum with lots of cool interactive activities to simulate life in the past.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIUpcc4qo6h9HH70ybxG_w4H4m2os-1ojvbwihtrLb2BmimHcltCt1xkL9JCMUUe9MLxCgIvWueH3qgik_9BLXwYlDysA1GBoX6gKOmAr5Mi7he-Dpynf4_XUcsKjxdSJzaIqUodfEBiGnJBrGOwLR9W1paeJ5rWgkbspZFf6qD-4urx5ScBLDyB4tAg/s6960/IMG_0433.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6960" data-original-width="4640" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIUpcc4qo6h9HH70ybxG_w4H4m2os-1ojvbwihtrLb2BmimHcltCt1xkL9JCMUUe9MLxCgIvWueH3qgik_9BLXwYlDysA1GBoX6gKOmAr5Mi7he-Dpynf4_XUcsKjxdSJzaIqUodfEBiGnJBrGOwLR9W1paeJ5rWgkbspZFf6qD-4urx5ScBLDyB4tAg/s320/IMG_0433.JPG" width="213" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii2sXKN8-KsfU0N-YPwm6sHPD1uyzXO7KkP6Pb5rc2hj5M8Fcg3oySFphT9bnjR-wIWHtjBt8lxQAmuKCZpQAKArn9YzELK-I-lvMQzVS9Ys30wdjo82MnPFuwWdsLI9_VZ6FxTNKzVl4mbXYXBC0AAqvYGc86V9QeU3c9g0hjVuWjqQOnbe--w0EBiQ/s6960/IMG_0449.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6960" data-original-width="4640" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii2sXKN8-KsfU0N-YPwm6sHPD1uyzXO7KkP6Pb5rc2hj5M8Fcg3oySFphT9bnjR-wIWHtjBt8lxQAmuKCZpQAKArn9YzELK-I-lvMQzVS9Ys30wdjo82MnPFuwWdsLI9_VZ6FxTNKzVl4mbXYXBC0AAqvYGc86V9QeU3c9g0hjVuWjqQOnbe--w0EBiQ/s320/IMG_0449.JPG" width="213" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="color: #990000;">Hiroshima City 広島市</span></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">3 Quick facts about Hiroshima:</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><ul><li>There are three UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Hiroshima - the Atomic Bomb Dome, Miyajima Island, and Itsukushima Shrine</li><li>Most famous dish in Hiroshima is Okonomiyaki</li><li>The population of Hiroshima is just over 1 million, about the same number of foreign tourists visiting each year</li></ul></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="color: #990000;">Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park</span></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;">On August 6th, 1945, the first atomic bomb was dropped onto the city of Hiroshima. The 15,000 tons of TNT force from the bomb devastated the city and killed 140,000. Because the bomb detonated 240m above the city, some structures such as the Atomic Bomb dome (formerly the Hiroshima Prefectural Industrial Promotion Hall) kept its structure. After the war, Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park was established around the dome. When visiting Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, here are a few key spots you should visit:</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><ul><li>A-Bomb Dome</li><li>Children’s Peace Monument</li><li>Rest House (You can enter the building, there was one survivor who was in the basement which is preserved as the day it was bombed)</li><li>Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum</li><li>Peace Flame</li></ul></div><div style="text-align: justify;">It was definitely difficult to visit the Memorial Park as the heavy sadness of history echoed through each location we went to. However, I do think it’s essential as it is an important part of Hiroshima’s history as a city. Despite the devastation, power was restored the very next day and water pumps repaired within 4 days. Trams were up and running on the 3rd day post-bombing and rebuilding of the buildings that were flattened was completed within 3-4 years.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0cMv-J_i6eZTXKfagdnwlKYpz2o9iKlBl0NvqUQDN68vmuiBKAwqa6CWWOy2z9sH0EKKrW5dMO3sg3ws928gI26_13FiC8OJKWVxBirj6dPustDxIbsWGsHy0ZrxbdTVoPSBQsX5t4dYnO41jV71vmrzqTZCDHxvWu29Hwe1PFPrK-jvTpzZL3X64cw/s6952/IMG_0984.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6952" data-original-width="3911" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0cMv-J_i6eZTXKfagdnwlKYpz2o9iKlBl0NvqUQDN68vmuiBKAwqa6CWWOy2z9sH0EKKrW5dMO3sg3ws928gI26_13FiC8OJKWVxBirj6dPustDxIbsWGsHy0ZrxbdTVoPSBQsX5t4dYnO41jV71vmrzqTZCDHxvWu29Hwe1PFPrK-jvTpzZL3X64cw/s320/IMG_0984.JPG" width="180" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-mAiVfBnh0MJ9k9USdPzMQo5yOJqNSP_yqaUCHxADQ8ZoRDxeICTy4AyMzzZsAPnm4AaWKWfdgPTuMVr6aiAyMctDVdgDWaAxDsDk5yDGlcadu9XtOwkfUJMHVqrnOHblbOynLClOBbVEVUX8zqkY4mVD70PccqA-E4Tm4--BiEo3wHhLFo0ZT7RvkQ/s6960/IMG_1012.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6960" data-original-width="4640" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-mAiVfBnh0MJ9k9USdPzMQo5yOJqNSP_yqaUCHxADQ8ZoRDxeICTy4AyMzzZsAPnm4AaWKWfdgPTuMVr6aiAyMctDVdgDWaAxDsDk5yDGlcadu9XtOwkfUJMHVqrnOHblbOynLClOBbVEVUX8zqkY4mVD70PccqA-E4Tm4--BiEo3wHhLFo0ZT7RvkQ/s320/IMG_1012.JPG" width="213" /></a> </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="color: #990000;">Finding peace and looking towards the future with Orizuru Tower</span></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;">A place to visit after the memorial park is Orizuru Tower. It brings a lot of hope for the future and is a nice way to continue learning about Hiroshima. At the very top is a rooftop bar with a view of the river and A-bomb dome below. You can fold paper cranes, a symbol of peace, and drop it down the side of Orizuru Tower which now has a collection of over 300,000 paper cranes from visitors. The outer wall of this tower has a different mural by local artists on each floor, all symbolizing peace and hope. You can walk down the stairs or take the cute slide down each floor.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKAzcU5BJdWbx-2Zwl4O1_CsZiqg9mZUsfO-JzFkqCaux_XKdMGt_xNH-0wzvOxPrPVCxstWkGGyIbXwT8ErfFc23v_yCdYpfi3uJApiWbrVjAMgy9PiO1kznFV9nDhcEC7lzKn8u5r3NooFRjE8n_iyx1DgigEWj5AuOntbOiJgbVrXCY-i_J2WwdKA/s6960/IMG_1016.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6960" data-original-width="4640" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKAzcU5BJdWbx-2Zwl4O1_CsZiqg9mZUsfO-JzFkqCaux_XKdMGt_xNH-0wzvOxPrPVCxstWkGGyIbXwT8ErfFc23v_yCdYpfi3uJApiWbrVjAMgy9PiO1kznFV9nDhcEC7lzKn8u5r3NooFRjE8n_iyx1DgigEWj5AuOntbOiJgbVrXCY-i_J2WwdKA/s320/IMG_1016.JPG" width="213" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzuScBbOUlqSw5nqh9InQVmZ8Zqg4OcfIXw48meYqs0QnDmM2JeFyznVGlAk948315DuanElKCxyZMGy9AIDw_KN5GLJmfs4Nox2J-Tw1wSo8y1dwILZ0PAf4Omm9E_h0phxp8SJPQ3GIUd1nY_wqYugFRfuSmA7VC_tbLtKp9EARnSMzVqPp48uNicQ/s4032/IMG_0810.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="326" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzuScBbOUlqSw5nqh9InQVmZ8Zqg4OcfIXw48meYqs0QnDmM2JeFyznVGlAk948315DuanElKCxyZMGy9AIDw_KN5GLJmfs4Nox2J-Tw1wSo8y1dwILZ0PAf4Omm9E_h0phxp8SJPQ3GIUd1nY_wqYugFRfuSmA7VC_tbLtKp9EARnSMzVqPp48uNicQ/w434-h326/IMG_0810.HEIC" width="434" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="color: #990000;">Hiroshima Naka Incineration Plant, an unexpected place for a gorgeous view</span></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;">One place that really took me by surprise is the Hiroshima Naka Incineration Plant. An incineration plan is a place where treatment of waste is done. Now before you scroll past, it’s not what you think. We didn’t go look at piles of trash. We were greeted with a gorgeous floor to ceiling view of the ocean. Architecture enthusiasts have known about this place long before it became famous from the movie “Drive My Car”. It was hard to not appreciate all the symmetry in the building’s design.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvzErfznlkhby1JF6bMmtWZqb5iVIXQeFm7yAHoh8r48l_8DV_bK2BDsEQvIY_ygMQgv7wqVZzdnlExT74u5ULuZbM0bDrJe2Kv6YlFj_s6Bd1Nb1akEIY-B7WimzAuUCDMBKGZUOET0Y9IAzBb2Weo-JkZOxVqkcMOZ5O2tFZ4NxxjGwpco0YHWehFA/s6372/IMG_1029.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6372" data-original-width="4248" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvzErfznlkhby1JF6bMmtWZqb5iVIXQeFm7yAHoh8r48l_8DV_bK2BDsEQvIY_ygMQgv7wqVZzdnlExT74u5ULuZbM0bDrJe2Kv6YlFj_s6Bd1Nb1akEIY-B7WimzAuUCDMBKGZUOET0Y9IAzBb2Weo-JkZOxVqkcMOZ5O2tFZ4NxxjGwpco0YHWehFA/s320/IMG_1029.JPG" width="213" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKG68S51Lzdjgq_OOhajKwDpLH18hjCkUTpZa8w2JZKAcA_xYixTWRQfjKr0QYh-TwYMd4zSZ097FlzTpPMiKlbrEWA0fUs-73jHA2EkUaWQ1Bh4jRzlyhHlnMOQTYbmrj-55wo-0B0Qqg5990-kJHTVvXeajn6iuokpvESKfajLISq-HDRuR9P0AUwg/s6960/IMG_1041.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6960" data-original-width="4640" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKG68S51Lzdjgq_OOhajKwDpLH18hjCkUTpZa8w2JZKAcA_xYixTWRQfjKr0QYh-TwYMd4zSZ097FlzTpPMiKlbrEWA0fUs-73jHA2EkUaWQ1Bh4jRzlyhHlnMOQTYbmrj-55wo-0B0Qqg5990-kJHTVvXeajn6iuokpvESKfajLISq-HDRuR9P0AUwg/s320/IMG_1041.JPG" width="213" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2Mwi7mBJZXlPIGi7Tb6CkpNS1cm3YA-9UY6V9sffoiVUVGbmOWjStA3DScHL-jg4nl7JyAsLAotRlJGPN0T6X_M3KzEu_vq9i2XJOJAtXvzvc0WltrI4Cy1CisiZoUakQj5SO5p1XgCCJB-SuDHHdrtsf-O7bdKw9WnxiuRiVqL_J1ibSxYomzGqz-Q/s4032/IMG_1990.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="367" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2Mwi7mBJZXlPIGi7Tb6CkpNS1cm3YA-9UY6V9sffoiVUVGbmOWjStA3DScHL-jg4nl7JyAsLAotRlJGPN0T6X_M3KzEu_vq9i2XJOJAtXvzvc0WltrI4Cy1CisiZoUakQj5SO5p1XgCCJB-SuDHHdrtsf-O7bdKw9WnxiuRiVqL_J1ibSxYomzGqz-Q/w275-h367/IMG_1990.JPG" width="275" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #990000;"><b>All about food: Oysters and Okonomiyaki</b></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Hiroshima is the largest producer of oysters in Japan, suppling over two-thirds of Japan’s oysters. There are 5 different ways you can eat these oysters in Hiroshima: raw, fried in tempura batter, grilled, steamed, and served in a miso hotpot. An affordable restaurant that serves these delicious oysters is Oyster bar Mabui. It’s located in Fukuromachi of Hiroshima city, and the restaurant is a cozy 2-floor space featuring a long bar. You can opt for the all-you-can-drink menu which has both Japanese and western beverages. For those who don’t eat oysters, this restaurant has other options such as chicken and vegetarian dishes.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGYhOrPUqs-rMoLRu5HfkqqDSA99zqIFtBQCMjE8GiWO87yt14exG7v5cj9R-pWyUT8WfsbjrsiasigbpYzv9xS0Secw8NTESnFIN_KfrtbfHSBOXkAGZz-JU6nriL1wD45L8zMsO5Q-nqrAqOstDd2AIchB5oGW1hfcpF67E7uMpH7bFUGlmFzifEDQ/s6960/IMG_1022.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4640" data-original-width="6960" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGYhOrPUqs-rMoLRu5HfkqqDSA99zqIFtBQCMjE8GiWO87yt14exG7v5cj9R-pWyUT8WfsbjrsiasigbpYzv9xS0Secw8NTESnFIN_KfrtbfHSBOXkAGZz-JU6nriL1wD45L8zMsO5Q-nqrAqOstDd2AIchB5oGW1hfcpF67E7uMpH7bFUGlmFzifEDQ/s320/IMG_1022.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-L5G-yRuhSSDWOFql-osFZ2w_RBx1sOjVA6hffw689nY8kQn02B-VwjtEx9U0lelJrIoOQGiPVgPdq4qgTbME85pgQVeLq0QoHlFjeAXWiFNq_Yq2P0sF9KTp7hnJA6Ut7flmf00r1klb_s3fB7U8JTznF3VQBZcNNDW9ViQQCRdGB1L_lwsUSJGlIg/s6960/IMG_1020.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4640" data-original-width="6960" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-L5G-yRuhSSDWOFql-osFZ2w_RBx1sOjVA6hffw689nY8kQn02B-VwjtEx9U0lelJrIoOQGiPVgPdq4qgTbME85pgQVeLq0QoHlFjeAXWiFNq_Yq2P0sF9KTp7hnJA6Ut7flmf00r1klb_s3fB7U8JTznF3VQBZcNNDW9ViQQCRdGB1L_lwsUSJGlIg/s320/IMG_1020.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Another dish Hiroshima is famous for is their Okonomiyaki. Different from the Osaka style Okonomiyaki, the Hiroshima style is packed with noodles and made in pancake-like layers. You’ll usually find within Okonomiyaki, pork and mayonnaise, which not everyone is keen on eating. That’s why Okosta Okonomiyaki right by Hiroshima station is the perfect choice. It’s a restaurant where you make your Okonomiyaki yourself while guided by English-speaking staff. You can make a reservation and pick vegetarian and halal options, making this very accessible and friendly to the international crowd.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP5k5GubrywipEQbrObb9C1PLdOLss2dYexQ3hu1dW7Hzomxc-lkWAyk-Su_45GmzSAylpH3wK6TBfZFErXj-rsSQ-XVL7Coh5O9m5iXhYuCyBvyixoEBboePdCLbw3NzbXK5KGRY2iQwMLHO0GI6wx_EtiG5SmCg7PiMZpShYJaHre7urWzasyCqxWQ/s3874/IMG_9020.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3874" data-original-width="2905" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP5k5GubrywipEQbrObb9C1PLdOLss2dYexQ3hu1dW7Hzomxc-lkWAyk-Su_45GmzSAylpH3wK6TBfZFErXj-rsSQ-XVL7Coh5O9m5iXhYuCyBvyixoEBboePdCLbw3NzbXK5KGRY2iQwMLHO0GI6wx_EtiG5SmCg7PiMZpShYJaHre7urWzasyCqxWQ/s320/IMG_9020.JPG" width="240" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGy3nk486-THAJpuBibbZLePzmZ_Dz1dsSWa-SkhhJCy8ej3_CclQhmQHbJJ1Q_CCXQmy3zhRDi_Lo4vMYCkbUeZuzybg_6QMR5OCCU4c7q0s7T9IwPDqSZxkQgSLBxt5CjwaVgjze5b1ZErFPgxxp2scpF8fkvzxrXabbGX0wrlnycP4Kffa58EqGCQ/s3088/IMG_1246.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3088" data-original-width="1736" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGy3nk486-THAJpuBibbZLePzmZ_Dz1dsSWa-SkhhJCy8ej3_CclQhmQHbJJ1Q_CCXQmy3zhRDi_Lo4vMYCkbUeZuzybg_6QMR5OCCU4c7q0s7T9IwPDqSZxkQgSLBxt5CjwaVgjze5b1ZErFPgxxp2scpF8fkvzxrXabbGX0wrlnycP4Kffa58EqGCQ/s320/IMG_1246.JPG" width="180" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #990000;"><b>Where to stay in Hiroshima: Hilton</b></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;">There are so many options for hotels in Hiroshima, but only recently built and selected as a host venue for the G7 meetings is Hilton Hiroshima. This gorgeous hotel features a lot of colors and patterns that represent Hiroshima and Seto Inland Sea. From the blue-wave pattern carpets to the pool with tori-gate-like reflections, staying at the Hilton will not only give you comfort but also the warmth and beauty of Setouchi region.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="color: #e69138;">Miyajima 宮島</span></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;">The world is very familiar with Miyajima and its large red tori gate in the sea. It recently went under 3 years of construction and completed in December of 2022. Since this is a well-traveled location, and information is readily available in English online, I won’t go in-depth with facts, but instead will give you some key points of how to make your experience better.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><ul><li>Ferry: take the JR train to Miyajimaguchi Station (26min) then take a short ferry across. It’s the most efficient way to get on the island.</li><li>Low tide, high tide: The tide changes 4 times a day. I’d recommend getting onto the island by 9:30am to see low tide, and experience high tide around noon. Tide timings is listed at the entrance of Itsukushima shrine</li><li>Take a rickshaw: EBISUYA is a well-known rickshaw company which operates all around Japan. You can book a 1 block tour (12mins) from the ferry pier to the shrine starting at ¥4,000 (1pax) or ¥5,000 (2pax). Add ¥1,000 for an English guide. <a href="https://ebisuya.com/en/service/index.html"><span style="color: #6fa8dc;">https://ebisuya.com/en/service/index.html</span></a></li></ul><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn3Ijxu7mimaTDJbZB5JXrUUG4T2Xat3GKAf9uDtbIFfaJbrtTySzdd1F1QqA8yxhOwF7dnS4NS_GFUIkgaJzSvoa0su0NJ1wrZSQRwQ79rfeKjDvcvXoyJTUCjW3TSGfcz-k9C0nWaW0CZ_gyuMko--wk_1dX-IEAcQxOIumQy0ViDZ5qdCCz-hX0ag/s4008/IMG_1437.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4008" data-original-width="3006" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn3Ijxu7mimaTDJbZB5JXrUUG4T2Xat3GKAf9uDtbIFfaJbrtTySzdd1F1QqA8yxhOwF7dnS4NS_GFUIkgaJzSvoa0su0NJ1wrZSQRwQ79rfeKjDvcvXoyJTUCjW3TSGfcz-k9C0nWaW0CZ_gyuMko--wk_1dX-IEAcQxOIumQy0ViDZ5qdCCz-hX0ag/s320/IMG_1437.JPG" width="240" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvdT1d7KN3zDo0yzow4BuPxHwFozi_YVvsBI6SuBvcP5nUZf4W-uVdF2qZZXpbwEE2az6rJFt73IepVM1_DsAr5HpTsWmy08kUW0PHi5Y-7MPpoyzPeiN5B1Iv8-qp-8eF-kI_HxT_gVizmPvjOxKR7Vgb1VqqhBFO8Fx9gX6piKPFvA2qPNMPMWXBtA/s4032/IMG_2194.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvdT1d7KN3zDo0yzow4BuPxHwFozi_YVvsBI6SuBvcP5nUZf4W-uVdF2qZZXpbwEE2az6rJFt73IepVM1_DsAr5HpTsWmy08kUW0PHi5Y-7MPpoyzPeiN5B1Iv8-qp-8eF-kI_HxT_gVizmPvjOxKR7Vgb1VqqhBFO8Fx9gX6piKPFvA2qPNMPMWXBtA/s320/IMG_2194.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhGiG38aNRn-pNZ5rD5eYaoJBb0Sg8UvpCdaUV2kxicyddDUNvx1omEyDl5R_ik7-iy0VNQvcvWKhmTD2EyLW6eqjE8MYw-c2qgr-AXZcbdjtvlY9ms-V4b7-3IuL2udf9h0ca1Clg5bhsEA0tTnC9UMwXvfpxAbA_g7q-BLOjvemX7F2u6ndjca8s4Q/s6960/IMG_1866.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4640" data-original-width="6960" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhGiG38aNRn-pNZ5rD5eYaoJBb0Sg8UvpCdaUV2kxicyddDUNvx1omEyDl5R_ik7-iy0VNQvcvWKhmTD2EyLW6eqjE8MYw-c2qgr-AXZcbdjtvlY9ms-V4b7-3IuL2udf9h0ca1Clg5bhsEA0tTnC9UMwXvfpxAbA_g7q-BLOjvemX7F2u6ndjca8s4Q/s320/IMG_1866.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><ul><li>Temple: Other than Itsukushima shrine, there’s also a temple called Daishoin. It features many buddha statues on a hill and has a tea house offering tea ceremonies if you enquire in advance</li><li>Shopping for souvenir: Miyajima Omotesando Shotengai is a stretch of small restaurants and shops. Leave yourself plenty of time here as there is so much to browse! Make sure you try the Momiji manju which is a famous bean-filled pastry of Miyajima.</li></ul></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMm2Fp4hQDx2jjStvqp63PlJIVjVkxlubtQCrEO6-Xjadt9XJADX2YH2cli9CLpwEpbMeYzsiEri3ZQFXleYd1siHhQfqUlp36KYyaZMRv1CheXjDhbHPU6Kk8vQLH7gIo7ZWHGcKJQCCVKBz-YjM7rCrENlCfOOP59os2stzw2Uvy-aqUU-nIQhrunw/s4032/IMG_1461.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMm2Fp4hQDx2jjStvqp63PlJIVjVkxlubtQCrEO6-Xjadt9XJADX2YH2cli9CLpwEpbMeYzsiEri3ZQFXleYd1siHhQfqUlp36KYyaZMRv1CheXjDhbHPU6Kk8vQLH7gIo7ZWHGcKJQCCVKBz-YjM7rCrENlCfOOP59os2stzw2Uvy-aqUU-nIQhrunw/s320/IMG_1461.JPG" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3pBYZ__6Ko_t2t5Fi9yeq9xm1nDXz0j3jARBkWp036J4igW-y2Kv5oCetqHH6HQAWBmbSQBRfz0IYGaxjK1QHxHPPpssnzEitb26TasXdyI3WQNXUWS2n7wOMM8RnH4ANsHcOKZWvVixuZNHowBuwavfDnat_YDBc1FnMTD6I_qwmUY8oo22XvJUdLg/s4032/IMG_1500.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3pBYZ__6Ko_t2t5Fi9yeq9xm1nDXz0j3jARBkWp036J4igW-y2Kv5oCetqHH6HQAWBmbSQBRfz0IYGaxjK1QHxHPPpssnzEitb26TasXdyI3WQNXUWS2n7wOMM8RnH4ANsHcOKZWvVixuZNHowBuwavfDnat_YDBc1FnMTD6I_qwmUY8oo22XvJUdLg/s320/IMG_1500.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy1w3H_hHvm6Dif_QMIQ9Ecj54loR3qjQqCFf2dfqSnoSn--Ob4QfgntgEw__rIWxxzBptFgwEkSm7G-_ff8CcsYAQ1znPmUEi0o7jOROftu-wYP0VPl0S6itsefxSrTjEbHN66TOR2AuDiLjYQv2s_qZceFF05knPwRZDi5rRJcYVSo52UF58XdL-iQ/s4032/IMG_1509.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy1w3H_hHvm6Dif_QMIQ9Ecj54loR3qjQqCFf2dfqSnoSn--Ob4QfgntgEw__rIWxxzBptFgwEkSm7G-_ff8CcsYAQ1znPmUEi0o7jOROftu-wYP0VPl0S6itsefxSrTjEbHN66TOR2AuDiLjYQv2s_qZceFF05knPwRZDi5rRJcYVSo52UF58XdL-iQ/s320/IMG_1509.JPG" width="240" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj93EmS5RSV3VYLKFcHwEru6HmGv-NbYIxpMdR63kbflA0XB6ykOtzTfJFoLMUyq2fMUH-fX6NnAJdwC-No79n9sBIGc0erxqH3jWOXwmi4rkAEUFCN_WbqjJqKJJvM1ok3dOl8-woQL4xJjSxzqaxLpYj5wgWwZIHZ4WP1oIEnGqLZV2pVZYmyreJdxg/s6960/IMG_1967.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6960" data-original-width="4640" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj93EmS5RSV3VYLKFcHwEru6HmGv-NbYIxpMdR63kbflA0XB6ykOtzTfJFoLMUyq2fMUH-fX6NnAJdwC-No79n9sBIGc0erxqH3jWOXwmi4rkAEUFCN_WbqjJqKJJvM1ok3dOl8-woQL4xJjSxzqaxLpYj5wgWwZIHZ4WP1oIEnGqLZV2pVZYmyreJdxg/s320/IMG_1967.JPG" width="213" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieW2lGNtt6fJZ24HV0EeQOF2j8-2meCcRO0k3E6rQuykyzsXsX7BqdUJCkcMMkI122kMug7bqjG-rEjmHfH9McyQtxcmtcDJY9vz81o9jVn7OGIQRpFnjWhjK4W2uXVs3hhQrGCPt91BG415J8vMcE8J-jQWdcL56j-jgAIJBjwdYZKKCV6G-eTFykRg/s6960/IMG_1920.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6960" data-original-width="4640" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieW2lGNtt6fJZ24HV0EeQOF2j8-2meCcRO0k3E6rQuykyzsXsX7BqdUJCkcMMkI122kMug7bqjG-rEjmHfH9McyQtxcmtcDJY9vz81o9jVn7OGIQRpFnjWhjK4W2uXVs3hhQrGCPt91BG415J8vMcE8J-jQWdcL56j-jgAIJBjwdYZKKCV6G-eTFykRg/s320/IMG_1920.JPG" width="213" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkDl71hUrITkRPwAEUFgf8Rq6CGtAvPP5Z0Lrx2ee09Ed45X_0MIPzpX8zmqFxesKizRT-3HeFfPSmLgAVL7pbPn8Z__mKs2nddZ2PriW6FdqBr6lpARuCDLWo0CAQhqceQAvyVVP1dleLQ7YZvSSm3uDLW3nTyfo4ZagxFp4UHord8myp9XldqD0I0Q/s6960/IMG_1952.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="6960" data-original-width="4640" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkDl71hUrITkRPwAEUFgf8Rq6CGtAvPP5Z0Lrx2ee09Ed45X_0MIPzpX8zmqFxesKizRT-3HeFfPSmLgAVL7pbPn8Z__mKs2nddZ2PriW6FdqBr6lpARuCDLWo0CAQhqceQAvyVVP1dleLQ7YZvSSm3uDLW3nTyfo4ZagxFp4UHord8myp9XldqD0I0Q/s320/IMG_1952.JPG" width="213" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="text-align: justify;">Now you have a basic understanding of the most famous experiences Hiroshima have to offer. If you are still looking for more, or a different type of experience, continue to part 2.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="text-align: justify;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Follow me on instagram <b><a href="http://@ariel.land"><span style="color: #e06666;">@ariel.land</span></a></b> for more Japan insights</div></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://instagram.com/ariel.land" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="4160" data-original-width="1656" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI9SH77Ru9dWZUC0bHbgEGxEoKlZKkLhAJVIdCKuiINYi3Y1EOKTBH0cAA_0ID3uug2vAyGwfE045-tFkvKEYnn48OR2vBVSRMAKqyc6nogrUjaivaKbcvmPfkeWr_pUbBP-jJasNB23q1Z2rwtkWSAdOj4hZwHozMM2pAL1pRnh1ezPsP6l5qsRh_0A/w254-h640/IMG_2180.JPG" width="254" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div></span>Arielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03509227042293152734noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8124579507526577941.post-29367107979298574522023-01-31T21:39:00.003+08:002024-02-25T16:20:38.533+08:00Atami | Where Cherry Blossoms Bloom in January <p style="text-align: center;"> <a href="http://www.arielland.com/2023/01/atami-where-cherry-blossoms-bloom-in.html" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9dUMC8IIjSiBZg7o0OLzYwxou4QSoHs9rfGbIvdoQ2kAA77FssGgPAiKVfUT91UeN3HNGaUC62tZuLEi6u8fxSY1MVEmrFW0XA4m320fJKxy7hVC_71XVLiHVBn86YcnfDD38bpi_uoSsf_vsEQ4iLQD5BdxnwyvNcxg2YIkSji7rGS0pUlgfoDX5zg/s16000/Atami.png" /></a><br /></p><span><a name='more'></a></span><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Last year in the first week of February, I took a 3-day trip to Atami on the Izu peninsula in Shizuoka prefecture. It's a convenient 70mim train ride from Shinagawa station on the Odoriko express train where you can enjoy the beautiful blue ocean view while passing by the many onsen towns of Izu. </span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQTp3gE7BpDlYl_wrOfS_0a0JK9mwI41WFuMdjd55hRNaMsuFTNKlYYF5VesE3oWWO29nMal6GB03WfCX1cxaAmOD1lMtWRnVmeI8wv0gj27NZXVpWJJR7s1-f-vyGns06G7nzv4gN6iGnTbU3TZcmzxUwb1TxBGnoEullDilbxlxUBRriAgxQHPY4vg/s4032/IMG_4788.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQTp3gE7BpDlYl_wrOfS_0a0JK9mwI41WFuMdjd55hRNaMsuFTNKlYYF5VesE3oWWO29nMal6GB03WfCX1cxaAmOD1lMtWRnVmeI8wv0gj27NZXVpWJJR7s1-f-vyGns06G7nzv4gN6iGnTbU3TZcmzxUwb1TxBGnoEullDilbxlxUBRriAgxQHPY4vg/s320/IMG_4788.JPG" width="240" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC8Q8gFr2wWAr8hrprAbL8gTrS3MWRjML3_TsLuXwxcrJElf36P6qGXfdsnSYSDNe7uChA7rUrGcz_61yY448H0BCcfMYPjpxOF8zp2E-JA8_4mFGCX8C6qdv7iKW20MwJTgg8NTD0K_Cs1cDzv-f45f0EZHSHdLghMWzglnbTz2a5KDUfc_81D0EfNA/s4032/IMG_4766.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC8Q8gFr2wWAr8hrprAbL8gTrS3MWRjML3_TsLuXwxcrJElf36P6qGXfdsnSYSDNe7uChA7rUrGcz_61yY448H0BCcfMYPjpxOF8zp2E-JA8_4mFGCX8C6qdv7iKW20MwJTgg8NTD0K_Cs1cDzv-f45f0EZHSHdLghMWzglnbTz2a5KDUfc_81D0EfNA/s320/IMG_4766.HEIC" width="240" /></a></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEyWLezmntWfXt3pSABjbvYiuaj5n88--eeCXyJuwn_Y9tRqdYvaA_p042TW7zS3EbcrMIYDS91nloWXJqzKAePs6hippnMjtGboOMRhJQJ8Yq-m86nle_jXL4ifO9pTzRtAPrpA-fnlhFCq_Xm8mM40fqlT8ydKrEpg6u-2DXqTX3ET2XExYxU7ENhg/s3648/IMG_R_0005.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3648" data-original-width="2736" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEyWLezmntWfXt3pSABjbvYiuaj5n88--eeCXyJuwn_Y9tRqdYvaA_p042TW7zS3EbcrMIYDS91nloWXJqzKAePs6hippnMjtGboOMRhJQJ8Yq-m86nle_jXL4ifO9pTzRtAPrpA-fnlhFCq_Xm8mM40fqlT8ydKrEpg6u-2DXqTX3ET2XExYxU7ENhg/s320/IMG_R_0005.JPG" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT_Sch611Xne-03StZE32-ZJ0L3TT5IDHZsQ94GwiQAb82P11WLRkB_IQBsEpQmHVLGkMB12IYHHVQiNompENCnMaPzLWrsyHwd6LmKD8wgpDU4BcQ-dLWX0-aE8Oe3AQcg91z8osKillf2JyipNncXARdufzLPYzyyyK0GtoompOW1DlaICltozD_Ow/s4510/IMG_4949.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4510" data-original-width="3007" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT_Sch611Xne-03StZE32-ZJ0L3TT5IDHZsQ94GwiQAb82P11WLRkB_IQBsEpQmHVLGkMB12IYHHVQiNompENCnMaPzLWrsyHwd6LmKD8wgpDU4BcQ-dLWX0-aE8Oe3AQcg91z8osKillf2JyipNncXARdufzLPYzyyyK0GtoompOW1DlaICltozD_Ow/s320/IMG_4949.JPG" width="213" /></a></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b style="font-family: verdana;">Where to stay: LecTore Atami Momoyama </b></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">This is an affordable onsen hotel with large comfortable western style rooms and rooftop outdoor onsens </span><span style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">available. You can use the public bath or the private bath rented by the hour, both have a fantastic view of the ocean. </span></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">They also provide free rental yukata for men, women, and children in various different colors. On a sunny day, you can also head to their rooftop terrace to enjoy a coffee and the ocean breeze. </span></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">It's a short walk from Atami station which has lots of restaurants and a shotengai (shopping street). A night there starts from ¥8,000 JPY. </span></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEQgXkA6L_wykQcp8Q2pPCqoGO6n8eai5Tf-M6fNp8quv6q5Dwihzys2u1CgiRjp-R50V10ZlrbzimNbC1tRBG4p_eSDFGNogrB-fOtZAdzFOWVeaS0gYIxk12OPaWS6mH1gE5w0YulEqRuJeCKC43St3mJeCWhkMdHVXZtpP9k_FZ_5LcfTinUmkDOw/s4471/IMG_4951.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4471" data-original-width="3353" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEQgXkA6L_wykQcp8Q2pPCqoGO6n8eai5Tf-M6fNp8quv6q5Dwihzys2u1CgiRjp-R50V10ZlrbzimNbC1tRBG4p_eSDFGNogrB-fOtZAdzFOWVeaS0gYIxk12OPaWS6mH1gE5w0YulEqRuJeCKC43St3mJeCWhkMdHVXZtpP9k_FZ_5LcfTinUmkDOw/s320/IMG_4951.JPG" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQhje0XbjhBN-TIfE6XpiOT9E7EXALrqQz44BGyBlIlmTaeRBzUsFNb8BdxRDvGZXy0A8IwHgHzAlLKu1WPVnSFxv-KSnrB0I7IWGXhkvgUEnWFq63sAbR4tVJTQlWMooIIv0HOZbRCgGt1DgR58JpqHclxt-z0d0FZdRhpepmiry9Cvwn2H2ufNvmyQ/s3626/IMG_5051.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3626" data-original-width="2736" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQhje0XbjhBN-TIfE6XpiOT9E7EXALrqQz44BGyBlIlmTaeRBzUsFNb8BdxRDvGZXy0A8IwHgHzAlLKu1WPVnSFxv-KSnrB0I7IWGXhkvgUEnWFq63sAbR4tVJTQlWMooIIv0HOZbRCgGt1DgR58JpqHclxt-z0d0FZdRhpepmiry9Cvwn2H2ufNvmyQ/s320/IMG_5051.jpg" width="241" /></a></div><span style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKWfq_ubwrbWM8nlFNLtz6Ny8IQPN_kJPDXzOhTLr-YzNPMhw1YO5CLarvhjZ3d30hxB3vame2Naf7JYeMdiHKo9luBtKuYsM0UUJVpvrIo_liKWOVOtoYnGYGMVx1J9Sm7rVX6UcSAi06O7bdfVvk3yqXHttLjCRebOlsh0LDGlQ67URFKdBSpVRihw/s5184/IMG_4956.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5184" data-original-width="3456" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKWfq_ubwrbWM8nlFNLtz6Ny8IQPN_kJPDXzOhTLr-YzNPMhw1YO5CLarvhjZ3d30hxB3vame2Naf7JYeMdiHKo9luBtKuYsM0UUJVpvrIo_liKWOVOtoYnGYGMVx1J9Sm7rVX6UcSAi06O7bdfVvk3yqXHttLjCRebOlsh0LDGlQ67URFKdBSpVRihw/s320/IMG_4956.JPG" width="213" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVKgJBTao1bl8ormeIasTTffsVSHwnqnoAARU2xLjz5NvNG7Q6o1EYr3cb8X3U8oCdcqDGLLNkLQ0qAL8WSGdovg3ZuBLKot_4q8G_kqSf9qnsfZT7yjafT3umyeb6KnKXc7ZFOPvZgmmldIdASS-h-Yo5MwtzPFFKz_VzU11dzXTlw7gJr5q3Im3r4w/s4032/IMG_5414.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVKgJBTao1bl8ormeIasTTffsVSHwnqnoAARU2xLjz5NvNG7Q6o1EYr3cb8X3U8oCdcqDGLLNkLQ0qAL8WSGdovg3ZuBLKot_4q8G_kqSf9qnsfZT7yjafT3umyeb6KnKXc7ZFOPvZgmmldIdASS-h-Yo5MwtzPFFKz_VzU11dzXTlw7gJr5q3Im3r4w/s320/IMG_5414.JPG" width="240" /></a></div></span><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b>Atami-Zakura at Itokawa Walk </b></span></span><span style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b>糸川遊歩道</b></span></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">The Atami-zakura is the earliest blooming breed of cherry blossoms on Japan mainland. It was bred in the Meiji Period (1868-1972), a cross breed between the Kanhi-zakura (寒緋桜 <i>Prunus campanulata</i>) and Yama-zakura<span style="color: #444444;"> (</span></span></span><span style="color: #444444; font-family: verdana;"><span style="background-color: white; text-align: left;">山桜 </span><i style="background-color: white; text-align: left;">Cerasus jamasakura).</i></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">When most people say "I'm going to see Cherry Blossoms in Japan" which blooms in early April, it refers to the Somei Yoshino breed (</span><span style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">染井吉野 </span></span><span style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><i>Prunus × yedoensis</i>). Somei Cherry Blossoms are much more white in color compared to the early blooming breeds. You can observe the Atami-zakura has a light pink shade and a much more vibrant cherry red in the middle. The petals of the Atami-zakura also are slightly bell shaped, taking it from one of its origins the Kanhi-zakura. </span></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">So now that we have botany out of the way, where can you see them?</span></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">In Atami, the largest concentration of the Atami-Zakura trees can be found at the Itokawa riverwalk. It's a short 12min walk from Atami Station, or you can take a bus/taxi as well. The best viewing spot is from Yanagibashi bridge, which is the second bridge in from the ocean side. </span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOS0XJ9eo54DZcsMD1nnw4n8BzTH3G53A3clEHV5FqHOZ5B2DMs-nCbdnJj79ZF2ScU-tpf5dSFyG9aPqNAkRradfeHoXOhJ4he61Euk8CvpbshrtmyBoxyEQ504UWXYkD_k8JiE7q1D03Y8fcfBwhH1QnrHrrOOHli16UERSgEFOMj5INGxEEihg_Aw/s1799/F75DF784-94E3-4DA7-8BE7-3AF80F9142DD.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1799" data-original-width="1440" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOS0XJ9eo54DZcsMD1nnw4n8BzTH3G53A3clEHV5FqHOZ5B2DMs-nCbdnJj79ZF2ScU-tpf5dSFyG9aPqNAkRradfeHoXOhJ4he61Euk8CvpbshrtmyBoxyEQ504UWXYkD_k8JiE7q1D03Y8fcfBwhH1QnrHrrOOHli16UERSgEFOMj5INGxEEihg_Aw/s320/F75DF784-94E3-4DA7-8BE7-3AF80F9142DD.JPG" width="256" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxn9agR0E2OaMIe4C8ENV0QHtGR0DlU3DK_Fs2VvmkaxvsxT11-QyS19kdqguuO4cu8qm7qFx-eLWV40PekDEko0rxuxt0cskkPx0YpBKHXQXQXaF_SUQUWNtRUUQMvy6_yEuWgIKYR3EWkWIm4bXM7Qm57pnfsSnSLfn1h_YFmaENPSEGcX4Gro57Lg/s4032/IMG_5617.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="2688" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxn9agR0E2OaMIe4C8ENV0QHtGR0DlU3DK_Fs2VvmkaxvsxT11-QyS19kdqguuO4cu8qm7qFx-eLWV40PekDEko0rxuxt0cskkPx0YpBKHXQXQXaF_SUQUWNtRUUQMvy6_yEuWgIKYR3EWkWIm4bXM7Qm57pnfsSnSLfn1h_YFmaENPSEGcX4Gro57Lg/s320/IMG_5617.JPG" width="213" /></a></div><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b>Atami Plum Garden</b></span></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Competing for beauty and also in bloom between January to February are the plum blossoms at Atami Plum Garden. This Plum Garden dates back to 1886 and is known for having Japan's earliest blooming Plum blossoms and latest autumn foliage. </span></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">This massive garden has plum trees over 100 years old, a total of 469 trees and more than 60 breeds. </span></span><span style="font-family: verdana;">Entry is usually free, but it costs a mere ¥300 to enter during the Plum Blossom Festival (Jan 7 ~ Mar 3, 2023)</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">The day I went was extremely rainy. Rain started to pour as I made my way to the plum garden, but I really wanted to see it so I braved the rain. Turns out, plum flowers in the rain is extremely beautiful. And because of the cloudy conditions, the delicate colors of the plum flowers could be captured more beautifully (instead of being overcontrasted by bright sunlight).</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq3n0WgVD1lTsZb971qcxJn3zB8DIb-WNMska_cgj-n429FC9GAaMtWXLWPVl6BgO1nG8Atsk8OeZq7ELBlbCV4UG7JPelDeM7wC1ySKC_M0pR01sBMqbWBCvxeskyb3HVoo1COWnNoEePbooz2Xd563xozQuJEl5YEYzphEBGR-3i2rUEvIoxRgQuOQ/s4608/IMG_5467.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4608" data-original-width="3456" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq3n0WgVD1lTsZb971qcxJn3zB8DIb-WNMska_cgj-n429FC9GAaMtWXLWPVl6BgO1nG8Atsk8OeZq7ELBlbCV4UG7JPelDeM7wC1ySKC_M0pR01sBMqbWBCvxeskyb3HVoo1COWnNoEePbooz2Xd563xozQuJEl5YEYzphEBGR-3i2rUEvIoxRgQuOQ/s320/IMG_5467.JPG" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFBU7WiXx__NJbByep5uQtqPPYg3821Uq_Ea1MX5prCb0LiHZk_UaL-HJ2eNFaTMaXgL_7oVwXkIv2UCkZg0VxyNcOItq2ons-Yf0iGGuPMTPP6KH_QwzQ9zUwCINsEhp-W7-WEwelVWV5T5oKvN77uVO3tNMKN0H6vfmWRlrA6xidDSq1isBNWDgJcA/s4608/IMG_5476.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4608" data-original-width="3456" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFBU7WiXx__NJbByep5uQtqPPYg3821Uq_Ea1MX5prCb0LiHZk_UaL-HJ2eNFaTMaXgL_7oVwXkIv2UCkZg0VxyNcOItq2ons-Yf0iGGuPMTPP6KH_QwzQ9zUwCINsEhp-W7-WEwelVWV5T5oKvN77uVO3tNMKN0H6vfmWRlrA6xidDSq1isBNWDgJcA/s320/IMG_5476.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGJLej-tXEMt4slzy7GkXH210VMhIBv1ljS1w1h2GpwZ5CbtBk4_fGzkH8yPh0R1kHbupFDzSNFOexIIn0ABbj_VQzf2YHNUEmQhWtjyRvYQmNrt3akYxy3juSc5Tft5753tu2o8xcLtKZKQmOMIafsKl3L6_-Ly5km5Gg0Q3dHuXbGm6akSFXWnixhQ/s4608/IMG_5488.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="314" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGJLej-tXEMt4slzy7GkXH210VMhIBv1ljS1w1h2GpwZ5CbtBk4_fGzkH8yPh0R1kHbupFDzSNFOexIIn0ABbj_VQzf2YHNUEmQhWtjyRvYQmNrt3akYxy3juSc5Tft5753tu2o8xcLtKZKQmOMIafsKl3L6_-Ly5km5Gg0Q3dHuXbGm6akSFXWnixhQ/w419-h314/IMG_5488.JPG" width="419" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b>Kinomiya Shrine and its cute cafe</b> </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Kinomiya shrine is just nearby the plum garden. The grand entrance is a large red tori gate lined by a thick bamboo grove. Inside you'll find a very cute cafe serving cold and hot drinks such as Strawberry Latte and Matcha Latte. I really love the fact that the cups and sleeves have Mizuhiki knot, I definitely kept one of the sleeves as a souvenir. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">You'll also find a Goshuin with the onsen icon ♨️ for the nearby Yumae Jinja shrine. Another special item is the "Nagimamori" which is an amulet with ocean wave prints and it's for wishing for peaceful days without waves and storms. </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUn-1WgzG00CASe39ouio0nqjeEVuMKku2kibB9cvDLPMCitZoFCJyagVpxZ03yDGPDPbJMicFjPGGpOt4dmkj5RUHA6MN1cgXZ3Qg95IWU9LvdBYLtNSmCQowYXJpvq6gYAnSXZG6d-qtrQvlJ0XWPTBUVx58ahVlFYW6qfurhQFO_-plIJlz-L395w/s2880/IMG_5263.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2880" data-original-width="2160" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUn-1WgzG00CASe39ouio0nqjeEVuMKku2kibB9cvDLPMCitZoFCJyagVpxZ03yDGPDPbJMicFjPGGpOt4dmkj5RUHA6MN1cgXZ3Qg95IWU9LvdBYLtNSmCQowYXJpvq6gYAnSXZG6d-qtrQvlJ0XWPTBUVx58ahVlFYW6qfurhQFO_-plIJlz-L395w/s320/IMG_5263.JPG" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLlX2GksrfeIUjyYvfmLKf2lwNB12X1s-sLG3Yj2vSqM6WhRnLZhY-TJqrpf9-UJJyFOl4QgyNOeGOGtcD5E3cqUgOXfxgp-jZVy3mE4fqMdEcoLp51QebfYv9Na4qkIBrYykeQB8VBYSNbhT5bqhaNgK59NT9X1BuwAuItizhbfbXwAFvRUuVjbpMRg/s4032/IMG_5275.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLlX2GksrfeIUjyYvfmLKf2lwNB12X1s-sLG3Yj2vSqM6WhRnLZhY-TJqrpf9-UJJyFOl4QgyNOeGOGtcD5E3cqUgOXfxgp-jZVy3mE4fqMdEcoLp51QebfYv9Na4qkIBrYykeQB8VBYSNbhT5bqhaNgK59NT9X1BuwAuItizhbfbXwAFvRUuVjbpMRg/s320/IMG_5275.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVvY5IM2RpcfaZCV1m3hRQxZm5SogpcigyjTOA3FN63dgsUm6T7vY6DVq4413wg7uFPS5kZROjAE7H-v-wGmCs-HQQzC3n4gVRRrgc6ilcWmIg-bPOui8-AnOFeqC-L-g76zVXEPRXH-Pem2nt0C1_jN9ba6iM5wwoHtI-jyUK2uVhEtGPlrHXcXyaRw/s4032/IMG_5252.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVvY5IM2RpcfaZCV1m3hRQxZm5SogpcigyjTOA3FN63dgsUm6T7vY6DVq4413wg7uFPS5kZROjAE7H-v-wGmCs-HQQzC3n4gVRRrgc6ilcWmIg-bPOui8-AnOFeqC-L-g76zVXEPRXH-Pem2nt0C1_jN9ba6iM5wwoHtI-jyUK2uVhEtGPlrHXcXyaRw/s320/IMG_5252.HEIC" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCLlg-I7WXvSlmpdJldCoHugfsXgyGmnjr4ZQiiYCzNTyU6Eji-7XAdhnrM7xTCO3eH5jSDabXdSCeYDSKEwWqaGlx1FEi7-XfrEGCcZfZ_9WfQ3YgEVgjShJG0TunLylSiLKQZ1PuQqRbFSLV0AQTqTGzjmwTIJLzBtGCJnFRGqin0n-BBZJ8MPuUmg/s1393/IMG_2084.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1393" data-original-width="1170" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCLlg-I7WXvSlmpdJldCoHugfsXgyGmnjr4ZQiiYCzNTyU6Eji-7XAdhnrM7xTCO3eH5jSDabXdSCeYDSKEwWqaGlx1FEi7-XfrEGCcZfZ_9WfQ3YgEVgjShJG0TunLylSiLKQZ1PuQqRbFSLV0AQTqTGzjmwTIJLzBtGCJnFRGqin0n-BBZJ8MPuUmg/s320/IMG_2084.jpg" width="269" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilQRHPEHrVNMwzCy9dku1wrKWTs9zzmjJDAB4vCTNdVdxmy0PiBwysjd4sVNUIRJJ0wJaAbimzgXcwAyY7tb7TVtJYI7_c6BgYCT_xnF-Ud8I1AxXLI2VGH1fiWMbIoW970aGhH0Dnftna1BmE8yB8jTBZTY9veaJDir7udvTmbUwp22yEEVC23VZlpg/s4550/IMG_5447.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4550" data-original-width="3412" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilQRHPEHrVNMwzCy9dku1wrKWTs9zzmjJDAB4vCTNdVdxmy0PiBwysjd4sVNUIRJJ0wJaAbimzgXcwAyY7tb7TVtJYI7_c6BgYCT_xnF-Ud8I1AxXLI2VGH1fiWMbIoW970aGhH0Dnftna1BmE8yB8jTBZTY9veaJDir7udvTmbUwp22yEEVC23VZlpg/s320/IMG_5447.JPG" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiISacbW0EH4W9U74m7M3KwrWs7PLu9vVQ4Z8ihsgtU3gzD9G0j8ELzOSE382S6_6PV5GNk1f26zdKZPgBThVGwiCEm4kNExaNBY5ejth1zmh_FsFXH62Yvw8oxNbEzSGO3T4TziWCvcYJRzTMZWOOEoFLLPC_eQvJ-uWVm-T6eAydfjOR7tvqxxqZoig/s4032/IMG_5314.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiISacbW0EH4W9U74m7M3KwrWs7PLu9vVQ4Z8ihsgtU3gzD9G0j8ELzOSE382S6_6PV5GNk1f26zdKZPgBThVGwiCEm4kNExaNBY5ejth1zmh_FsFXH62Yvw8oxNbEzSGO3T4TziWCvcYJRzTMZWOOEoFLLPC_eQvJ-uWVm-T6eAydfjOR7tvqxxqZoig/s320/IMG_5314.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b>Atami Pudding Cafe 2nd</b> </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">This is an onsen themed cafe and shop with the cutest decor! It definitely fits right into Atami as an onsen town with all the bath buckets and little stools. Their pudding and pudding milk tea though is super delicious! They also sell the cute hippo logo cookies to go if you want to bring some home as souvenir. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">There's also the original Atami Pudding Cafe closer to Atami Station but that one is small and doesn't have cute seating, so make sure you go to the 2nd store which is closer to the river walk. </span></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF3tr1DxEAOzMyAHoMxt0c-G_6WVbkpIescWzDrZExnUgR6doQvp2r1WS3okNv_ssOwfCnPH2iTN3FXrcuIb55Q7vE-ZHNNRYW3u_oMyan6FHix0fb0Bet39Gb9ckZV02Ubv7PUAAKJOKqfXmU2iYZCQALbMoZp0ScFXk--Sbf7ZgsWRrr4Wob7y3J4Q/s5184/IMG_4967.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="5184" height="290" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF3tr1DxEAOzMyAHoMxt0c-G_6WVbkpIescWzDrZExnUgR6doQvp2r1WS3okNv_ssOwfCnPH2iTN3FXrcuIb55Q7vE-ZHNNRYW3u_oMyan6FHix0fb0Bet39Gb9ckZV02Ubv7PUAAKJOKqfXmU2iYZCQALbMoZp0ScFXk--Sbf7ZgsWRrr4Wob7y3J4Q/w436-h290/IMG_4967.JPG" width="436" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVmkxBJ7rj07YfrlrX2wKJO9uCOV_-ugja5h6stblCWIjI7szzcW_xhMwAvhwWKU_6zgVVUlIeIbhjy7_C0MkFJSr9rmGL2-a2KPQl0LuhLp2WBhWrqF-Qe1zvP7_Ii3pIlQEzzLd4utTSkX7pnM4Lla6GArsDxhCw68Om5_m7T5VKmP0ToSwuvhj6dQ/s4032/IMG_4831.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVmkxBJ7rj07YfrlrX2wKJO9uCOV_-ugja5h6stblCWIjI7szzcW_xhMwAvhwWKU_6zgVVUlIeIbhjy7_C0MkFJSr9rmGL2-a2KPQl0LuhLp2WBhWrqF-Qe1zvP7_Ii3pIlQEzzLd4utTSkX7pnM4Lla6GArsDxhCw68Om5_m7T5VKmP0ToSwuvhj6dQ/s320/IMG_4831.JPG" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOX3ddpGquZ6z7izmzEKhhq86SWvXHUFDmyStuW_RgWwGSxjAWu_9lVfqzT-uwShOlDPxYTHkmeRajECX5zC_b-1GlITDYpanxUe_ZJtyySrlGMDg7d_SkUN2s8LX0lXIwBOqEctt8DbeB6y3Sj8fpUmPwsvtq-nBGD4KvqesEm3IBLgBSocQ_0JDSGQ/s3648/IMG_4939.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3648" data-original-width="2736" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOX3ddpGquZ6z7izmzEKhhq86SWvXHUFDmyStuW_RgWwGSxjAWu_9lVfqzT-uwShOlDPxYTHkmeRajECX5zC_b-1GlITDYpanxUe_ZJtyySrlGMDg7d_SkUN2s8LX0lXIwBOqEctt8DbeB6y3Sj8fpUmPwsvtq-nBGD4KvqesEm3IBLgBSocQ_0JDSGQ/s320/IMG_4939.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZZWZphZ_TELsSWtaOLRrYkjJwpmC8Km72KLDFUCLpwKZsEdAxAGw25xrHaM4y3U1oKOj_vdksXyqbuFaDVpaipb3RWJJETav0oJkyb9I7jir9jm3bMfWUst2Eq-ycD4tY2jYByZH94qEzY6tqLKDb_ycsA3EX6haUhAgtVzN0Fu_cqY_rlJLThrk2kw/s4934/IMG_4970.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4934" data-original-width="3289" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZZWZphZ_TELsSWtaOLRrYkjJwpmC8Km72KLDFUCLpwKZsEdAxAGw25xrHaM4y3U1oKOj_vdksXyqbuFaDVpaipb3RWJJETav0oJkyb9I7jir9jm3bMfWUst2Eq-ycD4tY2jYByZH94qEzY6tqLKDb_ycsA3EX6haUhAgtVzN0Fu_cqY_rlJLThrk2kw/s320/IMG_4970.JPG" width="213" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3nZtIYuNoI3BXbt_KdyHbPG3njcgHz2ETw_BtwYnuF8RwQHNz9iEOZ47o8Aw90wwyvmUyG1T8D92oBQJ_Av93oYBZxvo7DmGlQvPiuEL3Zh3uNmn084o9s6enYBgoQzh88BBLpim0JlyoRfNN0abUKMzN2MPnrPoTxWg2I8d8ke9ovDVdffq9twqUVw/s4032/IMG_5026.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3nZtIYuNoI3BXbt_KdyHbPG3njcgHz2ETw_BtwYnuF8RwQHNz9iEOZ47o8Aw90wwyvmUyG1T8D92oBQJ_Av93oYBZxvo7DmGlQvPiuEL3Zh3uNmn084o9s6enYBgoQzh88BBLpim0JlyoRfNN0abUKMzN2MPnrPoTxWg2I8d8ke9ovDVdffq9twqUVw/s320/IMG_5026.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b>Onsen Manju: What is it and where to get them?</b></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">These cute and delicious pastries are steamed buns filled with sweet azuki bean paste. You can often find them sold at onsen towns, and they are the perfect snack to go with Onsen milk after a soak in the hot springs. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">One super cute store near Atami station is called "BonBon Berry". They sell everything strawberry themed, and one of their most famous items is a skewer with strawberries and onsen manjus! </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Another place to get onsen manjus is at Atami Station. There are many shops selling them so you can get whichever flavor you like. Look for the shops that have super cute packaging if you are bringing them home as souvenir. </span></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_OQ3IZfhrltxdrHAULT27zHi70fj5X0zjHOwsnDEklsf9mUT_pO0sm5bEAVDY8f4Ojer66Hz_95ZLUhW_5BbhIsSOKJo4XVxiyOUpKY-wVFBWkQsLiR6oSPPVxuNrHdEXWwHwOa4W92aCWhZ1nmy4IozJL_-LGIsWIpTeY31D1BCMes964juU8Wuy5A/s4608/IMG_5517.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4608" data-original-width="3456" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_OQ3IZfhrltxdrHAULT27zHi70fj5X0zjHOwsnDEklsf9mUT_pO0sm5bEAVDY8f4Ojer66Hz_95ZLUhW_5BbhIsSOKJo4XVxiyOUpKY-wVFBWkQsLiR6oSPPVxuNrHdEXWwHwOa4W92aCWhZ1nmy4IozJL_-LGIsWIpTeY31D1BCMes964juU8Wuy5A/s320/IMG_5517.JPG" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAt3qPF65IE701H0i_E1kHw7FhR6kjkUOeL5tXbl9E5Ek-S8FMs6Wc9sUyii0cU-_C0BB6zCe6HWyImwzicPwzYuE8PXFXxSNMf4mu2jLEN_k0ZKnrzgdq2uSZ3HuNMo-QXFl-NQXR4cfRKky1Mxr4aMrujLxl_w_btn2Aft7w9oFIfnewUk0xAc6Oaw/s4032/IMG_5522.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAt3qPF65IE701H0i_E1kHw7FhR6kjkUOeL5tXbl9E5Ek-S8FMs6Wc9sUyii0cU-_C0BB6zCe6HWyImwzicPwzYuE8PXFXxSNMf4mu2jLEN_k0ZKnrzgdq2uSZ3HuNMo-QXFl-NQXR4cfRKky1Mxr4aMrujLxl_w_btn2Aft7w9oFIfnewUk0xAc6Oaw/s320/IMG_5522.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDO7ThYtzP45yISGTFu37cdaXzuzD97Ut7XwAVbrm_NQkGFIGQX0BA_5sjKks1iAZVxcBtv4IhwuYpWWI3l7J5alopymJRtDoVTKQCiU_TBsWUqVD4J3f5j3EdLTLHFyG6f20iicVCu7SSNGLVMv-lQl2cefywQsgl2Lj5x1F09SQz2HxWAe5ZkhM6Pw/s4032/IMG_5375.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="420" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDO7ThYtzP45yISGTFu37cdaXzuzD97Ut7XwAVbrm_NQkGFIGQX0BA_5sjKks1iAZVxcBtv4IhwuYpWWI3l7J5alopymJRtDoVTKQCiU_TBsWUqVD4J3f5j3EdLTLHFyG6f20iicVCu7SSNGLVMv-lQl2cefywQsgl2Lj5x1F09SQz2HxWAe5ZkhM6Pw/w315-h420/IMG_5375.HEIC" width="315" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="font-family: verdana;">Beyond Atami: Izu-Inatori, home of the Tsurushi-Kazari hanging Hinadolls </span></b></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">If you have time, I highly recommend going a few stops further down the coast of Izu to Izu-Inatori to see the Hina doll festival. It's from 1/20~3/31 in 2023 to celebrate Hinamatsuri or girl's day on 3/3. It's at Inatori Cultural Park (稲取文化公園 雛の館) which is walkable from the station.</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">The many dolls for Hinamatsuri are all hand sewn, each with its own meaning and prayers. For example a peach fruit means longevity of life, bunny with red eyes is to get rid of bad luck, seahorse is to hope the kid does well in life etc. There's so many patterns I took a long time examining them. </span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Though March 3rd is girl's day, they also have displays for boy's day or now officially just children's day (May 5th). You will see kabuto (warrior's helmet) for example for boy's decorations. </span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Outside of the cultural hall, you'll also find Kawazu-zakura which is a different breed of early blooming cherry blossoms. The pink is bright and it blooms slightly later than Atami-zakura. On the lawn area is also a foot bath, soak in to warm up your feet!</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR-lB3ixr7Zwonq5zi94A3NKbtx-8lIJ7xuJlqH4XispN1JXJsk980ezdjpXsmm-_0iwN2lQUJbFWPDd5EGb6TBc7WN_U1OKsPeEnUC3TBNmXEklk6S-7Z0vl-Jg2TCWBYe23iH3OqoLCHOaoGVOE2cwdqX2wXto5TI4RXfgGMxaUCi5kLu-QViLcjPQ/s4608/IMG_6025.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="299" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR-lB3ixr7Zwonq5zi94A3NKbtx-8lIJ7xuJlqH4XispN1JXJsk980ezdjpXsmm-_0iwN2lQUJbFWPDd5EGb6TBc7WN_U1OKsPeEnUC3TBNmXEklk6S-7Z0vl-Jg2TCWBYe23iH3OqoLCHOaoGVOE2cwdqX2wXto5TI4RXfgGMxaUCi5kLu-QViLcjPQ/w399-h299/IMG_6025.JPG" width="399" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVr9-QzDJIlmNGD20JhGp4jfXm9cBsF3LN-TB_y_-7auM6TZay0JH5_lnpWjLKHWEYDKgOFMxwWTEjD17jkYqXfDh8YwyhJmsKPFnQfKM7dDArFhAvKnAMbO6yk_vWM47arg6XTE01RYKyYkdRpp2GnhGtYO9hCgzlupVUdomYi4c4Y1ra9JGAvNarmw/s4608/IMG_6029.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4608" data-original-width="3456" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVr9-QzDJIlmNGD20JhGp4jfXm9cBsF3LN-TB_y_-7auM6TZay0JH5_lnpWjLKHWEYDKgOFMxwWTEjD17jkYqXfDh8YwyhJmsKPFnQfKM7dDArFhAvKnAMbO6yk_vWM47arg6XTE01RYKyYkdRpp2GnhGtYO9hCgzlupVUdomYi4c4Y1ra9JGAvNarmw/s320/IMG_6029.JPG" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCPOudR-4DWQLDOkWQWNdg0m9tNyNkY9Jc-avVatyKmK6M_Mckfl2qh0ZVJQlY0V-VSShlywPl1FDYbIZXtvk3gkGNrj5xE3c7nuqCzMqIVN6Vve_Yut2McBS5fr2zCVBDDYdGjJ2UKLcUTdFKrXNKXBcuvFNKQ4BfTVRHRUKScddDWX1GNYikc1PKXQ/s4032/IMG_5737.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCPOudR-4DWQLDOkWQWNdg0m9tNyNkY9Jc-avVatyKmK6M_Mckfl2qh0ZVJQlY0V-VSShlywPl1FDYbIZXtvk3gkGNrj5xE3c7nuqCzMqIVN6Vve_Yut2McBS5fr2zCVBDDYdGjJ2UKLcUTdFKrXNKXBcuvFNKQ4BfTVRHRUKScddDWX1GNYikc1PKXQ/s320/IMG_5737.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT1xUp343aeVIpA8Uy0O4zFnGvmrdm9uk3sC7ixHOGt4TsSFuT2M7JyeYyh36SbzGm_NI_KJ59jsGzl5rpHyBb5rjD0hIdGXG6_mL1Eou3idVOnJqK6ZPcCzamJTWHSk5Yf6Xja55jQWS7KIxaPm7W7Gg6tBOr8p8_m5j2Lv1KtXjdFIhGEJkHNvV7sw/s4608/IMG_6053.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4608" data-original-width="3456" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT1xUp343aeVIpA8Uy0O4zFnGvmrdm9uk3sC7ixHOGt4TsSFuT2M7JyeYyh36SbzGm_NI_KJ59jsGzl5rpHyBb5rjD0hIdGXG6_mL1Eou3idVOnJqK6ZPcCzamJTWHSk5Yf6Xja55jQWS7KIxaPm7W7Gg6tBOr8p8_m5j2Lv1KtXjdFIhGEJkHNvV7sw/s320/IMG_6053.JPG" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjShBuedyjQha2IJ7c9qadF91d4gXl9K_g_J6Up3MAf50MAoWINVQKfIQxg_Tyb6Jx4SdVi0gJ8UYuADPH-4_Fp5oJykGNnBc_aIlKYc0pQwIndNeC-0WjnVXcOclJTA_-sOFKXnnwsWuX3AzHhm7P1iwXdJQQnFbgzzHGXGWp3EFO9MoxWLphKalT0uQ/s3553/IMG_5961.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3553" data-original-width="2665" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjShBuedyjQha2IJ7c9qadF91d4gXl9K_g_J6Up3MAf50MAoWINVQKfIQxg_Tyb6Jx4SdVi0gJ8UYuADPH-4_Fp5oJykGNnBc_aIlKYc0pQwIndNeC-0WjnVXcOclJTA_-sOFKXnnwsWuX3AzHhm7P1iwXdJQQnFbgzzHGXGWp3EFO9MoxWLphKalT0uQ/s320/IMG_5961.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><p style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="font-family: verdana;">Beyond Atami: Shimoda, where Commodore Perry ended Japan's isolation under the Convention of Kanagawa </span></b></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">All the way down south to the last station: Shimoda is a beautiful historical town with lots of significance. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Between 1853-1854, Commodore Perry attempted in two voyages to end Japan's closure of borders (Sakoku 1603-1868, 265 years) which is also known as the Perry Expedition. He brought 27 US naval "Black Ships", nicknamed Kurofune by the Japanese, and after 3 weeks of negotiation, Perry signed the Convention of Kanagawa which opened the ports of Shimoda and Hakodate to American ships. Other countries would have to wait another 14 years before trade is possible with Japan. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">The significance of ending a 250+ year border closure brought Perry his own statue "Admiral Perry's Arrival Memorial Stone" in Shimoda, and also a museum "Shimoda Kaikoku Museum" with models of these black ships and items found on them. On top of that, a charming riverside road was named "Perry Road" after him. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">If you book in advance, you can also ride on the "Kurofune Train". It's a black ship train which is Commodore Perry-themed and runs between Atami and Shimoda. Thge entire train is black, and the inside spacious with some seats facing the window for you to enjoy the beautiful ocean view. </span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_L5YtzL9n75sfpxl287GGzn7HG-B4j5VqcmbQfO8yIAny-Awv49C5GEqMq0WoGVPbmicgKUVutoZXPK3_VzL-vZlf6IRiAGUaQsOnd-JOrdf7TGSlvOaRhLEWAZ4H2dyqku_9lYmYwTLNYyeFS7OMHKrnFlGFFm2Cd0Yan-nbkPkuM6CncN0IUHzkQQ/s4032/IMG_5831.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_L5YtzL9n75sfpxl287GGzn7HG-B4j5VqcmbQfO8yIAny-Awv49C5GEqMq0WoGVPbmicgKUVutoZXPK3_VzL-vZlf6IRiAGUaQsOnd-JOrdf7TGSlvOaRhLEWAZ4H2dyqku_9lYmYwTLNYyeFS7OMHKrnFlGFFm2Cd0Yan-nbkPkuM6CncN0IUHzkQQ/s320/IMG_5831.JPG" width="240" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHliuZ4AWDA3dew0iV7eeH58rSc0AjD8fu0qKVEB_O8RfW4rv4v8hIfG4DyfggsjXpfaaz87nG2x51b_TzaYpGL-x3hdwcDZYrCGOD6ZrjkaayBR6dBa14TFuD1RUjDVg2lkCpU9Ib-TqytLhg23NnlClhKmqlDYW85dBHr2FEXZXgxTQCD5vIzJ7RUA/s4608/IMG_6069.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4608" data-original-width="3456" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHliuZ4AWDA3dew0iV7eeH58rSc0AjD8fu0qKVEB_O8RfW4rv4v8hIfG4DyfggsjXpfaaz87nG2x51b_TzaYpGL-x3hdwcDZYrCGOD6ZrjkaayBR6dBa14TFuD1RUjDVg2lkCpU9Ib-TqytLhg23NnlClhKmqlDYW85dBHr2FEXZXgxTQCD5vIzJ7RUA/s320/IMG_6069.JPG" width="240" /></a></span></div><span style="text-align: left;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9qE05X-NvWnzKJDwwsTL2KJrVm6Hql8jakpSPdkbs86Vp7gITUmYBXWrnOioASlEvGVCr7au0hbaTQi-ZnalsKtfQBQ3UbsrkvFaz6hKgg2KWdu3MGRiu0Cp57AxZ2c52x-ZGrs0kunVA6Y9n3AtAuodnxCmmUXsi4wGR2pEtIT_2Pvf0QZ-Wx97yGg/s4032/IMG_5912.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9qE05X-NvWnzKJDwwsTL2KJrVm6Hql8jakpSPdkbs86Vp7gITUmYBXWrnOioASlEvGVCr7au0hbaTQi-ZnalsKtfQBQ3UbsrkvFaz6hKgg2KWdu3MGRiu0Cp57AxZ2c52x-ZGrs0kunVA6Y9n3AtAuodnxCmmUXsi4wGR2pEtIT_2Pvf0QZ-Wx97yGg/s320/IMG_5912.JPG" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz44W4f-bsVwvYq9Uw9DzD-7zjf6HAjCcyLfI-fmq2BncWQoNpg_Z3ALCRtbFL4pkHTa5g6S3B57fvE3o9VBXe-0VimTHXqT49LsbxcV4sJ2VOGRhsMO-8_TGMy4RM3gaUQ3MNKLH5FTbdO39okCzmXGUIyLp46tp0hgwCOS-aX4gMw7YGxoZ8MwyLOw/s4032/IMG_5914.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz44W4f-bsVwvYq9Uw9DzD-7zjf6HAjCcyLfI-fmq2BncWQoNpg_Z3ALCRtbFL4pkHTa5g6S3B57fvE3o9VBXe-0VimTHXqT49LsbxcV4sJ2VOGRhsMO-8_TGMy4RM3gaUQ3MNKLH5FTbdO39okCzmXGUIyLp46tp0hgwCOS-aX4gMw7YGxoZ8MwyLOw/s320/IMG_5914.HEIC" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgahmX2m5wap57Ve5lhEgyXqwNOqOG8tH0TFKEVdj-5hKWGypvk8-46elEIWLi5oEAwS2_aH9NIvg6kGWh8MuI5BHSdjSCEHPAgywLCysURaA5ekjIq3LVBdfRIdXW9p5hMSUByeEl6IlGuoDB16icMV45J5eFKximjEvyu4oKcbK5szJhO4vEpzDO_yA/s4274/IMG_6073.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2849" data-original-width="4274" height="270" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgahmX2m5wap57Ve5lhEgyXqwNOqOG8tH0TFKEVdj-5hKWGypvk8-46elEIWLi5oEAwS2_aH9NIvg6kGWh8MuI5BHSdjSCEHPAgywLCysURaA5ekjIq3LVBdfRIdXW9p5hMSUByeEl6IlGuoDB16icMV45J5eFKximjEvyu4oKcbK5szJhO4vEpzDO_yA/w406-h270/IMG_6073.JPG" width="406" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">With Cherry Blossoms, onsen resorts, the ocean, and lots of great food, Atami and the entire Izu peninsula's east coastal line really is the perfect weekend getaway. I definitely felt relaxed and recharged after 3 days in this wonderful costal region.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Detailed map of all locations mentioned: </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><iframe height="480" src="https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/0/embed?mid=1GTxiAbwPHLUasmQXo2jINgb5GI9zQcs&ehbc=2E312F" width="640"></iframe> <br /><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></span><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Follow me on instagram <a href="https://instagram.com/ariel.land" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: #e06666;">@ariel.land</span></b></a> for more Japan insights</span></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://instagram.com/ariel.land" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="4160" data-original-width="1656" height="763" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYDF2A7DPNN_sZRmFi7W1b845Cjv9PxOGPhdrPhd2di8iZmNV6SqhCwNFp9WAA6r14qMFqFPT2NDMbfpjHqGsOvSPu72ruq-awDAmLkOKAUJ9dkjki6NkU7SU49gZ0AxnE9miOLE-QmPio7w6ITuYwpgMyONcP6VQGvJoi8TCIZh31toM1iCYdYvWpqw/w303-h763/IMG_2180.JPG" width="303" /></a></span></div><span style="text-align: left;"><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></span><p></p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p>Arielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03509227042293152734noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8124579507526577941.post-30533667990918390382023-01-20T20:20:00.006+08:002024-02-25T16:20:28.318+08:00 Tokyo Sightseeing Taxi tour of Tama in West Tokyo <div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSdHZKutfDkuo8b_9K-gJBzQ30dsCw7si1cUgg0Rdh7k-ILKXMl_0ugXAY_1i4idijgJ4vrkC1IYlDWmls875hwYblSgmItmbvOxvuCmwJJqTV6018QXHjCSn6tCJSmmkec6Usi14McX5gWFTpWUA5JyYZ3b7RpRFNcDO4mf0DRAgYJFFSCxduy5pbyA/s1280/Taxi%20Sightseing.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="314" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSdHZKutfDkuo8b_9K-gJBzQ30dsCw7si1cUgg0Rdh7k-ILKXMl_0ugXAY_1i4idijgJ4vrkC1IYlDWmls875hwYblSgmItmbvOxvuCmwJJqTV6018QXHjCSn6tCJSmmkec6Usi14McX5gWFTpWUA5JyYZ3b7RpRFNcDO4mf0DRAgYJFFSCxduy5pbyA/w558-h314/Taxi%20Sightseing.jpg" width="558" /></a></div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span><a name='more'></a></span></div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><div style="text-align: justify;">Getting around Tokyo can be daunting, especially if you don’t speak Japanese, all the train lines can be really confusing. And even more so if you are traveling with your family in a group with little ones and the elderly.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">When I was invited to join a <b>Tokyo Sightseeing Taxi</b> tour, the timing couldn’t have been more perfect. It’s autumn season, and I’ll soon be needing this as family members start visiting me in Tokyo! We’ll be exploring the west side of Tokyo where the nature is beautiful with plenty of historical and cultural spots along the way. It’s the perfect route to go to escape the overwhelming busy city center of Tokyo.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">The major spots we’re visiting are:</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><ul><li><b>Mt. Takao</b> – the most popular and easy to hike mountain with a stunning view of <b>Mt.Fuji</b></li><li><b>Ozawa Brewery</b> – sake brewery tour and tasting plus lunch by Tama river</li><li><b>Entakuzan Houkouji</b> – 600 year old temple with the 2nd largest buddha statue in Japan</li><li><b>Ookunitama Shrine</b>- famous shrine lined with beautiful lanterns</li></ul></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">The tour takes about 9-10 hours, and the driver will pick you up at the hotel you are staying at within Tokyo.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Upon arriving at my pickup spot, my driver Mr. Nishimura greeted me with enthusiasm. He spoke great English and even some Chinese! The taxi was a super comfortable van which could fit 6 passengers in total and the ride was very comfortable.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilWlQjSNotZURXYtFNzbFWnWvqpG1s68gezRmA9c5fdYxOqfDne6id6oCYj1EcyA7pszzPQeYlc5zrxBPMe2kDZQOpWKtVRSbmJBzNNG51bs0Duq_aa1lEaJBG1bg_UH_ej5Vqno1xI-i4IHLM3fVw29nhlE3lBAhQuaGtYXrOJLGgL1fzlVyVALXBKg/s4032/IMG_2235.JPG" style="font-family: Times; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilWlQjSNotZURXYtFNzbFWnWvqpG1s68gezRmA9c5fdYxOqfDne6id6oCYj1EcyA7pszzPQeYlc5zrxBPMe2kDZQOpWKtVRSbmJBzNNG51bs0Duq_aa1lEaJBG1bg_UH_ej5Vqno1xI-i4IHLM3fVw29nhlE3lBAhQuaGtYXrOJLGgL1fzlVyVALXBKg/s320/IMG_2235.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Midway through our drive to the first stop, we took a break at a highway rest stop to grab some coffee and breakfast. There were also a wide selection of souvenir you can buy for friends and family back home! It was during that time when Mr. Nishimura took out an English map of Mt.Takao and explained to us the trail we were taking up and down the mountain. He actually stopped by Mt.Takao yesterday to get a copy of this map and also asked the staff there on what trail they recommended. This just really shows his commitment to provide top-notch service to his customers.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="color: #3d85c6;">Mt.Takao – A leisurely hike to see Mt.Fuji</span></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Arriving at <b>Mt.Takao</b>, we started by taking the tram up. It’s the steepest tram in Japan, starting at 30 degrees angle. We took the most scenic <b>trail 1</b> up which took us past <b>Yakuo-in</b> <b>Temple</b>. This temple has a lot of <b>Tengu</b> “heavenly dog” statues all around guarding this temple. At the very top of the Mt.Takao, which is 599m, you can see Mt.Fuji sitting majestically in the distance. It is especially beautiful during late autumn and winter when it has a white snow cap.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">The hike isn’t difficult at all, you see a lot of elderly people and even kids hiking here. There’s plenty of rest stops and lots of food, vending machines, and toilets along the way. On the way down, we took trail 4 which was mostly forest and had a suspension bridge midway through for a change of scenery. Don’t forget to grab some Tenguyaki at the cable car station before heading back down.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div></span><span style="font-family: verdana;"><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvoMDKXd-UYGFjfPxzlBbmBCSIyzOxXGXUwiLLlk_Y5Nx9a5cmYZ5V52gNCBi9bGg77sy9dnBh0Zg9dggcF0Jt5g9v3B0S3yXnNWATFT8yxBABdRJldmW8L8XoV5Hdtkfq_CW784aF0tsZtWZu5Gd9y9dNK5iCjbiS4c9Ektrvoux8Q8wjk1rTE-4UQg/s4032/IMG_1975.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvoMDKXd-UYGFjfPxzlBbmBCSIyzOxXGXUwiLLlk_Y5Nx9a5cmYZ5V52gNCBi9bGg77sy9dnBh0Zg9dggcF0Jt5g9v3B0S3yXnNWATFT8yxBABdRJldmW8L8XoV5Hdtkfq_CW784aF0tsZtWZu5Gd9y9dNK5iCjbiS4c9Ektrvoux8Q8wjk1rTE-4UQg/s320/IMG_1975.JPG" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbB9zhWo2Z7zVGtkvcnnD0cGpawmGdyMvfwiQQLW3eb9FzGqAriWn_ZwMu20uTmV9bt1X78mu325jGHfM3ViWUxPottLnI3Li-ItVMi6fUaqJS6JxANX5yeRB9LaZHDQGkTl-oQ50suVhN28d_k2LQ1Z_bo5KIlBJFQxnMSZ8kPW_5d0jnT8eF0k6_gQ/s4032/IMG_1898.JPG" style="font-family: Times; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbB9zhWo2Z7zVGtkvcnnD0cGpawmGdyMvfwiQQLW3eb9FzGqAriWn_ZwMu20uTmV9bt1X78mu325jGHfM3ViWUxPottLnI3Li-ItVMi6fUaqJS6JxANX5yeRB9LaZHDQGkTl-oQ50suVhN28d_k2LQ1Z_bo5KIlBJFQxnMSZ8kPW_5d0jnT8eF0k6_gQ/s320/IMG_1898.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGw8Tyk4SLvI2XwlKKe_LNsBZwFhNzyAhHoNq1BjKK86ziTvcE0v3FR2RUprLDlXKCVKu88BXbkG7V8HzHSqK9WwK0a-hmRjKhbrY7RJS-sv8ZQur2RA8Mhps2crrks6gJosvt3MregkgVB-YDuFznRGgmaM6MoLFHmZ8MSjhfih6-FNAWh5ksJT1ZSQ/s4608/IMG_2163.JPG" style="font-family: Times; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGw8Tyk4SLvI2XwlKKe_LNsBZwFhNzyAhHoNq1BjKK86ziTvcE0v3FR2RUprLDlXKCVKu88BXbkG7V8HzHSqK9WwK0a-hmRjKhbrY7RJS-sv8ZQur2RA8Mhps2crrks6gJosvt3MregkgVB-YDuFznRGgmaM6MoLFHmZ8MSjhfih6-FNAWh5ksJT1ZSQ/s320/IMG_2163.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1KJMai4JxwAxIvimDe_U0CCRgok_3bOBvJIb77i21qBk2KPy4XD4sbokiT3mpQsihlS2wxP87tJhRT8JXktFckc4XNbqDOkmNSA4pItOMTEX3OJY4jCROeWh89aWjnMLACwaaFGWio6kxUR1vLZar16PJgFJuOWdq93RCPi4eJjLCDaUEMlrFhiuYqw/s4073/IMG_2173.JPG" style="font-family: Times; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4073" data-original-width="3055" height="408" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1KJMai4JxwAxIvimDe_U0CCRgok_3bOBvJIb77i21qBk2KPy4XD4sbokiT3mpQsihlS2wxP87tJhRT8JXktFckc4XNbqDOkmNSA4pItOMTEX3OJY4jCROeWh89aWjnMLACwaaFGWio6kxUR1vLZar16PJgFJuOWdq93RCPi4eJjLCDaUEMlrFhiuYqw/w306-h408/IMG_2173.JPG" width="306" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="color: #3d85c6;">Ozawa Sake Brewery and dining by Tama River</span></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Aside from gorgeous mountain ranges, the west side of Tokyo is also the upstream of one of the most important rivers in Tokyo – Tama River. The significance in that is that in order to brew sake, you need a pristine water source. And that is why <b>Ozawa Sake Brewery</b> was established in this area. When you visit, you can tour the inside of the brewery and see the various tanks and understand the brewing process. You can even see the horizontal well they dug to get to the source of the water. Throughout this process, our driver Mr. Nishimura w as listening closely and translating everything for me. I was blown away by how well he could translate the technical words about the brewing process, and when he didn’t know he whipped out a little digital dictionary from his pocket to quickly look it up! Talk about a man who is dedicated to learning!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">And of course you get to have a taste of their sake, and an English menu is available as well. You get to take home one of their sake glasses as a souvenir. On it is an icon of a crab, and the brewery staff explained that they used the crab as a symbol of how clean the water is here. After tasting, you can grab a seat at the outdoor terrace just below for a delicious meal right by the river.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzqqCSX8UdIBbZ5D-wrwyuyddR1bbW6KhnmWR1EBOyfgryAEsxBb9zXTokjzMyyEbCi3MFlsSn1Bt6a5xOqtxJimh2H-7vTkfoiJrnfSheCspZR1PHa4tnUsya9YC9vVkWKdHvLkOTs6YuzrtbmoPb5aI8u8ptgvpTwETwjAiEp6NkfIlLF4_R5XfU5Q/s4032/IMG_2239.JPG" style="font-family: Times; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="387" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzqqCSX8UdIBbZ5D-wrwyuyddR1bbW6KhnmWR1EBOyfgryAEsxBb9zXTokjzMyyEbCi3MFlsSn1Bt6a5xOqtxJimh2H-7vTkfoiJrnfSheCspZR1PHa4tnUsya9YC9vVkWKdHvLkOTs6YuzrtbmoPb5aI8u8ptgvpTwETwjAiEp6NkfIlLF4_R5XfU5Q/w516-h387/IMG_2239.JPG" width="516" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi00pjruNH3bSxQVpuaHgp_CMvIfr4f6Vx3-bfK_0ybK6Bz7DBsQ8sDWUqGqkDG3o-nSFx8zgkRJ0nhKcGiScraQUFyPH4BwociHKhOgoXc0-boivJefucFxpwoxEbj4l3BvehiWUPBI3byEehcflRRVc0RgsRguLqG0W1HQRpljX8ilWC4Bict5wxd1Q/s4032/IMG_2021.JPG" style="font-family: Times; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi00pjruNH3bSxQVpuaHgp_CMvIfr4f6Vx3-bfK_0ybK6Bz7DBsQ8sDWUqGqkDG3o-nSFx8zgkRJ0nhKcGiScraQUFyPH4BwociHKhOgoXc0-boivJefucFxpwoxEbj4l3BvehiWUPBI3byEehcflRRVc0RgsRguLqG0W1HQRpljX8ilWC4Bict5wxd1Q/s320/IMG_2021.JPG" width="240" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgknphqCQ7GTx-MN3vVKRrlYlx_QW0jYephnlI6QzYl-EIv0wGHT_iTzRxle7JjtEaNXYVybtLcFCFy4nBk7vwnV6WVwGfAXYoMTXUhj_ULoBUvEHTi7ryJ_cvX8xhcDDU9s7-C9_z_ZyKmTMkfKXUsDjuFDCGVDH-870pG56UYZce0KqZ4Q89Gzkkc2A/s4032/IMG_2049.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgknphqCQ7GTx-MN3vVKRrlYlx_QW0jYephnlI6QzYl-EIv0wGHT_iTzRxle7JjtEaNXYVybtLcFCFy4nBk7vwnV6WVwGfAXYoMTXUhj_ULoBUvEHTi7ryJ_cvX8xhcDDU9s7-C9_z_ZyKmTMkfKXUsDjuFDCGVDH-870pG56UYZce0KqZ4Q89Gzkkc2A/s320/IMG_2049.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbh2gzMEPiU0_gbeGg8Ey25VxZEXuaLvuovQqiptP6Zvpx63l3MHg6dZ8ZriwzubDD8Ioy_xT4gtl7h3-46ayibZ4k4QXQwBmxhxtjox89at1nkqr9GBA8Tk0XaQrCjc539h69M-B8w8CQSj1yjRn4CuKSZmqG_YPnLoKH1bw2PtDHuLmt8MTMezyX0w/s4032/IMG_2024.JPG" style="font-family: Times; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="290" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbh2gzMEPiU0_gbeGg8Ey25VxZEXuaLvuovQqiptP6Zvpx63l3MHg6dZ8ZriwzubDD8Ioy_xT4gtl7h3-46ayibZ4k4QXQwBmxhxtjox89at1nkqr9GBA8Tk0XaQrCjc539h69M-B8w8CQSj1yjRn4CuKSZmqG_YPnLoKH1bw2PtDHuLmt8MTMezyX0w/w386-h290/IMG_2024.JPG" width="386" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA3JrqlZ7oUwEM5PfDcSv0dYDPu_i_2l-XRHelOd5F_vSUX-4-EJicmWULqKkpqOpBoKBU9jEm8vB7BJYLXHHmQytKTDeZ-NGdx6UoZJwa53nvwuLTkPUbhMgRdl8ucTkvRYA6iLlNFrOQUEBPqB8WJtXjsQlZgWThQtEhTXItuSf866qPLCRODkiIog/s4032/IMG_2240.JPG" style="font-family: Times; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="282" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA3JrqlZ7oUwEM5PfDcSv0dYDPu_i_2l-XRHelOd5F_vSUX-4-EJicmWULqKkpqOpBoKBU9jEm8vB7BJYLXHHmQytKTDeZ-NGdx6UoZJwa53nvwuLTkPUbhMgRdl8ucTkvRYA6iLlNFrOQUEBPqB8WJtXjsQlZgWThQtEhTXItuSf866qPLCRODkiIog/w375-h282/IMG_2240.JPG" width="375" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></span><span style="font-family: verdana;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="color: #3d85c6;">Entakuzan Houkouji and its 18m tall Buddha Statue</span></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;">A short drive later, we arrived at <b>Houkouji</b>. This spot was not on my radar prior to this trip, so I was really glad to have had a chance to visit it. It is a 600 year old temple and you could feel the sacred feeling walking up the entrance where tall cedar trees lined the sides of the staircase leading towards the temple. We were given special permission to get onto the raised tatami floor of the temple mail hall to get up close and see the statues inside.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Further up the hill, across a beautiful field of silvergrass is the giant buddha statue. There is no missing it, you can see it all the way from the temple main hall. It is in fact the <b>second largest buddha statue in Japan</b>. The entrance gate has a small gift shop to purchase omamori (good luck talismans), goshuin (official temple seal dated for proof of visit), ema (wooden plaque for wishes) and other items. Other than seeing the buddha up close, you can also go inside the base which has a little prayer hall as well as a display of 3 sizes of the buddha’s “hair”. Because the statue is so big, the further the “hair” is from the ground, the smaller it will look. So to make it all look even, they used 3 different sizes of these hair swirls to maintain a balanced look.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div></span><span style="font-family: verdana;"><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJPOTyAXylPYpUaZ5s81exH5plrfvxOJfbL5RvK36UZs0wNVWb0C1s-5aqS4tWSz5TDqOr35GkcankeozGEhaUQZjYqVTxCZbK9tftGtdbLpgLu3z0p-OzerOYMkL1wrLcGw-LJJAP-4NwoYZAW-fr8lDD7jloMMuNdiijVO2AnNquBUZEkkiyo4orzg/s4502/IMG_2197.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4502" data-original-width="3376" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJPOTyAXylPYpUaZ5s81exH5plrfvxOJfbL5RvK36UZs0wNVWb0C1s-5aqS4tWSz5TDqOr35GkcankeozGEhaUQZjYqVTxCZbK9tftGtdbLpgLu3z0p-OzerOYMkL1wrLcGw-LJJAP-4NwoYZAW-fr8lDD7jloMMuNdiijVO2AnNquBUZEkkiyo4orzg/s320/IMG_2197.JPG" width="240" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjBH4iVp4XJvQDRXKSxkxmlIzPb35xKLuvcY94X7mhDuPbtbivyVBRjBntm9Hyg0di0RMmh_PW_2oQ_0J8E_eFd0ed7SC5y--zLIqx_obgssc9MWG7ZQxnvX2pb1w0K6okQjm0rSXXA-whCk3PWkn1Sg-_OC63PFq4wg87HjR97Tj4MOKrucl7oLkPgA/s4608/IMG_2205.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4608" data-original-width="3456" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjBH4iVp4XJvQDRXKSxkxmlIzPb35xKLuvcY94X7mhDuPbtbivyVBRjBntm9Hyg0di0RMmh_PW_2oQ_0J8E_eFd0ed7SC5y--zLIqx_obgssc9MWG7ZQxnvX2pb1w0K6okQjm0rSXXA-whCk3PWkn1Sg-_OC63PFq4wg87HjR97Tj4MOKrucl7oLkPgA/s320/IMG_2205.JPG" width="240" /></a></div></span><span style="font-family: verdana;"><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></span><span style="font-family: verdana;"><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd9EeFeXqDa8c_tgApLdkpyYUqJZGhiVLq2TkZbPNuypM-Jcxxmmfr7YQ6h6WkFhVNHtHdzsWfEIx6SzAOH0iptKiqhwB3gC-yJhwi76Yxh5F5wJNqyCDUbJDQWo2I8dGNDqGyYO3nEZtm8vvzuAdgRu4oYxIXgTvUXm50itWw4dvA2dpjjE328zxUAg/s4608/IMG_2208.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4608" data-original-width="3456" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd9EeFeXqDa8c_tgApLdkpyYUqJZGhiVLq2TkZbPNuypM-Jcxxmmfr7YQ6h6WkFhVNHtHdzsWfEIx6SzAOH0iptKiqhwB3gC-yJhwi76Yxh5F5wJNqyCDUbJDQWo2I8dGNDqGyYO3nEZtm8vvzuAdgRu4oYxIXgTvUXm50itWw4dvA2dpjjE328zxUAg/s320/IMG_2208.JPG" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu_izMSG5pjj2uVTSmzFJ9MpWqEeFeqi5kO520wNaVpRBWh_rqWofOjjS9tfm1CKrJlq4lcC6J2vPCEqN6vPDnQl8RgEZ5xHK3_HartZE0rA8Z8M42vlKGa-8xu-KQmXp77wbNhUmGiRPdz3gnPF_WozWt-ahRCa3-UX1W4aENLNxza724j_vzkHoTAg/s4032/IMG_2494.JPG" style="font-family: Times; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu_izMSG5pjj2uVTSmzFJ9MpWqEeFeqi5kO520wNaVpRBWh_rqWofOjjS9tfm1CKrJlq4lcC6J2vPCEqN6vPDnQl8RgEZ5xHK3_HartZE0rA8Z8M42vlKGa-8xu-KQmXp77wbNhUmGiRPdz3gnPF_WozWt-ahRCa3-UX1W4aENLNxza724j_vzkHoTAg/s320/IMG_2494.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="color: #3d85c6;">Ookunitama Jinja and its impressive lanterns</span></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Our final stop is <b>Ookunitama Jinja Shrine</b>. This is a familiar place for me, since I recently just visited their “Ichi no Tori” market (a festival for business prosperity in November). It was so nice seeing the place during the sunset and quiet as most people were still just leaving work. The temple grounds were serene, contrasting with the lively scene I had witness during my last visit.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjRCd5WE4x_erRsHJE6kKmitaZwUAoZVzYNfuRQszCOgS0iR-jHEOlfpsjWeUceJmFLtSbkF2aAz7BgriJGHlZG9taORN2iqna6pk_4Jj0Gx--oqAmuhLlbypUFEc0slkV_ypTu_y2q2t6npoRRz7vRL2Xg4OpzCB_LSRt7mbiC7yfeT5xGeIXOLV0Yg/s4608/IMG_2218.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4608" data-original-width="3456" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjRCd5WE4x_erRsHJE6kKmitaZwUAoZVzYNfuRQszCOgS0iR-jHEOlfpsjWeUceJmFLtSbkF2aAz7BgriJGHlZG9taORN2iqna6pk_4Jj0Gx--oqAmuhLlbypUFEc0slkV_ypTu_y2q2t6npoRRz7vRL2Xg4OpzCB_LSRt7mbiC7yfeT5xGeIXOLV0Yg/s320/IMG_2218.JPG" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUKtulP03aLWTAEFdnTFpzWG1mfAXxqAIQRfCwPcNKYPmoLpw69BGa05DAb2FdSTduIACZJV_KRB3IVBGEcyvQOFM8H55AYzsda7-j15ExCytyDHamIKJ9Edh7G1PgXdgi6MsXQcfFAPrIC4aTLtKFTPZN-xWkjIbDUxPtAkFY8JTv8wOl4i82_WahbA/s4608/IMG_2216.JPG" style="font-family: Times; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4608" data-original-width="3456" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUKtulP03aLWTAEFdnTFpzWG1mfAXxqAIQRfCwPcNKYPmoLpw69BGa05DAb2FdSTduIACZJV_KRB3IVBGEcyvQOFM8H55AYzsda7-j15ExCytyDHamIKJ9Edh7G1PgXdgi6MsXQcfFAPrIC4aTLtKFTPZN-xWkjIbDUxPtAkFY8JTv8wOl4i82_WahbA/s320/IMG_2216.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1EWE4mM8Ni79xCpzlDLEic87DQBx6_3YAUYC1jACN6VzE6QSmU2652sZ9cgNLdvG0KEjRAAJWqip3iZihv8Y5RYBD2ZdqTC4Ohoy-z4jTF38shRkExXMc-o246ktJLOYgUARsIRroyjfs4uVme788iDNB6gwlJGb6AW_B03gLrOExvACyzV6MYAcBBQ/s4032/IMG_2260.JPG" style="font-family: Times; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1EWE4mM8Ni79xCpzlDLEic87DQBx6_3YAUYC1jACN6VzE6QSmU2652sZ9cgNLdvG0KEjRAAJWqip3iZihv8Y5RYBD2ZdqTC4Ohoy-z4jTF38shRkExXMc-o246ktJLOYgUARsIRroyjfs4uVme788iDNB6gwlJGb6AW_B03gLrOExvACyzV6MYAcBBQ/s320/IMG_2260.JPG" width="240" /></a></div></span><span style="font-family: verdana;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">As we drove back to Tokyo city center, the sun had set and Tokyo lit up in the dark night sky. Driving into the city is a whole different experience as you can see all the buildings and signs light up.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">While we bid goodbye, the driver handed me a special omamori from Houkokuji temple. It was a talisman to give you “peace of mind” and to have zen and calm in your heart no matter where you go. It was such a lovely gift and I will always look back on this lovely one-day taxi tour with a grateful heart and smile on my face.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div> <div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhejviAUxR24Orz5RuvDmPEyZdqimUhw58spfAPPedeiG4C-FSg0jp05SFzM4Ujvq5wkZTTdsXSzSYy3W2SIxzAett8ItKlisFocrhl_zlXijnuqbVJ5u9d5tgFo-Dl8fw6DQEhjwK-caC5FrreTZhanGYdp2MWhP3CpXNybVJSXP9hZoU4TKYnZq_eLA/s660/IMG_6567.jpg" style="font-family: Times; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="269" data-original-width="660" height="90" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhejviAUxR24Orz5RuvDmPEyZdqimUhw58spfAPPedeiG4C-FSg0jp05SFzM4Ujvq5wkZTTdsXSzSYy3W2SIxzAett8ItKlisFocrhl_zlXijnuqbVJ5u9d5tgFo-Dl8fw6DQEhjwK-caC5FrreTZhanGYdp2MWhP3CpXNybVJSXP9hZoU4TKYnZq_eLA/w222-h90/IMG_6567.jpg" width="222" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #666666; font-size: x-small;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #666666; font-size: x-small;"><i>This Article is Supported by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government</i></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #666666; font-size: x-small;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #666666; font-size: x-small;"><i>#PR #PRThanks #tokyo #taxi #sightseeingtaxi </i></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #666666; font-size: x-small;"><i>#tokyometropolitan #collab #paidpartnership #PR</i></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div></span><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div> Arielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03509227042293152734noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8124579507526577941.post-48335471337824964032023-01-04T14:32:00.029+08:002024-02-25T16:20:03.358+08:00Deep Dive Into Nara Part 3 – Totsukawa Village<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn_RQjRAjMwfXSI40sFt8U23Ouwvc64SeSHiEY7XsnKAjLzBxobgBcImfrlx1t4G9DQmAXWpEIetlXmvR0bgjfoXadfmeJTqlhWZ6b3DuhQs47U0ZgYb5dSRBnKBKN11wP9wPHr_e0trEO82DHH-PbYwU3GIcB-g8iOjPet_LsBarDGpW0kfRRdXXuGg/s1280/Nara%20Totsukawa.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn_RQjRAjMwfXSI40sFt8U23Ouwvc64SeSHiEY7XsnKAjLzBxobgBcImfrlx1t4G9DQmAXWpEIetlXmvR0bgjfoXadfmeJTqlhWZ6b3DuhQs47U0ZgYb5dSRBnKBKN11wP9wPHr_e0trEO82DHH-PbYwU3GIcB-g8iOjPet_LsBarDGpW0kfRRdXXuGg/s16000/Nara%20Totsukawa.png" /></a></div><span style="font-family: verdana;"> <span><a name='more'></a></span><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Totsukawa Village 十津川村 is the largest village in Japan when it comes to area, however it has only just over 3,000 residents and 96% of it is mountainous. It is bigger than all 23 wards of Tokyo combined, and also Biwa Lake. Out of the 3 destinations on this trip, Totuskawa Village is the one that really made an impression. There is so much to explore and the nature is absolutely stunning.</div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>Tanize Suspension Bridge 谷瀬の吊り橋</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;">I’ve mentioned that there are many mountains and valleys in this part of Nara. Part of what makes that tricky for daily life is passing the valleys. In 1954, the residents of Totsukawa Village offered up their own savings of about 200k to 300k JPY per household to build this invaluable bridge. It is 297m in length, which is almost as long as Tokyo Tower is tall, and it is the longest bridge for daily usage in Japan.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">The bridge crosses Totsukawa River which is 54m below the suspension bridge. You can see people camping along the riverbank on sunny days to enjoy the nature in this area.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixrly4YXIcY5d9QHyybkCZpBGV3H347o1ThByo2lE_DlWQKHmZbSe1XrWfjlyleaYEJAUz58eGS6e2XzJMegmii0j8Tr5s7eO3CJ7rWS8wEBzj7BnvB7TUDeuV92ekDBinS1OXCZdnqECg6wyXoWZkeT7HBKjctKyiW98bDRl5XMIXUFbIPYJ7V0cxQA/s4608/IMG_7104.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4608" data-original-width="3456" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixrly4YXIcY5d9QHyybkCZpBGV3H347o1ThByo2lE_DlWQKHmZbSe1XrWfjlyleaYEJAUz58eGS6e2XzJMegmii0j8Tr5s7eO3CJ7rWS8wEBzj7BnvB7TUDeuV92ekDBinS1OXCZdnqECg6wyXoWZkeT7HBKjctKyiW98bDRl5XMIXUFbIPYJ7V0cxQA/s320/IMG_7104.JPG" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-3MKwNCKXodASNn5oVn9iEwApDDpP4HZ3SKDt58iDqV9Xu9M94xUXIcK6xm_ZwsDZPJjBNjhxCzBks2J3iXAqC75xPT1nBirnypI1s7fKUoTJpoUGaSCk6nYVMqs3jDEkMZahAJ_NQBXjjH1vYLhTDdSL5_wsXEP1aNlyrRW6Poi1dimocnuS8JKH4A/s4608/IMG_7113.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4608" data-original-width="3456" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-3MKwNCKXodASNn5oVn9iEwApDDpP4HZ3SKDt58iDqV9Xu9M94xUXIcK6xm_ZwsDZPJjBNjhxCzBks2J3iXAqC75xPT1nBirnypI1s7fKUoTJpoUGaSCk6nYVMqs3jDEkMZahAJ_NQBXjjH1vYLhTDdSL5_wsXEP1aNlyrRW6Poi1dimocnuS8JKH4A/s320/IMG_7113.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><div><b>Soba restaurant FUAN</b></div><div>Just nearby the suspension bridge is a popular local soba restaurant “Fu’an”そば処 風庵. They serve both hot and cold soba noodles, topped with locally grown vegetables such as mushrooms. What I love about this restaurant is that there is a balcony outdoor seating area right by some really tall sycamore trees. It’s as if you are dining in the tree tops and enjoying the best of what nature has to offer.</div></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVikZthBKl9MziGzHlsGo7Sh4H8vtC36YE3G7u8NiKD2GLw8MvhNqloNMWtwu3VUccapEkBNpJR5q3vfKtPCfZq7IsfzaXgD_pibT7jGqlkJryQtOwTXSZnHaUQn_BtIAlX4UoVEmQRTLdx67UZlkecp5KrXSUYsoS_IV2zQmjmZTHyWn6V6nxGeq-8Q/s4032/IMG_6860.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVikZthBKl9MziGzHlsGo7Sh4H8vtC36YE3G7u8NiKD2GLw8MvhNqloNMWtwu3VUccapEkBNpJR5q3vfKtPCfZq7IsfzaXgD_pibT7jGqlkJryQtOwTXSZnHaUQn_BtIAlX4UoVEmQRTLdx67UZlkecp5KrXSUYsoS_IV2zQmjmZTHyWn6V6nxGeq-8Q/s320/IMG_6860.JPG" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpIrVFpCT8TDhLgNdLt-mWITUfD4vH25an6GpiM-xH7NE14qe1tbJvzi17YB9WbovGmilFzyzuHOT2HJADTAYA_1ohdiOF0BUpkmE9TiGMutxDgEttcreu7dmv12rH7f0-1xUdYdCKkYSMLNY1juDJ4WUHz2Ifwzs08gU3jsru16EcE_CWrSP2iNmKbw/s4608/IMG_7119.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4608" data-original-width="3456" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpIrVFpCT8TDhLgNdLt-mWITUfD4vH25an6GpiM-xH7NE14qe1tbJvzi17YB9WbovGmilFzyzuHOT2HJADTAYA_1ohdiOF0BUpkmE9TiGMutxDgEttcreu7dmv12rH7f0-1xUdYdCKkYSMLNY1juDJ4WUHz2Ifwzs08gU3jsru16EcE_CWrSP2iNmKbw/s320/IMG_7119.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>KIRIDAS TOTSUKAWA</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Totsukawa Village has a thriving forestry industry, so to see unique and original furniture made from local wood, we headed to this furniture factory. Other than large items such as chairs coffee tables, they also have smaller items such as coasters and wooden toys. There’s also a coffee shop you can enjoy a drink on weekends.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglXkcQaOaRj_H-FaxKFBbha7B9CCJVu2cfKkXM1_AtuYsQ4v4194CEi80VkUhtkrrmlTRljeGoD2Je06MJw2Cov7wDoH04xJ68aaA7M4YRQ9oPxJcj0gI6ZN1_p1t28RwK4crcZ4NiSK3KJvzK5G4qQ7eRNntWIL_ahLtMAXbnJCpGwNJjqrqyDGqh6Q/s4608/IMG_7121.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4608" data-original-width="3456" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglXkcQaOaRj_H-FaxKFBbha7B9CCJVu2cfKkXM1_AtuYsQ4v4194CEi80VkUhtkrrmlTRljeGoD2Je06MJw2Cov7wDoH04xJ68aaA7M4YRQ9oPxJcj0gI6ZN1_p1t28RwK4crcZ4NiSK3KJvzK5G4qQ7eRNntWIL_ahLtMAXbnJCpGwNJjqrqyDGqh6Q/s320/IMG_7121.JPG" width="240" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRsIPcwsHwoW81TJ4LrVe7uc8SpDBApzbFptyRXHgRiscgRdhkkzafZQQLIesjaqaBZcJTZpODhKsTUsn8xzdV6txVHt3rmO3rNbDG3YM6SS08ixa9iBNJ5Cjr1gyoAIPe05isVZzF767A8b95FPT0_KQLDdLV-_WN8nWgynVZ7xMkHCJhIi0mfEhTcA/s4608/IMG_7143.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4608" data-original-width="3456" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRsIPcwsHwoW81TJ4LrVe7uc8SpDBApzbFptyRXHgRiscgRdhkkzafZQQLIesjaqaBZcJTZpODhKsTUsn8xzdV6txVHt3rmO3rNbDG3YM6SS08ixa9iBNJ5Cjr1gyoAIPe05isVZzF767A8b95FPT0_KQLDdLV-_WN8nWgynVZ7xMkHCJhIi0mfEhTcA/s320/IMG_7143.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5e5Hu9xFQDtI1rABRlvEX976jxVfbzTbcoVuLfbUrth3onUEbvBJf76IrHOuYMcxx-t1Qp-6TU7sFSzIR99si80AYejAbgSh6XBW1A0pjUPwLbqXJPZ-GsniTbZJypU9QdXQ340jP4vaEabFoyiyAJIRrZHesjlpXLazHhelsnu7tyoE41AlMZb98Mg/s4608/IMG_7140.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4608" data-original-width="3456" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5e5Hu9xFQDtI1rABRlvEX976jxVfbzTbcoVuLfbUrth3onUEbvBJf76IrHOuYMcxx-t1Qp-6TU7sFSzIR99si80AYejAbgSh6XBW1A0pjUPwLbqXJPZ-GsniTbZJypU9QdXQ340jP4vaEabFoyiyAJIRrZHesjlpXLazHhelsnu7tyoE41AlMZb98Mg/s320/IMG_7140.JPG" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid0ENbuBL-Ybq0S2aozc6sLlrFfKQlAOlPLUjsPwpJcEK-XWbOr3p4c-JqXT73KL9Xjovi-JgKRSp1OrkY1BsB9or0nFmdw_tptOgLjZQb1zF7hd73GFzzBfwDeGfoqCB_PPyE4qnaiuxCt3nXKSRw48iJScB-m-X0Q-QldZcy8MFMSDgRXiy57FyEew/s4529/IMG_7133.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4529" data-original-width="3397" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid0ENbuBL-Ybq0S2aozc6sLlrFfKQlAOlPLUjsPwpJcEK-XWbOr3p4c-JqXT73KL9Xjovi-JgKRSp1OrkY1BsB9or0nFmdw_tptOgLjZQb1zF7hd73GFzzBfwDeGfoqCB_PPyE4qnaiuxCt3nXKSRw48iJScB-m-X0Q-QldZcy8MFMSDgRXiy57FyEew/s320/IMG_7133.JPG" width="240" /></a></div></span><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><div><b>Kuuchuu-no-Mura</b></div><div>Since Totsukawa is filled with mountains, valleys, and trees, it only makes sense to make use of the natural environment! In 2020, Jolan Ferreri who grew up in the French Alps brought in this French-style tree top adventure park to Japan. He wanted to allow adults to enjoy playing in nature amongst the trees and interact with nature, and thus Kuuchuu-no-mura or Village in the Air was born.</div><div><br /></div><div>There are 5 areas ranging from 4 ~ 12 meters above ground, and anyone from 3yo onwards can enjoy. The areas include a reading corner, relaxing corner with cute large animal plushies, a drink and snack corner, and even a suspended swing bed. We thoroughly enjoyed in and were giddy like kids, running up and down the rope bridges, exclaiming in excitement about whatever it is we found and saw. 1.5hr went by as if it was only 15 minutes!</div></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAZN4uuTj6i1S-KU46_KpWI8SO4dqMyqTXRYzXm7kZOUmGIVr4VDtxGX3i9bMmht_Gi5melMny2nbcuLwLl05lBftq6sgDj2_xZqPdhpL0YQzk4gkZbRGhncKfv-WIOppnJeGt3hdWcIVDegYNwIoHjtzfp2OFOjluDInE9h_hl3M7AfqJq5uu1NRCJg/s4608/IMG_7152.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4608" data-original-width="3456" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAZN4uuTj6i1S-KU46_KpWI8SO4dqMyqTXRYzXm7kZOUmGIVr4VDtxGX3i9bMmht_Gi5melMny2nbcuLwLl05lBftq6sgDj2_xZqPdhpL0YQzk4gkZbRGhncKfv-WIOppnJeGt3hdWcIVDegYNwIoHjtzfp2OFOjluDInE9h_hl3M7AfqJq5uu1NRCJg/s320/IMG_7152.JPG" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMnwu0nff2GZwTVr79sBI2rUC7bNI9fR5rBbFQxWv-kxC-l5lkUzhF2j4l4nLQzGqhyFzg8w3flzkuc_j6c07gRHkvesGpiKqtR_dK-PwOfYoYLe_pNIv40nLmZS0a_aWmxUD7If_JMamrc-LpAICzFQY9NZWo_PGutLrvotwBlkRnQBUMMoSOWhzmRg/s4608/IMG_7164.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4608" data-original-width="3456" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMnwu0nff2GZwTVr79sBI2rUC7bNI9fR5rBbFQxWv-kxC-l5lkUzhF2j4l4nLQzGqhyFzg8w3flzkuc_j6c07gRHkvesGpiKqtR_dK-PwOfYoYLe_pNIv40nLmZS0a_aWmxUD7If_JMamrc-LpAICzFQY9NZWo_PGutLrvotwBlkRnQBUMMoSOWhzmRg/s320/IMG_7164.JPG" width="240" /></a><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLs8jZLpTcA6quPTt_A5CkhsmiSY-7k_XAk7izCR978Nj2WylgOry29-GGPjjswI7jKQ4O7TbRzIDs3rmQyDMqqiYCgV-OPAf2KIxrcQ3a7hxa5JoVCOmIP9ojSsFIcpea_57dFdDtIdeWHQWkE1bKpfjmrQ2aAVmxeKFX6WG6vqRPSgIvVNhq6qivxw/s4608/IMG_7163.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4608" data-original-width="3456" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLs8jZLpTcA6quPTt_A5CkhsmiSY-7k_XAk7izCR978Nj2WylgOry29-GGPjjswI7jKQ4O7TbRzIDs3rmQyDMqqiYCgV-OPAf2KIxrcQ3a7hxa5JoVCOmIP9ojSsFIcpea_57dFdDtIdeWHQWkE1bKpfjmrQ2aAVmxeKFX6WG6vqRPSgIvVNhq6qivxw/s320/IMG_7163.JPG" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifVgGapHVzPZ-Zzi1PP5BPBecBMSUmliisp20u-7uKYasZAvQ3CEGfsi6PcvmkXaKDGaJuATvcgrOJbhKyQWxA4TUjvlgrmbjC68jcFSknTlXhHY5fuZy-_Z44A4b3sjQFt8uM-ZDCp5A3qoVfuDp2-LyhdsGY5lqJzWJVQyvzcMyc81RlLNJGGnN_cA/s4608/IMG_7153.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; 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margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4608" data-original-width="3456" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9cCE5CssFoe6QwGMPzNzVtQTQFDvCzD6J1A94Rw4l6geL69_ZeyaNiP9ipzEfZLSkYMneeH8Wtk2DXJ7ECP-1U1mptL8jIeQZCRV8hWdfALE3TUbxFX9tnN2oMf0IvO8D7uHyQ4vpaw_2gEMjY1BHON77BO358BiaZ5nd47sVeoeNq8XQYVUQWPUciw/s320/IMG_7177.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></span><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b>Totsukawa Onseng</b></span><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b>ō</b></span><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b> - Yunotani Senkei 十津川温泉郷 湯之谷 千慶</b></span></div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><div style="text-align: justify;">With a history of over 570 years, Totsukawa Onseng<span style="text-align: left;">ō</span> has been loved for a long time. It is said that the onsen has been used by sword wounded warlords of the Sengoku period and travelers on the Kumano pilgrimage. What’s so special about Totsukawa onseng<span style="text-align: left;">ō</span> is that it was declared Japan’s first Gensen Kakenagashi Onsen 源泉掛け流し, or free-flowing hot springs. This means that the water gushes out from the underground source directly and flows without any artificial heating, filtering, recycling, or importing. Due to this you can enjoy the benefits of the minerals in the water as is without it being watered down quite literally.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">We arrived at the onsen close to sunet and the sun was shining beautifully through the individual buildings that make up the exclusive room. Each room is spacious with in-room onsen baths, both indoor and outdoor so you can enjoy the onsen experience in your privacy. The outdoor bath is located in the small private Japanese garden in the back of your room, and can be accessed through both the large balcony doors or directly from the indoor bath area. The onsen water here flows at about 50℃ so make sure you mix the water well before dipping in as the cooler water would have settled on the bottom. The most recommended method is to dip in for 3 minutes, rest a bit and dip for another 3 minutes.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim7vd_VXZnijeHGBl5qdcp12-DVyobrG2UZJ8-84u3E7HsiJ5wV4M5VphLuZNTAJ42Ia06yU8Wn6iik1QERGdy2QVaWXCoPT0iNcgz1fMMujqzJHy9Ve4eBNuDXTT--mPDGNyQifnV5f7IN8gvnWTVaYiqhn_3Jq1NBSlMWq7yWJl3zo6zUqVn7eSf_g/s4608/IMG_7182.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4608" data-original-width="3456" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim7vd_VXZnijeHGBl5qdcp12-DVyobrG2UZJ8-84u3E7HsiJ5wV4M5VphLuZNTAJ42Ia06yU8Wn6iik1QERGdy2QVaWXCoPT0iNcgz1fMMujqzJHy9Ve4eBNuDXTT--mPDGNyQifnV5f7IN8gvnWTVaYiqhn_3Jq1NBSlMWq7yWJl3zo6zUqVn7eSf_g/s320/IMG_7182.JPG" width="240" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1UD5n_L-sVSsMo05XWRP2wcemfx0GYDOU3tNBeq-l3FZLbMDSARH2Hi4e1_5fzPdBrfLR6H2WHwvW_JTGARZ_ezmWCcBv7NI3A0o95U6z0OE_M-ks0bUVQmvZxBcAKn46_nbXzMLSkt6gWQPrdMwLpjrd1ntU0Y-sq6P9NLcQq7ogUbxY-25FAVFjmw/s4608/IMG_7183.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4608" data-original-width="3456" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1UD5n_L-sVSsMo05XWRP2wcemfx0GYDOU3tNBeq-l3FZLbMDSARH2Hi4e1_5fzPdBrfLR6H2WHwvW_JTGARZ_ezmWCcBv7NI3A0o95U6z0OE_M-ks0bUVQmvZxBcAKn46_nbXzMLSkt6gWQPrdMwLpjrd1ntU0Y-sq6P9NLcQq7ogUbxY-25FAVFjmw/s320/IMG_7183.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4Oq5DlqvgcuSJ7Fuxz0uzf9H4RuwhwuTTlFK_vY7cqSzKWAF6UzcGRxsDnPfFOEXiCNAk0_TTx6-4yXHkmR15abLa_qzUELtz0IN8kmDV2jIhDwi2aF7SHQpiT_EGfzmWftnQcsgYJUezPPG8we3qNxL_bmBSPzFNlOe4ovLFQmGENtPLBSsVRSqsmA/s4032/IMG_7286.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4Oq5DlqvgcuSJ7Fuxz0uzf9H4RuwhwuTTlFK_vY7cqSzKWAF6UzcGRxsDnPfFOEXiCNAk0_TTx6-4yXHkmR15abLa_qzUELtz0IN8kmDV2jIhDwi2aF7SHQpiT_EGfzmWftnQcsgYJUezPPG8we3qNxL_bmBSPzFNlOe4ovLFQmGENtPLBSsVRSqsmA/s320/IMG_7286.JPG" width="240" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiZF1FX-Z_rrBum6ITl9UpnA9_wehHaEQeG876xDDebFjaEmIldQDZF9FOP3nxr-6mC_mBDFscJHBQYdcjnuq80udg6cX5QhtqLrWy6f2kiNv9x-c8e7ZXO_RzuI0jJ3QlqCupUjkJeirDVO5LsJ08rlhJF9QSsxI7WSw0ofMYzXgXSpH6rVigbIriRw/s4608/IMG_8020.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4608" data-original-width="3456" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiZF1FX-Z_rrBum6ITl9UpnA9_wehHaEQeG876xDDebFjaEmIldQDZF9FOP3nxr-6mC_mBDFscJHBQYdcjnuq80udg6cX5QhtqLrWy6f2kiNv9x-c8e7ZXO_RzuI0jJ3QlqCupUjkJeirDVO5LsJ08rlhJF9QSsxI7WSw0ofMYzXgXSpH6rVigbIriRw/s320/IMG_8020.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">For dinner I head back to the main lobby, where I checked in. The dining area is just up a few steps on the left, equipped with private rooms. As with all Onsen Ryokan experiences, dinner and breakfast is included. Dinner features a 7-course meal with ingredients sourced locally, with items from the mountain, the river, and the ocean. The menu changes seasonally, but the luxurious-beef is included for dinner as their main teppanyaki (stone-grilled) dish. Another notable dish is mushroom from Totsukawa area. It is steamed and served in a teapot. First you pour out the fragrant soup in a tea cup to enjoy it, then you can open the tea pot lid to enjoy the mushrooms. I thoroughly enjoyed each dish and can feel the freshness and hospitality of Nara prefecture prepared into this multi-course meal.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN7Otsep9ArEKFBujcXPAHU5X8qhMJXhXIbf9wnf4LJMIpOBes_sC2vPASEN9adc5glNXbAuM23sB-qRxIBqWFzeD1W8sQAY3wUsFqCe5uoKx7KPAptRrxEf8j0dyC8GbErIaJUj8yrGHxrD0T_OnJsJEeVBnnikCTqB634ik0pBtqtOBXyQIzeFHbMg/s4032/IMG_7040.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN7Otsep9ArEKFBujcXPAHU5X8qhMJXhXIbf9wnf4LJMIpOBes_sC2vPASEN9adc5glNXbAuM23sB-qRxIBqWFzeD1W8sQAY3wUsFqCe5uoKx7KPAptRrxEf8j0dyC8GbErIaJUj8yrGHxrD0T_OnJsJEeVBnnikCTqB634ik0pBtqtOBXyQIzeFHbMg/s320/IMG_7040.HEIC" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzJmj6jBOrSYWf92ZXy5y2v-OGXkzHoRGX-lLseBuv8US4CgfH_xmNp6HN4I1CS3mxdrRISCNNdO9LlQCFp4fnBo4KBq8s0mPY28YpQOg4Lfyq1ZguSHwS4lD_eCspj2MQ3o5eTHPWddqqyRzJaAioC5G1Y-hwBJjxHVYjgXM8cmwOrO_XSDLVsFfSmg/s3520/IMG_7064.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3520" data-original-width="1980" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzJmj6jBOrSYWf92ZXy5y2v-OGXkzHoRGX-lLseBuv8US4CgfH_xmNp6HN4I1CS3mxdrRISCNNdO9LlQCFp4fnBo4KBq8s0mPY28YpQOg4Lfyq1ZguSHwS4lD_eCspj2MQ3o5eTHPWddqqyRzJaAioC5G1Y-hwBJjxHVYjgXM8cmwOrO_XSDLVsFfSmg/s320/IMG_7064.JPG" width="180" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>Roadside Station Totsukawago (Morning Market) 道の駅 十津川郷</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;">After a good night’s sleep, we continued exploring Nara by visiting the morning market that is held in Totsukawago at the Roadside Station. The morning market is full of boxed lunches, sweets, breads, and other items all handmade by local people. I chose some daifuku and mochi for our road trip. I wish I could bring the Daikon home but I still had about 5 days of travel ahead of me so maybe next time. Next to the Market you can also find ashiyu (足湯) - Japanese public bath in which people can bathe their feet absolutely free of charge. The morning market is held only on Saturdays, Sundays, national holidays, and major holidays (such as GW). (For details, please check the Totsukawa Village website.)</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHRvy8-_vtCxjUAuWfxUhSE47Z2TIcpCasCgsFFCIh_EISvZ0F7xYiD41BSnVhvBY_fbL4aOqHCfz2pvwNnqjVJ0rgukR3h4X6li7EtkuQ5vD59NN3H-OjWxugjVDq0P9DtjAeX5QGrLntbLDu_rA3c3WmaoXVihtUsIpweYsOrJz4__yv7hkUjAsm9w/s3520/IMG_6629.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3520" data-original-width="1980" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHRvy8-_vtCxjUAuWfxUhSE47Z2TIcpCasCgsFFCIh_EISvZ0F7xYiD41BSnVhvBY_fbL4aOqHCfz2pvwNnqjVJ0rgukR3h4X6li7EtkuQ5vD59NN3H-OjWxugjVDq0P9DtjAeX5QGrLntbLDu_rA3c3WmaoXVihtUsIpweYsOrJz4__yv7hkUjAsm9w/s320/IMG_6629.JPG" width="180" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ1NDcwkBMjBdeivQlalL8iTRXYDvG3Kv2o187AA_p_I2wyvU2E_fHSMQsUS6w-uN67D7aK2tjQFTPXKZGEzrBLH6SP1AUKQdgrjOE7o0Zoj7D1KUZMakKxPeSYFUOCGcq6iRw7JSfeKvEC1DTtykBY1cfUZEnMM0BI0osrb_BJnqjdYMQ2V20b1LuAg/s4032/IMG_6630.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ1NDcwkBMjBdeivQlalL8iTRXYDvG3Kv2o187AA_p_I2wyvU2E_fHSMQsUS6w-uN67D7aK2tjQFTPXKZGEzrBLH6SP1AUKQdgrjOE7o0Zoj7D1KUZMakKxPeSYFUOCGcq6iRw7JSfeKvEC1DTtykBY1cfUZEnMM0BI0osrb_BJnqjdYMQ2V20b1LuAg/s320/IMG_6630.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></span><span style="font-family: verdana;"><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGsdtRENlGphpY7sNkmoOcmwak1lPh68bWpdSQ61QxIVSdsK7HoB5e9InrpnSNyaHDbulX1GiEwDUyMMPgJiyG2GyXcF_sQR5b_FbEhQJwoM0aQfD-_wR21I5pql_FOizyiOcVnEeusicj8cvnvHSUJH0DKi-i6r_9UE2dMSkTxL4CxLTkQUjmQwDBJg/s4608/IMG_8025.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4608" data-original-width="3456" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGsdtRENlGphpY7sNkmoOcmwak1lPh68bWpdSQ61QxIVSdsK7HoB5e9InrpnSNyaHDbulX1GiEwDUyMMPgJiyG2GyXcF_sQR5b_FbEhQJwoM0aQfD-_wR21I5pql_FOizyiOcVnEeusicj8cvnvHSUJH0DKi-i6r_9UE2dMSkTxL4CxLTkQUjmQwDBJg/s320/IMG_8025.JPG" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTOc3i6Ir2B9BQ41d1vmxq257C0PkjdQXYd3BXXA0kHZujlUA3sBBjz-qzXz8IjhUYeVzHPm8vDShfsTTVUo7e7-JGEMHHhnv0LH7oB0jS1g0G5JCRDcDDlDO-icv0bp4J5R0s-mMwx9wuRr0GUlQ6CFi_XFLZYTs079vfsDLbgEmtF7ujN6fWNS4WyA/s4608/IMG_8027.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4608" data-original-width="3456" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTOc3i6Ir2B9BQ41d1vmxq257C0PkjdQXYd3BXXA0kHZujlUA3sBBjz-qzXz8IjhUYeVzHPm8vDShfsTTVUo7e7-JGEMHHhnv0LH7oB0jS1g0G5JCRDcDDlDO-icv0bp4J5R0s-mMwx9wuRr0GUlQ6CFi_XFLZYTs079vfsDLbgEmtF7ujN6fWNS4WyA/s320/IMG_8027.JPG" width="240" /></a></div></span><span style="font-family: verdana;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>Tamaki Shrine 玉置神社</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Deep into the mountains is Tamaki Shrine. It sits near the summit of Mount Tamaki at about 1,067m tall. The mist clouds over the trails through tall sacred trees as you walk through the forest path to get to the shrine. After about a 15min walk, we finally reach the shrine’s main hall. The tall stone tori gate greets us, and a long set of mossy stone steps lead up to the prayer hall.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Between the prayer hall and the shrine office are several large Japanese Cedar trees, the oldest one being a 3,000 year old sacred tree which stands over 50m tall. At the shrine office ther are plenty of omamori (amulets), ema (wooden plaque for wish writing), and goshuin (official shrine seal dated for proof of visit). It is said that you can only reach Tamaki Shrine and successfully visit only if the gods allow, and since I don’t know when is the next time I’ll be able to visit this place, I purchased a Goshuin, an amulet for the wallet, and an Ema to take home for my collection.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFyVYVdUljsiZoV2F7gXMlrLTmP2q42Cn4NPjjTlriDiAGfdIIKLABcc2R_oM15Qy3TgjrbmICDbjXuUun2qd1RFQSX4WDQHxsHr5dCHgCcFFJZeHKcoyBYHlwHySGvLZWP28V8m2Rf53y1hx9YM2eLSgqUjGlx7yzohQfl1LdLMRuBnSonUDlpLIrtw/s4608/IMG_8031.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4608" data-original-width="3456" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFyVYVdUljsiZoV2F7gXMlrLTmP2q42Cn4NPjjTlriDiAGfdIIKLABcc2R_oM15Qy3TgjrbmICDbjXuUun2qd1RFQSX4WDQHxsHr5dCHgCcFFJZeHKcoyBYHlwHySGvLZWP28V8m2Rf53y1hx9YM2eLSgqUjGlx7yzohQfl1LdLMRuBnSonUDlpLIrtw/s320/IMG_8031.JPG" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJA426OnV2ZqGLcJybvNJ26Wic1kmoB8zW0pHXna_0TQESlGgPYZiHfDMbi2qnHBIMI-Rh6Qh7M70CGaRtlcYiSuh7bQbKOW2ep4XIcpPe5WIC_rcYc7hE57vUcZGmSoMkEYOUYjm0gUPI5ZqWkknz7u4JY8yFpDCMIdBAQhQsH2gw4MyP8DDgj_XvNA/s4608/IMG_8033.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4608" data-original-width="3456" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJA426OnV2ZqGLcJybvNJ26Wic1kmoB8zW0pHXna_0TQESlGgPYZiHfDMbi2qnHBIMI-Rh6Qh7M70CGaRtlcYiSuh7bQbKOW2ep4XIcpPe5WIC_rcYc7hE57vUcZGmSoMkEYOUYjm0gUPI5ZqWkknz7u4JY8yFpDCMIdBAQhQsH2gw4MyP8DDgj_XvNA/s320/IMG_8033.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5V1-LyR77ysSqKPKbV_WjFGlWPfTDPKi9JdqDujdYbbsIAMkeyrrAC5WK-b_MFJTKr8QtBiofIdG54eB3xZ0wSE7P1VLvEaa-QgBFaxciQSOMT3bHqkOjMAiISdh-f2_XNWH7TiNrI5XE-tKt7bmIjCXpqDjb6DdnNtZ9upMfksqOXvB8nW-L3h_3DA/s4608/IMG_8034.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4608" data-original-width="3456" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5V1-LyR77ysSqKPKbV_WjFGlWPfTDPKi9JdqDujdYbbsIAMkeyrrAC5WK-b_MFJTKr8QtBiofIdG54eB3xZ0wSE7P1VLvEaa-QgBFaxciQSOMT3bHqkOjMAiISdh-f2_XNWH7TiNrI5XE-tKt7bmIjCXpqDjb6DdnNtZ9upMfksqOXvB8nW-L3h_3DA/s320/IMG_8034.JPG" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRQcOnogFzw12NiB_kRhz9Nz17oqSYn96fkrAnxwewyZUwIuOMfsAZRt6Jy4B6f-onKasJAH_vTL3l40ogJQIZhqXN0-8g28-jgcRyGdaNmbNKiCkyAoOb3mHWR0gYzPN1IlyeWSiQR2z-9W8MprMwZo8eJMxsFV-ziuVcHAAkZPfMH4FxEijb2Sj77A/s4608/IMG_8035.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4608" data-original-width="3456" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRQcOnogFzw12NiB_kRhz9Nz17oqSYn96fkrAnxwewyZUwIuOMfsAZRt6Jy4B6f-onKasJAH_vTL3l40ogJQIZhqXN0-8g28-jgcRyGdaNmbNKiCkyAoOb3mHWR0gYzPN1IlyeWSiQR2z-9W8MprMwZo8eJMxsFV-ziuVcHAAkZPfMH4FxEijb2Sj77A/s320/IMG_8035.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsvvuHA1BHzwytsmxuaXq_2rlS9mwir-zLZIBSx57QibNYEzw-OliezEQVditWS2nVTP6Rz190H6TiiqX9VF9zMPSEf6WFPFhWI63FUm_HTt5CwlxXAPYQUK_jk2ijG9cryjzdb7YYIITIlesfNqQrx-prunUulUsNY5YYAeOFAzMPGrs93n7kpeurOA/s4032/IMG_7360.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsvvuHA1BHzwytsmxuaXq_2rlS9mwir-zLZIBSx57QibNYEzw-OliezEQVditWS2nVTP6Rz190H6TiiqX9VF9zMPSEf6WFPFhWI63FUm_HTt5CwlxXAPYQUK_jk2ijG9cryjzdb7YYIITIlesfNqQrx-prunUulUsNY5YYAeOFAzMPGrs93n7kpeurOA/s320/IMG_7360.HEIC" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0OcoMqB6LqiD-zCfmmCJ3G_7FAtNY83cR-lHwYAw25guk9mWIbc8fNf6qjzhW148dILa9MICSLF058SG2RPx2uxHGDDWmOBDD4fBT0grlNx-Tkntpj4lyFd4OFZ5xBjo_Tv8YU-z9LnUmWGo46aav2iB6yTrPnSTqxv9MDc1fYAtGod4SCm2fyRAI5g/s4032/IMG_7362.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0OcoMqB6LqiD-zCfmmCJ3G_7FAtNY83cR-lHwYAw25guk9mWIbc8fNf6qjzhW148dILa9MICSLF058SG2RPx2uxHGDDWmOBDD4fBT0grlNx-Tkntpj4lyFd4OFZ5xBjo_Tv8YU-z9LnUmWGo46aav2iB6yTrPnSTqxv9MDc1fYAtGod4SCm2fyRAI5g/s320/IMG_7362.HEIC" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><div><b>Dorokyo Tour Kawabune Kawasemi 瀞峡川舟観光かわせみ</b></div><div>After the shrine visit, we continue to the furthest southern point of Nara, where the boarders of Mie and Wakayama prefectures meet. A river, Kitayama River, acts as the border. The water was the deep turquoise green, surrounded by a magnificent valley of trees. This spot is known as Dorokyo Gorge 瀞峡, and the best way to see it is on a boat tour. We saw a lot of small waterfalls, stone structures caused by earthquakes and other forces of nature. There’s also kayakers along the way, and I really admire their strength as the water in the river became turbulent further downstream.</div><div><br /></div><div>Concluding this trip, we had some delicious curry at Doro Hotel 瀞ホテル which has seats with clear glass windows overlooking the beautiful Dorokyo gorge below. This place is fitted with all kinds of retro elements such as a gas lamp, which brings you back in time. There’s also 2 gorgeous Japanese maple trees just outside the left side of the windows, forming a perfect orange framing for the turquoise waters below.</div></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwjjGfJKpBYFZxYWF0D9WUlRT1hYA56RX-cH682Pr1GgfG2umDDIbJJJyXHyJn4p3O0ec8TM479T3l9jgEImeLNlgI-ZCBxeMZ7Ww04Iq2GGhxOQj-mabGcGStUGbUQtigr39va9t85JHOEOMGLf-bNRNSF_qyqBrAjCIaTGGHySW4RFudoAMJaEQXAA/s4608/IMG_8037.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4608" data-original-width="3456" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwjjGfJKpBYFZxYWF0D9WUlRT1hYA56RX-cH682Pr1GgfG2umDDIbJJJyXHyJn4p3O0ec8TM479T3l9jgEImeLNlgI-ZCBxeMZ7Ww04Iq2GGhxOQj-mabGcGStUGbUQtigr39va9t85JHOEOMGLf-bNRNSF_qyqBrAjCIaTGGHySW4RFudoAMJaEQXAA/s320/IMG_8037.JPG" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5jwGYOp7dFjaBwXZ6ECxgFwSoabZgl0njmVcQ51ZALFZIbeqTITpRTvR-vWxcw1bZGzyRG3lXfrFt5JI41T0wx_PZQU4HdYBzBxf60yO_ILEjsapPCbz7lFRuARX_gfoipX2L0-xq3LxCpie4C1_UTFCFlvFDAkE3De6LEWJDYWPJlR_NycRozf_3Jw/s4608/IMG_8039.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4608" data-original-width="3456" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5jwGYOp7dFjaBwXZ6ECxgFwSoabZgl0njmVcQ51ZALFZIbeqTITpRTvR-vWxcw1bZGzyRG3lXfrFt5JI41T0wx_PZQU4HdYBzBxf60yO_ILEjsapPCbz7lFRuARX_gfoipX2L0-xq3LxCpie4C1_UTFCFlvFDAkE3De6LEWJDYWPJlR_NycRozf_3Jw/s320/IMG_8039.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBuaKIttsKYJa8eXtLFGjmUUjtZYO8QJNV1_5ArDDM6Ir9_i5QyXH7IpbugUCfWcGPlc5fe7hBMB1qqx9VGDYekfP_UhxhAnQLS56Ocka28X5O6ibCtBgzEQX_p_fqAUExHVHZlEjdXWfOpRI80JRDf10PZZFQb9LtS-3PvVJBJLyW3FJNWIHcC1hwWQ/s4608/IMG_8041.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4608" data-original-width="3456" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBuaKIttsKYJa8eXtLFGjmUUjtZYO8QJNV1_5ArDDM6Ir9_i5QyXH7IpbugUCfWcGPlc5fe7hBMB1qqx9VGDYekfP_UhxhAnQLS56Ocka28X5O6ibCtBgzEQX_p_fqAUExHVHZlEjdXWfOpRI80JRDf10PZZFQb9LtS-3PvVJBJLyW3FJNWIHcC1hwWQ/s320/IMG_8041.JPG" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi269rogGYPe2hKXQkz4nRcgdYNHzFcmBqP0DdN2Fy1jInVc6-vW9KKuHydgVT77YgSGO7TxEdvmtjiBv_NS1_0KR9UzKLi3sKhfXyIWC83XPdKOZkp8V1aIR2Jp43uUCYfb2JOP1fcXmT1G7YmfmZj4ksT3Ovw7LIWa3PP6kirEQ_YAHFZUn_-bo4h_A/s4608/IMG_8042.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4608" data-original-width="3456" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi269rogGYPe2hKXQkz4nRcgdYNHzFcmBqP0DdN2Fy1jInVc6-vW9KKuHydgVT77YgSGO7TxEdvmtjiBv_NS1_0KR9UzKLi3sKhfXyIWC83XPdKOZkp8V1aIR2Jp43uUCYfb2JOP1fcXmT1G7YmfmZj4ksT3Ovw7LIWa3PP6kirEQ_YAHFZUn_-bo4h_A/s320/IMG_8042.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqykas7R_zB8wYyq7QWI5kbwswSOto6ua5H_oAW9GRlwUXU1Pd3ex1kr1qj7MuyEj7Ae5u22V4-QOnmjyA_Uc9czbkUqS_fmluMzNMNFxeXvL-sBMfR5unkdmOW6AphlexVzJmFZf1SHhua9MgbFWcUaIrOFk6ZKnB8TIf4yIetnfoT7Py46wcBrLYxw/s4608/IMG_8043.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4608" data-original-width="3456" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqykas7R_zB8wYyq7QWI5kbwswSOto6ua5H_oAW9GRlwUXU1Pd3ex1kr1qj7MuyEj7Ae5u22V4-QOnmjyA_Uc9czbkUqS_fmluMzNMNFxeXvL-sBMfR5unkdmOW6AphlexVzJmFZf1SHhua9MgbFWcUaIrOFk6ZKnB8TIf4yIetnfoT7Py46wcBrLYxw/s320/IMG_8043.JPG" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwHD7-BxkiaUuneDXiBAR606ta-D7VggbJKxxMYBl2gHYExxy4ZO3znEuQTRmVL4j6fWxAnTooe0SNyEYqhkT3F6h6d9v-DymuS-6AbJyD8bwFz9_aoutyPVYD9F7r5qX7Qg9NEhrPXpC-YnSKJ7Hv2sogKLGrBku7p4oBStl_UstG6R9Wdj1fANtXIQ/s4608/IMG_8045.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4608" data-original-width="3456" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwHD7-BxkiaUuneDXiBAR606ta-D7VggbJKxxMYBl2gHYExxy4ZO3znEuQTRmVL4j6fWxAnTooe0SNyEYqhkT3F6h6d9v-DymuS-6AbJyD8bwFz9_aoutyPVYD9F7r5qX7Qg9NEhrPXpC-YnSKJ7Hv2sogKLGrBku7p4oBStl_UstG6R9Wdj1fANtXIQ/s320/IMG_8045.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG97CwftMxaUy3x3mCN3DXIMHzr1pMb5hNRAHp8Ms6v7suncWP1TGEQFJonN-2bKijRJm-f2i4HRAwP_NjovP83b_bUi4p2edWaqbkPiUAW1oukxaqZNvz9KfV6RVD5dSSgfbDffbdgZNpo__UOwM5HyZXpmoCa7rImpM-kep2f05Ko39mXsgJZg7u2g/s4608/IMG_8046.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4608" data-original-width="3456" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG97CwftMxaUy3x3mCN3DXIMHzr1pMb5hNRAHp8Ms6v7suncWP1TGEQFJonN-2bKijRJm-f2i4HRAwP_NjovP83b_bUi4p2edWaqbkPiUAW1oukxaqZNvz9KfV6RVD5dSSgfbDffbdgZNpo__UOwM5HyZXpmoCa7rImpM-kep2f05Ko39mXsgJZg7u2g/s320/IMG_8046.JPG" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJetsS4IP1kD3O7fToXjcTndFuB9ANLrZGxGkZaI9RoofoV_2SB8MnJmfHp1agPl-bzrPJiI0tZCG1S0p8IUpURVQliDMjnHxspv75Jl2zbgUHzqW3Dszw4bFkZtmSFahHi3PH4VRBkDYuj11jB1avBgdMYQqOzXGelPW4nmGYe1RR-Bz-j76pJ61bxQ/s4608/IMG_8047.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4608" data-original-width="3456" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJetsS4IP1kD3O7fToXjcTndFuB9ANLrZGxGkZaI9RoofoV_2SB8MnJmfHp1agPl-bzrPJiI0tZCG1S0p8IUpURVQliDMjnHxspv75Jl2zbgUHzqW3Dszw4bFkZtmSFahHi3PH4VRBkDYuj11jB1avBgdMYQqOzXGelPW4nmGYe1RR-Bz-j76pJ61bxQ/s320/IMG_8047.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">The magnificent nature of Nara’s countryside has really captured my heart. From the taste of persimmons, to a dip into natural hot springs, and seeing the beautiful mountains and valleys, there is really so much more to enjoy in Nara than just the deer park. I really hope those of you who are reading will one day get the chance to experience what Nara has to offer. It is a place perfect for you to rest and immerse yourself in nature.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Follow me on instagram <a href="http://@ariel.land" target="_blank"><span style="color: #e06666;"><b>@ariel.land</b></span></a> for more Japan guides</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://instagram.com/ariel.land" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="4160" data-original-width="1710" height="697" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT9ZowWibnNUonQWPHaEBnN6MUTgQba22fbd8kV0Pm9KlrsTqe_KfRErl7U17XQjurkRJBgxeRTBP0X5Ml6fGPQrGTthtIef6AMRU7WFxQuYOnVr2MWVFEmxmetl5EeQ6qS8c7SgLQvqB4FdYFmD3Xolp70zv5fZaK6IxtH0PPkHUAY4Hw5lv3u6Bv_Q/w288-h697/IMG_6628.JPG" width="288" /></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfAH-vOqaflHbrSiPmO-eyQNVWGHBUV6z91Ke3s9pIdIFKuNKrnMw-Kt6w1AQxtCrYiGbRha4e71scqrNZvOjVm2yi84qSYdAr6e9TcQ9AU487m2blrDMYN3n9QX3zOrwbiAUKO5VQn8FdfTQVlfl3etN6e5AMcr7UCPttKsUVIAQEL5KTRbWEjSiTmA/s660/IMG_6567.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="269" data-original-width="660" height="106" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfAH-vOqaflHbrSiPmO-eyQNVWGHBUV6z91Ke3s9pIdIFKuNKrnMw-Kt6w1AQxtCrYiGbRha4e71scqrNZvOjVm2yi84qSYdAr6e9TcQ9AU487m2blrDMYN3n9QX3zOrwbiAUKO5VQn8FdfTQVlfl3etN6e5AMcr7UCPttKsUVIAQEL5KTRbWEjSiTmA/w260-h106/IMG_6567.jpg" width="260" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></span><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div> Arielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03509227042293152734noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8124579507526577941.post-64056356244552023062023-01-04T13:16:00.004+08:002024-02-25T16:20:13.650+08:00Deep Dive Into Nara Part 2 – Gojo City <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0Jix0eLYAiILy-DBaWpbM8Wh21fzwWzRUehH-Bfu73fNLENpReSo237HNRkhnswjm3ZMZDPxfhZXwn-Impawkw2pi6as55H0z9wYIZYSYunSAx3oGQo4aSKoKZ1Sw2-CHMc9T30eyS2FgNM1zAPN1LR_0-ynkONWajv7sDckpS8TYZ_1EUxntRuogHg/s1280/Nara%20Gojo.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="336" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0Jix0eLYAiILy-DBaWpbM8Wh21fzwWzRUehH-Bfu73fNLENpReSo237HNRkhnswjm3ZMZDPxfhZXwn-Impawkw2pi6as55H0z9wYIZYSYunSAx3oGQo4aSKoKZ1Sw2-CHMc9T30eyS2FgNM1zAPN1LR_0-ynkONWajv7sDckpS8TYZ_1EUxntRuogHg/w597-h336/Nara%20Gojo.png" width="597" /></a></div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span><a name='more'></a></span><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Previously, we explored the rice terraces of Inabuchi, local restaurant Sarara, and saw the massive tomb of Ishibutai Tumulus. The journey from there continues south to Gojo city.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKWh3w7VgzGmpN-LxYVmSZP25ci5kVj1D7bTXfQJcwXA1O4d1Nexo5uKrn1myg-SvjVnqwaWDS5pW8TxUJvakRVlWTM2OUXf-lz7vAGYrl2wkmHESpCioh7BVGDlsAuGuIGVFDowQzxr1QvwWnXdt4ZMJP85rFnbgvqW8KOxKRmKKWT8IYQ3jq04tNSQ/s1651/IMG_6624.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1651" data-original-width="1068" height="444" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKWh3w7VgzGmpN-LxYVmSZP25ci5kVj1D7bTXfQJcwXA1O4d1Nexo5uKrn1myg-SvjVnqwaWDS5pW8TxUJvakRVlWTM2OUXf-lz7vAGYrl2wkmHESpCioh7BVGDlsAuGuIGVFDowQzxr1QvwWnXdt4ZMJP85rFnbgvqW8KOxKRmKKWT8IYQ3jq04tNSQ/w287-h444/IMG_6624.JPG" width="287" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Gojo City 五條市 has a modest population of around 30,000 residents and sits on the west side of Nara prefecture. It is mostly surrounded by mountains and permission is a major fruit being grown here. Yoshino river also flows through Gojo city, providing abundance of fish as well as a clean water source.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>Persimmon picking at Izutani Tourist Farm</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Driving through Gojo city, you’ll see in the distance hills a sea of orange. Don’t be mistaken, they’re not autumn foliage. In fact they are persimmon trees.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlkBb6Gbfctxzz2tdwChkmYu6U4FWjmRJU_ZKUQky_vwCV7rQd7ydEdA4GMY54Xj7nv9fsZG5kU8tuVDTJKADQDIbqX51rM0FB1ZPKxNPE10U4WZyy2ZS3ngU_yWQAAwJjvv4oXtpMlCfAiUTkwE60ihAwbwMeMMR4qCEfvWhttkIjzP8EBlnYe9D9lA/s4608/IMG_6670.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4608" data-original-width="3456" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlkBb6Gbfctxzz2tdwChkmYu6U4FWjmRJU_ZKUQky_vwCV7rQd7ydEdA4GMY54Xj7nv9fsZG5kU8tuVDTJKADQDIbqX51rM0FB1ZPKxNPE10U4WZyy2ZS3ngU_yWQAAwJjvv4oXtpMlCfAiUTkwE60ihAwbwMeMMR4qCEfvWhttkIjzP8EBlnYe9D9lA/s320/IMG_6670.JPG" width="240" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTXcmJ2EEU3myMveHcWr7Ix42h8Jb8HjfmWSpLVq2oR7pq2AOlI5GPUVgEK_pUo1yZQSgyFCbQj8xvbPSYi0_pdWLAo3uMmICF2B7vvZaMCPlsktKbgedCu7P-NOKJzrMSnHLuGmxrPi2tbdvV94Sko5h0UiYyvpnl22tfSEk-8lHfaaO9H-FvBg0q9A/s4608/IMG_6669.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4608" data-original-width="3456" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTXcmJ2EEU3myMveHcWr7Ix42h8Jb8HjfmWSpLVq2oR7pq2AOlI5GPUVgEK_pUo1yZQSgyFCbQj8xvbPSYi0_pdWLAo3uMmICF2B7vvZaMCPlsktKbgedCu7P-NOKJzrMSnHLuGmxrPi2tbdvV94Sko5h0UiYyvpnl22tfSEk-8lHfaaO9H-FvBg0q9A/s320/IMG_6669.JPG" width="240" /></a></div></span><span style="font-family: verdana;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Each year during the month of November, Izutani Tourist Farm is open for persimmon picking. They specialize in “Fuyu” which is a breed of sweet persimmons which are large and soft. You can pick as many persimmons as you want, so long as you can finish eating them at the farm. You can also bring them back home at an extra fee. No reservations are required in advance, and you can even pick on rainy days.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Other than persimmons, you can also pick plums in June and blue berries in late July to August.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4g8oZ2z3EbOjcgvBLZg9yHerXdk-kPXjuZv-4FbcYaoHhZ3EwuAQyGR-ueyqiW4f4Jw46Bu3PZTX_q7eX4rJgvDBvne5CEuBQgPG63NjO81LmxjGnTjJrV8Tz3vYXYJhe8J_M0F39TKmcpLddxxov3iu9ie5G9YsvPj_0tWvrSKGJyRSsy2ZUt8U8Vg/s4608/IMG_6658.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4608" data-original-width="3456" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4g8oZ2z3EbOjcgvBLZg9yHerXdk-kPXjuZv-4FbcYaoHhZ3EwuAQyGR-ueyqiW4f4Jw46Bu3PZTX_q7eX4rJgvDBvne5CEuBQgPG63NjO81LmxjGnTjJrV8Tz3vYXYJhe8J_M0F39TKmcpLddxxov3iu9ie5G9YsvPj_0tWvrSKGJyRSsy2ZUt8U8Vg/s320/IMG_6658.JPG" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV9OWSjr5AoRbvHdcG6-yoKnKOjstRtnUBtPEQGB6RkxkoAqs2hmKIi2AeoZ_4wcZlmYLAxlQLH922WOMgDDgjIQNEiWKeoXR27M5n4AaLarZhrvSOX2VMnBSHL4NapWEBPtLBW0eEweh8ke-IFGtbvDgrQRKUraxnhBnJ_T-ra92yS4a6i-cxetCM9A/s4608/IMG_6661.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4608" data-original-width="3456" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV9OWSjr5AoRbvHdcG6-yoKnKOjstRtnUBtPEQGB6RkxkoAqs2hmKIi2AeoZ_4wcZlmYLAxlQLH922WOMgDDgjIQNEiWKeoXR27M5n4AaLarZhrvSOX2VMnBSHL4NapWEBPtLBW0eEweh8ke-IFGtbvDgrQRKUraxnhBnJ_T-ra92yS4a6i-cxetCM9A/s320/IMG_6661.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifP31oYzCqhKHVD2WdgnX0BPxTcyPJGwBrRDRrhX_sjHBDAZdNARrmd6MAfomoFFC4q7vvcZW5dhBLlUW8KAkdE80bVgPl0esG4cW7dhl2dyORNzNzTnlAyl4nZeCQFXS_kHKI9jWf0Wo_A35py64wgqB54dv2cd7g25zKaQYpAIm8cavYmjISH2ygVg/s4608/IMG_6663.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4608" data-original-width="3456" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifP31oYzCqhKHVD2WdgnX0BPxTcyPJGwBrRDRrhX_sjHBDAZdNARrmd6MAfomoFFC4q7vvcZW5dhBLlUW8KAkdE80bVgPl0esG4cW7dhl2dyORNzNzTnlAyl4nZeCQFXS_kHKI9jWf0Wo_A35py64wgqB54dv2cd7g25zKaQYpAIm8cavYmjISH2ygVg/s320/IMG_6663.JPG" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3IkHTMmVqa7lsoruOmsDOe0QzKUv8JznmfgB2iHojcNN8_QZ1tvgzIXMBgl8tOHIGmedHavwNBm7FerXGKFAJUbuF8URgP_YohQxbRXr5KpMzWZ9giFWQhXegAxaFyWmlb8c04Pi4bp62BdDDf1mBAJuiso7w4SK-7ie1laz_RGTF8HjyUct4r-7MUQ/s4608/IMG_6667.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4608" data-original-width="3456" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3IkHTMmVqa7lsoruOmsDOe0QzKUv8JznmfgB2iHojcNN8_QZ1tvgzIXMBgl8tOHIGmedHavwNBm7FerXGKFAJUbuF8URgP_YohQxbRXr5KpMzWZ9giFWQhXegAxaFyWmlb8c04Pi4bp62BdDDf1mBAJuiso7w4SK-7ie1laz_RGTF8HjyUct4r-7MUQ/s320/IMG_6667.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><div><b>A Historical Stay at ANOU Old Imperial Palace KANAU</b></div><div><br /></div><div>After a fruitful first day exploring Asuka Village and Gojo City, we found ourselves deep in the mountains at Hotel Kanau. As everything goes in Nara, this place is deep with historical ties, dating back to the early 1300s. It was a turbulent time as Japan was transitioning between Emperors. There were wars fought and this location deep within the mountains of Nara acted as a safe haven for the emperor on the run from danger in year 1348.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm91m-I1828xVNVk2R22q6rahMhetHKHndvJsbaQzTsZ0D93Qi_oRetTH40637IMct3OSbiUj8XpMGSOn_LZV7gIAfTJuHJ0ttm13M4GGGwSQgklmerSdROr3i8HdLps1qJivoVYP7l0_Um0ZfKhRz1hk1kQ1CywvpKZOTvmU4A_kduj8wfPC5Msx9bQ/s4608/IMG_7090.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4608" data-original-width="3456" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm91m-I1828xVNVk2R22q6rahMhetHKHndvJsbaQzTsZ0D93Qi_oRetTH40637IMct3OSbiUj8XpMGSOn_LZV7gIAfTJuHJ0ttm13M4GGGwSQgklmerSdROr3i8HdLps1qJivoVYP7l0_Um0ZfKhRz1hk1kQ1CywvpKZOTvmU4A_kduj8wfPC5Msx9bQ/s320/IMG_7090.JPG" width="240" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcHwCyrPleQBdlb369qKvA0o4WomjSg1L9BOzZrwbJYHtKY5t9dQz4n2UVBSDKhcRBNiEHaKnxwwv_qGmga87Z7nouMp6XRdb7c7b_ejejBfuh_AD0VzCxYozdmNLAOZw2XLHb_rxOn_ZBX_PuIRf7d2KmmPaAPr0DXYRb2CR4NUNx47lYFlTe8sFbhw/s4608/IMG_7094.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4608" data-original-width="3456" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcHwCyrPleQBdlb369qKvA0o4WomjSg1L9BOzZrwbJYHtKY5t9dQz4n2UVBSDKhcRBNiEHaKnxwwv_qGmga87Z7nouMp6XRdb7c7b_ejejBfuh_AD0VzCxYozdmNLAOZw2XLHb_rxOn_ZBX_PuIRf7d2KmmPaAPr0DXYRb2CR4NUNx47lYFlTe8sFbhw/s320/IMG_7094.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>It is one of the oldest houses in Japan and is appointed as an important cultural asset. One part of the structure of the house is said to be the same as Kinkakuji Temple (est. 1397) in Kyoto which also date back to a similar period. As you enter, you’ll first see the old kitchen on the far left inside corner. There’s a row of old furnaces no longer in use, and upon seeing it you really feel the historical significance of the place immediately. Up several steps on the right-hand side, you head into the living and dining area. The floors are covered in tatami, and dark wood furniture decorate the rooms.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbvZhfF-J_px8BHZzJapLfT8Y2bEXiGyP-8QPKDqWYeWF1SuqPsmmE7ltDJW1sw06gRE0WzkKds27tnh0T4bbITwcYgui5yNgyWR7n01CtAsuhl0CQ6ga0ZHzQ3YnrL1fRkMiNsCXLtyIxVdyJEIGkmTUfXDDvvQJbMB1HdE3dcTJPTvLqCwcZDiqWpQ/s4032/IMG_6618.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbvZhfF-J_px8BHZzJapLfT8Y2bEXiGyP-8QPKDqWYeWF1SuqPsmmE7ltDJW1sw06gRE0WzkKds27tnh0T4bbITwcYgui5yNgyWR7n01CtAsuhl0CQ6ga0ZHzQ3YnrL1fRkMiNsCXLtyIxVdyJEIGkmTUfXDDvvQJbMB1HdE3dcTJPTvLqCwcZDiqWpQ/s320/IMG_6618.JPG" width="240" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZYMa5zCzzXFOCO-GoIsfk80MoBhl16z171gbS5DTYJCEegB0iS21YBf-cxYY9papXMPj5kS2qG3y0dUdIxv7iWseYiu8w31JuRC7rGfdGVeztAw1XmI5qebHetOFsRcItrnOm_cX3HhTSxE5Eb5TvF2p34nmIbvCE6JrBcBF6i2N0NEnHqlLCvmkLgw/s4570/IMG_6687.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4570" data-original-width="3427" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZYMa5zCzzXFOCO-GoIsfk80MoBhl16z171gbS5DTYJCEegB0iS21YBf-cxYY9papXMPj5kS2qG3y0dUdIxv7iWseYiu8w31JuRC7rGfdGVeztAw1XmI5qebHetOFsRcItrnOm_cX3HhTSxE5Eb5TvF2p34nmIbvCE6JrBcBF6i2N0NEnHqlLCvmkLgw/s320/IMG_6687.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>The living space for the guests is in a separate house from the dining area. While the exterior remain as is, the interior has been newly renovated for a very comfortable and modern stay. There are 2 bedrooms and a large living space that even has piano and TV for you to watch. The hotel is also dog friendly so you can travel with your furry friend.</div><div><br /></div><div>Dinner is served back at the main building, with a lavish multi-course meal featuring truffles, venison, and steak. There’s also delicious fruits and fresh smoothies at to top everything off at the end.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz0LTjpsaqBEgbgghCqNmfyn-DIW1-wYzJRqauhtl0NfOSs0lVrFSJB8tjRtHg-N_7Hay9uS0QfTztmpirLCWDdGtwCIjpNJCAidde1WZTWoqT5vFJ6rxk7gZLjjCTOP6ajiZRVR_hmZYy11uxakiKv5G3hd_36QrbaJfwYFDAeS-8VEoYVYw4k4PikA/s4032/IMG_6627.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz0LTjpsaqBEgbgghCqNmfyn-DIW1-wYzJRqauhtl0NfOSs0lVrFSJB8tjRtHg-N_7Hay9uS0QfTztmpirLCWDdGtwCIjpNJCAidde1WZTWoqT5vFJ6rxk7gZLjjCTOP6ajiZRVR_hmZYy11uxakiKv5G3hd_36QrbaJfwYFDAeS-8VEoYVYw4k4PikA/s320/IMG_6627.JPG" width="240" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdS8fw3xxovzXgwguA0cT-GsYZzLgQxvrNwA6T0ZB56LY3l-8XqBNNf98wNqAnl_6rUaHyD1CCw7oUDlQfn00r2EvD3ls321EcebIRdcUYRxRGlyFSkH0Spk8TbFVciVetBdYRDv2ShZr2nDN9wiQZ-MnaqA99viuHQb6EkeDLdOq6bD5kEVkAcpNkbg/s4608/IMG_6686.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4608" data-original-width="3456" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdS8fw3xxovzXgwguA0cT-GsYZzLgQxvrNwA6T0ZB56LY3l-8XqBNNf98wNqAnl_6rUaHyD1CCw7oUDlQfn00r2EvD3ls321EcebIRdcUYRxRGlyFSkH0Spk8TbFVciVetBdYRDv2ShZr2nDN9wiQZ-MnaqA99viuHQb6EkeDLdOq6bD5kEVkAcpNkbg/s320/IMG_6686.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>After a good night’s rest, we woke up to a beautiful sunrise, with Japanese maple just outside our window. We went back to the cozy dining hall for breakfast, and finally met the resident sheep, Daikoku. He was enjoying his breakfast and snack happily in the autumn sun!</div></div></span><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAxNJSNI-VgrR8MO-2N-a-mrvV2vwueHSBP3SjD5pGPB_46veaAdgGARfV3Hh-lEZo_ZNd0M5iZ94NUOYsWCcXZdZUvKzpzYm71Dv5O8bVuW97m7O82CHhkkNiVimMinVgNfZ-oU79NlhqzDjAhCIyH_6-FvUVqS1Di6Cde6PDioHVK2oDgaLehU5Fmw/s4032/IMG_6764.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAxNJSNI-VgrR8MO-2N-a-mrvV2vwueHSBP3SjD5pGPB_46veaAdgGARfV3Hh-lEZo_ZNd0M5iZ94NUOYsWCcXZdZUvKzpzYm71Dv5O8bVuW97m7O82CHhkkNiVimMinVgNfZ-oU79NlhqzDjAhCIyH_6-FvUVqS1Di6Cde6PDioHVK2oDgaLehU5Fmw/s320/IMG_6764.JPG" width="240" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7ej--vzURFcrL5w00gEdKF9zVjkLLXDeNdUBBdHvL-wXDw7Te6BzBGXcyYACpvjXxfzkmzA9nfnbbtX_E4kkdrRd1s4FQUeoTK-0yPVCdeKqscFfMl6sSWw47DdHMwj23iyWZDQHcqkEAA9sO3uGwTp903UbrSGCv36T16xxDZ8bnq0JtDf0uOAwhJw/s5184/IMG_7100.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5184" data-original-width="3456" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7ej--vzURFcrL5w00gEdKF9zVjkLLXDeNdUBBdHvL-wXDw7Te6BzBGXcyYACpvjXxfzkmzA9nfnbbtX_E4kkdrRd1s4FQUeoTK-0yPVCdeKqscFfMl6sSWw47DdHMwj23iyWZDQHcqkEAA9sO3uGwTp903UbrSGCv36T16xxDZ8bnq0JtDf0uOAwhJw/s320/IMG_7100.JPG" width="213" /></a></div></span><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrOnEmFyy73J_e2JNMiGhO3QiwM0OXP6iUucBVm7gpKEzT8Tf5Stp5saRFz_fRq85npoWjEF68DhgyegFyYMNB5UaTaqCqP_qEhyZjtRTlVln1ritR41SeEAMzpW5q_SA529WGtqMsDtO5KuN5hJWg5IbzWvho_Qst34RgdadXe3bFU1bqBPupGBuNGQ/s4032/IMG_6804.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="336" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrOnEmFyy73J_e2JNMiGhO3QiwM0OXP6iUucBVm7gpKEzT8Tf5Stp5saRFz_fRq85npoWjEF68DhgyegFyYMNB5UaTaqCqP_qEhyZjtRTlVln1ritR41SeEAMzpW5q_SA529WGtqMsDtO5KuN5hJWg5IbzWvho_Qst34RgdadXe3bFU1bqBPupGBuNGQ/w448-h336/IMG_6804.JPG" width="448" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">We’d continue further south to Totsukawa village, which is at the southern edge of Nara boarding Wakayama and Mie prefecture. Continue reading about it in part 3 of our deep dive into Nara series.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Follow me on instagram <a href="http://@ariel.land" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: #e06666;">@ariel.land</span></b></a> for more Japan guides<br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://instagram.com/ariel.land" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="4160" data-original-width="1710" height="684" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk1jPdpecFEbVs0rVjsL2QklcKDf9cXQrb2x8v89lmxETut7IQQCdoOr50W5wkBcD69Eg7BxShX9_FOO_htNOifeNTcuG4vmIP45-j9CoRjUqjP_hy_LdTeTRw7tPxHzVRvTvfN2mWiUfPnZDtC0LLn1Lqw4f5Ur5sOQVh-u66BAclwqjGVP6CN1e19g/w282-h684/IMG_6628.JPG" width="282" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu9Rk5ZsurgsK_t1MSL5Q5dIeb58a1fxIdidfz4hW3SMcFuL75g7cyzFXvkhDkuGsqc5dKVnqBGB-ElSmod8bblK3pBuQUcJmy0fcWeFP8SRXmrM5Lv2gGcBEiYYdgdUrsrri1Z99RS3_iEu6OwrkkdYkTuE3rL28gHzCsA2IYAw26G6QPXB29LrcjdA/s660/IMG_6567.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="269" data-original-width="660" height="81" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu9Rk5ZsurgsK_t1MSL5Q5dIeb58a1fxIdidfz4hW3SMcFuL75g7cyzFXvkhDkuGsqc5dKVnqBGB-ElSmod8bblK3pBuQUcJmy0fcWeFP8SRXmrM5Lv2gGcBEiYYdgdUrsrri1Z99RS3_iEu6OwrkkdYkTuE3rL28gHzCsA2IYAw26G6QPXB29LrcjdA/w199-h81/IMG_6567.jpg" width="199" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></span>Arielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03509227042293152734noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8124579507526577941.post-24634186868442446832023-01-04T12:30:00.009+08:002024-02-25T16:20:20.011+08:00Deep Dive Into Nara Part 1 – Asuka Village<div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZCppHakc3hKEr5DkMBs8esYEac7auXviRNe9PA75omudEMC-3VE4RJKuDtdFlFFi00wzCWJYvhATtJnbxqlQ8BioOAtqTFPtug-fT598eG0Dx4_8qasGp-_pBzBnPTbPdkzJ3e4UnVEEM2IA0kuQWzbRQ69VpdpP-DVFfAqhPGLehMh5idv41h4GKCw/s1280/Nara%20Asuka%20.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="376" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZCppHakc3hKEr5DkMBs8esYEac7auXviRNe9PA75omudEMC-3VE4RJKuDtdFlFFi00wzCWJYvhATtJnbxqlQ8BioOAtqTFPtug-fT598eG0Dx4_8qasGp-_pBzBnPTbPdkzJ3e4UnVEEM2IA0kuQWzbRQ69VpdpP-DVFfAqhPGLehMh5idv41h4GKCw/w669-h376/Nara%20Asuka%20.png" width="669" /></a></div></div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span><a name='more'></a></span><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">When people hear “Nara”, more often than not the first and only image that comes up are the famous deer at Nara Park in Nara city. But there is so much more to Nara, and in my 3-day trip I’ve discovered the historical and environmental significance of this prefecture. With more than 3/4 of Nara being mountainous, the nature provides an ideal climate for all kinds of vegetation, especially persimmons which I had the pleasure to pick from a local farm this time.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">In this deep dive into Nara prefecture, we will be covering Asuka Village, Gojo City, and Totsukawa Village. There is a mixture of historical, cultural, and the taste of Nara. I wish I could share with you how fresh the air smelled, crisp with a hint of the mountains and crops around. But that’s something you’ll have to experience for yourself in person.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></span><span style="font-family: verdana;"><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3CCLQVqOPMdTdxoUk3EMfDibGBmyHhyrOy1TkrGxwOb80zaEe3sqVsUSQ5SekwYG2cNFhP77_YzWSLaZmP4DhrHsjYdtQ1nONSgBk_F-OGPY23wNRrJ-3koPkuhzbdXTzZ5G_YpDp40FrvgKYJWZ7i0vILR5ZD4O7F_uIzIbompsL8kRPpW2LqqPqFA/s1651/IMG_6624.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1651" data-original-width="1068" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3CCLQVqOPMdTdxoUk3EMfDibGBmyHhyrOy1TkrGxwOb80zaEe3sqVsUSQ5SekwYG2cNFhP77_YzWSLaZmP4DhrHsjYdtQ1nONSgBk_F-OGPY23wNRrJ-3koPkuhzbdXTzZ5G_YpDp40FrvgKYJWZ7i0vILR5ZD4O7F_uIzIbompsL8kRPpW2LqqPqFA/w311-h480/IMG_6624.JPG" width="311" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div></span><span style="font-family: verdana;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>Asuka Village’s Origins</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;">The humble village Asuka 明日香村 of about 5,000 inhabitants is on the southeast side of Yamato-Yagi Station (Kintetsu Osaka Line). It holds significance as being where the ancient Asuka period (飛鳥時代, year 538-710) palaces were located. On top of that, there are also many large-scale tombs found here, also known as Kofun.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP-2U9uJKxdmM2rZ-WFH6K6Ihyis6pmWZ3kWHfq2Io5p4ne_NZFRlTeJN2P02eo8J9ompaivdMnCp1-ozCkriy_CMmQnqMlrD7-pK4lik2Wxl-h3_khWGqUuk4gcHYXB1zUBLbR8ijUOiT4Trm5BZiDs-A34RVTISbUUWz_nJlTp_NAQaoHv273Oss2w/s4608/IMG_6637.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4608" data-original-width="3456" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP-2U9uJKxdmM2rZ-WFH6K6Ihyis6pmWZ3kWHfq2Io5p4ne_NZFRlTeJN2P02eo8J9ompaivdMnCp1-ozCkriy_CMmQnqMlrD7-pK4lik2Wxl-h3_khWGqUuk4gcHYXB1zUBLbR8ijUOiT4Trm5BZiDs-A34RVTISbUUWz_nJlTp_NAQaoHv273Oss2w/s320/IMG_6637.JPG" width="240" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqDxzPoaEm5rduYUKxMh8OyF7Qw-8eliPt3vNXHo16qDcUwFIgXda50FyyN92XdG_iNkSpTuPoU4KqjhfRadBaCGX3-INHacTiuuw45f0ZRtseEwMz9G7YudxfFYwVJzXM5okb1DNtmGK6S4yAfbsuT9KUMJAdyvw5ZQTzKlGDbNOe40KVCKDIYym39w/s4608/IMG_6657.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4608" data-original-width="3456" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqDxzPoaEm5rduYUKxMh8OyF7Qw-8eliPt3vNXHo16qDcUwFIgXda50FyyN92XdG_iNkSpTuPoU4KqjhfRadBaCGX3-INHacTiuuw45f0ZRtseEwMz9G7YudxfFYwVJzXM5okb1DNtmGK6S4yAfbsuT9KUMJAdyvw5ZQTzKlGDbNOe40KVCKDIYym39w/s320/IMG_6657.JPG" width="240" /></a></div></span><span style="font-family: verdana;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>The Rice Terraces of Inabuchi</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Our first stop on this journey is the beautiful Rice Terraces of Inabuchi 稲渕の棚田. It is a part of the Nara Prefecture landscape asset, with beautiful yellow Nanohana blooming in spring, fireflies in Summer, and Red Spider Lilies or Higanbana in Autumn. When the Red Spider Lilies bloom in September, they also have a scarecrow contest. The creativity is wonderful to see. Even if you don’t have a chance to visit in September, there is also a display board of all the scarecrows of the year on the side of the row for you to see.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimjP_BVhkxvk2Scaz5ThLxo35CZXKHLwzSdupYtnKoOTFDUTKA7oKrN3LzK2x-kHMnPzuPUWXqjROBoibQVVXsVbKt6SqXzLScrtglvubEgItYvKUIHl18NRjGa0zhy-jacR78sftllzzmRJ2ov9sHG9c0IWd7nawPNPDRJY1TTGDZrTJVzRe3nTLf8A/s4160/IMG_6625.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2340" data-original-width="4160" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimjP_BVhkxvk2Scaz5ThLxo35CZXKHLwzSdupYtnKoOTFDUTKA7oKrN3LzK2x-kHMnPzuPUWXqjROBoibQVVXsVbKt6SqXzLScrtglvubEgItYvKUIHl18NRjGa0zhy-jacR78sftllzzmRJ2ov9sHG9c0IWd7nawPNPDRJY1TTGDZrTJVzRe3nTLf8A/w472-h266/IMG_6625.JPG" width="472" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">In the distance, the rice fields are framed with beautiful mountain ranges. We went towards the end of November so it was peak Autumn foliage season. Unlike Kyoto’s fiery red Momiji leaves, Nara’s foliage is a warm and welcoming soft orange color. Every mountain and valley you see while driving through Nara is filled with this orange color.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXHSw9wOGWAlShb6VlntzFiV1q_5296OQ7ZQfchcnpK7FvFqcpqciCBejUVfcdo46cSiXwOb4ixotog51HrDWMWJriLxMe9JWGAr6x00DLth0HVetUfMmYKz3p5UzWPvfnaGC5yfwnCGU4XhDp03Jkufa4UQC2n28_R3xgckVutUDzNYhXWw9Wx4j1wg/s4608/IMG_6636.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4608" data-original-width="3456" height="409" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXHSw9wOGWAlShb6VlntzFiV1q_5296OQ7ZQfchcnpK7FvFqcpqciCBejUVfcdo46cSiXwOb4ixotog51HrDWMWJriLxMe9JWGAr6x00DLth0HVetUfMmYKz3p5UzWPvfnaGC5yfwnCGU4XhDp03Jkufa4UQC2n28_R3xgckVutUDzNYhXWw9Wx4j1wg/w307-h409/IMG_6636.JPG" width="307" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>Lunch at Oku Asuka Sarara</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;">This cozy little restaurant will celebrate its 15th anniversary this year in 2023. It’s run by just 2 staff, including the owner who is a lady in her 40-50s who is also an amazing cook. She started this restaurant after buying this traditional Japanese house. Walking in feels like you are in your own home, with handmade tapestry on the wall and all kinds of embroidery art. Even the coasters for the tea cups are handmade.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6zc1NHy3G0RrjlQyfKTTfq92G91IOv7u-ypnAuZZW_NPszFyaYYXXEBEejEGY5Treh8D9K5fm5ZyihFRIGhjo5zU6D9lJnHfQfhOn_pa4TBoyPt9laG-L4O9rFnKTMzPkrCpPpr7wNmT8aumVBfi3REF-DoxpLWPmjnrShaFUXMjK2i55FGs7mAOTPg/s4429/IMG_6650.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4429" data-original-width="3322" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6zc1NHy3G0RrjlQyfKTTfq92G91IOv7u-ypnAuZZW_NPszFyaYYXXEBEejEGY5Treh8D9K5fm5ZyihFRIGhjo5zU6D9lJnHfQfhOn_pa4TBoyPt9laG-L4O9rFnKTMzPkrCpPpr7wNmT8aumVBfi3REF-DoxpLWPmjnrShaFUXMjK2i55FGs7mAOTPg/s320/IMG_6650.JPG" width="240" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN1TsN4ZYg5a41f5k9GVloou-jCA8skuciVDeCfMPEIFsnDdIz36FxLhjiZihSNsoaKVCJ-WxByRShIwZ93N8Isvo5ngi8DwUPDJ9ACvJuRCpaz-XjHcWSmufKNF-7MRne0uX1RikOLGP_IL7ZVlD2NwaY8a47RgyEo6FjSE_HxiunG0PP3z6W-BxChw/s4608/IMG_6649.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4608" data-original-width="3456" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN1TsN4ZYg5a41f5k9GVloou-jCA8skuciVDeCfMPEIFsnDdIz36FxLhjiZihSNsoaKVCJ-WxByRShIwZ93N8Isvo5ngi8DwUPDJ9ACvJuRCpaz-XjHcWSmufKNF-7MRne0uX1RikOLGP_IL7ZVlD2NwaY8a47RgyEo6FjSE_HxiunG0PP3z6W-BxChw/s320/IMG_6649.JPG" width="240" /></a></div></span><span style="font-family: verdana;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Lunch is a set menu, carefully designed to incorporate fresh seasonal produce from Nara. From black rice produced in Oku Asuka, to mushrooms and other vegetables grown right in their backyard, the meal was a very well-balanced and healthy meal. The seasoning was light and complimentary, which let the ingredients themselves stand out as the main taste. It was really refreshing, especially coming from a big city like Tokyo where lots of oil, preservatives, or MSG is used in food prep.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9hvMVvsDaFydbH7D_WeeHrKL7OucziFxwFhoUpwrOU-NdOJO0fph2GMgKxmojq_174KYLiFoa68XH71uBPU_VZf3hkKI6NaGlttTBogBXjeBavQo3N8JlQUtn21t0XbLlWlLzMta2ptKwAdrQGWRzAYeaobwr7Lw7j8n6rpCROuEdOlxsy2iCU8d5Mg/s4608/IMG_6641.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9hvMVvsDaFydbH7D_WeeHrKL7OucziFxwFhoUpwrOU-NdOJO0fph2GMgKxmojq_174KYLiFoa68XH71uBPU_VZf3hkKI6NaGlttTBogBXjeBavQo3N8JlQUtn21t0XbLlWlLzMta2ptKwAdrQGWRzAYeaobwr7Lw7j8n6rpCROuEdOlxsy2iCU8d5Mg/w402-h301/IMG_6641.JPG" width="402" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">After the delightful meal, we were given a tour of the Inn just next door. It’s a spacious and comfortable house suitable for group meetings or a relaxing farm stay. Due to the spread of the new coronavirus infection, the owner is currently suspending lodging acceptance. It’s currently still completing its finishing preparations to be opened for stays, so please stay tuned and in the meantime, enjoy their amazing restaurant.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">*The restaurant requires reservations 1 day in advance as spots are limited. Please call 0744-54-5005.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>Visiting the magnificent tomb of Ishibutai Tumulus</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;">The grand finale of Asuka Village is the Special Historical Site of Ishibutai Kofun. The world Ishibutai literally translates to “stone stage”. Because tumulus are large stones covering the ceiling of the burial chamber, it looks like a large platform stage. It’s believed that performances area actually given on this stage.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">This site dates back to year 626 where “Soga-no-Umako” was buried here, who’s family was one of the most powerful ancient families of Japan at the time. You can go inside the incredible structure, with the inner chamber being 7.5m long and 3.4m wide, and 4.8m high. It’s built from 30 stones and the largest piece weights 77 tons. Surrounding the four sides is a moat lined with maple leaves in autumn and cherry blossoms in spring.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhbVQC8v3SIZQzmlwN-s1fBko9FHoiTJph83TBSrvWB4rfZuiOAt8We-TJsrbz8XAiy1XiKBdZMiDFS1kv_vv8zsOXSd4EHbUyQFjr0sJ6cbQVyW0IbLnkFK_BG0wdToyBANheNsoHH8h7hZo_P1OBQtYkEtxhQBDM04WVPBOlG2pJMhpIokAxO2Z2_Q/s4032/IMG_6566.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhbVQC8v3SIZQzmlwN-s1fBko9FHoiTJph83TBSrvWB4rfZuiOAt8We-TJsrbz8XAiy1XiKBdZMiDFS1kv_vv8zsOXSd4EHbUyQFjr0sJ6cbQVyW0IbLnkFK_BG0wdToyBANheNsoHH8h7hZo_P1OBQtYkEtxhQBDM04WVPBOlG2pJMhpIokAxO2Z2_Q/s320/IMG_6566.JPG" width="240" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1gQtvhPHTx93VfmzSSgYrlo3V8X5ZXoF-QFTe41jRP8i2W6cRrYw1H8ggWt6H6577wSD5acabOtN7dnpAezqVIjGPVKWKcUngD4Tz71lgezzcAuLPxOcaMMoQh7gN59U-GyFZs8RXhyrf6HCvhVBzxfoyNQ5cCGXbyzmaxsj3TSAQ0LlMwhXpj7nwjw/s4608/IMG_6654.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4608" data-original-width="3456" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1gQtvhPHTx93VfmzSSgYrlo3V8X5ZXoF-QFTe41jRP8i2W6cRrYw1H8ggWt6H6577wSD5acabOtN7dnpAezqVIjGPVKWKcUngD4Tz71lgezzcAuLPxOcaMMoQh7gN59U-GyFZs8RXhyrf6HCvhVBzxfoyNQ5cCGXbyzmaxsj3TSAQ0LlMwhXpj7nwjw/s320/IMG_6654.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm5JrkAcHz9A-4joWLbtkDYIY52hDSTOQDJcEKxVDl2IO5SOwSKjrrpes-6xXcega5hlbaHBBpBLwwTZwTYXiGAafLp6IaC2ZN6tGfqZCuIPdMKeW5F5Z0hIjtcRCuxVAhTPUSFDVh_NRny1wV7k1xnBDuTAzJqVLvfeVSDNn0F4yk_thAkeOAJOhu_g/s4556/IMG_6656.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3417" data-original-width="4556" height="312" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm5JrkAcHz9A-4joWLbtkDYIY52hDSTOQDJcEKxVDl2IO5SOwSKjrrpes-6xXcega5hlbaHBBpBLwwTZwTYXiGAafLp6IaC2ZN6tGfqZCuIPdMKeW5F5Z0hIjtcRCuxVAhTPUSFDVh_NRny1wV7k1xnBDuTAzJqVLvfeVSDNn0F4yk_thAkeOAJOhu_g/w416-h312/IMG_6656.JPG" width="416" /></a></div></span><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /><b>Part 2: Gojo City</b><br /><br />From Asuka village, we continue to Gojo city. Its highlight being persimmon picking, which is one of my favorite activities from this entire trip.<br /><br />Please continue reading the next blog post to learn more about Gojo City.</span><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Follow me on Instagram <a href="http://@ariel.land" target="_blank"><span style="color: #ea9999;"><b>@ariel.land</b></span></a> for more Japan guides</span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://instagram.com/ariel.land" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="4160" data-original-width="1710" height="868" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP75Oo3zKS2OHpeuQv_sCOAI3QP_AMrYo85q_OHcUsY84zD2XDFY6V6l8_gPpCOhN3eus_bAu8mP4OBRL7HNZj0ZLHZ4iFjc_cFTEKrO9he4ZFhA43b2dz05e6NB7VH3m7lFcSfgrouCRVT6hqU0FljVziOgf0UiL9oDxpfaD1anDhCjUBLJi7dBHTRg/w358-h868/IMG_6628.JPG" width="358" /></a></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgbb5ub0Vosly2KxFyENjzbkr0ZwPj4fnJ4ZhcJTiylJs7XhGzTg75g7GYmsqEe-OnSlMrYeeyP2uWFfvhIN_sKWE157Spt1gPbnUCDOZSXTmnHE6_yLU5i4IIZdO27dujyVDe6sKIxXyAd13KvVmYg7aPjyekP9zRuZQdVV0cC1boZ5ki4qBmBMaZlw/s660/IMG_6567.jpg" style="font-family: verdana; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="269" data-original-width="660" height="79" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgbb5ub0Vosly2KxFyENjzbkr0ZwPj4fnJ4ZhcJTiylJs7XhGzTg75g7GYmsqEe-OnSlMrYeeyP2uWFfvhIN_sKWE157Spt1gPbnUCDOZSXTmnHE6_yLU5i4IIZdO27dujyVDe6sKIxXyAd13KvVmYg7aPjyekP9zRuZQdVV0cC1boZ5ki4qBmBMaZlw/w194-h79/IMG_6567.jpg" width="194" /></a></div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div></span></div>Arielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03509227042293152734noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8124579507526577941.post-70179815060190164642022-11-06T10:23:00.011+08:002024-02-25T16:19:34.531+08:00Mt. Fuji in Peak Autumn | Kawaguchiko <p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.arielland.com/2022/11/mt-fuji-in-peak-autumn-kawaguchiko.html" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="321" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEivWCm6pZSwlbvHz2azU1E_JapN4RysDN37cdu0gmLuRj6FnVQvM18_Y0PjkAcEZEL6QA6Hqgvr2e1-Rw6uEcJ8NRFkSiAnImkGXRNu0SAkhwZcWENWLLAcgqkgr3rQ4My8zj0ZeK2y9VTxSMcPB_GluT4bQQ_K9MqJ1m9XDdTdQfYOhRFAgp8KfNtCxQ=w570-h321" width="570" /></a></div><p></p><span><a name='more'></a></span><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">This is my 4th time in Kawaguchiko, prior times being in summer and winter. I'm so glad that I'm finally able to see Fuji surrounded by leaves bursting in colors of red, orange, and yellow. Fuji will always be such a classic, but autumn leaves definitely make everything more magical. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #e69138; font-family: verdana;"><b>When is the best time to go?</b></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Mid November is usually close to peak foliage, in last year's case I went on Nov 16, 2021 and everything was as bright as it can be. If you are traveling internationally then you can aim for </span><b style="font-family: verdana;">mid-late November</b><span style="font-family: verdana;">. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="color: #b45f06;">2022 Kawaguchiko Autumn Festival is from <u>10/29 ~ 11/23</u></span>. Night time light up is sunset till 10pm. It's free to visit and there are food and drink stalls around it. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">To check more accurately closer to the date, t</span><span style="font-family: verdana;">hese two webpages gives you live update of foliage by region. There are simple icons with leaves in green, yellow, red, brown to indicate the status of the foliage.</span></p><span style="font-family: verdana;">1. <a href="https://tenki.jp/lite/kouyou/?fbclid=IwAR2qB4d-bsIOHo1SjDChoFp2qfmTHUH0fbI-ttgklv5zWvUIuhgZwfasKm4">https://tenki.jp/lite/kouyou/</a><br />2. <a href="https://weathernews.jp/s/koyo/?fbclid=IwAR2pViq8gT8IAf2C5cmxAPg5mb1WZ1iDJ-oX8RgGfKDlzJxaYOAbPQDB4Yw">https://weathernews.jp/s/koyo/</a> (this allows you to filter everything that is currently in peak foliage)</span><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><b>Getting to Kawaguchiko</b></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;">There are several ways of getting there and each have their own advantage:</span></div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b>By Car</b>: It's about a 1hr 20min drive without traffic from Shinjuku to Kawaguchiko. The advantage is you can get around the different sites at Kawaguchiko faster, the disadvantage though is that it is subject to traffic and parking costs. With bad weekend traffic, the one way drive can take over 3hrs, and during peak foliage season the parking can cost as much as ¥1,000 per location. </span></li><li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b>By Train:</b> The Fuji Excursion is a 1hr 50min train ride from Shinjuku to Kawaguchiko Station. It runs twice on weekdays and 3 times on weekends. The best part is the train is direct and there's no traffic so you'll always be on time. After getting to Kawaguchiko area though you still need to take busses to get around the lake. Or you can choose to rent bikes and ride around the lake. The one disadvantage is that this route is more expensive, around ¥4,130 one way. There are 2 sections of the route, Shinjuku to Otsuki and Otsuki to Kawaguchiko. The first is covered by the JR rail pass however the second part is not and it's almost always fully booked so you can't go on without a reserved seat ticket. </span></li><li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b>By Highway bus:</b> If you take the express bus from Shinjuku station, it will take you to Kawaguchiko in 1hr45min and it costs less than ¥4,000 <u style="font-style: italic;">round trip</u><b style="font-style: italic;"> </b>so it is half the price of the train. There's also multiple departures and returns a day so this is flexible on the schedule. One disadvantage though is that it will be subject to traffic. On weekends it can be up to 3hrs one way. When I returned to Tokyo on a 3pm bus, it was delayed by about 20mins due to rush hour traffic in the city. You can book the tickets online in English <b><u><a href="https://highway-buses.jp/course/kawaguchiko.php" target="_blank">here</a></u></b>. </span></li></ul><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">If you'd like to read more about the trains since it can get complicated, here's a detailed article: <a href="https://gowithguide.com/blog/how-to-book-fuji-excursion-4138" target="_blank">https://gowithguide.com/blog/how-to-book-fuji-excursion-4138</a> </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="color: #e69138; font-family: verdana;"><b>Getting around Kawaguchiko </b></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">After arriving in Kawaguchiko, if not driving then the most common way to get around is with the Kawaguchiko Sightseeing Bus (Red Bus). You'll be able to see all the major autumn foliage spots by only using the red bus and some walking. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">If you'd like to see Lake Saiko or Lake Shojiko, you can use the Green and Blue Busses. All bus details can be found <b><u><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><a href="http://bus-en.fujikyu.co.jp/heritage-tour/detail/id/1/" target="_blank">here</a></span></u></b>. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #e69138; font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><b>Major Spots to See Autumn Foliage</b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">There are quite a few spots that are reachable by public transport where you can admire Mt.Fuji and beautiful Japanese maple or other autumn foliage such as ginkgo trees. If you are driving, please note that parking is ¥1,000 for each spot during the Autumn Festival period. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: verdana;"><b>Oishi Park</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">This park on the north shore of Lake Kawaguchi is known for its flowers. There's tulips, pink moss, lupins, and weeping cherry blossoms in spring; lavender, hydrangeas, and daisies in summer; Japanese maple, ginkgo, and kokia plants in autumn. It's a place where you can always go see flowers and I would recommend to put towards the top of your list of places to go to in the area. There's also a little gift shop which sell snacks and drinks as well. </span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmm3n6nljfOaaEstmiC10HT-SPCr7HjzgCXVkS0QnjLJFtLxTaKo3Cucf21p6bOjS9iL6_9uwoNIIKitiUQbU8SOh7cyjV8T0fHsivw09agTy3YAP80p4QUWqtqGp3USGtUW0SKLIg64o4Ab-Xdcz4aFcwReiL0c1ilZnV87YtkteBHFtGJ8Mgnz7MEQ/s4608/IMG_5800.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="324" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmm3n6nljfOaaEstmiC10HT-SPCr7HjzgCXVkS0QnjLJFtLxTaKo3Cucf21p6bOjS9iL6_9uwoNIIKitiUQbU8SOh7cyjV8T0fHsivw09agTy3YAP80p4QUWqtqGp3USGtUW0SKLIg64o4Ab-Xdcz4aFcwReiL0c1ilZnV87YtkteBHFtGJ8Mgnz7MEQ/w432-h324/IMG_5800.JPG" width="432" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnZcGysbC96xDwkwdcHIYjxcf2qoSgqMRGXuJGHviH2sdfha8n0LFk6PUfMfcKjCMMjXdHNvzdK_UtvLJJvK6_bdUlZ39E_JpjMkYF0X9roaBicIkxzNeWItw_4cA8NxbXXo_CngwzvM8w3xi5XJo0qu2KdTrJYLoNShfKD5HXPakZ3gs92ZF8vnrM4A/s4608/IMG_5806.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="324" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnZcGysbC96xDwkwdcHIYjxcf2qoSgqMRGXuJGHviH2sdfha8n0LFk6PUfMfcKjCMMjXdHNvzdK_UtvLJJvK6_bdUlZ39E_JpjMkYF0X9roaBicIkxzNeWItw_4cA8NxbXXo_CngwzvM8w3xi5XJo0qu2KdTrJYLoNShfKD5HXPakZ3gs92ZF8vnrM4A/w431-h324/IMG_5806.JPG" width="431" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP1giPOIwemmkzmf9WHRi1K6pv8fEINwa0Pft0b41-2YNvOVeSnfqfyfAvquj0Ht23oGS07rbaXWeoJNmwhnYm29vHs8hbzVHVlXiY2S9diO9l7OVyJb0F6jGshqkrx_XBthBVPLX764al-RChT9IsJ1sevYI9oa8I4VWPKQIWO4hW1bebyyErFEj1Tw/s4608/IMG_5845.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="328" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP1giPOIwemmkzmf9WHRi1K6pv8fEINwa0Pft0b41-2YNvOVeSnfqfyfAvquj0Ht23oGS07rbaXWeoJNmwhnYm29vHs8hbzVHVlXiY2S9diO9l7OVyJb0F6jGshqkrx_XBthBVPLX764al-RChT9IsJ1sevYI9oa8I4VWPKQIWO4hW1bebyyErFEj1Tw/w437-h328/IMG_5845.JPG" width="437" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Momiji Tunnel</span> </b>(not to be confused with Maple Corridor) </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">This tunnel is actually a road for cars to drive on and is further west from Oishi park. You have to walk there as there's no public transport, but it is more quiet because of that. Walk down towards the lake front to find more beautiful trees lined on the shores. </span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-WR5mssjmkFl5Ey_8vBq9q97pX8CUfvHaevbfA_q_KcvhMUhvqe1sMDzFicfesfsndx4-9f1mvFofjxnb2uI2AfYp-XfsYnW0OMQCj4q71bo8zPJZWPly3I-VCcZXTLWMFbPbNK7Xh7JtcnUzyql3aWAo5j1tyEMNCF-af-muSUWuuyb-n_7fcVdqrQ/s4608/IMG_5856.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4608" data-original-width="3456" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-WR5mssjmkFl5Ey_8vBq9q97pX8CUfvHaevbfA_q_KcvhMUhvqe1sMDzFicfesfsndx4-9f1mvFofjxnb2uI2AfYp-XfsYnW0OMQCj4q71bo8zPJZWPly3I-VCcZXTLWMFbPbNK7Xh7JtcnUzyql3aWAo5j1tyEMNCF-af-muSUWuuyb-n_7fcVdqrQ/s320/IMG_5856.JPG" width="240" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-rv4p2wWLOAt-p2LFnatPcWGH6lDdWQZJ47rd_cOnLWWPudBurchNbelqWUf2pxV-kvcaJClYV5vY2uBeWKTlJBGi1bHXMffFa6NPpfnXtYght49zRGryXqukVT_hhw3iC5dE3edQJryFwsnJMSc0SKMN0vL89rGmFFkrvCOsW7JC6xPDLRTVZyC0nQ/s3648/IMG_5184.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3648" data-original-width="2736" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-rv4p2wWLOAt-p2LFnatPcWGH6lDdWQZJ47rd_cOnLWWPudBurchNbelqWUf2pxV-kvcaJClYV5vY2uBeWKTlJBGi1bHXMffFa6NPpfnXtYght49zRGryXqukVT_hhw3iC5dE3edQJryFwsnJMSc0SKMN0vL89rGmFFkrvCOsW7JC6xPDLRTVZyC0nQ/s320/IMG_5184.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Maple Corridor </span></b>(Not to be confused with Momiji Tunnel)</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">This is the heart of where the Kawaguchiko Autumn Festival is at. A beautiful tunnel full of Japanese maple on display which are lit up at night as well until 10pm. It's free to enter and there are little stalls selling food, drinks, and little trinkets. </span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb7Lso6PXewvMc1qxzL1MxCewcUOIvBI7htzYo5Aftl2TdkJamYPB4b7_8PZEDwx5zFwgxDcpGFmQOh65ky5HqyUWDbm0i4O9gtW9WHiw3TTaFJUJOpucoZmGG89qaVsbkI_NbN3MzE4pGV3vu3bLaP6nLetNe41pFl8bzQOxBWRUcAAMh2L5rPPQdGA/s4608/IMG_5908.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4608" data-original-width="3456" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb7Lso6PXewvMc1qxzL1MxCewcUOIvBI7htzYo5Aftl2TdkJamYPB4b7_8PZEDwx5zFwgxDcpGFmQOh65ky5HqyUWDbm0i4O9gtW9WHiw3TTaFJUJOpucoZmGG89qaVsbkI_NbN3MzE4pGV3vu3bLaP6nLetNe41pFl8bzQOxBWRUcAAMh2L5rPPQdGA/s320/IMG_5908.JPG" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu0xnWI_jrKPdtstBYYu6O-5KyGSFhfhusG4pv7aIjcwr4IpP_GrwVFtHSQvo2tALaHO3WytgRtbozsTnSRiE2FteV1Eic3eXDQ6oXt5iXEDgdSjoxNJJbHLeejoonec5dAeaJq4lbOcxu5Lcdotc-zZQA_yniA4tgbo_AZb22v3MeAvZ63V6C1Ccfsg/s4608/IMG_5933.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4608" data-original-width="3456" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu0xnWI_jrKPdtstBYYu6O-5KyGSFhfhusG4pv7aIjcwr4IpP_GrwVFtHSQvo2tALaHO3WytgRtbozsTnSRiE2FteV1Eic3eXDQ6oXt5iXEDgdSjoxNJJbHLeejoonec5dAeaJq4lbOcxu5Lcdotc-zZQA_yniA4tgbo_AZb22v3MeAvZ63V6C1Ccfsg/s320/IMG_5933.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5nLSHeot44ZP7SoiHnlrDfWN1B0DxbWakHwghIDeRsnFlvG7nfh0JdI99Obo-KsWDywGWTQkEW2mI-zRk4p6eYLfroGkN3fPXzWxRpN13-0mLZzdboS2Jw5RmkNIKiah0_9MpqPFj_CXBA4qA-qibiceszC-B3Dm2uWLa3HMU_ZWW3aUyo7QQDABPAg/s4608/IMG_5949.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4608" data-original-width="3456" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5nLSHeot44ZP7SoiHnlrDfWN1B0DxbWakHwghIDeRsnFlvG7nfh0JdI99Obo-KsWDywGWTQkEW2mI-zRk4p6eYLfroGkN3fPXzWxRpN13-0mLZzdboS2Jw5RmkNIKiah0_9MpqPFj_CXBA4qA-qibiceszC-B3Dm2uWLa3HMU_ZWW3aUyo7QQDABPAg/s320/IMG_5949.JPG" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhONMu50NkdimkoaZi6FG2lGCp1C5CZeZg4fTl2c9IovAxdQ7Jw-3TmzeHi4yV84Is-9YFKmxKY5TXAH1exNus1yz-aozUuzr4EjPYEvbHzyzMqd_Dzwil4-8MR8OtZyZ94H8oke0p5lwYYXU1XTRI0Wc_lQGUm5F58HGVCn9ccrRCqtU-Es7agOORACg/s4608/IMG_5964.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4608" data-original-width="3456" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhONMu50NkdimkoaZi6FG2lGCp1C5CZeZg4fTl2c9IovAxdQ7Jw-3TmzeHi4yV84Is-9YFKmxKY5TXAH1exNus1yz-aozUuzr4EjPYEvbHzyzMqd_Dzwil4-8MR8OtZyZ94H8oke0p5lwYYXU1XTRI0Wc_lQGUm5F58HGVCn9ccrRCqtU-Es7agOORACg/s320/IMG_5964.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><b style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Mt. Fuji Panoramic Ropeway </span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">This ropeway takes you up to Kawaguchiko Tenjozan Park which gives you an incredible view of Mt. Fuji. You can actually take the ropeway up and hike down which only takes about 40mins. There's also two swings, however you need to pay ¥500 to use it. Fuji is directly in front of the swings but it was covered by clouds when I went. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Still, the bunny shrine on top with Maple shaped Ema (wooden wish plaques) is really cute to visit. There's also a bell of love you can ring to bring luck to romance. </span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbcXHNAJ-6jcBAynOY_I6Z3sIx634tbzO3Wk8kUtj4L6qf3d-ZoA82feK9DyprIrYT7xHGq2xJBA5rX263qI3wFCCY3RJ2OBRWYqm5t4EiPQPtzoZUQ_L45NoMn6PC9y76z4qJtl_iOYfCsIlhYvLAqAWZs0ejyZrxF-WxpJj7PLhYutiTOvbpeIwlvQ/s4608/IMG_5980.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4608" data-original-width="3456" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbcXHNAJ-6jcBAynOY_I6Z3sIx634tbzO3Wk8kUtj4L6qf3d-ZoA82feK9DyprIrYT7xHGq2xJBA5rX263qI3wFCCY3RJ2OBRWYqm5t4EiPQPtzoZUQ_L45NoMn6PC9y76z4qJtl_iOYfCsIlhYvLAqAWZs0ejyZrxF-WxpJj7PLhYutiTOvbpeIwlvQ/s320/IMG_5980.JPG" width="240" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO395ntv2vxBHmhGJiJ-kWToC6JoUK4xEbM5bnIJ8OIxIXwBvWNTCywxeBCzSv5Q2gCtpeO8EKowXTikOX6WKwDN0xzWGx6XFNgJcXhEckwHjXqlc6sokv6hFFgxCIIhLpcXviP9knC2RBVACkHaYlMwd2ZqDBki8ll3tR0K-GvutK1F17anjUleozcQ/s4608/IMG_5988.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4608" data-original-width="3456" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO395ntv2vxBHmhGJiJ-kWToC6JoUK4xEbM5bnIJ8OIxIXwBvWNTCywxeBCzSv5Q2gCtpeO8EKowXTikOX6WKwDN0xzWGx6XFNgJcXhEckwHjXqlc6sokv6hFFgxCIIhLpcXviP9knC2RBVACkHaYlMwd2ZqDBki8ll3tR0K-GvutK1F17anjUleozcQ/s320/IMG_5988.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiskOwUxgNESQy6gdrxfVa5kSZ3P0jqtPc3jZ5enhJ9N-gYpmJg8Hul8YXKZZgLsHicmw3hb2ASgqmpH7g41vtVOkwBJAqFRWFZUCF_FhZ2cvffCnMESePFfP_4SmJHxciSpai8a4z_G6oY9sihTTpBlWB2notEPtwNnFOcdGYrJ7wOEUMgqaeZoT460g/s5184/IMG_5994.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5184" data-original-width="3456" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiskOwUxgNESQy6gdrxfVa5kSZ3P0jqtPc3jZ5enhJ9N-gYpmJg8Hul8YXKZZgLsHicmw3hb2ASgqmpH7g41vtVOkwBJAqFRWFZUCF_FhZ2cvffCnMESePFfP_4SmJHxciSpai8a4z_G6oY9sihTTpBlWB2notEPtwNnFOcdGYrJ7wOEUMgqaeZoT460g/s320/IMG_5994.JPG" width="213" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyT4kPruUrsxybg2syCLcFzrnE1IdcgUIOriBo-zKbtFArPyK5VZy7CGWYn13o2gq75E4t9jRn8kM2j-brs6DDlODJRrTZSBWP4_5MvZ6PB-t0myNiyY5XocNh5rWQAv8yJSkKdRq3aVA-3TtJqhMyQSGnBzUzcG5S9CDKBVjJfzGfsn4VtRFGWkxEGw/s3648/IMG_5205.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3648" data-original-width="2736" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyT4kPruUrsxybg2syCLcFzrnE1IdcgUIOriBo-zKbtFArPyK5VZy7CGWYn13o2gq75E4t9jRn8kM2j-brs6DDlODJRrTZSBWP4_5MvZ6PB-t0myNiyY5XocNh5rWQAv8yJSkKdRq3aVA-3TtJqhMyQSGnBzUzcG5S9CDKBVjJfzGfsn4VtRFGWkxEGw/s320/IMG_5205.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIq-P4dNgL22O4duOl2ncc3gz2OXNkQuP2BuIGpumVhOpNm0vuVsAaaKzSWflMlVK53S0cAbiguAnnSwgQshqrF5oW2ueyCAxwHIlWaJHQp3ViQ_vDPs3G6d_nPTljRj5IXEQfDB3CDGlda7m7tc8HnkX1SuGTXnn-z-U5mRn84dW-OU6xBP5r5uYKvQ/s3648/IMG_5203.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2736" data-original-width="3648" height="361" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIq-P4dNgL22O4duOl2ncc3gz2OXNkQuP2BuIGpumVhOpNm0vuVsAaaKzSWflMlVK53S0cAbiguAnnSwgQshqrF5oW2ueyCAxwHIlWaJHQp3ViQ_vDPs3G6d_nPTljRj5IXEQfDB3CDGlda7m7tc8HnkX1SuGTXnn-z-U5mRn84dW-OU6xBP5r5uYKvQ/w482-h361/IMG_5203.JPG" width="482" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: verdana;"><b>Kawaguchiko Station</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Lastly, there's a free foot bath at Kawaguchiko Station which is free from 10am-3pm. It's perfect after walking around for a while in the autumn breeze. </span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiThhAs2Z9mzqU_TGSA5ktWojS8ukbpg1vRMb9qh-9aQ16Kc5UBNYTszC5KmDSiUHUPuA6dNeYIPtpWc7U5iftmkLkwAIpAqVclgL-ktGgss55NiiaYiocgs5Bn1chNv5YT82EY_wfBBTGrRUYAHKrzQbd1IUQA_vQC1PorObFiVmg9I6UOV_xwzYwdWA/s4608/IMG_6021.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4608" data-original-width="3456" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiThhAs2Z9mzqU_TGSA5ktWojS8ukbpg1vRMb9qh-9aQ16Kc5UBNYTszC5KmDSiUHUPuA6dNeYIPtpWc7U5iftmkLkwAIpAqVclgL-ktGgss55NiiaYiocgs5Bn1chNv5YT82EY_wfBBTGrRUYAHKrzQbd1IUQA_vQC1PorObFiVmg9I6UOV_xwzYwdWA/s320/IMG_6021.JPG" width="240" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBYbVHZQo88vT7s46pKqA4ah_Hv_mIhEm6iscQzXjAhwl_UEHLAOhLEw0_fXHrV0QHndkyraSrVIgqgGcPLeOxqa8y-PbH50V8H5lhwKhdlcxwGWEjPFVMWTPtlLOd38Vg1V-cxEoQtQuNEXbM8Jkq7qvuXl6gZA9xZcG1fp3oa0daDZgGmnb3Z_cSng/s3088/IMG_5163.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3088" data-original-width="2316" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBYbVHZQo88vT7s46pKqA4ah_Hv_mIhEm6iscQzXjAhwl_UEHLAOhLEw0_fXHrV0QHndkyraSrVIgqgGcPLeOxqa8y-PbH50V8H5lhwKhdlcxwGWEjPFVMWTPtlLOd38Vg1V-cxEoQtQuNEXbM8Jkq7qvuXl6gZA9xZcG1fp3oa0daDZgGmnb3Z_cSng/s320/IMG_5163.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: verdana;"><b>Kawaguchiko Area Map </b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: verdana;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: verdana;"><b> <iframe height="480" src="https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/0/embed?mid=164tclAoiNGlYgj3V4MIdMWZSWzz4zRM&ehbc=2E312F" width="640"></iframe></b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: verdana;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Follow me on instagram <a href="https://instagram.com/ariel.land" target="_blank"><span style="color: #e06666;"><b>@ariel.land</b></span></a> for daily stories from Japan</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://instagram.com/ariel.land" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="4116" data-original-width="1535" height="886" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR0zWzt9cNTj4PgdIXoYWTYtII_l8_gVYeM6214yeiAnljS14HKrcjkOqXdN3t3nYATTmM-cKrCBZ1zZCgo1Df8LQ9fgVIlilQ9_yNs_GV4oaL5Glyep0YONyo9m-lnaFLkud5GDkq28N9T-ZObt0ZC_CpjkZkKdJToz2jVmkOvHQM-r31V19K0WiGwg/w329-h886/IMG_1127.JPG" width="329" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_TwB7SbrPixsPdYfqmKjwCIsoqeux6XGnDq2uXpNB__eGdS7N048JuNnz2XMWHbB8F5FfZnQAlWAq5zqhfmpQkcDEFxXRFDlNjaeIkoVdpbgrWW62fQenAyHXTbhfgmemrv6B_dqQOo3W50PJwZO9Vuwk1FkxI28XJnODjmbzL-05cujIDikZPNsU5Q/s200/Screen%20Shot%202014-10-23%20at%207.51.53%20PM.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="92" data-original-width="200" height="92" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_TwB7SbrPixsPdYfqmKjwCIsoqeux6XGnDq2uXpNB__eGdS7N048JuNnz2XMWHbB8F5FfZnQAlWAq5zqhfmpQkcDEFxXRFDlNjaeIkoVdpbgrWW62fQenAyHXTbhfgmemrv6B_dqQOo3W50PJwZO9Vuwk1FkxI28XJnODjmbzL-05cujIDikZPNsU5Q/s1600/Screen%20Shot%202014-10-23%20at%207.51.53%20PM.png" width="200" /></a></div></div></div></div></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div></div>Arielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03509227042293152734noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8124579507526577941.post-85538981844342873152022-11-06T08:41:00.005+08:002024-02-25T16:19:15.742+08:00Nikko | Autumn Day Trip from Tokyo<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.arielland.com/2022/11/nikko-autumn-day-trip-from-tokyo.html" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1070" data-original-width="1898" height="391" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB7bKxUg6OEXcfCINJGlDVZZnW2tTmuNFQhzq7tLaDQ2B7p1JP09JptaTiL1NqPDLUNelbuuacz6T3GvhntZt_yf8HRZwvq0ksiFT9Q-YYeHmKGO5ildJWaoIEkfgwRPIjzuzucQppihsLoADPoiVvDMA5P-02k21e_7UTCY6Sa1-kzWP-4tBiSrQftg/w695-h391/Screenshot%202022-11-06%20at%209.42.32%20AM.png" width="695" /></a></div><span><a name='more'></a></span><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Nikko is a very popular destination amongst tourists, especially during peak autumn foliage time. It is known for it's beautiful nature, lush with mountains and breathtaking waterfalls. There are also many UNESCO world heritage sites, such as Nikko Toshogu, where Tokugawa Ieyasu is enshrined. It's a direct train (</span><b style="font-family: verdana;">Tobu Nikko Line</b><span style="font-family: verdana;">) </span><span style="font-family: verdana;">from Tobu Asakusa Station, making it very accessible to tourists. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Being completely honest, I don't think a day trip does Nikko justice. I would probably recommend 3 days, or at least an overnight trip with a stay in Kinugawa Onsen. But for this time, I only had a day trip's worth of availability in my schedule. Here are the highlights of what you can do in a day in Nikko. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">A few key facts about traveling to Nikko:</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><ul><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">Best time for autumn foliage: <b>early November</b></span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">Getting to Nikko: Car (2hr drive with no traffic), limited express train from Asakusa (1h55m)</span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">Entrance fees for temples, shrines, gardens, museums: typically range from ¥300 - ¥1,000</span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">Getting around Nikko: see this detailed guide on <a href="https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3805.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><b>japan-guide.com</b></span></a> for getting around Nikko via public transport</span></li></ul><div><span style="font-family: verdana;">Locations included in this Day trip:</span></div><p></p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><div><span style="font-family: verdana;">🍁 "Initial D" Irohazaka Slope</span></div></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">🍁 Ryuzu Falls</span></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">🍁 Kegon Falls</span></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">🍁 Nikko Toshogu </span></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">🍁 Rinnoji Temple & Shoyoen Garden</span></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">🍁 Shinkyo Bridge </span></blockquote><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><b>Up the Slopes, deep into Nikko</b></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">The day started with a 7:30am limited express train departing from Tobu Asakusa station. It took us 1h45m to get to Shimo-imaichi station, which is just before Nikko. From there, we hopped on a tour bus to go to <b>Ryuzu Falls</b>. The drive was 45mins up winding roads called "<b>Irohazaka</b>",where one of the Initial D tracks is based on. It's so steep that there are 2 sets of winding roads and both one way, one for going up and the other going down. Nikko is already about 600m above sea level, which is why the cool climate allows the leaves to change color earlier than the rest of Kanto region. Ryuzu falls is even higher up at 1,350m.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">The entrance to Ryuzu Falls is a little plaza like area with a bunch of little shops that sell food and souvenirs. The it's a short hike up a bunch of stairs and slopes to see the actual waterfall. </span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsfRtafIUp0Iyv-THJj8_CA1bz2NZf8BfugaQqPSDptlkCVBRSyc3HW84lEOvVlSldq8rDuOdhU2EtidA4b0A4T804CuaDnA1HZuUOXuMi4ICGHbKTC9wRzVKOvzDzmDcngr1KllaFWh3E2QEmKG6k_Jq5bJJQbXO5o4uXfoUBcJSVN_TVUzAOXngOAw/s4608/IMG_1506.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4608" data-original-width="3456" height="363" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsfRtafIUp0Iyv-THJj8_CA1bz2NZf8BfugaQqPSDptlkCVBRSyc3HW84lEOvVlSldq8rDuOdhU2EtidA4b0A4T804CuaDnA1HZuUOXuMi4ICGHbKTC9wRzVKOvzDzmDcngr1KllaFWh3E2QEmKG6k_Jq5bJJQbXO5o4uXfoUBcJSVN_TVUzAOXngOAw/w272-h363/IMG_1506.JPG" width="272" /></a></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">100m tall Kegon Waterfall</span></b></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">On the east side of Lake Chuzenji is the most famous waterfall in Nikko - Kegon falls. It's so tall that you need to take an elevator down to the viewing deck. The steepness doesn't allow hiking/walking on foot. The majestic waterfall is surrounded by autumn foliage, and if you ever visit in winter, it becomes frozen solid.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Back up at ground level, there are lots of shops for food and souvenirs. I chose Goheimochi which is a flat rice cake on a stick from Chubu region (Nagano, Gifu, Aichi prefectures). </span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW5f5w0TdcChCpAU2fQg16ZMxZR3aNNOVmd9PmYBax-QHUnNeIINX8Mpjk8wjAkoLGERvymFM5E5ZnbS4pFrkpfSH84GyReRmUqmkcDEIc4hHlvmhApo9L41FEQzP5GoxTzaRUlg5OiRFoeiUc2jG2kBuIYP3L1u9lgH_Ig77UMUyJwIdQy6cJJIIkQg/s5184/IMG_1515.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5184" data-original-width="3456" height="397" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW5f5w0TdcChCpAU2fQg16ZMxZR3aNNOVmd9PmYBax-QHUnNeIINX8Mpjk8wjAkoLGERvymFM5E5ZnbS4pFrkpfSH84GyReRmUqmkcDEIc4hHlvmhApo9L41FEQzP5GoxTzaRUlg5OiRFoeiUc2jG2kBuIYP3L1u9lgH_Ig77UMUyJwIdQy6cJJIIkQg/w264-h397/IMG_1515.JPG" width="264" /></a></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><b>Nikko Toshogu, Rinnoji Temple, and Shinkyo</b></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">The tour bus took us back down the winding roads of Irohazaka and stopped close to where all the major temples and shrines were. We had 3hrs of free time to grab some lunch and walk around. There is so much to see, even just at Nikko Toshogu, I'd allocate a full day in this area.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b>Nikko Toshogu</b></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Starting with <b>Nikko Toshogu</b>, the first thing you'll notice are the endless Yatai (food stalls) lined on the right side of the long road up to the shrine. Just up the gentle slope on the side is also a beautiful row of autumn leaves bursting in colors of yellow, orange, and red. Immediately after entering the entrance gate, you'll see the iconic <b>5 story pagoda</b> on your left hand side. On the right is one of the <b>shrine offices</b> where you can buy amulets (omamori), wooden wish plaques (ema) and so on. Continuing up another set of stairs is the paid area which is ¥1,000 per person. </span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5RXhTHMoH5MhShL2CvBHKKuYwTeI9Agpfz5577VzXRZnORDabOsoeltO4m-wykEmWzQjHsCmdYWCK6p58mFfvnfeD6VGyukuJKrAu9h6AN9STUxyvdwQJ4_KZLY_TT1q-fVWqxIy9SYUQEjjnIcE_f_8fhd3ZZf_0eUgjWylrBbFBv9O_ZKIu2hx8ug/s4419/IMG_1560.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4419" data-original-width="2946" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5RXhTHMoH5MhShL2CvBHKKuYwTeI9Agpfz5577VzXRZnORDabOsoeltO4m-wykEmWzQjHsCmdYWCK6p58mFfvnfeD6VGyukuJKrAu9h6AN9STUxyvdwQJ4_KZLY_TT1q-fVWqxIy9SYUQEjjnIcE_f_8fhd3ZZf_0eUgjWylrBbFBv9O_ZKIu2hx8ug/s320/IMG_1560.JPG" width="213" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikwwGnsfUTdH3112JLpJdIxNo8V4a-T6-Hq1gLPkel1GKOdINQuxMkmIt5j3oDLWV2uSVAegNgPPzOutCtFJJlBkkumiHn8-mu2cIP2AR9wZjrqcY1FlijfH7vZyaVBkFKuXY6KrZwKP7c3ZhhDtlmFHHeyAt6l6Ad7wqsYo7zxsK0Fl8Iax4jy2hPNQ/s5184/IMG_1566.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5184" data-original-width="3456" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikwwGnsfUTdH3112JLpJdIxNo8V4a-T6-Hq1gLPkel1GKOdINQuxMkmIt5j3oDLWV2uSVAegNgPPzOutCtFJJlBkkumiHn8-mu2cIP2AR9wZjrqcY1FlijfH7vZyaVBkFKuXY6KrZwKP7c3ZhhDtlmFHHeyAt6l6Ad7wqsYo7zxsK0Fl8Iax4jy2hPNQ/s320/IMG_1566.JPG" width="213" /></a></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPPQqu5vatYuXteULxd7OofHF_2q6XVR8a7e1a2upfk4GaLkzasRHH4qaPVV6DZv-lRO-wntc1CdDXOqNTh-NZ-ksTJiiJlw5agSBue6-bxqCQ4ZmxD7otxcCNjem93G9vDaOc8iixohUuwET1y19vPEQzAY1Fc1CPILJBdsOYjLCmxE8fjYLUvVh3gQ/s4521/IMG_1569.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4521" data-original-width="3014" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPPQqu5vatYuXteULxd7OofHF_2q6XVR8a7e1a2upfk4GaLkzasRHH4qaPVV6DZv-lRO-wntc1CdDXOqNTh-NZ-ksTJiiJlw5agSBue6-bxqCQ4ZmxD7otxcCNjem93G9vDaOc8iixohUuwET1y19vPEQzAY1Fc1CPILJBdsOYjLCmxE8fjYLUvVh3gQ/s320/IMG_1569.JPG" width="213" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ_hEMRMU8ycww6KttEqCVq4b-IYpYQXepRFvFHrJ-V2FOvu_XQNONfZV6w_QGTkh3Uv4Qi-7rgn3cedm3yfO_axCljuYiT2EcDonnMdSVU907J6ZQVemOeGKtPQnGsVGN1zCJlWxJqxkUPL6eJ_XML6Q-5vG-mYUrCOspcuZ-GB5_cCfv7P4xGu1Rpg/s4608/IMG_1572.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4608" data-original-width="3456" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ_hEMRMU8ycww6KttEqCVq4b-IYpYQXepRFvFHrJ-V2FOvu_XQNONfZV6w_QGTkh3Uv4Qi-7rgn3cedm3yfO_axCljuYiT2EcDonnMdSVU907J6ZQVemOeGKtPQnGsVGN1zCJlWxJqxkUPL6eJ_XML6Q-5vG-mYUrCOspcuZ-GB5_cCfv7P4xGu1Rpg/s320/IMG_1572.JPG" width="240" /></a></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Inside the paid area, you'll see many buildings. They all have elaborate and colorful wooden carvings of various animals such as monkeys, dragons, and cats. Through the stone torii gate, up one more set of stairs is the famous "<b>Yomeimon Gate</b>" in shimmering white and gold color. Through the gate, you finally get to the area with the main shrine building, consisting of the prayer hall, main hall, Sakashitamon Gate (left hand side, with the famous carving of a sleeping cat), and Tokugawa Ieyasu's mausoleum. </span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy5ueAhkbXUTlbVKgztqCotY1aDPh5kF_Cd70mRJEJVsiHTlsloOju7WDOQwDK9J8rn1y-ZjUn-UrPyBdmzKmOlMfC3HofKwhe02UCkL611DVmk1WI7Hifl9dX7el0RijiGjtsPJLa9NrmBtJrAe3q9vJQIk1ApdVOi8Adl_zzByvWLJyw4Ah3T8LeEw/s4608/IMG_1612.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4608" data-original-width="3456" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy5ueAhkbXUTlbVKgztqCotY1aDPh5kF_Cd70mRJEJVsiHTlsloOju7WDOQwDK9J8rn1y-ZjUn-UrPyBdmzKmOlMfC3HofKwhe02UCkL611DVmk1WI7Hifl9dX7el0RijiGjtsPJLa9NrmBtJrAe3q9vJQIk1ApdVOi8Adl_zzByvWLJyw4Ah3T8LeEw/s320/IMG_1612.JPG" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2tXTv4lVgZpi9fnacSChnrN3hNy4XrnDECjVWsBKiKlhK2pt8yXd6a3CtGiKHkhQtvWEPO7dh7yza0VtPFQ_gJ9zIA3lxc4lQq1gwnjk49we6jLtL17MoSe76lHsV_ObtpDujJkgjXlmWmNy6isyNBOF0u5JueboVxlOgbd1Zm2r0l6SeOJCC9Ifk3A/s4116/IMG_2367.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4116" data-original-width="3086" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2tXTv4lVgZpi9fnacSChnrN3hNy4XrnDECjVWsBKiKlhK2pt8yXd6a3CtGiKHkhQtvWEPO7dh7yza0VtPFQ_gJ9zIA3lxc4lQq1gwnjk49we6jLtL17MoSe76lHsV_ObtpDujJkgjXlmWmNy6isyNBOF0u5JueboVxlOgbd1Zm2r0l6SeOJCC9Ifk3A/s320/IMG_2367.JPG" width="240" /></a><br /><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMJ2f0hhRKsBw7TLscwL9Vc7qKaNQbS0aziIQMZjegLWu_6I0w7dmtvbm8KsrNLH83ocgWddY7rF-LQrBeSjUEMkLvT27uiQ73O6dRPLkt9W4Elc_bMcgNSrhmnFkgZBTCVdh_bhzuQ2WgIwu43ivr7A2Wzh7oWufV8d5v0uCxJry3XE0DR9FEpDqUJA/s4312/IMG_1631.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4312" data-original-width="3234" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMJ2f0hhRKsBw7TLscwL9Vc7qKaNQbS0aziIQMZjegLWu_6I0w7dmtvbm8KsrNLH83ocgWddY7rF-LQrBeSjUEMkLvT27uiQ73O6dRPLkt9W4Elc_bMcgNSrhmnFkgZBTCVdh_bhzuQ2WgIwu43ivr7A2Wzh7oWufV8d5v0uCxJry3XE0DR9FEpDqUJA/s320/IMG_1631.JPG" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDB_973sHovXZ7OwmRE-8y8cXcl0TOU0DoRNZ_-nAf8KpMKC4uty5X5qBzOYNVv4ea1SPHTffuJWi_2Fc6180vfqFCzUTwphwpt5OVfvXWI6X3rbMIB7eEVzxSIUiSi3hNm6GyixujbuupG0pXvVk6UDLdXl3TNSMyXuaNoZcCQoFaNjIZ5AoWns5bzg/s4608/IMG_1608.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4608" data-original-width="3456" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDB_973sHovXZ7OwmRE-8y8cXcl0TOU0DoRNZ_-nAf8KpMKC4uty5X5qBzOYNVv4ea1SPHTffuJWi_2Fc6180vfqFCzUTwphwpt5OVfvXWI6X3rbMIB7eEVzxSIUiSi3hNm6GyixujbuupG0pXvVk6UDLdXl3TNSMyXuaNoZcCQoFaNjIZ5AoWns5bzg/s320/IMG_1608.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><p></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b>Rinnoji Temple & Shoyoen Garden</b></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Back down to where the Yatai are, we grabbed some quick lunch. I got some Yakisoba (fried noodles) which was ¥500. I'm not sure what the reason is, but there were no drinks sold at all anywhere, not even soft drinks or water, so make sure you grab some before you get to this area. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">We continued further downhill for just a little bit, eventually finding <b>Rinnoji Temple</b> on the left hand side. The foliage inside was already bright red and orange. Just right by the temple office is the small entrance into <b>Shoyoen</b>. It's easy to miss it, but it's definitely a must-visit. It's a small Japanese garden, but there's a <b>tea house</b>, bridge, and the foliage colors are absolutely incredible. </span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIaFOW-TvLz7x5wpUKyYRB7H3iMMAX3xONqWmjrWJ5kJcvvGZ4p58_IWSSD6YLoz860G9BwO97FupYD2Um89i-5Qfk-TK6J4GohJOdWUGrfV7do5t7ZxngWes8PFD-nhTEoIb4CEyP0id1IMOc3esKow2AsXCjToRsyDaNFyTfBd4nrOjIEo2yVhPMYA/s4608/IMG_1669.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4608" data-original-width="3456" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIaFOW-TvLz7x5wpUKyYRB7H3iMMAX3xONqWmjrWJ5kJcvvGZ4p58_IWSSD6YLoz860G9BwO97FupYD2Um89i-5Qfk-TK6J4GohJOdWUGrfV7do5t7ZxngWes8PFD-nhTEoIb4CEyP0id1IMOc3esKow2AsXCjToRsyDaNFyTfBd4nrOjIEo2yVhPMYA/s320/IMG_1669.JPG" width="240" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvJQgThkL0-b2MqQzeton3MdI6dJyEZd1LGqPo9_BZ9y-e3YAYRwECIVMuKAc5yEM5PZLUwgJgfvuWGrvvVZbEnMbYr7YV5w8lRh7O8Cjv1MY9w3RHExArsuc2zcOzAPdccitqfAFfu9yYpp5i6cAdP7ZZb_K3wSW5_tTPnAMteRLfev7VMdlZV8lJnw/s4608/IMG_1673.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4608" data-original-width="3456" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvJQgThkL0-b2MqQzeton3MdI6dJyEZd1LGqPo9_BZ9y-e3YAYRwECIVMuKAc5yEM5PZLUwgJgfvuWGrvvVZbEnMbYr7YV5w8lRh7O8Cjv1MY9w3RHExArsuc2zcOzAPdccitqfAFfu9yYpp5i6cAdP7ZZb_K3wSW5_tTPnAMteRLfev7VMdlZV8lJnw/s320/IMG_1673.JPG" width="240" /></a></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFCRUO3RmNTik79R8tnWol_z2lyyo54SQ7Vxo9uPxX_wtMoY3NV__dubxugbXCaQtcy-xTFah91i_TZmGdjHBVfJhxmm3nrC9NuwHZyY6i3mdd40zucGdaeZgLtLg5ndDMh2wWlU8DKrMb5E7gt4RirIQtz1iOOqujVqbQxuWAykYqmrM4SqtXZeSF4w/s4608/IMG_1730.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4608" data-original-width="3456" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFCRUO3RmNTik79R8tnWol_z2lyyo54SQ7Vxo9uPxX_wtMoY3NV__dubxugbXCaQtcy-xTFah91i_TZmGdjHBVfJhxmm3nrC9NuwHZyY6i3mdd40zucGdaeZgLtLg5ndDMh2wWlU8DKrMb5E7gt4RirIQtz1iOOqujVqbQxuWAykYqmrM4SqtXZeSF4w/s320/IMG_1730.JPG" width="240" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXywtTWyudKT_rzAv5FDSUdvYuSuQiiGsPWt7myeIs_dUZ1EGN3wjDXvhDQXWn09EGkGQiD1Dj6CBiSf1V7G9oq3K6G78Zqy0fSux8Z0ny7gguPtiEMhMqXpK7Qs8ARoccib8jEGNOnIbvpkZWZjal3tbrH7nuiiq0Zgy6IFsXDPZonFapXS9nS4OQIA/s4608/IMG_1742.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4608" data-original-width="3456" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXywtTWyudKT_rzAv5FDSUdvYuSuQiiGsPWt7myeIs_dUZ1EGN3wjDXvhDQXWn09EGkGQiD1Dj6CBiSf1V7G9oq3K6G78Zqy0fSux8Z0ny7gguPtiEMhMqXpK7Qs8ARoccib8jEGNOnIbvpkZWZjal3tbrH7nuiiq0Zgy6IFsXDPZonFapXS9nS4OQIA/s320/IMG_1742.JPG" width="240" /></a></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG33JD7CahaEZT6ID8EvqnCSxCD-ZxvXMYPmvtUl0oyG6UR2x8jIWgGrnctp3q7DdiuZyN38OfPdPMhy0uAuKC1brr14eGkkpXLaBXGx96lFm2Ktdm6s4YTgZnD2UXZ8EkFTtJhPFqUs_M4Pi3fPBAAhxJbYF-HSUGNDMQtVZBKv3ktAlHCJj-JmrJCg/s4608/IMG_1727.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4608" data-original-width="3456" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG33JD7CahaEZT6ID8EvqnCSxCD-ZxvXMYPmvtUl0oyG6UR2x8jIWgGrnctp3q7DdiuZyN38OfPdPMhy0uAuKC1brr14eGkkpXLaBXGx96lFm2Ktdm6s4YTgZnD2UXZ8EkFTtJhPFqUs_M4Pi3fPBAAhxJbYF-HSUGNDMQtVZBKv3ktAlHCJj-JmrJCg/s320/IMG_1727.JPG" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeSRC6fNYJUDimdz_-rFNkZGxT903IVhtZkgujfCo4edhlxieIK8lhHHwewrHX67Mt3cW4HPEy49Rf-hMIHo-fnqjd5QbmTEFLz4QxT7vOi5GDzU1lJOkH_L8uzLfeKteUo0pdVUHv1xnJcD4TRnBqBMzjcqMYKqrgpB0A2kbx9jJP1OA2TRpvfXAHhg/s4608/IMG_1698.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4608" data-original-width="3456" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeSRC6fNYJUDimdz_-rFNkZGxT903IVhtZkgujfCo4edhlxieIK8lhHHwewrHX67Mt3cW4HPEy49Rf-hMIHo-fnqjd5QbmTEFLz4QxT7vOi5GDzU1lJOkH_L8uzLfeKteUo0pdVUHv1xnJcD4TRnBqBMzjcqMYKqrgpB0A2kbx9jJP1OA2TRpvfXAHhg/s320/IMG_1698.JPG" width="240" /></a></p><p><b><span style="font-family: verdana;">Shinkyo Bridge</span></b></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Our last stop is at <b>Shinkyo Bridge</b>, built in 1636, which is another iconic scenery of Nikko. It's further down towards Nikko station, near the entrance to the shrine and temple area. Technically it is a part of "<b>Futarasan Shrine</b>" so you need to pay ¥300 at the shrine office to get onto the bridge. However if you just want to admire the bridge from afar, you can do that for free on the side. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">The walk from Shinkyo Bridge back down to Tobu Nikko station is about 20-30mins. Along the way are lots of souvenir shops, cafes, and restaurants. There's also busses you can take if your feet area already tired from walking. </span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjru5T1taAsB17MfwjI0GMlEjtZlXZ85h3t_LRJ6ggT9dIbehSWIan80jkbztZQcga42jWpUUvcBP3pi1lt31tMMWxvwwxWXLH9UrhfcrRLBDb8DLUy07ZCWAvWcrUuwKhhyw5xs7faG8VMSKGy90CSBs70TbH0mjq1_-Zk5wr-_qp3jlptYIkEVFySKA/s4608/IMG_1749.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4608" data-original-width="3456" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjru5T1taAsB17MfwjI0GMlEjtZlXZ85h3t_LRJ6ggT9dIbehSWIan80jkbztZQcga42jWpUUvcBP3pi1lt31tMMWxvwwxWXLH9UrhfcrRLBDb8DLUy07ZCWAvWcrUuwKhhyw5xs7faG8VMSKGy90CSBs70TbH0mjq1_-Zk5wr-_qp3jlptYIkEVFySKA/s320/IMG_1749.JPG" width="240" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7bz4pv8Q24aU36iBmiC_lYkq1EeAVWZPMTyaXxwmnzIGAXbzw1RT_pH7S6V-BdAXNLrCdZB21rXa9305JD-lLpJ1sREybEeAaDL-C0x8VPM9rBsM9jB4sUAPt4wXNGS7nbzA_y1ZmcTOO8dLH2vD4zpdmy0zDp2uTtxmP0rcL2_f6dpVAvxA-54o4Dw/s4608/IMG_1777.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4608" data-original-width="3456" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7bz4pv8Q24aU36iBmiC_lYkq1EeAVWZPMTyaXxwmnzIGAXbzw1RT_pH7S6V-BdAXNLrCdZB21rXa9305JD-lLpJ1sREybEeAaDL-C0x8VPM9rBsM9jB4sUAPt4wXNGS7nbzA_y1ZmcTOO8dLH2vD4zpdmy0zDp2uTtxmP0rcL2_f6dpVAvxA-54o4Dw/s320/IMG_1777.JPG" width="240" /></a></p><p><b><span style="font-family: verdana;">Other spots for autumn foliage in early November</span></b></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">If you've already been to Nikko, or you are looking for something different, here are a few other spots that have autumn foliage around the same time:</span></p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">Niigata, Niigata Prefecture (2hr Shinkansen from Tokyo Station)</span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">Matsumoto, Nagano Prefecture (2.5hr JR express from Shinjuku)</span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana;"><a href="http://www.arielland.com/2022/11/chichibu-autumn-day-trip-from-tokyo.html" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: #bf9000;">Chichibu, Saitama Prefecture</span></b></a> (1h10m Express train from Ikebukuro)</span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana;"><a href="http://www.arielland.com/search?q=tohoku" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: #45818e;">Tohoku region: Aomori, Akita, Iwate, Miyagi</span></b></a> (2-3hr Shinkansen from Tokyo Station)</span></li></ul><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Follow me on instagram <a href="https://instagram.com/ariel.land" target="_blank"><span style="color: #e06666;"><b>@ariel.land</b></span></a> for daily stories on Japan</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://instagram.com/ariel.land" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="4116" data-original-width="1535" height="817" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR0zWzt9cNTj4PgdIXoYWTYtII_l8_gVYeM6214yeiAnljS14HKrcjkOqXdN3t3nYATTmM-cKrCBZ1zZCgo1Df8LQ9fgVIlilQ9_yNs_GV4oaL5Glyep0YONyo9m-lnaFLkud5GDkq28N9T-ZObt0ZC_CpjkZkKdJToz2jVmkOvHQM-r31V19K0WiGwg/w304-h817/IMG_1127.JPG" width="304" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_TwB7SbrPixsPdYfqmKjwCIsoqeux6XGnDq2uXpNB__eGdS7N048JuNnz2XMWHbB8F5FfZnQAlWAq5zqhfmpQkcDEFxXRFDlNjaeIkoVdpbgrWW62fQenAyHXTbhfgmemrv6B_dqQOo3W50PJwZO9Vuwk1FkxI28XJnODjmbzL-05cujIDikZPNsU5Q/s200/Screen%20Shot%202014-10-23%20at%207.51.53%20PM.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="92" data-original-width="200" height="92" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_TwB7SbrPixsPdYfqmKjwCIsoqeux6XGnDq2uXpNB__eGdS7N048JuNnz2XMWHbB8F5FfZnQAlWAq5zqhfmpQkcDEFxXRFDlNjaeIkoVdpbgrWW62fQenAyHXTbhfgmemrv6B_dqQOo3W50PJwZO9Vuwk1FkxI28XJnODjmbzL-05cujIDikZPNsU5Q/s1600/Screen%20Shot%202014-10-23%20at%207.51.53%20PM.png" width="200" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><p></p>Arielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03509227042293152734noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8124579507526577941.post-37078759840565530102022-11-02T15:07:00.003+08:002024-02-25T16:19:25.560+08:00Chichibu | Autumn Day trip from Tokyo<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwypbhqDPQq07WqRgrJMS1KIyLv1DC6ai7y8gO42LNqEJUtRdehWR82rGJ4fs6OzXA3Ce7eOmuPjxP_uFYPKV4nAnQ8QJM0zPMmx7II4sWEJwDq_CZP668XL9SUIKzruPCaul6HutgoFQ1sEi788Rh2GJyJ69E05vBi5Og5kZPA8a9_lS_hDs6zp_bOw/s1280/Chichibu.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="366" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwypbhqDPQq07WqRgrJMS1KIyLv1DC6ai7y8gO42LNqEJUtRdehWR82rGJ4fs6OzXA3Ce7eOmuPjxP_uFYPKV4nAnQ8QJM0zPMmx7II4sWEJwDq_CZP668XL9SUIKzruPCaul6HutgoFQ1sEi788Rh2GJyJ69E05vBi5Og5kZPA8a9_lS_hDs6zp_bOw/w651-h366/Chichibu.png" width="651" /></a></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span><a name='more'></a></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Located about 70mins by train from Ikebukuro, Chichibu is the most western part of Saitama prefecture. It's abundant in beautiful nature, especially its mountain ranges. It is especially beautiful in these 2 times of the year:</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="color: #e06666;"><b>Early May:</b></span> Pink Moss at Hitsujiyama Park </span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="color: #bf9000;"><b>Early November:</b></span> Ginkgo Avenue at Chichibu Muse Park</span></li></ul><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b>The Luxurious Limited Express Train to Chichibu - La View</b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">This is my first time in Chichibu, and we are right at peak Autumn season. I booked 2 seats on the Seibu Railway's luxurious <span style="color: #bf9000;"><b>limited express train</b> "<b>La View</b>"</span>. It was only an extra ¥2,140 for 1 adult, 1 child round trip to get large reclining seats, wifi, charging sockets. The interior is carpeted, seats are this beautiful yellow color and the windows are large panels for a panoramic view. You can buy the ticket from a machine on the day of, or you can reserve at the ticketing office as far as 1 month in advance. For weekdays there are plenty of seats, but weekends are packed and often sold out during peak foliage or floral season, so do book in advance. </span></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxWQpdDd37rrizSd4iOCMbcy1k03HW0Mvj0_8Btqf9RY2XLtB83IRZ813OZikNeVKzV28bG6778uuhnj_foszesYKkx_q3IjoahWkLYJdA7KFxfQcKFQKw6KHQLANsuCNkV5MwpBlom2wb73s-Vdr7qYo-6Xlw4fPm4yQPGGVJ8P2VVe3-IqIe-r4vUA/s1854/IMG_1117.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1854" data-original-width="1170" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxWQpdDd37rrizSd4iOCMbcy1k03HW0Mvj0_8Btqf9RY2XLtB83IRZ813OZikNeVKzV28bG6778uuhnj_foszesYKkx_q3IjoahWkLYJdA7KFxfQcKFQKw6KHQLANsuCNkV5MwpBlom2wb73s-Vdr7qYo-6Xlw4fPm4yQPGGVJ8P2VVe3-IqIe-r4vUA/s320/IMG_1117.JPG" width="202" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9r1MeO9CLMCKfGsue4fRe4nYjv3GX0xE6Pp7ZdmQvL3zlClUl1P5YBU54vQhkQzmG3kd1F7Zy3g1VXfiyG2sorJJQ1VTLawU0SUe7enZ0_86WmLwOPFpmf2Trkj8OBU3maV0gGWzIxwt6Z53AsB110vjO3gl3opXwuyfxBKqiSiWdC1kItcvVaPMgSg/s4608/IMG_0698.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4608" data-original-width="3456" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9r1MeO9CLMCKfGsue4fRe4nYjv3GX0xE6Pp7ZdmQvL3zlClUl1P5YBU54vQhkQzmG3kd1F7Zy3g1VXfiyG2sorJJQ1VTLawU0SUe7enZ0_86WmLwOPFpmf2Trkj8OBU3maV0gGWzIxwt6Z53AsB110vjO3gl3opXwuyfxBKqiSiWdC1kItcvVaPMgSg/s320/IMG_0698.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b>Chichibu Muse Park</b></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">We arrived in Chichibu just before 10am and decided to take a taxi straight to the Ginkgo Avenue. You can take a bus but it does wind around for quite some time. The <b>taxi took about 10-15mins</b> and cost ¥2,720 and it really saves a ton of time. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">The ginkgo trees was such a beautiful long road of gold, shining in the warm autumn sun. Mondays aren't so crowded, so it was very pleasant to walk around, mostly with other moms and kids or elderly folk, plenty who were photography enthusiasts like me. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMjNfzthkFC8OB5ZW69ytZDBoUGJtJyHUU_y3GLz9N3vGFpVvE5ZAP72kvCqQ5OyzZ0OpCzywYKkO1KZI-TSoXL5JmehVM_B1etLrqhz2vtCXzlAK5B-E9_wzxwaLR8OzbQHBGCrLkzgSNqwp4QVJTO3YAPjFVVgVcQe_SPBPk4dYAY8WLB2k7LkX8Sg/s4608/IMG_0818.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4608" data-original-width="3456" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMjNfzthkFC8OB5ZW69ytZDBoUGJtJyHUU_y3GLz9N3vGFpVvE5ZAP72kvCqQ5OyzZ0OpCzywYKkO1KZI-TSoXL5JmehVM_B1etLrqhz2vtCXzlAK5B-E9_wzxwaLR8OzbQHBGCrLkzgSNqwp4QVJTO3YAPjFVVgVcQe_SPBPk4dYAY8WLB2k7LkX8Sg/s320/IMG_0818.jpg" width="240" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgssqRxIU3ZLtgnh4be9JoRXaPUN8J2j7VTXgTF2tGUsRAE6PLXIntpKIkMF8CoHTP2KIrcypdU6vHznMCRp5V-zVaQgl8ZbJvmxYveZTRbYyrQmjRCS8SwpSMBDTbsMuWS_lZG8wUMayIznddQ6ZWS9oYgKKgSAqpFLjF0P1tNCXVv6otqQ1sbiUvFzA/s4608/IMG_0812.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4608" data-original-width="3456" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgssqRxIU3ZLtgnh4be9JoRXaPUN8J2j7VTXgTF2tGUsRAE6PLXIntpKIkMF8CoHTP2KIrcypdU6vHznMCRp5V-zVaQgl8ZbJvmxYveZTRbYyrQmjRCS8SwpSMBDTbsMuWS_lZG8wUMayIznddQ6ZWS9oYgKKgSAqpFLjF0P1tNCXVv6otqQ1sbiUvFzA/s320/IMG_0812.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqiKA-bTy62abrwL6zjmDE_AUwVgMzFXrJJK0PwsBNFxJM9mnS61k9Zng39YLA5WS5dRqwr5CfadbEknjWoMtyBcG27cR_-ySyA8c8PeRb6o6pMSUfeimSd9Q3-H1z7AJ5tF9XtzSZjlV8U8bm8zNTTdylQGJbmBNh5LgEfkr5Z0l0FyKguWFbK0YTBg/s4608/IMG_0791.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4608" data-original-width="3456" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqiKA-bTy62abrwL6zjmDE_AUwVgMzFXrJJK0PwsBNFxJM9mnS61k9Zng39YLA5WS5dRqwr5CfadbEknjWoMtyBcG27cR_-ySyA8c8PeRb6o6pMSUfeimSd9Q3-H1z7AJ5tF9XtzSZjlV8U8bm8zNTTdylQGJbmBNh5LgEfkr5Z0l0FyKguWFbK0YTBg/s320/IMG_0791.JPG" width="240" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz_dyvesOAkKjYsDIAuP47YSdgX-lgwZXLdvlRWw5Q849eEDtrwmzE4sYwl3czoyvpGpAhbEa28JdkbOg873U2tModpV8r85oiMdBSIPOw15aRMGaR0m3xMZpGBgmxRjXh-DpSnrbEXji6jD8MronJczCIUFGi_9k-e96X82OMwRPRBQ3IwPxKWD-osg/s5072/IMG_0776.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5072" data-original-width="3381" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz_dyvesOAkKjYsDIAuP47YSdgX-lgwZXLdvlRWw5Q849eEDtrwmzE4sYwl3czoyvpGpAhbEa28JdkbOg873U2tModpV8r85oiMdBSIPOw15aRMGaR0m3xMZpGBgmxRjXh-DpSnrbEXji6jD8MronJczCIUFGi_9k-e96X82OMwRPRBQ3IwPxKWD-osg/s320/IMG_0776.JPG" width="213" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">From the <a href="https://www.muse-park.com/map" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: #3d85c6;">park maps</span></b></a>, you can see tons of activities available. We spent 3hrs slowly walking from west to east, visiting the <a href="https://www.muse-park.com/guide/facility38" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: #6aa84f;">3 different playgrounds</span></b></a>, an observatory, and just enjoying the fresh air. There are playgrounds for kids of all ages, plenty of benches to sit down and rest, and little stalls for food and drinks. If walking gets too tiring, there's a <b>little train</b> that takes you both directions, take the park <b>bus</b>, or you can rent a <b>bike</b>. There are bikes for couples and families with wagons for kids to ride on the front. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYjrHKkZu69KZxk5BDKgR3tIs_KJFnU90T_YGvux2brt9BucfbL0RpSruhVjEvWX4tjb4_k55lcuh4mfgwvyXtLcz58kecfyxtxgjkIGC-SKWwkowPlvnKompUbF7e8-qCNtDukH89QFAVC3H-ePH_wEOF9mJDH9la55vHvdm7pHaN0E6e4I_8Bn99nA/s4608/IMG_0723.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4608" data-original-width="3456" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYjrHKkZu69KZxk5BDKgR3tIs_KJFnU90T_YGvux2brt9BucfbL0RpSruhVjEvWX4tjb4_k55lcuh4mfgwvyXtLcz58kecfyxtxgjkIGC-SKWwkowPlvnKompUbF7e8-qCNtDukH89QFAVC3H-ePH_wEOF9mJDH9la55vHvdm7pHaN0E6e4I_8Bn99nA/s320/IMG_0723.JPG" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJd68nSTTDiUIzhZ4oKo_mUTATRv3JpNBVCZJeI_siITgI-BjoDewZAAq6KFNh17QcjnMm-G6stE83dk64k2fgbgiwyx_x5uH6LMBnnq6rtvSjs2gmP2KcKKqidX8kOZYciDpoJQB7_0BgfmRyEFqkfuIAEX1lH-DyjIdONiG4EYvtJrkHFpBunbWsDA/s4608/IMG_0785.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4608" data-original-width="3456" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJd68nSTTDiUIzhZ4oKo_mUTATRv3JpNBVCZJeI_siITgI-BjoDewZAAq6KFNh17QcjnMm-G6stE83dk64k2fgbgiwyx_x5uH6LMBnnq6rtvSjs2gmP2KcKKqidX8kOZYciDpoJQB7_0BgfmRyEFqkfuIAEX1lH-DyjIdONiG4EYvtJrkHFpBunbWsDA/s320/IMG_0785.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDfmq4Ifpq0Xf9uOpIpG4NVdZdS6-ZRqvsDZKkvs0tVw3rlbhKneTs65buzpvV4QZXQnfntTYvXG7HmOS7vPGXyk-4XIf1-ODV4jU_D1ciA7SRo-E18iz6VArlACu6d3_poUGhKoptbC0hG-dyEZpqq_MlIDHyz93L83a5HwZzxPaAdMmPnHtKfYrmqg/s4608/IMG_0732.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4608" data-original-width="3456" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDfmq4Ifpq0Xf9uOpIpG4NVdZdS6-ZRqvsDZKkvs0tVw3rlbhKneTs65buzpvV4QZXQnfntTYvXG7HmOS7vPGXyk-4XIf1-ODV4jU_D1ciA7SRo-E18iz6VArlACu6d3_poUGhKoptbC0hG-dyEZpqq_MlIDHyz93L83a5HwZzxPaAdMmPnHtKfYrmqg/s320/IMG_0732.JPG" width="240" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifcoZ_rse_BAn58zrnXomvCOrGqcs5nTrsNBMcViuSEyf8wNvHcbCffD9xouyFoZtvy-GNCHPInwg-sDB50cDg4dIFoZE_1q7ULWeD8eexPfg9q75lkb9OYQxMEsEiGgJ-uNg_zpxNiT3SXbq5KskE2sG1nMPxJBbj7003yhvrE1fYAY3gIqRHFZ3MrA/s4436/IMG_0821.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4436" data-original-width="3327" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifcoZ_rse_BAn58zrnXomvCOrGqcs5nTrsNBMcViuSEyf8wNvHcbCffD9xouyFoZtvy-GNCHPInwg-sDB50cDg4dIFoZE_1q7ULWeD8eexPfg9q75lkb9OYQxMEsEiGgJ-uNg_zpxNiT3SXbq5KskE2sG1nMPxJBbj7003yhvrE1fYAY3gIqRHFZ3MrA/s320/IMG_0821.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Though we didn't try, there's a go-kart track called F1 Resort Chichibu. You don't need a license and kids can ride with an adult. There's also a site called "<a href="https://foret-aventure.jp/eng/" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: #38761d;">Forest Adventure</span></b></a>" which is a tree top course for kids starting from 110cm taller or kids over first grade.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">The toughest part of our walk was the very east end where we had to walk down a steep winding road, across a very long bridge to get back to the city. It took a good continuous 30mins to finish that portion, but still faster than if you catch the bus which stops along the whole park. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzJ4Pz6vrJ1iumMXJBnWzwRJh4C-WcsNUQes1Q0JK9pg-hJm6WfsnwBvw62L8MTmdBwI8W1nvJoQRwlnvHMCUUYEQTXRcjkdiF8dqQSarZVuwdJVXkaw7t3SO67ZOfXAPr4S6t77IyWzAs2PBZgLLyscTACY6swnesL0WrR-SIzSk0TpX38q_rzkGzMg/s4608/IMG_0752.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4608" data-original-width="3456" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzJ4Pz6vrJ1iumMXJBnWzwRJh4C-WcsNUQes1Q0JK9pg-hJm6WfsnwBvw62L8MTmdBwI8W1nvJoQRwlnvHMCUUYEQTXRcjkdiF8dqQSarZVuwdJVXkaw7t3SO67ZOfXAPr4S6t77IyWzAs2PBZgLLyscTACY6swnesL0WrR-SIzSk0TpX38q_rzkGzMg/s320/IMG_0752.JPG" width="240" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEhfLBmVG2S-dgdYOe30BbSdk052ZsIBjYKb7oEngGtssEaFIOTuahFZy__qKw3vQvd1KFd1Kp0LraGYSjKJ7BvPsgqHfDgwQBJIUfDutVeMwmNQlyrZsoM_t4zj-wENPb1BzlqtnjuCTEl3cd8vO0kw0PIiL121InhkdbN04bbAYKV57BoGeNiUuJ7w/s5077/IMG_0745.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5077" data-original-width="3385" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEhfLBmVG2S-dgdYOe30BbSdk052ZsIBjYKb7oEngGtssEaFIOTuahFZy__qKw3vQvd1KFd1Kp0LraGYSjKJ7BvPsgqHfDgwQBJIUfDutVeMwmNQlyrZsoM_t4zj-wENPb1BzlqtnjuCTEl3cd8vO0kw0PIiL121InhkdbN04bbAYKV57BoGeNiUuJ7w/s320/IMG_0745.JPG" width="213" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b>Chichibu Shrine</b></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">This is a must visit spot if you find yourself in Chichibu. They are recently repainting the shrine's main building and it's scheduled to be finished by the end of 2022. You can see from the sides, the incredible carvings and bright colors of the walls. There's also both ginkgo and maple within the grounds of the shrine. </span></div></div></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4e5awiovAMhIHXBgMfEqbAVKtZvDSHy05aN1NIx_4rd8aPbFEpRMSaIdRhG63gZGCrVNGxvE_gd5yLTq1ulSVMofZPEjNzE9n1rPF9W54Fjg8uqbMzvNP4dDaUiyoK2TW1qyOUTx71GYe44mejS2wlYLn6k5Jx41Ud4jqFpT1aFJUZFQ3R1jzKIYVZA/s4608/IMG_0900.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4608" data-original-width="3456" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4e5awiovAMhIHXBgMfEqbAVKtZvDSHy05aN1NIx_4rd8aPbFEpRMSaIdRhG63gZGCrVNGxvE_gd5yLTq1ulSVMofZPEjNzE9n1rPF9W54Fjg8uqbMzvNP4dDaUiyoK2TW1qyOUTx71GYe44mejS2wlYLn6k5Jx41Ud4jqFpT1aFJUZFQ3R1jzKIYVZA/s320/IMG_0900.JPG" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgocgzBMhA6j0EJ4-czGDqvy8mj2FXzhbnYm-UVwb4_NKtapcO9Uy25-n-5nAehYDJq3h-XguAhzplYaC4fp8GV0ImbC6QsxJ0mXEShjHnvTKaxPnyYBDnirMY2Nlyx7aIFIA3UoaEuKOOLfD1JOwpc9Ec8BqW5B4UBWulaOIUZtzcKEyGYnauhu7Edyg/s3453/IMG_0894.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3453" data-original-width="2589" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgocgzBMhA6j0EJ4-czGDqvy8mj2FXzhbnYm-UVwb4_NKtapcO9Uy25-n-5nAehYDJq3h-XguAhzplYaC4fp8GV0ImbC6QsxJ0mXEShjHnvTKaxPnyYBDnirMY2Nlyx7aIFIA3UoaEuKOOLfD1JOwpc9Ec8BqW5B4UBWulaOIUZtzcKEyGYnauhu7Edyg/s320/IMG_0894.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5wJkceu9zn6lJQCbz-LnoOGCOR_XFZcE7A9IOuyfW1SufozhzN7CcPfLM6QQKzxXLYb73yIuw2iq5Ma2UzSrcHtasAsogFZ6J5hygPFz_RGMRN9gkqH2LP1_fHtHlSZ7Wa8poxaOzsDYWKPlc7iOPSum5vtg9BqUatBHu2E4QcFLiu4fbo2ZmqFR0Ug/s4608/IMG_0884.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4608" data-original-width="3456" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5wJkceu9zn6lJQCbz-LnoOGCOR_XFZcE7A9IOuyfW1SufozhzN7CcPfLM6QQKzxXLYb73yIuw2iq5Ma2UzSrcHtasAsogFZ6J5hygPFz_RGMRN9gkqH2LP1_fHtHlSZ7Wa8poxaOzsDYWKPlc7iOPSum5vtg9BqUatBHu2E4QcFLiu4fbo2ZmqFR0Ug/s320/IMG_0884.JPG" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivvQCEeljgKEzJnEk0dz23huyXeB5kLIsZ74nUhM_014BMRFDykMXyMMHyNp2qtwURQ6UBuOYfSJSi-yYiIcOhYILOa-BO9aoie96AeI7MpYwlXFc2xFBvYZNPqg82KY0mKmXt4iMVVet5y67wf-ROUzood26DlYYOsMTYWmXKlHJ4Dh6tQmVTN6yu3g/s4608/IMG_0883.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4608" data-original-width="3456" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivvQCEeljgKEzJnEk0dz23huyXeB5kLIsZ74nUhM_014BMRFDykMXyMMHyNp2qtwURQ6UBuOYfSJSi-yYiIcOhYILOa-BO9aoie96AeI7MpYwlXFc2xFBvYZNPqg82KY0mKmXt4iMVVet5y67wf-ROUzood26DlYYOsMTYWmXKlHJ4Dh6tQmVTN6yu3g/s320/IMG_0883.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Directly across the torii gate of the shrine is a bus stop and a pillar with "Anohana: The Flower We Saw That Day" art on it. A lot of scenes from the anime were taken from various spots throughout Chichibu, so you will see this anime come up a lot. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia5NpugitJuI5bobgCGPlss4vkIKa1g0uPEnoSY2FEKgza6HbXAbsQrRx7Vj0Rn01R6S6TRI1kJ3ZXEW8yIS17hDBcJ5zzVSEi4JWIy8-EouayLOHweYbpUFeYoDiRpppRscoXPvEPF9TdUE8krvChqkJOz2xaFUc-ILLGqn9iPICqnYKdeJqvxwOhiw/s4608/IMG_0859.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4608" data-original-width="3456" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia5NpugitJuI5bobgCGPlss4vkIKa1g0uPEnoSY2FEKgza6HbXAbsQrRx7Vj0Rn01R6S6TRI1kJ3ZXEW8yIS17hDBcJ5zzVSEi4JWIy8-EouayLOHweYbpUFeYoDiRpppRscoXPvEPF9TdUE8krvChqkJOz2xaFUc-ILLGqn9iPICqnYKdeJqvxwOhiw/s320/IMG_0859.JPG" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9tWqzWFQE_NLpdQHl9lxU1_1zHnfvJZxaFWcXnj_-3nOmn19E0bgU1oMZLVzpQQV8jgvZ8TVekQ69LmPUVFKjazvt2ne77VKgrAYvaTu_xENUKqJd5MhcaZz0O3lwVWBaRXnUARDTf-ncrCJ4-csOM-3gUBweshsamqcv3GfnNPUsEFVtBfPf0vBHpQ/s4519/IMG_0871.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4519" data-original-width="3389" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9tWqzWFQE_NLpdQHl9lxU1_1zHnfvJZxaFWcXnj_-3nOmn19E0bgU1oMZLVzpQQV8jgvZ8TVekQ69LmPUVFKjazvt2ne77VKgrAYvaTu_xENUKqJd5MhcaZz0O3lwVWBaRXnUARDTf-ncrCJ4-csOM-3gUBweshsamqcv3GfnNPUsEFVtBfPf0vBHpQ/s320/IMG_0871.JPG" width="240" /></a><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">You will also see a sweets and drink shop called Kamakura near the bus stop. It's a perfect spot to stop for a snack. </span></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFLVFAb2OS7kd09hEDi7JDq8XZjtHw8nSC3nUUlIZCKWahnFKgLfEGRgSpOh1gcEYeerhBUm53X2PcyAFAawih_SoyuUZYRFPDoAaN657wJQWlUBTB6wgtHNyLRkm29BcIZzvDac_aHFaDshJxWVDl2Bdg9Vzphj9y0RMbSa9DsoUcI1S4RbspVgY6FA/s4608/IMG_0889.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4608" data-original-width="3456" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFLVFAb2OS7kd09hEDi7JDq8XZjtHw8nSC3nUUlIZCKWahnFKgLfEGRgSpOh1gcEYeerhBUm53X2PcyAFAawih_SoyuUZYRFPDoAaN657wJQWlUBTB6wgtHNyLRkm29BcIZzvDac_aHFaDshJxWVDl2Bdg9Vzphj9y0RMbSa9DsoUcI1S4RbspVgY6FA/s320/IMG_0889.JPG" width="240" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAXpzbdBmYqyi8PUMMebNs9TALl5jOZb_4RIfGiNZv0pmg9V-MKXe7Nhm22MU4svRC5KzlXp9WP8VEe4kut0j_AlT0TyReOm294WBDvQDHcAQpZtDhWLJahEA5j8_Pm4g1wLo2tq4cVnANRuMp4zyrr5XnKNWvKHppW6EHr8uqEoq0SktQzZFqukUt0A/s4608/IMG_0874.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4608" data-original-width="3456" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAXpzbdBmYqyi8PUMMebNs9TALl5jOZb_4RIfGiNZv0pmg9V-MKXe7Nhm22MU4svRC5KzlXp9WP8VEe4kut0j_AlT0TyReOm294WBDvQDHcAQpZtDhWLJahEA5j8_Pm4g1wLo2tq4cVnANRuMp4zyrr5XnKNWvKHppW6EHr8uqEoq0SktQzZFqukUt0A/s320/IMG_0874.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">As you head back towards the Seibu Chichibu station from Chichibu Shrine, there are more autumn foliage along the way to admire. Finally right beside the station is an onsen. There's an excellent shop inside selling all kinds of snacks and souvenirs. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3q0aDn-8mXlN5uqloD6Rp3F7WY93_1oj48PCS5j9vxo_kF4oaSzx9YQJBalGi_eAj6n9NofTQQ8VtX05TQ1mW7esj8HorZfXKHWsb2RZmRp3fN7Ti-Bf66C61V-ijmLtI_ZdJgsv1d8sXKo7ThPI2B5nrkT3CjslLJbJImYyMiFHHGuY7fIPEKM5Ysw/s4608/IMG_0863.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4608" data-original-width="3456" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3q0aDn-8mXlN5uqloD6Rp3F7WY93_1oj48PCS5j9vxo_kF4oaSzx9YQJBalGi_eAj6n9NofTQQ8VtX05TQ1mW7esj8HorZfXKHWsb2RZmRp3fN7Ti-Bf66C61V-ijmLtI_ZdJgsv1d8sXKo7ThPI2B5nrkT3CjslLJbJImYyMiFHHGuY7fIPEKM5Ysw/s320/IMG_0863.JPG" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitrUa8885uRhlhWox3SB0xDGzpvdJq201WbN68yaDJwCQDA29pcrH0u3s_OnPojwWefjYHpJSdPl-uAccOJPf-8V9BcDEcRzpZA87Mxk2YNEraUfhcz4FlHxJv1kARcGD9J0RfM3Ad1Be-lvm5CwwoZbOZ9OyiMgvGQOyf2tmvlUKJxMRDOPn92zU3qQ/s4433/IMG_0872.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4433" data-original-width="3325" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitrUa8885uRhlhWox3SB0xDGzpvdJq201WbN68yaDJwCQDA29pcrH0u3s_OnPojwWefjYHpJSdPl-uAccOJPf-8V9BcDEcRzpZA87Mxk2YNEraUfhcz4FlHxJv1kARcGD9J0RfM3Ad1Be-lvm5CwwoZbOZ9OyiMgvGQOyf2tmvlUKJxMRDOPn92zU3qQ/s320/IMG_0872.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Chichibu is one of those places that will recharge your soul and help you escape the hustle and bustle of the city. It's not only convenient to reach, it's also a fairly inexpensive train ride! Definitely add Chichibu to your list, it's such an underrated spot full of beauty and nature. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Follow me on instagram <a href="https://www.instagram.com/ariel.land/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #e06666;"><b>@ariel.land</b></span></a> for daily Japan stories</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/ariel.land/" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="4116" data-original-width="1535" height="957" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCtC6sviQgZWqsl6JDvEFf9IlRpsGitkQIXkDBOx9TgiE9QIJ9oLLIf3CBaBt8BEPmArL6tbehu5_ilK3LDivbF2suYxvkaR-oq6DSGGqPwep8vjVt04coZe46r-jtpFawkasQKV-b8k8XbO3deuccJAfNMhtvYcPprP0zS6cKpH6BqEOXDzv1OtJ85g/w356-h957/IMG_1127.JPG" width="356" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr4MtMbGlPKSL0YakhSCmaJyJF7vxJ6rRV9eXdelOMGoP4xPpqHDj4eqR4XGuK6Kc8uPZ6Qin1sE6eG5n3OzysePmypKBTVEVP4Wy1_HTY_tEPZnwxMReBavBK8TWGdP5R2KT9ynd68N8OB09ftiRHPtg01O56DTOdK3GaY_fS8sRGhlrf0rmjX0FkwA/s200/Screen%20Shot%202014-10-23%20at%207.51.53%20PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="92" data-original-width="200" height="92" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr4MtMbGlPKSL0YakhSCmaJyJF7vxJ6rRV9eXdelOMGoP4xPpqHDj4eqR4XGuK6Kc8uPZ6Qin1sE6eG5n3OzysePmypKBTVEVP4Wy1_HTY_tEPZnwxMReBavBK8TWGdP5R2KT9ynd68N8OB09ftiRHPtg01O56DTOdK3GaY_fS8sRGhlrf0rmjX0FkwA/s1600/Screen%20Shot%202014-10-23%20at%207.51.53%20PM.png" width="200" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div>Arielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03509227042293152734noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8124579507526577941.post-87291367227211998602022-10-19T23:14:00.005+08:002024-02-25T16:18:51.338+08:00Okinawa Beyond the Beaches – Exploring Naha, Iriomote, and Ishigaki<p class="p1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.arielland.com/2022/10/okinawa-beyond-beaches-exploring-naha.html" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="314" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0fVzphX7XHb2fqZ9cFeVxKgromn8lRT-flnU919RRUnREDcr2brO82smwPFnnoSB3H28UgtM1tL_nOSmCxqnCMt4rOU_oxLQVNPeIVhYq76UCcP9f_HI_iGRB6W53iv4kCWPPpLT8Og3SwcIMQ3n2L7vLsbUoeC5SM6uk3h9gnipTIoTf6YI0cjAgTw/w558-h314/OKINAWA.png" width="558" /></a></div><p></p><p class="p1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span></span></p><a name='more'></a><p></p><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">When you see “Okinawa”, your first image is probably a tropical island with beach resorts. And there’s no denying that Okinawa’s offers an amazing seaside vacation experience, however there is so much more to discover in Okinawa.</span></div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">On a 5 day trip with <a href="https://japanspecialist.com/"><b><span style="color: #3d85c6;">Japanspecialist</span></b></a>, <a href="https://www.ocvb.or.jp/foreign/en"><b><span style="color: #3d85c6;">OCVB</span></b></a> (Okinawa Convention and Visitor’s Bureau), and <a href="https://www.jal.co.jp/jp/en/"><b><span style="color: #3d85c6;">JAL</span></b></a> (Japan Airlines), I dived deep into the culture, history, and nature of Okinawa main island, Iriomote, and Ishigaki. I was left with nothing but a fulfilling taste of Okinawa’s spirit and wonderful memories.</div></span><p class="p1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><br /></p><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b>Getting to Okinawa</b><br />It takes about 2.5hrs to fly from Tokyo to Okinawa. JAL (Japan Airlines) operates over 10 flights a day between Tokyo Haneda and Okinawa Naha airport. </span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGKBh7ytGp6e6jimxactlFd-8cr20Gfyspu_yU1OvpfZQZ1yhLz3ZsKgUytH8am0EMgAczqCnUw8QKFFJMjSFAgkPuN2NdICN2DUHBVGrEfCJe5tU_csqiBGd2RwjH4HiskZHqOZC5NMytH6qlKBlreSDSYnVx-DnARUWvhOscceOr0zViUqXrWrCG8A/s4228/IMG_2042.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4228" data-original-width="3171" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGKBh7ytGp6e6jimxactlFd-8cr20Gfyspu_yU1OvpfZQZ1yhLz3ZsKgUytH8am0EMgAczqCnUw8QKFFJMjSFAgkPuN2NdICN2DUHBVGrEfCJe5tU_csqiBGd2RwjH4HiskZHqOZC5NMytH6qlKBlreSDSYnVx-DnARUWvhOscceOr0zViUqXrWrCG8A/s320/IMG_2042.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><u><span style="color: #b45f06; font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">In Naha - Okinawa’s Rich History and Culture</span></u></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Prior to joining Japan as a prefecture in 1879, Okinawa was known as the <b>Ryukyu Kingdom</b>. Upon arriving at Naha airport, you can already feel the vibrant culture of the Ryukyuan from the bright color signs that greet you. Heading into town, you’ll see the distinctive red roofs iconic to Okinawa. As night falls, the paper lanterns light up the city as people head out for a meal. There is a lively yet relaxed atmosphere that is distinctively Okinawa. It’s inviting and friendly, at the same time it’s calming.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><b><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="color: #b45f06; font-family: verdana;">Taste of Okinawa</span></b></div></b><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">On the first night, I had a taste of Okinawa at a local Izakaya called <b>Dachibin</b>. You’ll see familiar items such as Sashimi and tempura, but a lot of the menu is very different from an Izakaya on Japan mainland. Local delicacies you’ll find are for example Ishigaki beef, pork, and a wide range of fish prepped in many different ways. Something else that is indigenous and unique to Okinawa is <b>Awamori</b>. It’s an alcoholic beverage distilled from rice with about 30-40% alcohol content. Dachibin had no shortage of Awamori, its entire wall was lined with more than 40 types to choose from.</span></div><div> <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6GuVQIynpmtEWaW-_YKlrRAXx_ob0F2Y51X3-TytVVR4TmSJ9BUG7RcSXGXaRLzBZSv2NurErcBOBOp3b07DygV36YUwKEhAfdaUUNSvmI97mFbgdrCp4v-3szK_5zMKvlEiZruEKNyX48PKvkxNUhSb1lY-IBBPBeOR0QOwn-1BrRtKEdv6k194WUw/s4608/IMG_2083.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4608" data-original-width="3456" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6GuVQIynpmtEWaW-_YKlrRAXx_ob0F2Y51X3-TytVVR4TmSJ9BUG7RcSXGXaRLzBZSv2NurErcBOBOp3b07DygV36YUwKEhAfdaUUNSvmI97mFbgdrCp4v-3szK_5zMKvlEiZruEKNyX48PKvkxNUhSb1lY-IBBPBeOR0QOwn-1BrRtKEdv6k194WUw/s320/IMG_2083.JPG" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcsLUK_yVOGOIonXLF6_4lwB9qABbYJhkc4MMm9Ck3tQ8oyFwCCgJNk1XGWbLybzSC0tjn6wzEVPFq3HCYEneXvCfW9ZGiupkIfHAGq-P1CiZpibe9H6tXipRsB_EN0GuQnG0HqxA-AKJtOfgiBGr7WfyqvE5eg4W4XAo4fADqz5vqc1hZIOeWc1yPUg/s4608/IMG_2087.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4608" data-original-width="3456" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcsLUK_yVOGOIonXLF6_4lwB9qABbYJhkc4MMm9Ck3tQ8oyFwCCgJNk1XGWbLybzSC0tjn6wzEVPFq3HCYEneXvCfW9ZGiupkIfHAGq-P1CiZpibe9H6tXipRsB_EN0GuQnG0HqxA-AKJtOfgiBGr7WfyqvE5eg4W4XAo4fADqz5vqc1hZIOeWc1yPUg/s320/IMG_2087.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="color: #b45f06; font-family: verdana;">Traditional Wear of Okinawa</span></b></div></b><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">After a full night’s rest, we head to <b>Veni Studio</b> to try out <b>traditional Ryukyuan wear.</b> It looks similar to a Kimono, however the Obi belt ties the bow in front and there is a second jacket layer on top of the dress. The colors of Okinawa are again represented with the bright reds, yellows, and aqua blue. I also chose to carry a Hanagasa which is a traditional flower shaped hat unique to Okinawa.</span></div><p class="p1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-converted-space"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbj6gzKAyPXCvbsokbPnBB9Kg9etBGuC2CuYMFwCjDQFCGN51rd3lGzmpPleN3Tf2m9gNPMxsXmotTMb1BuNkPfxLARtCe71sUWXxEqZPrF0eoozznlR_p0QSQad9WUTVKsZyH_OIm8QMYDT1b5vikzLdczbWHhE5TWyMJuscfbm7AUyPV0pOyM-OZGQ/s4032/IMG_2650.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbj6gzKAyPXCvbsokbPnBB9Kg9etBGuC2CuYMFwCjDQFCGN51rd3lGzmpPleN3Tf2m9gNPMxsXmotTMb1BuNkPfxLARtCe71sUWXxEqZPrF0eoozznlR_p0QSQad9WUTVKsZyH_OIm8QMYDT1b5vikzLdczbWHhE5TWyMJuscfbm7AUyPV0pOyM-OZGQ/s320/IMG_2650.JPG" width="240" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9DySm9VzJR43TnRAoIcImSRbZHqKCXsM1gu5cSxhpA28E0gNR21HWbWKNUjep9QQBhF3O_OfZj3CrXqZEX5IKLYUMjF5xDs_SVGX_mtGfJiau6jGBZP2_045NT0CbTlRTx_P9z58TFLHJQOpu3pcoFS0IYButy2S6f20oVGZ5ClYWqyU_7-c46XemHA/s4032/IMG_2663.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9DySm9VzJR43TnRAoIcImSRbZHqKCXsM1gu5cSxhpA28E0gNR21HWbWKNUjep9QQBhF3O_OfZj3CrXqZEX5IKLYUMjF5xDs_SVGX_mtGfJiau6jGBZP2_045NT0CbTlRTx_P9z58TFLHJQOpu3pcoFS0IYButy2S6f20oVGZ5ClYWqyU_7-c46XemHA/s320/IMG_2663.JPG" width="240" /></a></p><p class="p1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><br /></p><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="color: #b45f06; font-family: verdana;">Historical Walk in Naha's Shuri Area</span></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">To explore the historical streets of Naha, we head to Shuri area which is where the castle is located. The walk started from the bottom of the <b>Kinjo Stone Path</b> which is a road that dates back to the 1500s in the Ryukyu Kingdom era. On the left you’ll see <b>Sui Dunchi </b>restaurant which serves local delicacies and has 2 gardens and a pond so you can enjoy a lovely view with your meal. Continuing north up the hill is <b>Kanagushiku Muraya</b> which is a local community hall and a perfect resting spot. There are displays about the history you can read about inside. A little bit further east is the <b>Shuri Kinjo Big Akagi Tree</b> which is over 200 years old with a truck of 20 meters in diameter. And finally you arrive at <b>Shuri Castle</b>.</span></div><p class="p1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span class="Apple-converted-space"><br /></span></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvPXg1IN2dXLP-miPz2ui0wZm1vVMJHl2hV2j8LljRQEDsAq6_FzQNaKtV7Og4aMnGsTUiSw-E6_Xa0b_5FykKBC2_PMPTTTFg2dmpzholh9xI-WvpY28Vnx6C6FSXrX77wHPFZ66xtMm5T7yDWsS8RMuIIkrjf7MswMDNFkLaXKX8oN3G-83ZMbf-fg/s5039/IMG_2471.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5039" data-original-width="3359" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvPXg1IN2dXLP-miPz2ui0wZm1vVMJHl2hV2j8LljRQEDsAq6_FzQNaKtV7Og4aMnGsTUiSw-E6_Xa0b_5FykKBC2_PMPTTTFg2dmpzholh9xI-WvpY28Vnx6C6FSXrX77wHPFZ66xtMm5T7yDWsS8RMuIIkrjf7MswMDNFkLaXKX8oN3G-83ZMbf-fg/s320/IMG_2471.JPG" width="213" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHmCmmD7jtq3G2G3hrR-r_kMBqwEv0R8JxUpXIKKk1jIAS_D0BB3DDY_cuNQJTYFL1jxuNrX_jRb02ig6Q4sH7vpWJGAM7pYGi1SA40OCpD_jFAHTnW6WkjMqxi-g6s09q-47ErRBV2BSAaPYCXuukQNQz3v7nx0lSIKg717t0yrU1cZ09O_IwNuztwg/s5184/IMG_2474.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5184" data-original-width="3456" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHmCmmD7jtq3G2G3hrR-r_kMBqwEv0R8JxUpXIKKk1jIAS_D0BB3DDY_cuNQJTYFL1jxuNrX_jRb02ig6Q4sH7vpWJGAM7pYGi1SA40OCpD_jFAHTnW6WkjMqxi-g6s09q-47ErRBV2BSAaPYCXuukQNQz3v7nx0lSIKg717t0yrU1cZ09O_IwNuztwg/s320/IMG_2474.JPG" width="213" /></a></p><p class="p1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><br /></p><div><span style="font-family: verdana; text-align: left;">For 450 years, </span><b style="font-family: verdana; text-align: left;">Shuri Castle</b><span style="font-family: verdana; text-align: left;"> served as the palace of the Ryukyu Kingdom. It plays a significant political and religious role, surrounded by stone walls for military purposes and filled with many administrative halls, courtyards for reception, and shrines and temples for worship. It has been visited by officials of the Imperial Chinese and even Commodore Perry of the US (though he was denied entry). The castle was recently burned down in a fire in 2019 and is in reconstruction, however you can still visit many of the surrounding spots. One key site is </span><b style="font-family: verdana; text-align: left;">Shureimon</b><span style="font-family: verdana; text-align: left;">, which is a large red gate leading up to the complex. You can find the gate printed on the ¥2,000 Japanese yen note which is commonly found in Okinawa but not on Japan mainland.</span><span class="Apple-converted-space" style="font-family: verdana; text-align: left;"> </span></div><div><span class="Apple-converted-space" style="font-family: verdana; text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-converted-space" style="font-family: verdana; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVIzhnqWTMIm_rhblOHk_6DKsDcySbsGbJlrXCz6bV1gXGuAtKURHgHuXBrXekuQIbKzMlDcrVPXKyqp1SKxnpWno20JtIV2wMcAPRJPUA-0zjp5Z0b2d7hdu0FuyBDMRCq77huj3ZVn4a41JqmEampNAkCEI_ah-rBTx-s-Ep_P-wENh767vjNzPUHg/s4032/IMG_2714.JPG" style="font-family: Times; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="2687" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVIzhnqWTMIm_rhblOHk_6DKsDcySbsGbJlrXCz6bV1gXGuAtKURHgHuXBrXekuQIbKzMlDcrVPXKyqp1SKxnpWno20JtIV2wMcAPRJPUA-0zjp5Z0b2d7hdu0FuyBDMRCq77huj3ZVn4a41JqmEampNAkCEI_ah-rBTx-s-Ep_P-wENh767vjNzPUHg/s320/IMG_2714.JPG" width="213" /></a> </span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB9dnBYnE7nU59vJMhvnMsEmATekjLvHg88NpEeSnSCucuxybMU_mMP2tSIhh7XGzwbJ9FCeUyNwqHxMz3pX-guibqQcQ1g4xwslzavSEpC0XOn7Tuq37IKCdQ9S46pjYoaRyEmzels0DvZ302opbpevhsYXRVETBJSgG18tcYYKxu7JdDR0dUIszj5A/s2062/IMG_3037.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2062" data-original-width="1170" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB9dnBYnE7nU59vJMhvnMsEmATekjLvHg88NpEeSnSCucuxybMU_mMP2tSIhh7XGzwbJ9FCeUyNwqHxMz3pX-guibqQcQ1g4xwslzavSEpC0XOn7Tuq37IKCdQ9S46pjYoaRyEmzels0DvZ302opbpevhsYXRVETBJSgG18tcYYKxu7JdDR0dUIszj5A/s320/IMG_3037.JPG" width="182" /></a></div><div><span class="Apple-converted-space"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></span></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Another notable place with Okinawan architecture is </span><b style="font-family: verdana;">Naminoue Shrine</b><span style="font-family: verdana;">, just off the southwest coast of Naha city. It sits on a tall cliff overlooking the beautiful ocean. You can see guardian lions, also known as </span><b style="font-family: verdana;">Shisa</b><span style="font-family: verdana;"> on either sides of the shrine. The rooftop is covered in distinct red tiles, and you can find colorful decorations on the wall as well.</span><span class="Apple-converted-space" style="font-family: verdana;"> </span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT2pLcElaFwdWUWfOxaFefg7Wh7XcUAa9vtOX0I2JX9aMmp4y-DK39uhXhP4_xJR3-IeUVfROLwuMIlhTSuUzyTeDeWlslOWSSqTZMGyxlKJ2uyLqi0JhPIMLml9IyM_9V3_bsf1Br_upgCeJjyH-D4yzRP5ttIYSNEMBqhd8E-sC3hnkGR5wrsTA4eQ/s4608/IMG_2457.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4608" data-original-width="3456" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT2pLcElaFwdWUWfOxaFefg7Wh7XcUAa9vtOX0I2JX9aMmp4y-DK39uhXhP4_xJR3-IeUVfROLwuMIlhTSuUzyTeDeWlslOWSSqTZMGyxlKJ2uyLqi0JhPIMLml9IyM_9V3_bsf1Br_upgCeJjyH-D4yzRP5ttIYSNEMBqhd8E-sC3hnkGR5wrsTA4eQ/s320/IMG_2457.JPG" width="240" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHJB5KZ30UFu8lh_CMMR2B4jhEi8VlzVCdXnVq-kqXm9bCwhOZs6TpaZWk4Bo1U-kr0sbEGgnmggzsCevcKzd0bxz3dmzmXssyJKaQUvRtd7gxmZsEIatzyZ3lteKtqvnX5o3YmGH4aAaZ8ZG-VgCy8qhtF88pxgGXyG_TtE5XuS3LzIOb5l7vvCKXFQ/s4608/IMG_2635.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4608" data-original-width="3456" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHJB5KZ30UFu8lh_CMMR2B4jhEi8VlzVCdXnVq-kqXm9bCwhOZs6TpaZWk4Bo1U-kr0sbEGgnmggzsCevcKzd0bxz3dmzmXssyJKaQUvRtd7gxmZsEIatzyZ3lteKtqvnX5o3YmGH4aAaZ8ZG-VgCy8qhtF88pxgGXyG_TtE5XuS3LzIOb5l7vvCKXFQ/s320/IMG_2635.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><b><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="color: #b45f06; font-family: verdana;">Traditional Craft of Okinawa - Shisa</span></b></div></b><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Before leaving Naha, I visited <b><a href="https://www.instagram.com/mi.shisa/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">@mi.shisa</span></a> </b>to learn how to make <b>Shisa</b> from Martin Sensei. He is 3rd generation Argentinian born in Okinawa. After going to art school, focused on sculpting, he wanted to capture Okinawa’s spirit through making Shisa. The clients that request work from him can be newlywed couples or companies that want to commemorate a significant event. We sat down in the courtyard and chitchatted while attempted to make our own Shisas. The process took about 1hr but it was simple and easy to follow. Anyone and even kids without any experience will be able to make one.</span></div><p class="p1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-converted-space"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtJ4PfDSqEpuh4ySqJPFccYpHHDSkLq5np6qa6ypDp0wTwVo7zKCnvOdrYvlpGymzO-TopMwg2LMQJlClMpQektcY_axJzeQYwdezZ7wNeIvvXPf3-JHvkj_315wFYn9baDbdB0e0z72dcbgUtTqIT_MJKxfCNPZ1P29CRtUYYwgY22-42N5eGqwCH0w/s4032/IMG_2949.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtJ4PfDSqEpuh4ySqJPFccYpHHDSkLq5np6qa6ypDp0wTwVo7zKCnvOdrYvlpGymzO-TopMwg2LMQJlClMpQektcY_axJzeQYwdezZ7wNeIvvXPf3-JHvkj_315wFYn9baDbdB0e0z72dcbgUtTqIT_MJKxfCNPZ1P29CRtUYYwgY22-42N5eGqwCH0w/s320/IMG_2949.JPG" width="240" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJu2-4AA-0FGYIMpmohAtFvuhuqBaOOrUX7tziq0fKhElUbf1yXSEr6UJsM5Rb5QfvcrcZ0ET7qWe-KAYar2GqSmQ5GJ9d5rVirCUhh0k6ssb6_k1PBfLAP8FCySTvk6In7K46StLdFLzH7BYYg1GlSjxnXLFoCpFRVzPM3d1nvfEot1XmvjWV54p2-A/s4608/IMG_3139.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4608" data-original-width="3456" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJu2-4AA-0FGYIMpmohAtFvuhuqBaOOrUX7tziq0fKhElUbf1yXSEr6UJsM5Rb5QfvcrcZ0ET7qWe-KAYar2GqSmQ5GJ9d5rVirCUhh0k6ssb6_k1PBfLAP8FCySTvk6In7K46StLdFLzH7BYYg1GlSjxnXLFoCpFRVzPM3d1nvfEot1XmvjWV54p2-A/s320/IMG_3139.JPG" width="240" /></a></p></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b><span style="color: #b45f06;">Naha Hotel Recommendation</span></b><br /></span><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">If you are staying in Naha, I highly recommend <b>STRATA Naha</b>. It’s in a central location within walking distance to Kokusai-Dori Shopping Street and it’s right next to the monorail station “Miebashi”. I love the hotel because it is modern with a beautiful pool and has excellent western breakfast options. The rooms are spacious and have balconies with amazing views.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIzn1BBzLqUpMdeD5-4c5NMSnc1rhT-K_5e0uAjY4tmCTw_cnu8jtxF5EUxtGWxOhXtwOuuzHd-d4jL7IX9QK3H1gSRZZXL9sbBG_b0dUYJoi0LGtFlwAGFBjO17wtYXo_1m4lAIVYbxyJ2JAdLcwv2ugK2EJQczY4jd-6aL5dc-6fRV-nvHGvvcha8A/s4608/IMG_2599.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4608" data-original-width="3456" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIzn1BBzLqUpMdeD5-4c5NMSnc1rhT-K_5e0uAjY4tmCTw_cnu8jtxF5EUxtGWxOhXtwOuuzHd-d4jL7IX9QK3H1gSRZZXL9sbBG_b0dUYJoi0LGtFlwAGFBjO17wtYXo_1m4lAIVYbxyJ2JAdLcwv2ugK2EJQczY4jd-6aL5dc-6fRV-nvHGvvcha8A/s320/IMG_2599.JPG" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidu6nrz0aZCGfQN-IxOs0H3qp-P5p-yJnIgrhIywjQoLLMNVNkGp_n_e39ridgqsM3NdLKEnNd50WLo3BTfmFmIvwXZKw1UxhST1uT3EzOIFTj8roeexSgDucvIK_wYKdDcfwOJLK-hByCB9j4tTSytMDijsULiPBi9t5nGoYkGE4qRXub77wmsLUTeA/s4032/IMG_2891.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidu6nrz0aZCGfQN-IxOs0H3qp-P5p-yJnIgrhIywjQoLLMNVNkGp_n_e39ridgqsM3NdLKEnNd50WLo3BTfmFmIvwXZKw1UxhST1uT3EzOIFTj8roeexSgDucvIK_wYKdDcfwOJLK-hByCB9j4tTSytMDijsULiPBi9t5nGoYkGE4qRXub77wmsLUTeA/s320/IMG_2891.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><p class="p1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><span class="s1" style="text-decoration-line: underline;"><b><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">In Iriomote – Okinawa’s final frontier</span></b></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"> </span></p><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Though it is Okinawa’s second largest island, over 90% of Iriomote is uninhabited and lush of nature. It is a part of the <b>Yaeyama Islands</b> which is the remotest part of Japan including the most southern and western inhabited islands.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="font-family: verdana;">Getting to Iriomote Island</span></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">From Ishigaki, you can take a 1hr ferry which takes you to Iriomote Island. There are multiple ferries a day and you can buy tickets on the same day.</span></div></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd1rwWQwAFRmq2TLMn8uGRWR3y8kBsFQVKK1DMcrM0G199sI9sLjXwfP6hTWzWr3BbiIrMT6WfnvuI2ga5HJsaHkdwDBG0YAaDHUtSe3j3ugVkCOMczypOBwcsdD7tZD2G18KOIJ8aPtxE6SNZCEGRgJLwsmd10PIA_AWXsQ5uk0upFZ-DMPyKbiTkmg/s4032/IMG_3375.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="313" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd1rwWQwAFRmq2TLMn8uGRWR3y8kBsFQVKK1DMcrM0G199sI9sLjXwfP6hTWzWr3BbiIrMT6WfnvuI2ga5HJsaHkdwDBG0YAaDHUtSe3j3ugVkCOMczypOBwcsdD7tZD2G18KOIJ8aPtxE6SNZCEGRgJLwsmd10PIA_AWXsQ5uk0upFZ-DMPyKbiTkmg/w417-h313/IMG_3375.JPG" width="417" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b><span style="color: #38761d;">Getting to know Iriomote’s Mangroves by Kayak</span></b><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">You can kayak up <b>Urauchi river</b> to get up close to the Mangroves. The little mud crabs are everywhere near the roots, just minding their own business as you pass by. There’s also all kinds of unique plants that can only be found in this area such as the pink <b>Barringtonia</b> flowers. There’s not many people here so all you hear are sounds of birds and insects chirping. It’s a truly relaxing enjoyment of nature.</div></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div style="text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicbua8sP3HGlKLjY-iDJgEFHVSUulPwvVQBgsfUjCr5_XXIcBPRkkQBs56z-KGe6qmyitKA4bZ11bejf4jL93G38oqO8tq4h8pjv6_rnovgj7qlP6P9QgK1-5Utk5Z-N1jocRP5rFRTNaPOfKTiDlShkDMttaZhQVCGja170jo_cTdqK5FOa7r-Qc_yg/s1522/IMG_3941.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1522" data-original-width="1017" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicbua8sP3HGlKLjY-iDJgEFHVSUulPwvVQBgsfUjCr5_XXIcBPRkkQBs56z-KGe6qmyitKA4bZ11bejf4jL93G38oqO8tq4h8pjv6_rnovgj7qlP6P9QgK1-5Utk5Z-N1jocRP5rFRTNaPOfKTiDlShkDMttaZhQVCGja170jo_cTdqK5FOa7r-Qc_yg/s320/IMG_3941.JPG" width="214" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNaOhZ7uoYcNJlHkPZnRkdt6rm3_j2Bkk_WwlVKYCYvnQjMHhFv0OHvSUDyPfQEIBQP94qx9B9bweWALN1Y8ikNJciZdD_eZEzLuGEGHXIhgbm2OXQCMj5bocHeX3h5Omxu7u2G5TdtxNRGrmG9aw-NciTgxhGuXwffGKggTr9F4eyk5OIJe39hYoJAw/s1616/%E5%86%99%E7%9C%9F%202022-06-23%2011%2025%2039.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1616" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNaOhZ7uoYcNJlHkPZnRkdt6rm3_j2Bkk_WwlVKYCYvnQjMHhFv0OHvSUDyPfQEIBQP94qx9B9bweWALN1Y8ikNJciZdD_eZEzLuGEGHXIhgbm2OXQCMj5bocHeX3h5Omxu7u2G5TdtxNRGrmG9aw-NciTgxhGuXwffGKggTr9F4eyk5OIJe39hYoJAw/s320/%E5%86%99%E7%9C%9F%202022-06-23%2011%2025%2039.JPG" width="214" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><b><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: verdana;">Waterfall Trekking</span></b><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Another activity popular amongst visitors is trekking up the thick jungle to find yourself at the spectacular <b>Geta waterfall</b> and a stunning view of the ocean in the distance. The trek is not a difficult one, however appropriate shoes for both water and land is recommended as you will most certainly get soaked from the river flowing through the jungle.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0oYY2-78mZEp4NWWw5JsNONMb5dFNhi_DhpSuuVs6P0N170-OMjMcbnzt7kWLwlfjtY2vAqonXEA_eUNjiELAkOZ6rQckfXkIOXvfq1A8vPH2udWgTUDrqYmkHSzIYdGVUQVCfTZwPTsrd92q36Zu9FkLDZ3okG7vlj3L4OKc2r83Yl0tGCBfXY6vPw/s1616/hiking.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: start;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1616" data-original-width="1080" height="328" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0oYY2-78mZEp4NWWw5JsNONMb5dFNhi_DhpSuuVs6P0N170-OMjMcbnzt7kWLwlfjtY2vAqonXEA_eUNjiELAkOZ6rQckfXkIOXvfq1A8vPH2udWgTUDrqYmkHSzIYdGVUQVCfTZwPTsrd92q36Zu9FkLDZ3okG7vlj3L4OKc2r83Yl0tGCBfXY6vPw/w219-h328/hiking.JPG" width="219" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEzz4LG9azSqnDYsxXxjlTRkRUEFTHV1KJ2NafgHdG1lr6Qfwb2NULZQ4DWdEDSGp5aQ3HhWMG1-KkJYsy_CB144INKRy_DwdXQUWkMSfqqoPs01octUkcpZvZq1NDCtSvdnzgHv36LmyMVWx9Y1qdZXk1TNqinRCRs6FycQb9hu1z5OaSC9HNaQKg4w/s4033/IMG_3991.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4033" data-original-width="3024" height="331" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEzz4LG9azSqnDYsxXxjlTRkRUEFTHV1KJ2NafgHdG1lr6Qfwb2NULZQ4DWdEDSGp5aQ3HhWMG1-KkJYsy_CB144INKRy_DwdXQUWkMSfqqoPs01octUkcpZvZq1NDCtSvdnzgHv36LmyMVWx9Y1qdZXk1TNqinRCRs6FycQb9hu1z5OaSC9HNaQKg4w/w248-h331/IMG_3991.JPG" width="248" /></a></div><p class="p1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><br /></p><p class="p1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><span class="s1" style="text-decoration-line: underline;"><b><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;">Ishigaki – Okinawa’s crystal blue waters</span></b></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"> </span></p><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">If you love being in the ocean and observing marine life, then Ishigaki is the perfect spot. There are many snorkeling and diving spots around the island where you can see coral, sea turtles, and even small sharks.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">There’s also plenty of beautiful lookouts if you prefer to stay dry on land. <b>Kabira Bay</b> is one of the most famous one you’ll see on many guide books. You can also ride on glass bottom boats to see the marine life without getting soaked. There’s plenty of restaurants in Kabira Bay area s well, it is a great spot to grab a bite and enjoy Okinawa’s beautiful sandy beaches and water.</span></div><div><br /></div></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM8uh5ni3FqYXp4WuPlHGz-sFvip3N7GAGINHqEThwGuNd3auqp0FDuEfM8KB_YtqCTIvrXio9jzr5l4GE03bbALEB6uaYebPKzWNZ54ESJ8ILiqF69pooAhlcZR2tCPPwawPzteM0AQ5r-W7ze5FCIUJnEHK-LJDnfDdpKnI2H43aar5EOZNSsWH_7w/s5184/IMG_3889.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="5184" data-original-width="3456" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM8uh5ni3FqYXp4WuPlHGz-sFvip3N7GAGINHqEThwGuNd3auqp0FDuEfM8KB_YtqCTIvrXio9jzr5l4GE03bbALEB6uaYebPKzWNZ54ESJ8ILiqF69pooAhlcZR2tCPPwawPzteM0AQ5r-W7ze5FCIUJnEHK-LJDnfDdpKnI2H43aar5EOZNSsWH_7w/s320/IMG_3889.JPG" width="213" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYY0EznEnlkIRHgezNFcQ9U2kIUyIwr2iGbaKA_aG7RsS6wrKLryx1TyJoqE26IqiNc_2WlLpiaaKxxS30FXQYvnD3pMIJYHeu9xbySkdZYK9FabTDR87IRhO4DE6PneLVqKGaX1LsntizO69WfDNDqMP2AvvsOKkX31IEkHJjXOV_yd-_T2cCAlwTqw/s4032/IMG_3794.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYY0EznEnlkIRHgezNFcQ9U2kIUyIwr2iGbaKA_aG7RsS6wrKLryx1TyJoqE26IqiNc_2WlLpiaaKxxS30FXQYvnD3pMIJYHeu9xbySkdZYK9FabTDR87IRhO4DE6PneLVqKGaX1LsntizO69WfDNDqMP2AvvsOKkX31IEkHJjXOV_yd-_T2cCAlwTqw/s320/IMG_3794.HEIC" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><div style="text-align: justify;">Another location with a great look out spot is a gelato café on the top of a hill called <b>Mirumiru Honpo</b>. The large grass field and the blue sky and ocean in the distance makes a beautiful contrasting color of nature’s best features.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">As Ishigaki is famous for its salt quality and production, you can also stop by the <b>Salt Spa</b> called “<b>Bian</b>”. There you can float in different salt baths which are healing to the body or enjoy a relaxing massage to rejuvenate tired muscles.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8mWV74MqQUkFeiF856AfXFc3DdwBdrRmCkqTRhzfMTZi4Sc7NtcVj1EHpOCPlm2AcpGnILWPg2tOkUx49CaOV2RVBWgGE8gdWkG_s9A2_bNhWDEpe9J9w7Ij4RMA66zZQu7O26H2ICRPSTIMGgY0mJ9jJ_HyOAwW8HxLOCW2On4RBMU0SxtQfmAmTkw/s3873/IMG_3845.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3873" data-original-width="2905" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8mWV74MqQUkFeiF856AfXFc3DdwBdrRmCkqTRhzfMTZi4Sc7NtcVj1EHpOCPlm2AcpGnILWPg2tOkUx49CaOV2RVBWgGE8gdWkG_s9A2_bNhWDEpe9J9w7Ij4RMA66zZQu7O26H2ICRPSTIMGgY0mJ9jJ_HyOAwW8HxLOCW2On4RBMU0SxtQfmAmTkw/s320/IMG_3845.JPG" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9oteaGOJaxSkio-BBJHi-zjyI28lWY_FOR1I-8VrXjHxpge98v_c3EuQIANUYDMynM_LNktwSKZxGi6c_bzM6TX4s89_3MNBGBElF7f4U7K1J0I49b3UYVxYt3XD2IXm7fVoWwaCgKroOYmD-7H-ujyyM5W9WnJOF2Z6EJgggIK_WcZf1Uwmw7hHKHA/s4032/IMG_3853.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9oteaGOJaxSkio-BBJHi-zjyI28lWY_FOR1I-8VrXjHxpge98v_c3EuQIANUYDMynM_LNktwSKZxGi6c_bzM6TX4s89_3MNBGBElF7f4U7K1J0I49b3UYVxYt3XD2IXm7fVoWwaCgKroOYmD-7H-ujyyM5W9WnJOF2Z6EJgggIK_WcZf1Uwmw7hHKHA/s320/IMG_3853.HEIC" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><div style="text-align: justify;">Okinawa is a place which is rich of history and culture, on top of that its abundance in nature makes it a very well-rounded travel destination. Beyond the beaches, there is so much to see, taste, experience, and learn. I hope with this blog post, it will help you plan an adventure of a lifetime on your next visit to Okinawa.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Lastly, I would like to thank Japanspecialist for this wonderful opportunity for a partnership. Japanspecialist is a part of the JTB Corporation which is the largest travel agency in Japan. They offer tours for solo travellers, travellers in large groups, with families, and private tours as well. If you are looking for an unforgettable experience in Japan, <a href="https://japanspecialist.com/online-consultation">schedule an online consultation</a> today.</div></span><p class="p2" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-converted-space"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></span></p><p class="p2" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-converted-space"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></span></p><p class="p2" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-converted-space"><span style="font-family: verdana;">For other seasonal and daily updates on Japan, </span></span></p><p class="p2" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-converted-space"><span style="font-family: verdana;">follow me on instagram <a href="https://instagram.com/ariel.land" target="_blank"><span style="color: #e06666;"><b>@ariel.land</b></span></a></span></span></p><p class="p2" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-converted-space"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></span></p><p class="p2" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-converted-space"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.instagram.com/ariel.land" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="3883" data-original-width="1500" height="858" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhgQ48OFFKjV924dFqcufVDaFHhw9dNMTHhS3KIHXQrXTGGWqEzEFCgVHPt-Cax84SNOgarrZjrxfI2eCuB2Hj8oHFQ45F3EzGGMpW9KVFBiUWH_4bU3GMG_vM-EG7LSjuY3b3VyQlmP43lKbNqAPS5GDsdLnR287QSQPTY8rVpexsJKoy4i98Bp8GZg/w332-h858/IMG_6454.JPG" width="332" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTgMN4XTpvDEjw7Qtgkpw2XEqNyR0HY1-D4hedR64yh00L5QLC2sJ2CrBxaTpiaiWr95gtD6IGt5agpxl1knwbdGlJFhgaPrvBIaXzqkpTbNe2PaTiTDYm2QLsOFxgGGXmHaPCC3PlM5yr1jhxabtoPDeTrAj5vUeLHnUbxmFm8m9iX_wrjhy97AwHtg/s200/Screen%20Shot%202014-10-23%20at%207.51.53%20PM.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="92" data-original-width="200" height="92" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTgMN4XTpvDEjw7Qtgkpw2XEqNyR0HY1-D4hedR64yh00L5QLC2sJ2CrBxaTpiaiWr95gtD6IGt5agpxl1knwbdGlJFhgaPrvBIaXzqkpTbNe2PaTiTDYm2QLsOFxgGGXmHaPCC3PlM5yr1jhxabtoPDeTrAj5vUeLHnUbxmFm8m9iX_wrjhy97AwHtg/s1600/Screen%20Shot%202014-10-23%20at%207.51.53%20PM.png" width="200" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span><p></p><p class="p2" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-converted-space"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></span></p><p class="p2" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-converted-space"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></span></p><p class="p2" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-converted-space"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></span></p><p class="p2" style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-converted-space"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></span></p><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-converted-space"><br /></span></p></div>Arielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03509227042293152734noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8124579507526577941.post-74631387168772728082022-10-14T22:09:00.006+08:002024-02-25T16:18:44.343+08:00Best Kyoto Autumn Spots | Kyoto in 4 days<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.arielland.com/2022/10/best-kyoto-autumn-spots-kyoto-in-4-days.html" style="font-family: verdana; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="366" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyFEoI4You23kx-r478N3_rCn-ZPR-sOOSjmeorEwcX2KHrhX-aj--5RuevPdhs49IYLYq8gwY-cqLS1A-X0NU34AeoW2nERiFdic7BhT32jGvERLVoUXJ-Ddk5xGC5s3zX4AMT3ApT2n0ObmcBN9LNuRZ-aQvR4eeehhYCoE4WKHdGJLzcWRFLBlrXw/w650-h366/Kyoto%20Autumn.png" width="650" /></a></p><span><a name='more'></a></span><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Being the old capital of Japan (from year 794 to 1868), Kyoto is abundant with traditional Japanese cultural experiences and historical sites. In Autumn, it is especially beautiful, colored by red and golds of the autumn foliage. Though I've traveled to Kyoto more than 5 times, there's still much more to explore. </span></p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><div style="text-align: justify;">One thing to know about planning an autumn trip to Kyoto is you need to research the <b><span style="color: #e69138;">night time light up dates and hours</span></b>. They last anywhere from 2-6 weeks depending on the location, and temples will charge an extra entry fee during those times. </div></span><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Before we dive into the locations, here are a few tips to help you get the best out of your Kyoto trip:</span></p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b>Check the Kyoto autumn foliage forecast </b>(google these words to find it, generally though you should aim for 3rd & 4th week of November)</span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">Make use of the 1-day bus pass (¥700 all you can ride for a day)</span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">Start early in spots that don't have opening hours (eg. 7am in Arashiyama bamboo forest, Togetsu bridge etc) </span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">Start the day from the outskirts spots and move your way back towards city center as the day goes on (city center spots will be crowded anyway, but if you go to out skirt spots earlier, there's less people) </span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">Take advantage of reservations: some autumn spots like Rurikoin or Somekobo Yumeyusai have an online reservation system to guarantee a spot for you at an exact time. Reservations = no time wasted standing in line </span></li></ul><div><span style="font-family: verdana;">Getting to Kyoto: </span></div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">Airport: the closest is KIX, Kansai International Airport, from there it's another 1.5-2hrs via public transport to get to Kyoto which costs about ¥2,000~ </span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">Shinkansen from Tokyo: The Tokaido Shinkansen line, Nozomi train, takes you from Tokyo to Kyoto station (city center to city center) in around 2hrs. Roundtrip will cost roughly ¥28,000. There are no rail passes for this line. </span></li></ul><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div><span style="color: #990000; font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><b>Staying in Kyoto</b></span></div></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">The first time I went to Kyoto in 2015, I based myself in Osaka and commuted daily. Don't do that. Why? Kyoto gets crowded as early as 9am, so by the time you get there from Osaka, there's lines everywhere. Base yourself in Kyoto instead and stay overnight so you can get an early start. Also there are plenty of amazing accommodations available in Kyoto.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">🏨 <b>Hotel Recommendations for Singles & Couples: </b></span></div><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAVziH9yk50XnZr07OArmd5w2x3eYV0sjRDYWh5awk3zcMBHhLt6f7uVSuF5v9R6ZBecnTJKtc8OR8ySLbrtDj-Y6eMJnoYe7f85Z-mSMJgq34iWy0z6ygD2rWGGyuDobEOdz7QOHEf_BLmwxsOV821iIDSe46Yd9DMpXce5PQDN2L5IhuCoIDRyVUZA/s4116/IMG_5034.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3082" data-original-width="4116" height="287" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAVziH9yk50XnZr07OArmd5w2x3eYV0sjRDYWh5awk3zcMBHhLt6f7uVSuF5v9R6ZBecnTJKtc8OR8ySLbrtDj-Y6eMJnoYe7f85Z-mSMJgq34iWy0z6ygD2rWGGyuDobEOdz7QOHEf_BLmwxsOV821iIDSe46Yd9DMpXce5PQDN2L5IhuCoIDRyVUZA/w382-h287/IMG_5034.JPG" width="382" /></a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b><u><a href="https://www.resol-kyoto-s.com/en/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">Hotel Resol</span></a></u></b> is not only affordable (roughly ¥6,000/night), it is also a perfect hotel to experience staying at a traditional Japanese inn but also have the comfort of western beds. Their rooms are traditionally decorated with lanterns and they also provide green tea as a welcome drink. The location is very convenient, and there's also a convenience store just downstairs. One downside of this hotel is that it does not have a large public bath area, which if that's an experience you want to try out, check out the next hotel below. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgypQ2eEo7EWLMiuJ7TtEZOGC_BT51g9fu3Sq8TUil2W_Wmtl5Yoy-s2K5sK85TitvxvMQ5D3Lo55rThhqimJjNs_yrvI45lYSFnfUqFjI0XapK2kvaC9O6shmU2x0ubg0sbsbPye9WmHo0539YvcxVSmJigq643vtAiDYWzoOEmzwDwWxPkCJpEMOkEw/s4116/IMG_5038.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3082" data-original-width="4116" height="289" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgypQ2eEo7EWLMiuJ7TtEZOGC_BT51g9fu3Sq8TUil2W_Wmtl5Yoy-s2K5sK85TitvxvMQ5D3Lo55rThhqimJjNs_yrvI45lYSFnfUqFjI0XapK2kvaC9O6shmU2x0ubg0sbsbPye9WmHo0539YvcxVSmJigq643vtAiDYWzoOEmzwDwWxPkCJpEMOkEw/w385-h289/IMG_5038.JPG" width="385" /></a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b><u><a href="https://www.gardenhotels.co.jp/kyoto-shijo/eng/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">Mitsui Garden Hotel</span></a></u></b> is a chain of hotels that provide comfortable, modern, and affordable stays. There's a total of 6 locations in Kyoto, so in case this one in Shijo area is booked out, the other ones are also quite central as well. This one has large onsens/public baths, and on top of that the rooms are also a nice mix of traditional Japanese and modern western styles. I personally like the Shijo branch no only because of the location but also because of the super pretty lobby with goldfish wall art and lanterns. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">🏨 <b>Hotel Recommendations for Families & Big Groups:</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEvdwhoACgtb0zCde7WDQhAkhm1cnoEQV6hU08X2-KODi92-DhrNu47SjR9kg36u6OMl_s_SZz7C0dfqHDzrMt9wUvgCtHRGPjQ4qQhIwkAxpYHSIpZferXGV28Ai69wJGt7bd5U_jRlyARDzkyw4i6KlvyvDcd-hkoTrhlB9eFzQceN0kMuRPR9PZ3Q/s4116/IMG_5035.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3082" data-original-width="4116" height="316" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEvdwhoACgtb0zCde7WDQhAkhm1cnoEQV6hU08X2-KODi92-DhrNu47SjR9kg36u6OMl_s_SZz7C0dfqHDzrMt9wUvgCtHRGPjQ4qQhIwkAxpYHSIpZferXGV28Ai69wJGt7bd5U_jRlyARDzkyw4i6KlvyvDcd-hkoTrhlB9eFzQceN0kMuRPR9PZ3Q/w421-h316/IMG_5035.JPG" width="421" /></a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><a href="https://kyotomachiyas.com/" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: #3d85c6;">Machiya Fukune</span></b></a> is a group of 4 traditional Japanese houses (Machiyas) renovated for a hotel-like stay experience. The houses accommodate up to 5 people and you can also book the houses next to each other if you have 5+ people. Each house has a hot tub for an onsen experience and also both Japanese tatami rooms with futon beds as well as western style beds. Expect to pay about ¥50k a night for the entire house. The one displayed on top is the house called "Kinsho)</span></div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7JB6CgeN4W082yqcGPeTHl1gc1JCFJqx7nKDkJMSNhbSHB5_ZFjJdjRwnYxkRsSzBK3YjkqOZu6fxzzV-sRiW0CsMQx_hj62pajWn2NzkoONGZXNNmqa0uuiAlXRx2m0GRaJTf3_jIVb3TVh32pBk-1TFVPOl05J4dYCUW4mSJUnSLh8pvGfLlnh3NA/s4116/IMG_5036.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3082" data-original-width="4116" height="315" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7JB6CgeN4W082yqcGPeTHl1gc1JCFJqx7nKDkJMSNhbSHB5_ZFjJdjRwnYxkRsSzBK3YjkqOZu6fxzzV-sRiW0CsMQx_hj62pajWn2NzkoONGZXNNmqa0uuiAlXRx2m0GRaJTf3_jIVb3TVh32pBk-1TFVPOl05J4dYCUW4mSJUnSLh8pvGfLlnh3NA/w420-h315/IMG_5036.JPG" width="420" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><u><b><a href="https://kyomachiya-isuke.com/?tripla_booking_widget_open=search" target="_blank"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">Kyoisuke</span></a></b></u> is an old Japanese house (Machiya) renovated into a hotel-like stay experience which accommodates up to 6 adults + 3 kids. There are 2 large rooms upstairs with both western beds and tatami floor for futon beds. There's an rooftop outdoor onsen bath area as well. You can book out the entire house for under ¥60,000 per night. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><b><span style="color: #990000; font-size: medium;">Bucket list Autumn Spots & How Crowded They Get</span></b><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div></span><span style="font-family: verdana;"><div style="text-align: justify;">For all of these locations, I wont' be describing too much about their location, background story, opening hours, or anything else you can easily google. Instead I will be focusing on how crowded it gets as that is one of the biggest concerns when traveling in Kyoto. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">🗺 Google maps of every location pinned is at the end of this blog post. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">🎋 <b><span style="color: #38761d;">Arashiyama Area</span></b> is on the west side of Kyoto city. It takes about 20-30mins to get to from Kyoto Station, and there are 3 different train stations you can use. There is so much to see in Arashiyama area, so if it's your first time in Kyoto, I would allocate an entire day. I've only listed the top 5 most photogenic spots, however there's plenty of other places to see in Arashiyama. You can also rent a kimono, the process of getting dressed takes about an hour.</div></span><div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSfw8xc6gHOUm4ZzrIkfWCsFpL_Gnh2bO6YoAGsm1Obs2sQpvAz0HpuGWA8e_jtZlt3u94y_8XWNHpdCEQ2pR08rWe4Krz5BQAd4npxcbsW9sqyO-jt_vJTdzmarSDldF22dfCYNmzZED3Gd0p6bWRpa1H-EIREZ8upg96ID4Bq75OZNUtHosl-HYPww/s4116/IMG_5042.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4111" data-original-width="4116" height="408" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSfw8xc6gHOUm4ZzrIkfWCsFpL_Gnh2bO6YoAGsm1Obs2sQpvAz0HpuGWA8e_jtZlt3u94y_8XWNHpdCEQ2pR08rWe4Krz5BQAd4npxcbsW9sqyO-jt_vJTdzmarSDldF22dfCYNmzZED3Gd0p6bWRpa1H-EIREZ8upg96ID4Bq75OZNUtHosl-HYPww/w408-h408/IMG_5042.JPG" width="408" /></a></div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br />1. <b>Togetsu Bridge</b>: quiet before 9am, starts to get crowded after and is at peak crowds around noon and early afternoon.<br />2. <b>Hozugawa River, boat tours:</b> Boat tours start at 9am, same situation as #1. <br />3. <b>Park Observation Deck:</b> relatively quiet as it's a little hike up lots of stairs and slopes. You can see Hoshinoya Hotel in the photo. <br />4. <b>Bamboo forest</b>: get there for sunrise as this is one of the most iconic spots to photograph. My photo was taken at 6:30am in 2017/pre-pandemic and there was a small group of photographers already. Tripods are okay, although if there's a crowd please be respectful and put the tripod away. Getting into other people enjoying the spot is frowned upon, and also there will be locals jogging so please don't disrupt daily life. Also, <span style="color: #e06666;">carving and climbing on the bamboos is strictly prohibited</span>. <br />5. <b>Somekobo Yumeyusai <a href="https://yusai.kyoto/en/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">嵐山 祐斎亭</span></a></b>: Reservations only spot, 11/19~11/30 is special autumn time viewing and reservations/entry starts at 8am and lasts till 7pm which will have a special night time light up (sunset is usually 5pm). Use <u><a href="https://airrsv.net/yusaitei/calendar" target="_blank"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">this site</span></a></u> to book, it's in Japanese only so please use the google chrome auto translate function. You are limited to a 30min visit for each time slot. I arrived at the 8am booking and it was packed! Floors are covered in Tatami so <span style="color: #e06666;">please <u>do not</u> use tripods</span> as it damages the floor. You can ask another visitor to assist with photos if needed. Entry is ¥2,000 per person per 30mins.</span></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b>💛 <span style="color: #bf9000;">North Kyoto</span></b><span style="color: #bf9000;">:</span> For whatever reason, I felt like the spots I visited in North Kyoto had a lot more Gingko trees. The bright golden yellow is so beautiful. </span><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEindarWsgohTLSyOkbyN9XUosrZgZGeO0-_W9dvOHIGlCL5ka7KzDzPsW9w1ZmbM44i3nmCVGfZIqg9zJOMh-FkGge63kXpf6MnkKtGeZiFLbQWc2_81rCUOmrx0uJQud9owN6Ed44i7yxgKKgw4xO5XemYdCJ5mfLmMNiVNEECqwzX-3F2yRX1W7-IWg/s4116/IMG_5045.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3082" data-original-width="4116" height="311" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEindarWsgohTLSyOkbyN9XUosrZgZGeO0-_W9dvOHIGlCL5ka7KzDzPsW9w1ZmbM44i3nmCVGfZIqg9zJOMh-FkGge63kXpf6MnkKtGeZiFLbQWc2_81rCUOmrx0uJQud9owN6Ed44i7yxgKKgw4xO5XemYdCJ5mfLmMNiVNEECqwzX-3F2yRX1W7-IWg/w415-h311/IMG_5045.JPG" width="415" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnGFP2w7VZ9p3UMuBsB5661_FibR11wTveemoOAQaxXLG_eDmZ0sxHxSWo9aPWgO5DiMLz37xLn3Ie2CS_e0AyT9MVQmDasNkjK_hi0o6F0CDR0zuVDqQRDR7BpFnxyJmcSypDiqM9uq9TvT4Lh4TIIX78RpRa2ikzFN54AV7yKB6kBcIMoYkKu-h7uA/s4116/IMG_5047.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2311" data-original-width="4116" height="234" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnGFP2w7VZ9p3UMuBsB5661_FibR11wTveemoOAQaxXLG_eDmZ0sxHxSWo9aPWgO5DiMLz37xLn3Ie2CS_e0AyT9MVQmDasNkjK_hi0o6F0CDR0zuVDqQRDR7BpFnxyJmcSypDiqM9uq9TvT4Lh4TIIX78RpRa2ikzFN54AV7yKB6kBcIMoYkKu-h7uA/w417-h234/IMG_5047.JPG" width="417" /></a></div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br />1. <b>Kitano Tenmangu</b>: Their maple valley garden is an extra ¥1,000 to enter however it's pretty spectacular and worth it. They do not accept bookings, please show up on the day of. Arrive right when it opens to avoid crowds. Tripods are ok as long as they don't block other visitors. </span></div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">2022 Maple garden hours: 10/29~12/4, 9am-4pm (3:40pm last entry)</span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">2022 Night time light up: 11/12 ~ 12/4, sunset - 8pm (7:40pm last entry) </span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">Official website linked <u><b><a href="https://www.kitanotenmangu.or.jp/info/%e6%9c%aa%e5%88%86%e9%a1%9e/%e5%8f%b2%e8%b7%a1%e5%be%a1%e5%9c%9f%e5%b1%85%e3%81%ae%e3%82%82%e3%81%bf%e3%81%98%e8%8b%91%e9%96%8b%e8%8b%91%e3%81%ae%e3%81%8a%e7%9f%a5%e3%82%89%e3%81%9b.html?mode=pc" target="_blank"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">here</span></a></b></u>. </span></li></ul></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;">2. <b>Kawai Jinja (Beauty shrine with Face ema)</b>: they also have a large ginkgo tree, but most importantly their wooden plaques are wishes for beauty. It's too cute to miss out on! Shrine hours are 6:30am-5pm, the shrine office opens at 9am. <br />3. <b>Shimogamo Jinja</b>: This is a pretty large shrine with both ginkgo and maple trees. It has a red bridge and small river below where you can go to dip your water fortune paper in. The shrine grounds are large so it doesn't get overly crowded. <br />4. <b>Kinkakuji</b>: This is a world renowned spot so it will be crowded and there will be large tour groups. However the photo I took is from a spot where there is a barrier rope, if you squat down at a low angle, the photo is easy to get! It's shot on my phone too. <span style="color: #e06666;">No tripods or monopods are allowed</span> in Kinkakuji at all times. </span><p><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;">💖 <b><span style="color: #a64d79;">North East Kyoto</span></b>: this area is famous for the iconic Eikando Temple which has spectacular autumn leaves and light up as well. <br /><br /></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZeYd6OQtokzyEN4AybiAHgoVNbovjUpLTK_zZBxu07LfwhDlI0PnkSqPhxh6PrtOnM0gmkcS469wKS1EJP_fTPF4vyzsqY82HqCyUbWdhZNXjfiW1cWiKOs8x3Pr2_j96Al6caf1ZGh_PZOyhIiJSFZnMrozx8grG5GRO0BlS-TJLkpJAOB67orp6sA/s4116/IMG_5052.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3082" data-original-width="4116" height="350" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZeYd6OQtokzyEN4AybiAHgoVNbovjUpLTK_zZBxu07LfwhDlI0PnkSqPhxh6PrtOnM0gmkcS469wKS1EJP_fTPF4vyzsqY82HqCyUbWdhZNXjfiW1cWiKOs8x3Pr2_j96Al6caf1ZGh_PZOyhIiJSFZnMrozx8grG5GRO0BlS-TJLkpJAOB67orp6sA/w466-h350/IMG_5052.JPG" width="466" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br />1. <b>Eikando Zenrinji</b>: This temple opens at 9am-4pm for day time visits and 5:30-8:30pm for night time light up (11/5~12/4 for 2022). It will be crowded no matter when you go, the crowds are as intense as Kiyomizu Temple. But it is iconic and a must visit. <span style="color: #e06666;">Tipods, monopods, selfie sticks are strictly prohibited</span>. Make sure you visit the inside of the buildings. There's all kinds of small gardens and window views of maple trees that are beautiful inside.<br />2. <b>Nanzenji Temple</b>: Just nearby Eikando, this temple is also a very popular spot. It's opened 8:40am-5pm, however I believe you can freely go just outside the entrance at any hour. By 8:40am the place will already be crowded, so go earlier than opening. <span style="color: #e06666;">Tripods, monopods are not allowed. Wearing costumes or modelling photoshoots are also strictly prohibited. </span><br />3. <b>Okazaki Shrine (Bunny shrine 🐰)</b>: Though this shrine doesn't have as much autumn leaves, it's a super cute shrine that's nearby #4 and it doesn't get too crowded. <br />4. <b>Shinnyodo temple</b>: There's a little maple forest in this temple and it does get crowded throughout the day, but not as bad as other locations. Going there around mid-day is still fine. <span style="color: #e06666;">Tripods and photoshoots are not allowed, even for personal non-commercial shoots</span>. My photo was taken swiftly by placing my phone on the ground and I didn't linger with posing and blocking other people visiting. I would suggest to take photos discreetly and quickly. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;">🧡 <b><span style="color: #e69138;">Kiyomizudera area</span></b>: Not only does this area have many iconic spots, it is also perfect for souvenir shopping and a snack or a meal. I would allocate at least half a day in this area if possible. </span></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHd5KvVnEsVcL6MZHhTfMBQ5-SY4VKwGdyS9oSgUpCzrOOCEDQ_FgfvPrLRlHrmW2ATGUcUklih4MWbNEyHageT0_oAKHVfhw_DMdGuXSnPBS3G9WAWPJUSwGA6exU7ByPnlMYybGj01UDRsJ8HG0y6kx2vU6ykWSEeZXpA-vXAl65QihHAo9uoF5zOg/s3897/IMG_5058.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3897" data-original-width="3087" height="423" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHd5KvVnEsVcL6MZHhTfMBQ5-SY4VKwGdyS9oSgUpCzrOOCEDQ_FgfvPrLRlHrmW2ATGUcUklih4MWbNEyHageT0_oAKHVfhw_DMdGuXSnPBS3G9WAWPJUSwGA6exU7ByPnlMYybGj01UDRsJ8HG0y6kx2vU6ykWSEeZXpA-vXAl65QihHAo9uoF5zOg/w334-h423/IMG_5058.JPG" width="334" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br style="text-align: start;" /><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: start;">1. <b>Kodaiji Temple:</b> This is another very iconic temple which will be crowded no matter the hours. Tripods aren't allowed, however it does have a bamboo grove if you don't have time to make it to arashiyama. 2022 light up dates: 10/21~12/11 (night time light up 5-10pm, 9:30pm last entry). Day time visits 9am-5pm.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: start;"><br /></span></div><span style="text-align: start;"><div style="text-align: justify;">2. <b>Hokanji Pagoda & Kyoto Coffee</b>: This road is an iconic spot you'll see in many guidebooks and websites. There are no open/closing hours so go at sunrise for a good clean shot without people. Kyoto Coffee is just nearby if you are still there around 10am (On maps it's called Nittodo & Kyoto Cafe, closed on Tue/Wed). </div></span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnN3CJGKTDmKh8pzXe9XGNtiQqB0hvoWl-NqYM1OmEyfXU6uwN3RWo6wBnE42eYJXh3ezx7q9Bzt5j6DSNIr2Xbh-ftkbgUgL09SBGJ2euwiFDUb5jM2lze1TXLuJ5CVCval1EfzoxgKAO5H9KjzU6DcyOycuEY3gWhwa9O2ZPnDFRkzFvxQZpq_8eDg/s4111/IMG_5060.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4111" data-original-width="3087" height="444" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnN3CJGKTDmKh8pzXe9XGNtiQqB0hvoWl-NqYM1OmEyfXU6uwN3RWo6wBnE42eYJXh3ezx7q9Bzt5j6DSNIr2Xbh-ftkbgUgL09SBGJ2euwiFDUb5jM2lze1TXLuJ5CVCval1EfzoxgKAO5H9KjzU6DcyOycuEY3gWhwa9O2ZPnDFRkzFvxQZpq_8eDg/w333-h444/IMG_5060.JPG" width="333" /></a></div><br />3. <b>Ninenzaka, Sannenzaka Shopping streets</b>: similar to #2 where Hokanji is located, this street does not have open and closing hours. If you wish to have a photo with no one in it, I'd suggest to come at sunrise. The shops generally start to open around 10-11am or so. There are lots of sweets and souvenirs. Check out the latest and hottest cafe "kumonocha" and also "Maccha House". </span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;">4. <b>Kiyomizudera + Jishujinja (Love shrine):</b> Kiyomizudera has banned photoshoots for personal and commercial usage during non-opening hours, even if it's outside the gates. So you are not allowed to rise early and take photos in front of the temple. The temple opens at 6am, and between Nov 18- Nov 30 there will be night time light up until 9:30pm. The light comes on around 6pm, so light up is 6-9:30pm. I would suggest to go just close to sunset, so you can see both day and night time (I was there from 4:30pm - 6:30pm). The viewing deck will be very very busy, so go get your spot as soon as the sun sets. Staff will slowly guide each row to the front and you get a few seconds to take photos. <span style="color: #e06666;">Lingering, using tripods and selfie sticks are not allowed. </span></span></div><div><br /></div><div><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;">💜 <span style="color: #674ea7;"><b>Other notable spots:</b> </span>these other spots aren't really anywhere near the places grouped above, so they have been put here in this section. All of them are spectacular and worth a visit! </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH651vGScZHpui_HPTKCIu_grjETrOxoBitQCKK_dyi6fyXiKdvAMQfA_-A7wtwwcZeUtq_CuaceJQQY-ahV1je8ZGMz_DfQomKNPqxmkalzVyL9z65Kvaja7-krh8fqMT6aGyMZcYsDzSx3PUalTKt8SW9qNhRsDNRmwI3vV3z0s0dS2_xZCsZdpmcQ/s3086/IMG_5092.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3086" data-original-width="3086" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH651vGScZHpui_HPTKCIu_grjETrOxoBitQCKK_dyi6fyXiKdvAMQfA_-A7wtwwcZeUtq_CuaceJQQY-ahV1je8ZGMz_DfQomKNPqxmkalzVyL9z65Kvaja7-krh8fqMT6aGyMZcYsDzSx3PUalTKt8SW9qNhRsDNRmwI3vV3z0s0dS2_xZCsZdpmcQ/s320/IMG_5092.JPG" width="320" /></a></div></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>1. Toji Temple: </b>This is a UNESCO world heritage site (founded in year 796, that's over 1,200 years old!) Night time light up for 2022 is from 10/29~12/11 (6pm-9:30pm, last entry 9pm) with ¥1,000 entry fee. Temple is opened from 5am and free to enter during day time. Tripods are ok since grounds are very large, however during the evening light up it is very very crowded. The line to get inside the temple stretched for the entire block of road outside and continued inside the temple. </div></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisPu5mQm8x1qJ-PuOVz1fKgYd-sJHuHVpSi5Md65bQla-g6UzpvIW91tafIBKbPsF8ztA7MlxXA_edREJ1GsWJbk6iScYJ3h-0P58TUjFdk_WdwewY0Uo0zwuxDnAbkeSnEM8dunrhCq4qeKPBTeDS7XIqkoI8GEXnSUi-Idip-ipSbr-L11x_v8aF8g/s4116/IMG_5081.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3082" data-original-width="4116" height="312" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisPu5mQm8x1qJ-PuOVz1fKgYd-sJHuHVpSi5Md65bQla-g6UzpvIW91tafIBKbPsF8ztA7MlxXA_edREJ1GsWJbk6iScYJ3h-0P58TUjFdk_WdwewY0Uo0zwuxDnAbkeSnEM8dunrhCq4qeKPBTeDS7XIqkoI8GEXnSUi-Idip-ipSbr-L11x_v8aF8g/w416-h312/IMG_5081.JPG" width="416" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b>2. Shorinji</b> (Hanachozu and Umbrella display): this is a small temple packed with lots to see, from flower basin to a Japanese garden full of autumn leaves and Japanese umbrellas. The also have beautiful Goshuin (proof of visit to temple) if you collect them. There are several temples with the same name so don't confuse them. This one is in Kyoto near JR Tofukuji Station. Autumn visit this year is 11/12~12/4 (10am-4pm). There is <b>no light up</b> for 2022. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguvu9Nyz6iHJHmGGzmr-qWVlHqpFsW1vfIKov2ko-swYA0nQDr_zzjArdyvBX7-r-F-NHZOQ8Bb2f67oc3-aeLrJ7n2JIhqk9tpW-5rNjAvattP4hm8zDo7GfC-RaeRHoZvUaN2ukWRv3RKgyw5YmMqk4s7jQsCjZChqakiWKvtd1nIeX7MMI77K7NNA/s4116/IMG_5083.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2311" data-original-width="4116" height="264" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguvu9Nyz6iHJHmGGzmr-qWVlHqpFsW1vfIKov2ko-swYA0nQDr_zzjArdyvBX7-r-F-NHZOQ8Bb2f67oc3-aeLrJ7n2JIhqk9tpW-5rNjAvattP4hm8zDo7GfC-RaeRHoZvUaN2ukWRv3RKgyw5YmMqk4s7jQsCjZChqakiWKvtd1nIeX7MMI77K7NNA/w470-h264/IMG_5083.JPG" width="470" /></a></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /><b>3. Daigoji Temple</b>: This is an absolutely beautiful spot but it's also very popular amongst photographers. It's on the southeast side of Kyoto near Daigo Station. During the day it's opened from 9am-5pm (¥1,000). I arrived just before 9am to avoid the crowds and there was about maybe 3 groups of people doing a shoot. Tripods are ok however the lake is quite large so it's difficult to shoot across the lake. 2022's autumn light up is from 11/18~12/4 from 6pm-8:50pm and entry is </span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;">¥1,000. You can make a reservation for <b>early entry at 5:45pm</b> and it costs </span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;">¥1,300. The website is only in Japanese though. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIu9V-Wi4RGgoeGa0vR-YcD3qdqLRFj-utKn40MeozDF_9NNUlZzO5kF97xRb1x15r-oWSoCpLQiHRnw95WWGkcpPxFzpcVVBcAxERPoiKTufo8q0XT6gdLqCb80kJy6NqTW1SceSdpvo1Yl4heDvqQszYtBQ1lfKAj1-yDNmI2kqdzs7yBY_KXgmFAg/s4116/IMG_5085.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4111" data-original-width="4116" height="467" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIu9V-Wi4RGgoeGa0vR-YcD3qdqLRFj-utKn40MeozDF_9NNUlZzO5kF97xRb1x15r-oWSoCpLQiHRnw95WWGkcpPxFzpcVVBcAxERPoiKTufo8q0XT6gdLqCb80kJy6NqTW1SceSdpvo1Yl4heDvqQszYtBQ1lfKAj1-yDNmI2kqdzs7yBY_KXgmFAg/w467-h467/IMG_5085.JPG" width="467" /></a></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /><b>4. Komyoji (Nagaokatenjin station)</b>: This temple is on the southwest side of Kyoto in Nagaokakyo City. It is by far the most competitive Autumn leaves photography spot out of this entire list. <span style="color: #e06666;">No tripods or monopods allowed</span>. Entry to the autumn leaves tunnel is from 11/15~12/4 between 9am-4pm and costs ¥1,000. I got there 15mins before opening and there was a long line of elderly photographers in front of me. As soon as they opened, everyone dashed for the maple tunnel. There was even an agreement and leader amongst the first group. We stopped every 3 meters so people could pause and take a photo of the scenery without other people walking in. Then when everyone agrees, we would move another 3 meters, until finally reaching the white curtain gate. Since no tripods were allowed, I found another photographer in the group to ask if he could take photos for me. The umbrella I brought was also very helpful as a prop. Everyone wanted to snap a photo of my umbrella, so in exchange of letting everyone take photos of it, I excused myself to get into the photo afterwards and everyone was happy! </span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSRqNMrpWXQzxLpJkGvlpAPEkLSh8Gb9RRo2HQViEm8_YjXylaI7Wu-M0hHanWB6K8BHblR-LyiA1BNnDt-ALmLeXD8vF6Aqpwlc6YCHZA_ktZJqWnzBR4wAhdOCXyhilt6wQMdw70yuw9mSykBoItFF2vvXpEYwL5zE3nsORK6CTa9vXNmKo0b8xN5w/s4116/IMG_5087.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4111" data-original-width="4116" height="359" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSRqNMrpWXQzxLpJkGvlpAPEkLSh8Gb9RRo2HQViEm8_YjXylaI7Wu-M0hHanWB6K8BHblR-LyiA1BNnDt-ALmLeXD8vF6Aqpwlc6YCHZA_ktZJqWnzBR4wAhdOCXyhilt6wQMdw70yuw9mSykBoItFF2vvXpEYwL5zE3nsORK6CTa9vXNmKo0b8xN5w/w359-h359/IMG_5087.JPG" width="359" /></a></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /><b>5. Bishamondo Temple:</b> This is another crowded one, and they do have stairways with a carpet of maple leaves on the floor. However they had already swept up the leaves when I got there so I didn't get any photos. This spot gets very crowded and is popular amongst the elderly. It's quite the hike and climb up, but the views are well worth it. The goshuin is also out of this world, super beautiful! Though you do have to purchase the goshuin book from their temple in order to receive a goshuin. You can visit the inside of the building and I highly recommend it as that's where the beautiful spots are! <br /></span><p><br /></p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b><span style="color: #674ea7;">🍸🍴 </span><span style="color: #3d85c6;">Restaurant and Bar recommendation in Gion Shijo Area</span></b><br /><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz-cqjxSwBdIdcNcoxxbbXw-Gb1QCIy8wiC2t30BeS89Hc46u93AvWo6l_uhKeSU5WCV9dK-H70ADUbHsVZL39IY48Dz9P_bAqOmxnsLE1PaNF0RsGK4y-HSX0LxOsnGag77hgkAKg_FRp80RLr_Bm8INPxwDGJR6Uq07cUn2I0VGESybW5uf8HtVQyg/s4116/IMG_5089.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3082" data-original-width="4116" height="371" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz-cqjxSwBdIdcNcoxxbbXw-Gb1QCIy8wiC2t30BeS89Hc46u93AvWo6l_uhKeSU5WCV9dK-H70ADUbHsVZL39IY48Dz9P_bAqOmxnsLE1PaNF0RsGK4y-HSX0LxOsnGag77hgkAKg_FRp80RLr_Bm8INPxwDGJR6Uq07cUn2I0VGESybW5uf8HtVQyg/w494-h371/IMG_5089.JPG" width="494" /></a></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b>🍶 Gion Yuki (Izakaya):</b> If you want an authentic Izakaya experience, go to Gion Yuki and go there early! After 7pm you can expect to wait 30-60mins for a spot as the place is packed. I'd only recommend this for groups of 1-2 people as they require reservations otherwise. The menu is all in Japanese calligraphy with no pictures, so you can ask for an English menu if you can't read Japanese. There are so many types of sake on offer, and their seafood is superb, especially the oysters from hokkaido and sea urchin. I love it for the lively atmosphere, the location, and also the quality of food.<br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSsaHXHRjlY91_5JGZxj64JbJCpveoWuyItHRAOL2K5rSjSfqZAEW065GUjx8v-ZeV0pYVnVdS3XiWyktnz1KixxslcoKJ4Ay4RXw1GTLhtLbWxwW7-AD70CRsm0qxEFlB0EqPquS9aCJXUvtikLPoRRYtCKPO9nO7qYRs0PZNhtUin3H2O5QTD0DKYQ/s4111/IMG_5091.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4111" data-original-width="3087" height="444" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSsaHXHRjlY91_5JGZxj64JbJCpveoWuyItHRAOL2K5rSjSfqZAEW065GUjx8v-ZeV0pYVnVdS3XiWyktnz1KixxslcoKJ4Ay4RXw1GTLhtLbWxwW7-AD70CRsm0qxEFlB0EqPquS9aCJXUvtikLPoRRYtCKPO9nO7qYRs0PZNhtUin3H2O5QTD0DKYQ/w333-h444/IMG_5091.JPG" width="333" /></a></div><div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><div style="text-align: justify;">🐝 <b>Bee’s Knees</b> (Speakeasy cocktail bar): this bar is hidden behind a mysterious door in a back street. But this bar is on the Asia's Top 50 Bars list and the bartender is well establish. His English is also excellent and he is very well travelled so even if you are there alone, you can chit chat with him. (If you show him my Instagram profile he'll definitely recognise me as this is my go-to spot every Kyoto trip I take). </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>Google Maps of Everything</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><iframe height="480" src="https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/0/embed?mid=1IodgIrVvFNkVu7VawTiK_CP4ZmcV9Yk&ehbc=2E312F" width="640"></iframe></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">I really hope that this blog post will help you take the most spectacular autumn trip to Kyoto! Please show your support by following me on instagram <a href="https://www.instagram.com/ariel.land/" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: #ea9999;">@ariel.land</span></b></a> or visit my kofi page for wallpaper downloads <a href="https://ko-fi.com/arielland"><span style="color: #6fa8dc;">https://ko-fi.com/arielland</span></a> </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/ariel.land/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="3843" data-original-width="1500" height="981" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicG1qrskvvpmJTvzzGrUNXqGz03Il7comQ56C1gGkBoHFUNhK7wDgj6zlLqZO7nip5oCH6SY4ZI1p9WG42_SvLeeMJvnMgq337mDQSUBpXVSLYl_pZFGHeVuNw-xEh0Yrz9i_7qugsIlqpei2I78_-_kVtbe4pFUYgPdKqU40F5aejnQVuYE9ZnjrmCQ/w383-h981/IMG_5101.JPG" width="383" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBLedkOqSZfSMnEB1Z5VZ-pSHWWndMogJTwPIupOcTNEtoADHAn9hU48WdRzJmykNe5lZfK7Lgjve1ZJfvVzQbS7FjshEKCRSc_92XBXAIDTCG3rchoXt_HmQNkMDj8YZWbEKj4FNqjXAmEHAu_ZJfOj0R-V3eQQ4cCQZ3IHDbiSDfdrt3ct0M6vSykw/s200/Screen%20Shot%202014-10-23%20at%207.51.53%20PM.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="92" data-original-width="200" height="92" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBLedkOqSZfSMnEB1Z5VZ-pSHWWndMogJTwPIupOcTNEtoADHAn9hU48WdRzJmykNe5lZfK7Lgjve1ZJfvVzQbS7FjshEKCRSc_92XBXAIDTCG3rchoXt_HmQNkMDj8YZWbEKj4FNqjXAmEHAu_ZJfOj0R-V3eQQ4cCQZ3IHDbiSDfdrt3ct0M6vSykw/s1600/Screen%20Shot%202014-10-23%20at%207.51.53%20PM.png" width="200" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></span></div>Arielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03509227042293152734noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8124579507526577941.post-29304059702555235622022-09-13T18:55:00.004+08:002024-02-25T16:07:59.292+08:0030+ Spots in and around Tokyo for Toddlers and Little Kids <p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.arielland.com/2022/09/30-spots-in-tokyo-for-toddlers-and.html" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="878" data-original-width="1560" height="355" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1niDqnM1VN7_IsFIN8pOaZw2z45S6ZlxhqIN4Nj7NH6gMnEvsndAcfL1payL0aY27v7L7gYNwtPrPM19NVHV1sOZTHRSp0maw32wsf8_kwb6P6o7eQLclgmFNT9FaEp0WYgIeA7abDSWt0CoGjkXfymijw2q42uxg-hmWqxnMRgbvaFvR8pIL4NMAxA/w633-h355/Screenshot%202022-09-13%20at%207.53.59%20PM.png" width="633" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span></span></p><a name='more'></a><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">I’m sure most parents have had these moments when your child has woken up early on a weekend and you have no idea where to go, or it’s raining outside and the park isn’t an option, and you’re scratching your head on how to entertain your child. Living in Tokyo for the past 2 years with a toddler, 2 to 3 and now going on 4 years old, I’ve been to countless places for kids. I’ll be summarizing 30+ locations under the categories of <b>Animals, Indoor Parks, Museums, Outdoor Parks, Malls and Stores, Cafes and Restaurants, Flower Gardens, Aquariums and the Train</b>. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Towards the end this blog post, there is also a list of these places categorized by <b>Places that open early</b> (earlier than 10am), <b>places that are free</b>, and <b>places by geographical location</b>. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">If you are looking for more ideas, please follow me on Instagram <a href="https://instagram.com/ariel.land"><b><span style="color: #e06666;">@ariel.land</span></b></a> where you can watch daily stories of life around Tokyo and Japan, and see (almost) daily posts of fun places to explore. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b><<Animals>></b></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b>Inokashira Park Zoo</b> – Outdoor zoo with petting area and rides for young kids </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><ul><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">Where: West Tokyo, Kichijioji Station</span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">Hours: 9:30am – 5pm (Closed Mondays)</span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">Price: ¥400/adult, free for kids under 12 </span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">Reservations: not required</span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">Recommended time: 2hrs</span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">What else is in that area: Ghibli Museum (Reservations in advance required) </span></li></ul><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOQFMJ2bDyzzjyyomcCrSOIRbbA-o3y6FTfbuVMWZhwIHHRlC-tOPJgjN3AhiLU-8BWXLQ8OgjF1odUC1zt_XqcS170A7Q1oaMImooRQJOURVPYdbIx2x0ZI17tdvyLQbcKj6-fnjVtV8-ol_xoBO9nOtyTmMYYNAUKIquttVwZt60NQ5SBA55m54hwg/s2000/Brown%20and%20White%20Coffee%20Photo%20Collage.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="2000" height="396" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOQFMJ2bDyzzjyyomcCrSOIRbbA-o3y6FTfbuVMWZhwIHHRlC-tOPJgjN3AhiLU-8BWXLQ8OgjF1odUC1zt_XqcS170A7Q1oaMImooRQJOURVPYdbIx2x0ZI17tdvyLQbcKj6-fnjVtV8-ol_xoBO9nOtyTmMYYNAUKIquttVwZt60NQ5SBA55m54hwg/w495-h396/Brown%20and%20White%20Coffee%20Photo%20Collage.png" width="495" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b>Itabashi Petting Zoo</b> – Outdoor petting zoo with free horse riding and large playground </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><ul><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">Where: Northwest Tokyo, Itabashi-Kuyakushomae Station</span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">Hours: 10am-4:30pm (Closed Mondays)</span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">Price: free</span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">Reservations: not required</span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">Recommended time: 1hr </span></li></ul><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGD933mDv4FIwdwbCLy_ejNkzXwBHMG8RZbCNzPMGmd3pmjoB64f3HAXLoQW8mx1snw0sKqf_HfJE0GbzbASuL2NsRVEcVV2fj2GvFN9-cscOi6i2qOoC7fWQp4IIOZ4sc-PuagqGRfn_d3gJQ1CwwYKHzFhJ5203RBJ5799gZrkR4eImuGpeOGyUe8A/s1678/Screenshot%202022-09-13%20at%2010.13.04%20AM.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1286" data-original-width="1678" height="393" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGD933mDv4FIwdwbCLy_ejNkzXwBHMG8RZbCNzPMGmd3pmjoB64f3HAXLoQW8mx1snw0sKqf_HfJE0GbzbASuL2NsRVEcVV2fj2GvFN9-cscOi6i2qOoC7fWQp4IIOZ4sc-PuagqGRfn_d3gJQ1CwwYKHzFhJ5203RBJ5799gZrkR4eImuGpeOGyUe8A/w512-h393/Screenshot%202022-09-13%20at%2010.13.04%20AM.png" width="512" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b>AniTouch Minatomirai</b> – Indoor petting zoo with small pets and Capybaras </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><ul><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">Where: Yokohama, Minatomirai Station</span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">Hours: 10am – 7pm (9pm on weekends)</span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">Price: ¥1,800/adult, ¥1,000/4-12yo</span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">Reservations: not required, however line up at least 15mins before opening on weekends </span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">Recommended time: 30mins-1hr</span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">What else is in that area: Yokohama World Porters Mall, Yokohama Cosmos World Amusement Park</span></li></ul><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKUPUkOg-RCGMRjiCpHK3VDO6KnnylSazbZVfnFhJWZM9UmCpuardrXIlKeBg_IhzY8bJ-YSjdKtHF397AoJtITtACCDTSBb0IqOR2bcidwig-F9PMECz5LO7vvdNWuu98tEx8YFrqgSVMfnUWteY0OLA6onUNhmr-V1eC08NdAmoT54VnWWWdyAKEiw/s2000/Beige%20Aesthetic%20Pastel%20Collage%20Memories%20Moodboaard%20Photo%20Collage.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="2000" height="385" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKUPUkOg-RCGMRjiCpHK3VDO6KnnylSazbZVfnFhJWZM9UmCpuardrXIlKeBg_IhzY8bJ-YSjdKtHF397AoJtITtACCDTSBb0IqOR2bcidwig-F9PMECz5LO7vvdNWuu98tEx8YFrqgSVMfnUWteY0OLA6onUNhmr-V1eC08NdAmoT54VnWWWdyAKEiw/w481-h385/Beige%20Aesthetic%20Pastel%20Collage%20Memories%20Moodboaard%20Photo%20Collage.png" width="481" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /><b><br /></b></span><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b><<Indoor Parks>></b></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b>Asobono!</b> – Large indoor playground with lots of toys </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><ul><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">Where: Central Tokyo, Suidobashi Station</span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">Hours: 10am-6pm (7pm on weekends)</span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">Price: ¥950/hr from anyone 6mo+</span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">Reservations: not required, however line up at least 15mins before opening on weekends </span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">Recommended time: 2hrs</span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">What else is in that area: Tokyo Dome City Amusement Park, La Qua Spa, Koishikawa Korakuen Gardens (Japanese Garden)</span></li></ul><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDS8eN5-gIgR5_XlEl4SVK-hgdyWDuCjYQjsY2a7Klezihc16IhED441ydTmL08cteEcC1qDvUaIAPV6rOyNFX1wnNI2fzBJf8ynvFtpEvns9W6ws0zLGx0rZOle4WcWGYcNmzmGmw7QxVSWq3vkUQieHBtozcuLlNMG7hXSI_tMktGpjm-YMlXCou4g/s2000/Beige%20Aesthetic%20Pastel%20Collage%20Memories%20Moodboaard%20Photo%20Collage%20(1).png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="2000" height="407" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDS8eN5-gIgR5_XlEl4SVK-hgdyWDuCjYQjsY2a7Klezihc16IhED441ydTmL08cteEcC1qDvUaIAPV6rOyNFX1wnNI2fzBJf8ynvFtpEvns9W6ws0zLGx0rZOle4WcWGYcNmzmGmw7QxVSWq3vkUQieHBtozcuLlNMG7hXSI_tMktGpjm-YMlXCou4g/w509-h407/Beige%20Aesthetic%20Pastel%20Collage%20Memories%20Moodboaard%20Photo%20Collage%20(1).png" width="509" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9VNU-sn93zMf4YyypfJnDEcvRWuDOP6FLYdlmoKD6k9Q9CAKCn83N160wlRiarXSaY9p6sbpi2FuCeVVzlzGE8BW3chD946tiW-bo_PyfOwZ8LLnqqetxcaLstjlVdNAaQ5W5FETLu8B-_MbTtFG7ojjgZKEQ3Sa0JAxASUnXmDrSd3ssjwi5A-nUjQ/s3648/IMG_2162.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2736" data-original-width="3648" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9VNU-sn93zMf4YyypfJnDEcvRWuDOP6FLYdlmoKD6k9Q9CAKCn83N160wlRiarXSaY9p6sbpi2FuCeVVzlzGE8BW3chD946tiW-bo_PyfOwZ8LLnqqetxcaLstjlVdNAaQ5W5FETLu8B-_MbTtFG7ojjgZKEQ3Sa0JAxASUnXmDrSd3ssjwi5A-nUjQ/s320/IMG_2162.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFyAwA6iTY-_KrXBabkZzXRyeDFt6rUbPZA7uwS1Z3Z_n9x9dG4upM-bNSK79R0tTTkyCpFkCui3G52qfmEWluRnld0xSzmSYart2dNY3sQBi8yfCcY2NW0jC1czjPoO5hLGaG-X9MT-envlilGJ4DwpaX6UNrXurfmCE7j_whQ3gpwpfQm62bjpC14Q/s3648/IMG_2163.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2736" data-original-width="3648" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFyAwA6iTY-_KrXBabkZzXRyeDFt6rUbPZA7uwS1Z3Z_n9x9dG4upM-bNSK79R0tTTkyCpFkCui3G52qfmEWluRnld0xSzmSYart2dNY3sQBi8yfCcY2NW0jC1czjPoO5hLGaG-X9MT-envlilGJ4DwpaX6UNrXurfmCE7j_whQ3gpwpfQm62bjpC14Q/s320/IMG_2163.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Across from the Asobono! entrance is a foodcourt that has child friendly seats and lots of kid's meals to choose from. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b>Red Kids, Tokyo Tower</b> – Small Indoor playground with toys and smart-projecting technology resembling team labs </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><ul><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">Where: Central Tokyo, Akabanbashi Station</span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">Hours: 10am-8pm</span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">Price: ¥800/adult, ¥1,200/6mo-12yo (discount + free juice + free small toy each time you enter if you join free membership)</span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">Reservations: not required</span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">Recommended time: 1hr</span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">What else is in that area: Tokyo Tower, Shiba Park</span></li></ul><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPlEmY0e2yqz1PDgulBqi3BcVkvj4BgEaKCkuFBnkAs7KJ0snhJCcRS1f47BGvu_Kc3l37s6-yF0RpO1oqXErDQTSJ_BiLaim8vVi7O0W_nnLhwtyV0CrHRktBWzy3dHf9F8zGstlaxqfJBuB5q_N6VHVVl6sO5Kf8hweOjz8s9SFxn6N9LCUpv2fiSw/s2000/Beige%20minimalist%20photo%20collage.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="2000" height="367" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPlEmY0e2yqz1PDgulBqi3BcVkvj4BgEaKCkuFBnkAs7KJ0snhJCcRS1f47BGvu_Kc3l37s6-yF0RpO1oqXErDQTSJ_BiLaim8vVi7O0W_nnLhwtyV0CrHRktBWzy3dHf9F8zGstlaxqfJBuB5q_N6VHVVl6sO5Kf8hweOjz8s9SFxn6N9LCUpv2fiSw/w459-h367/Beige%20minimalist%20photo%20collage.png" width="459" /></a></div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b>Kidzania </b>– Large indoor job simulation park for kids, 50+ jobs available </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><ul><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">Where: East Tokyo, Toyosu Station</span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">Hours: 9am-3pm, 4pm-9pm (English is on Wednesdays)</span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">Price: ¥2,400/adult, ¥4,000/3-6yo, ¥4,500/6-15yo</span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">Reservations: Required. Same day tickets are usually not available. </span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">Recommended time: 3-5hrs</span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">What else is in that area: Lalaport Toyosu Mall</span></li></ul><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRRj28G3518ayH5f53XYf9RPEKmtdBYzhmbGk5KWrzsqhFEc8QB8BBXm8dlQ4DE71Co3Aw0hLm2gDEmPjynYT74b6Ko3ede5PEHGGc7CT0hq6mdOq8U5dnw-GkdN-EBiW3lLoblivEDKFxGbKjSNgpSMYcBzabxUVzicG4VdD1EOviqBgSqe2xqYtWlg/s2000/Beige%20minimalist%20photo%20collage%20(1).png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="2000" height="405" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRRj28G3518ayH5f53XYf9RPEKmtdBYzhmbGk5KWrzsqhFEc8QB8BBXm8dlQ4DE71Co3Aw0hLm2gDEmPjynYT74b6Ko3ede5PEHGGc7CT0hq6mdOq8U5dnw-GkdN-EBiW3lLoblivEDKFxGbKjSNgpSMYcBzabxUVzicG4VdD1EOviqBgSqe2xqYtWlg/w507-h405/Beige%20minimalist%20photo%20collage%20(1).png" width="507" /></a></div></div><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLQmUbqRqU7zKvapiBEVNgk_OmZfZnn4uOaiu2k7nVn2ueXwUnJG1VtR_iUhUY3s8NtL0GiCaU-lyAskagrDKEvfidpAiWP1U8K7MGpFZGgO_fF2tfjh2KfSc1CTOEp1P052m99oZtUWFoZDTbalk_ODvFw3VnN8Ul-5ltcsYGuhs6iAMjQopc23qtdw/s4032/IMG_4170.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="531" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLQmUbqRqU7zKvapiBEVNgk_OmZfZnn4uOaiu2k7nVn2ueXwUnJG1VtR_iUhUY3s8NtL0GiCaU-lyAskagrDKEvfidpAiWP1U8K7MGpFZGgO_fF2tfjh2KfSc1CTOEp1P052m99oZtUWFoZDTbalk_ODvFw3VnN8Ul-5ltcsYGuhs6iAMjQopc23qtdw/w398-h531/IMG_4170.HEIC" width="398" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b><<Museums>></b></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b style="font-family: verdana;">National Museum of Nature and Science </b><span style="font-family: verdana;">– 5 floor Indoor museum about animals and technology </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><ul><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">Where: Central Tokyo, Ueno Station</span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">Hours: 9:30am-5pm (Closed Mondays)</span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">Price: ¥630/adult, Free for kids <15yo</span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">Reservations: not required</span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">Recommended time: 1-2hrs</span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">What else is in that area: Ueno Park, Ueno Zoo, Ueno Toshogu Shrine & Peony Garden (seasonal) </span></li></ul><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgUbspmjyOMwXqykj9Ry9Ye6V5p1aBoNnH3--hps2AqTgjEimU_RxfEyi5Pafrnbwo_l9_fndeHzezW0K--YUNU_4KLSfovNBj2JXhr4Kq53oGiMyT5UkRdhv4y7xacrbS5ZN189WwjrCmQ960iUPmBqVtzux9aiUjB3yIModNPJt7TAzdRGtVNfNhgA/s1252/Screenshot%202022-09-13%20at%2011.12.53%20AM.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="966" data-original-width="1252" height="362" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgUbspmjyOMwXqykj9Ry9Ye6V5p1aBoNnH3--hps2AqTgjEimU_RxfEyi5Pafrnbwo_l9_fndeHzezW0K--YUNU_4KLSfovNBj2JXhr4Kq53oGiMyT5UkRdhv4y7xacrbS5ZN189WwjrCmQ960iUPmBqVtzux9aiUjB3yIModNPJt7TAzdRGtVNfNhgA/w469-h362/Screenshot%202022-09-13%20at%2011.12.53%20AM.png" width="469" /></a></div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b>Keikyu Train Museum</b> – indoor museum about trains and busses with moving models</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><ul><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">Where: Yokohama, Shin Takashima Station</span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">Hours: 10am-4:30pm (Closed Tuesdays)</span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">Price: Free</span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">Reservations: not required</span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">Recommended time: 30mins</span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">What else is in that area: Minatomirai area (Amusement park, Yokohama World Porters Mall) </span></li></ul><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCHkGKz-ESX50kxjOIlKUTYBCBRqCoqDFEINChiTmgWnXRupVu6EfjjakXQWG4CNjfB7mat0aJ5b6yAwiNgtoe-AFjghT9Acvjx_FpoRmWyK9g1rr7_2FCuc2VBY_zMvCD4r1KdQDkYMNQP8rCrg5DVsmaGeoAZzbMCs_alWAVpubkJ06FOASfj5AXGA/s1122/Screenshot%202022-09-13%20at%2011.15.17%20AM.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="880" data-original-width="1122" height="410" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCHkGKz-ESX50kxjOIlKUTYBCBRqCoqDFEINChiTmgWnXRupVu6EfjjakXQWG4CNjfB7mat0aJ5b6yAwiNgtoe-AFjghT9Acvjx_FpoRmWyK9g1rr7_2FCuc2VBY_zMvCD4r1KdQDkYMNQP8rCrg5DVsmaGeoAZzbMCs_alWAVpubkJ06FOASfj5AXGA/w522-h410/Screenshot%202022-09-13%20at%2011.15.17%20AM.png" width="522" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b>Fukagawa Edo Museum</b> – indoor museum of a recreated life-size historical Edo town with sound and light effects </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><ul><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">Where: East Tokyo, Kiyosumi Shirakawa Station</span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">Hours: 9:30am-5pm (Closed 2nd & 4th Mondays)</span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">Price: ¥400/adult, free for kids <12yo</span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">Reservations: not required</span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">Recommended time: 30mins-1hr</span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">What else is in that area: Kiyosumi Gardens, Kiyosumi Park</span></li></ul><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB0DLAYFvJHAyhrLEwR1x1OCsiBh-mLANmwL_gUCkXDqYsflG3AHlQ01NmDakq32y-A1pJmBrfSS16VmqLVzr0taTxyjxjRtYlTvqO6fZlED3_GXpuIhywGbyAlU6wbpITcsiCK9Amv8tkJc9uT2i1_brn3Ng0bgOVVyjAbAeSrIt2WGCOl580dQm2Qg/s1216/Screenshot%202022-09-13%20at%2011.20.52%20AM.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="962" data-original-width="1216" height="375" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB0DLAYFvJHAyhrLEwR1x1OCsiBh-mLANmwL_gUCkXDqYsflG3AHlQ01NmDakq32y-A1pJmBrfSS16VmqLVzr0taTxyjxjRtYlTvqO6fZlED3_GXpuIhywGbyAlU6wbpITcsiCK9Amv8tkJc9uT2i1_brn3Ng0bgOVVyjAbAeSrIt2WGCOl580dQm2Qg/w474-h375/Screenshot%202022-09-13%20at%2011.20.52%20AM.png" width="474" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsSH5U2A9n6OkQKtVnX4occUhviigwet3jCmxiOUE2sVofpHb9kePuTKSfaJErSxfvHXjfyl0S8kePavn1hLEOEtFeCxGJ4lqtgaxaoGboS-fjoaU9vhGVsQ5dUCVZWz-d3xFlknHeOh-eev2_vj76AMFMyjcBQBxNPbIYBMvH_oG1lUppap_8Dcg-fA/s3648/IMG_6370.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3648" data-original-width="2736" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsSH5U2A9n6OkQKtVnX4occUhviigwet3jCmxiOUE2sVofpHb9kePuTKSfaJErSxfvHXjfyl0S8kePavn1hLEOEtFeCxGJ4lqtgaxaoGboS-fjoaU9vhGVsQ5dUCVZWz-d3xFlknHeOh-eev2_vj76AMFMyjcBQBxNPbIYBMvH_oG1lUppap_8Dcg-fA/s320/IMG_6370.JPG" width="240" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVn-7rem3Xx-NqH5FgB5MotRlBRBPwvF3JDAxelylZvgmx8g1mPRTwm80GfsYBbWUAEtddZQwc7q1N4Ir4rCyYprceo3JYx8_u_DNRG6xkchn5V-VQcmHusHH-tihoVSR-WOVtqgbaPvDDtxOqk3NBjMZz1IItkOLIr3GFiqaTVhI2bqcivYN1gSeDuQ/s3648/IMG_6500.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3648" data-original-width="2736" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVn-7rem3Xx-NqH5FgB5MotRlBRBPwvF3JDAxelylZvgmx8g1mPRTwm80GfsYBbWUAEtddZQwc7q1N4Ir4rCyYprceo3JYx8_u_DNRG6xkchn5V-VQcmHusHH-tihoVSR-WOVtqgbaPvDDtxOqk3NBjMZz1IItkOLIr3GFiqaTVhI2bqcivYN1gSeDuQ/s320/IMG_6500.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">There's also a traditional "Dagashiya" shop, which is full of cheap Japanese candy, snacks, and toys just nearby the museum. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Address: 1 Chome-8-6 Miyoshi, Koto City, Tokyo</span></div><br /><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b>Edo-Tokyo Open Air Architecture Museum </b>– Large park with 30 original historical buildings </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><ul><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">Where: West Tokyo, Musashi Koganei Station + Short bus ride</span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">Hours: 9:30am-5:30pm (Closed Mondays)</span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">Price: ¥400/adult, free for kids <12yo</span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">Reservations: not required</span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">Recommended time: 2hrs</span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">What else is in that area: Koganei Park </span></li></ul><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0YPLfvQn3f8_JySIQQPZI20aWWcjuJNSTppM4FWPdkvxLG0qD1bdmgFSrEqw1vIaDX7nFsAnvpXbwJFbHttjxPAv3UoQQ2ZyTsPLbKbHq3Q-9Zfsp3ZDbrf8tt0uabTbO2WY1KJ96Bgw-5w5y8fFAVIYVVB7ZjCXksOfCqcliRh32d74QpTlRNxgWng/s1410/Screenshot%202022-09-13%20at%2011.27.06%20AM.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1410" data-original-width="1192" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0YPLfvQn3f8_JySIQQPZI20aWWcjuJNSTppM4FWPdkvxLG0qD1bdmgFSrEqw1vIaDX7nFsAnvpXbwJFbHttjxPAv3UoQQ2ZyTsPLbKbHq3Q-9Zfsp3ZDbrf8tt0uabTbO2WY1KJ96Bgw-5w5y8fFAVIYVVB7ZjCXksOfCqcliRh32d74QpTlRNxgWng/s320/Screenshot%202022-09-13%20at%2011.27.06%20AM.png" width="271" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB3O4ez22g2rCxmBCiVtp4MkP1AEHrdIn8m7LfJvrWfsnnqUgAzqYVS_Y04wXmmXCdvjKBHaWWYFU4b_V71nPArkrDkZZMIOjJLiE7HYXjwCJXz2TamTmtsF-udtfC-ehWcA12S1yCAWBcY5OvqaExx--bhcX4WR8KcgmJyqCEoGdKHOdUN_bnsMz61A/s1430/Screenshot%202022-09-13%20at%2011.27.25%20AM.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1430" data-original-width="1208" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB3O4ez22g2rCxmBCiVtp4MkP1AEHrdIn8m7LfJvrWfsnnqUgAzqYVS_Y04wXmmXCdvjKBHaWWYFU4b_V71nPArkrDkZZMIOjJLiE7HYXjwCJXz2TamTmtsF-udtfC-ehWcA12S1yCAWBcY5OvqaExx--bhcX4WR8KcgmJyqCEoGdKHOdUN_bnsMz61A/s320/Screenshot%202022-09-13%20at%2011.27.25%20AM.png" width="270" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2IPw36lHTS_2J5BraZilz8F-G1M0FIavFBoS9Tsr6bRRIiXRb_lUnuZRgL1S6ZqC16q2iU4Zf89q7zZlfOO5jYxGflF_fnXcld1XZ-4RAepgyqtNgvp2ceqi9tVotIjeC1g8MWOC7lmiZtBvCC3Oab5bA3t-ZjPbFQjd5-k6KelcKhMB4rcwB8qammQ/s3565/IMG_0961.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3565" data-original-width="2674" height="447" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2IPw36lHTS_2J5BraZilz8F-G1M0FIavFBoS9Tsr6bRRIiXRb_lUnuZRgL1S6ZqC16q2iU4Zf89q7zZlfOO5jYxGflF_fnXcld1XZ-4RAepgyqtNgvp2ceqi9tVotIjeC1g8MWOC7lmiZtBvCC3Oab5bA3t-ZjPbFQjd5-k6KelcKhMB4rcwB8qammQ/w335-h447/IMG_0961.JPG" width="335" /></a></div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b>Tokyo Toy Museum </b>– 3 floor indoor museum with wooden toys for little kids </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><ul><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">Where: Central Tokyo, Yotsuya Sanchome Station</span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">Hours: 10am-4pm (Closed Thursdays)</span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">Price: ¥1,000/adult, ¥800/3-12yo</span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">Reservations: Recommended, entry times are by hour</span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">Recommended time: 1-2hours</span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">What else is in that area: Fire Museum (Free)</span></li></ul><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeVUITPJH43fBItsQv_8SYV7_5yoL-Ir9wa9NMc0oIqZH5yHLO_cmGYR7PUDQd4_FFxevRJrqmScISbjYG-NUf_Sopr3Ke15vpL9cYwVCarYohfYwkDWdwv4exT7MbyHHlFNUYlSJmM9Zq3VCRX34Dksi769Xw0aFhWHkNXTZumewlbcM2ilk6zxJwtg/s1102/Screenshot%202022-09-13%20at%2011.42.02%20AM.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="880" data-original-width="1102" height="381" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeVUITPJH43fBItsQv_8SYV7_5yoL-Ir9wa9NMc0oIqZH5yHLO_cmGYR7PUDQd4_FFxevRJrqmScISbjYG-NUf_Sopr3Ke15vpL9cYwVCarYohfYwkDWdwv4exT7MbyHHlFNUYlSJmM9Zq3VCRX34Dksi769Xw0aFhWHkNXTZumewlbcM2ilk6zxJwtg/w476-h381/Screenshot%202022-09-13%20at%2011.42.02%20AM.png" width="476" /></a></div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b>Fire Museum</b> – 6 floor indoor museum display of the Tokyo Fire department’s history and equipment, helicopter entry is possible on 6/F outdoor terrace </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><ul><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">Where: Central Tokyo, Yotsuya Sanchome Station</span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">Hours: 9:30am-5pm (Closed Mondays)</span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">Price: free </span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">Reservations: not required</span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">Recommended time: 1 hour</span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">What else is in that area: Tokyo Toy Museum</span></li></ul><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlJAZi-9BD9tuHlYLOYQotjJj4WFp3AX4FMg7ChEsrBtghyQZ2RucVSyW3iEflN7iNXPo2J1JIniHlqsq4KXkH9IIJemJpaVXjj4gji35HQXGZRl7PGoSaVm9TPuJlnUXxyzTfD2vfjx0bo-mjdrRLhTOFMDHGb8vAHtcfecz3pT602Q7Wa4HqpaTUIg/s1182/Screenshot%202022-09-13%20at%2011.33.15%20AM.png" style="font-family: Times; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="908" data-original-width="1182" height="369" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlJAZi-9BD9tuHlYLOYQotjJj4WFp3AX4FMg7ChEsrBtghyQZ2RucVSyW3iEflN7iNXPo2J1JIniHlqsq4KXkH9IIJemJpaVXjj4gji35HQXGZRl7PGoSaVm9TPuJlnUXxyzTfD2vfjx0bo-mjdrRLhTOFMDHGb8vAHtcfecz3pT602Q7Wa4HqpaTUIg/w480-h369/Screenshot%202022-09-13%20at%2011.33.15%20AM.png" width="480" /></a></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b><<Outdoor Parks>></b></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b>Robot Park (Sakurazaka Park) </b>– Outdoor park in central Tokyo with many colorful slides</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><ul><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">Where: Central Tokyo, Roppongi or Azabujuban Station</span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">Hours: 24hrs</span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">Price: free</span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">What else is in that area: Mori Garden, Roppongi Hills, Tsutaya Bookstore and Starbucks</span></li></ul><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9H6cwLxl8LChXyo1gFDbfJ8a27n1TZ_uTlMOnPp4yzPUYxumvP_pkIajK657fEU5bW43ILEE09XfJ2UDcjqvYki_3zGG9ISsrLx6b3LS941ksS8r6HRLG3FJh451vtp9aaStxJgt4M8lk-VDKlNETOh_XI-xxb2gpCcq8-OmJg0o13FDkwgTCT76LvQ/s1128/Screenshot%202022-09-13%20at%2011.47.21%20AM.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="880" data-original-width="1128" height="369" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9H6cwLxl8LChXyo1gFDbfJ8a27n1TZ_uTlMOnPp4yzPUYxumvP_pkIajK657fEU5bW43ILEE09XfJ2UDcjqvYki_3zGG9ISsrLx6b3LS941ksS8r6HRLG3FJh451vtp9aaStxJgt4M8lk-VDKlNETOh_XI-xxb2gpCcq8-OmJg0o13FDkwgTCT76LvQ/w472-h369/Screenshot%202022-09-13%20at%2011.47.21%20AM.png" width="472" /></a></div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b>Kinshi Park</b> – Outdoor park in east Tokyo with 2 large playgrounds, one shaped like a space ship, Tokyo Skytree is Visible from here </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><ul><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">Where: East Tokyo, Kinshicho Station</span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">Hours: 24hrs</span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">What else is in that area: Olinas Mall is very kids friendly with a large food court, kid’s shopping carts to ride on, and Toys R Us & Babies R Us</span></li></ul><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDXFwsfSrxdpqhaAwJAFz95Y0GxnWx0Y617reRHnQSwiWQ19PCH8JX7_OHnqJfIETadBaWXrYsqWImcEGAqSANfsv5cHuhM2YIZPWRv_OlMj1x3-Gd9CCsp5UUOMJYCQjzYo7jYCudsT8RZbs7k63iDdwavDzHvbyYzBjShA1T0xMMSwG5lPSxBeQjQA/s4608/4_IMG_5951.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="346" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDXFwsfSrxdpqhaAwJAFz95Y0GxnWx0Y617reRHnQSwiWQ19PCH8JX7_OHnqJfIETadBaWXrYsqWImcEGAqSANfsv5cHuhM2YIZPWRv_OlMj1x3-Gd9CCsp5UUOMJYCQjzYo7jYCudsT8RZbs7k63iDdwavDzHvbyYzBjShA1T0xMMSwG5lPSxBeQjQA/w461-h346/4_IMG_5951.jpg" width="461" /></a></div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b>Kodomonomori Park </b>– Outdoor park featuring dinosaurs in South Tokyo</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><ul><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">Where: South Tokyo, Shimbamba Station</span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">Hours: 24hrs</span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">What else is in that area: Maxell Aqua Park Shinagawa (aquarium)</span></li></ul><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzdJTr47NVAJcBhvWKK_3eBsM88PDXg9i8xFejAYqUn96xzFXQ03lr119UuiYJfrXHU5S02J8-ITErV4pctIBqhFQS4Oy4OpmZz0Az9EcNQ6v5wh2604KCA5VhuNF06ZSWWkKvizp4i0O1ti0feaPB2a2NDToCdlCN0S2W_1Pwa1IC6fEzVrrd74EW7g/s1116/Screenshot%202022-09-13%20at%2011.49.04%20AM.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="872" data-original-width="1116" height="367" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzdJTr47NVAJcBhvWKK_3eBsM88PDXg9i8xFejAYqUn96xzFXQ03lr119UuiYJfrXHU5S02J8-ITErV4pctIBqhFQS4Oy4OpmZz0Az9EcNQ6v5wh2604KCA5VhuNF06ZSWWkKvizp4i0O1ti0feaPB2a2NDToCdlCN0S2W_1Pwa1IC6fEzVrrd74EW7g/w469-h367/Screenshot%202022-09-13%20at%2011.49.04%20AM.png" width="469" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b><<Malls & Shops>></b></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b>Yokohama World Porters</b> – Large mall with kid friendly arcade and gacha toy machines</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><ul><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">Where: Yokohama, Minatomirai Station</span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">Hours: 10:30am-9pm</span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">Price: Kids arcade/play area is ¥100-¥300 per game</span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">What else is in that area: AniTouch (indoor petting zoo), Yokohama Cosmos World (Amusement Park)</span></li></ul><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLdsIPjQM9Ozo0YYKT8EDvjcdYMuPnb1ULzFauHHOtBInnMo_QNMwXOG_uSv8LSy205a9CxOikCA_ttfl6d6hLvuj9DjK-YV1V2t-aOM0ixkivXMMJTFB9k7ZbibSahF8yFjzhogUZ52acp0mBrXkSSWVOJqsf0MC7GQzMiG33K5AKH790cYne1U3MOQ/s1138/Screenshot%202022-09-13%20at%2011.54.47%20AM.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1138" height="417" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLdsIPjQM9Ozo0YYKT8EDvjcdYMuPnb1ULzFauHHOtBInnMo_QNMwXOG_uSv8LSy205a9CxOikCA_ttfl6d6hLvuj9DjK-YV1V2t-aOM0ixkivXMMJTFB9k7ZbibSahF8yFjzhogUZ52acp0mBrXkSSWVOJqsf0MC7GQzMiG33K5AKH790cYne1U3MOQ/w527-h417/Screenshot%202022-09-13%20at%2011.54.47%20AM.png" width="527" /></a></div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b>Ikebukuro Sunshine City</b> – large mall with kid’s shops and large gacha toy machines</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><ul><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">Where: Northwest Tokyo, Higashi Ikebukuro Station</span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">Hours: 10am-10pm</span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">What’s there: Largest Gacha store, Toys R Us, Aquarium, Large Restaurant floor</span></li></ul><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaNHOv-8dqT5hTr8GQdpKEaRAQ-CdPiCXZ5fo7kAlFNPV9ztnIuMtt5lDcfTSEMWULpSLq4BPUDRGkPZV9okGgWQjpKyf2z0xkU-csJaQMwdBHcrtaNyU6HvtgnhxAFn40ChlkktXKDzPAM5Ub27cY25_Q11tKLpRblupxCvydc0QU4grjuFHei0sYZw/s4608/IMG_3066.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4608" data-original-width="3456" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaNHOv-8dqT5hTr8GQdpKEaRAQ-CdPiCXZ5fo7kAlFNPV9ztnIuMtt5lDcfTSEMWULpSLq4BPUDRGkPZV9okGgWQjpKyf2z0xkU-csJaQMwdBHcrtaNyU6HvtgnhxAFn40ChlkktXKDzPAM5Ub27cY25_Q11tKLpRblupxCvydc0QU4grjuFHei0sYZw/s320/IMG_3066.JPG" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJHIozAKGSS9J8cazsIkdzQlVZorPrKNHwiOdSSvsP36ioZKfFPqTBrDrlBf3MbzFBcAHB95hy2csDtFQ56grHj4nzQzJWTyId0HnRFEyd1JJ4omTdTVChvNtKHLDnEsPGLz3vCNdyKhFg3gjDkWPOOQHHV5WwN6R-m8BzzVLO2fk0qQ_9TQwNS9alRQ/s4608/IMG_3069.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4608" data-original-width="3456" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJHIozAKGSS9J8cazsIkdzQlVZorPrKNHwiOdSSvsP36ioZKfFPqTBrDrlBf3MbzFBcAHB95hy2csDtFQ56grHj4nzQzJWTyId0HnRFEyd1JJ4omTdTVChvNtKHLDnEsPGLz3vCNdyKhFg3gjDkWPOOQHHV5WwN6R-m8BzzVLO2fk0qQ_9TQwNS9alRQ/s320/IMG_3069.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b>Odaiba: Daiba 1-Chome Shopping Street & Arcade</b> – retro arcade and dagashiya (cheap candy/snacks/toy shop)</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><ul><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">Where: East Tokyo, Odaiba Kaihinkoen Station</span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">Hours: 11am-9pm</span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">Price: ¥100 per game</span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">Recommended time: 1hr</span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">What else is in that area: GaKyo Odaiba (art aquarium) </span></li></ul><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhmFaa7WLM9v_vbj_vwBnFrXSKDtx4shZQOzkopweKLUadtzt8txJPAyrsrssGXWT4OZz6GqY1bhwUKguE6JA2nZR1PDsOPT7AxfuEPKGhm1lG3MlH33y7VgPcuY5Is8XwjuaRfpHXy7qzctDJOGbgnasi0hEtFxnbCQC1gC184KvlzZLyhPm6i19Elg/s1258/Screenshot%202022-09-13%20at%2012.03.15%20PM.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1006" data-original-width="1258" height="415" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhmFaa7WLM9v_vbj_vwBnFrXSKDtx4shZQOzkopweKLUadtzt8txJPAyrsrssGXWT4OZz6GqY1bhwUKguE6JA2nZR1PDsOPT7AxfuEPKGhm1lG3MlH33y7VgPcuY5Is8XwjuaRfpHXy7qzctDJOGbgnasi0hEtFxnbCQC1gC184KvlzZLyhPm6i19Elg/w518-h415/Screenshot%202022-09-13%20at%2012.03.15%20PM.png" width="518" /></a></div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b>Hakuhinkan Toy Park</b> – 4 floor toy shop with toys on display to play with </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><ul><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">Where: Central Tokyo, Shimbashi Station</span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">Hours: 11am-8pm</span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">Recommended time: 1hr</span></li></ul><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC-m-zQhjor7somfLHH8nrxOqA1proLIgQb35ZyMUpfjS6FnOuwiz_VDwx9ZtvBGsduEvIAM2nIAcZdnGSnmu-GqEo3pN0oJDXUy72TnoEhNS4rsWTN9k5t5FVFce6xwOqPYRahjjtyHkhsAnZHoOFPDmY3M7t9srpv1rwjC-qvRdnkls5rqg2yryUiw/s1286/Screenshot%202022-09-13%20at%2012.12.37%20PM.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="1286" height="422" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC-m-zQhjor7somfLHH8nrxOqA1proLIgQb35ZyMUpfjS6FnOuwiz_VDwx9ZtvBGsduEvIAM2nIAcZdnGSnmu-GqEo3pN0oJDXUy72TnoEhNS4rsWTN9k5t5FVFce6xwOqPYRahjjtyHkhsAnZHoOFPDmY3M7t9srpv1rwjC-qvRdnkls5rqg2yryUiw/w529-h422/Screenshot%202022-09-13%20at%2012.12.37%20PM.png" width="529" /></a></div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b>Books Kinokuniya Tokyo (Shinjuku)</b> – English bookstore with lots of children's books</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><ul><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">Where: Central Tokyo, Shinjuku or Yoyogi Station</span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">Hours: 11am-7pm</span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">What else is in that area: Tokyu Hands Shinjuku (7/F has lots of toys and Gachapon), Kaisen Misakiko Shinjuku Sachome (good sushi restaurant for kids), O1O1 Annex Mall (Godzilla Store, Cinnamoroll Café, Seria)</span></li></ul><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI1SkO3u_l3r2KyeXbIxJTlK25qmwBC-4Lp2hsoMpQtRYn93L81jY41y7YKegWCYgxZhtzGInQhqcZvlqLmbAvL21AXHAdho3mlEQ5RMpyMn6WcuUDN70kfJIRwZECSmC0bID2a_Dr6L1Zs28-CYJ8OfDv1ssY1q5lL0JrYj37qTlFgA6o5sfej3OYOw/s1148/Screenshot%202022-09-13%20at%2012.16.49%20PM.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="924" data-original-width="1148" height="391" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI1SkO3u_l3r2KyeXbIxJTlK25qmwBC-4Lp2hsoMpQtRYn93L81jY41y7YKegWCYgxZhtzGInQhqcZvlqLmbAvL21AXHAdho3mlEQ5RMpyMn6WcuUDN70kfJIRwZECSmC0bID2a_Dr6L1Zs28-CYJ8OfDv1ssY1q5lL0JrYj37qTlFgA6o5sfej3OYOw/w485-h391/Screenshot%202022-09-13%20at%2012.16.49%20PM.png" width="485" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwNe_G0zl13KxYqk7LVWProflgiBx6_3gYK8Ww2odrroYR9BdSiDg4B7uLhRW1FhVI9-rERcSNMVVPI8SDchKRTlS3PLIOWvTcxvfXiRdGL7BnYAAxqQqQlczFVM1pXzc5dxO8E4GsskDt0pKlwEIxQJsIZR95kDsBPmD_eabaRA9BrBEeh6vVMe7YHA/s1154/Screenshot%202022-09-13%20at%2012.20.08%20PM.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="924" data-original-width="1154" height="386" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwNe_G0zl13KxYqk7LVWProflgiBx6_3gYK8Ww2odrroYR9BdSiDg4B7uLhRW1FhVI9-rERcSNMVVPI8SDchKRTlS3PLIOWvTcxvfXiRdGL7BnYAAxqQqQlczFVM1pXzc5dxO8E4GsskDt0pKlwEIxQJsIZR95kDsBPmD_eabaRA9BrBEeh6vVMe7YHA/w483-h386/Screenshot%202022-09-13%20at%2012.20.08%20PM.png" width="483" /></a></div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b>Tsutaya Tokyo Roppongi</b> – Bookstore with large Starbucks and English kids’ books plus play corner</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><ul><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">Where: Central Tokyo, Roppongi/Azabujuban Station</span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">Hours: 10am-11pm (Starbucks opens at 7am)</span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">What else is in that area: Sakurazaka Robot Park, Roppongi Hills, Mori Garden</span></li></ul><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwHbMCpHJ87NQObflBLf8aMK2m9Een5xH1hAJ3QC2j6Y_yrK_MZI1fe33lDz-JhhDRuIe9XtIOzBmOE9YQSJLoLoYmCL-2xreKMH8qLZJs_3bFigIYyFNajnaOkeH_QWeAq66mYBmSm0Dis609Fp8Ry8a-nmG7L6FnM5elxd6JI7X76XKSd7Y3tYmwzQ/s4608/IMG_1149.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4608" data-original-width="3456" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwHbMCpHJ87NQObflBLf8aMK2m9Een5xH1hAJ3QC2j6Y_yrK_MZI1fe33lDz-JhhDRuIe9XtIOzBmOE9YQSJLoLoYmCL-2xreKMH8qLZJs_3bFigIYyFNajnaOkeH_QWeAq66mYBmSm0Dis609Fp8Ry8a-nmG7L6FnM5elxd6JI7X76XKSd7Y3tYmwzQ/s320/IMG_1149.JPG" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpg_GyA3Fiz5xpMoi-dxByGTPKHduqGMOcBXF-joYkhEGjXJ55i92R3EG7CVjaPHPBuBWjAmZ_lCVAZfM94lOXLNW1s0euZtzWUsPCPLkDfTzg48Iwya0CDXHsyG8Vt_vtV60fN7zpUo6QzbvyP1XL2SjFy0csE4wM7siXaAM1PMdTYPTvY_yvfMMA6g/s4032/IMG_5375.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpg_GyA3Fiz5xpMoi-dxByGTPKHduqGMOcBXF-joYkhEGjXJ55i92R3EG7CVjaPHPBuBWjAmZ_lCVAZfM94lOXLNW1s0euZtzWUsPCPLkDfTzg48Iwya0CDXHsyG8Vt_vtV60fN7zpUo6QzbvyP1XL2SjFy0csE4wM7siXaAM1PMdTYPTvY_yvfMMA6g/s320/IMG_5375.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b><<Cafes and Restaurants>></b></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b>Peter Rabbit Garden Café</b> – English food with garden terrace seating, cute coffee art on their latte and hot chocolates </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><ul><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">Where: West Tokyo, Jiyugaoka Station</span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">Hours: 11am-7pm (8pm on weekends)</span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">Price: ¥1,000-¥1,500/meal set</span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">Reservations: recommended on weekends</span></li></ul><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0H34-iP0M-l-tiG5-TKLDX0anFsWXwJlqf-FzIYUSgr0crPQm-a-B5W3yin6NA38tJ6E65uSlY1wxQHxzQ4kfepdzw1sADsmY0IRBzr32qGAjQz0jEEilLg3934ckE95NKWZY9t-j64Uj4djRJM4lt0rZAT3kAN76a18d0GyUOtxmouCa7zSBlf-3yw/s1128/Screenshot%202022-09-13%20at%2012.24.59%20PM.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="872" data-original-width="1128" height="364" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0H34-iP0M-l-tiG5-TKLDX0anFsWXwJlqf-FzIYUSgr0crPQm-a-B5W3yin6NA38tJ6E65uSlY1wxQHxzQ4kfepdzw1sADsmY0IRBzr32qGAjQz0jEEilLg3934ckE95NKWZY9t-j64Uj4djRJM4lt0rZAT3kAN76a18d0GyUOtxmouCa7zSBlf-3yw/w472-h364/Screenshot%202022-09-13%20at%2012.24.59%20PM.png" width="472" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b>Kura Sushi (Asakusa and Harajuku)</b> – Conveyor Belt Sushi with new and cool interior </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><ul><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">Where: Asakusa near Sensoji and Harajuku near the end of Takeshita Dori </span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">Hours: 11am-11pm</span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">Price: starting from ¥132 per dish</span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">Reservations: recommended on weekends (weekend wait times are 2hrs for dinner)</span></li></ul><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIhSgZRDfVW5-LGN1dLexKziug3j99aw1I-iZtt05NbDlnDkYlzMM8XblgNmixAhuJxAAn8scTfMsj00YgOtn5XEbxEsYW3P8vEPFdfPCrsGSOQqLSAUqpDa_NIeP4LA9M9nbX6oH0iQbbdDKt11PAaBPB7S-OBAfisFhcFUrxr8TJZ-t0LSFA3d08lg/s1220/Screenshot%202022-09-13%20at%2012.28.05%20PM.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="966" data-original-width="1220" height="363" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIhSgZRDfVW5-LGN1dLexKziug3j99aw1I-iZtt05NbDlnDkYlzMM8XblgNmixAhuJxAAn8scTfMsj00YgOtn5XEbxEsYW3P8vEPFdfPCrsGSOQqLSAUqpDa_NIeP4LA9M9nbX6oH0iQbbdDKt11PAaBPB7S-OBAfisFhcFUrxr8TJZ-t0LSFA3d08lg/w459-h363/Screenshot%202022-09-13%20at%2012.28.05%20PM.png" width="459" /></a></div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b>Shiro-Hige’s Cream Puff Factory </b>– Totoro Shaped Cream Puffs and other snacks</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><ul><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">Where: West Tokyo, Setagaya-Daita</span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">Hours: 10:30am-7:30pm (Closed Tuesdays)</span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">Price: ¥460/cream puff</span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">Reservations: not required, it’s a small café, most people do takeaway instead of dine-in</span></li></ul><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnrEXd1TjUY_lWuDcqCDQcLkMgb0-p-luXkh0QG_lNKmG0VsNUfeYfdZJi6P-WHlkLluWfDzNLKhSAgx4ec2zaacjqYJhD5SZxjILVpIYva-hYXijWoymNaJEuE8cP8sQsZIDlCxmQmMb0PWPQT35wX7Mqx546eUtvMkzMfFAjmzOd4DJMr2r1u1N2Gg/s1168/Screenshot%202022-09-13%20at%2012.30.56%20PM.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="922" data-original-width="1168" height="362" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnrEXd1TjUY_lWuDcqCDQcLkMgb0-p-luXkh0QG_lNKmG0VsNUfeYfdZJi6P-WHlkLluWfDzNLKhSAgx4ec2zaacjqYJhD5SZxjILVpIYva-hYXijWoymNaJEuE8cP8sQsZIDlCxmQmMb0PWPQT35wX7Mqx546eUtvMkzMfFAjmzOd4DJMr2r1u1N2Gg/w457-h362/Screenshot%202022-09-13%20at%2012.30.56%20PM.png" width="457" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b style="font-family: verdana; text-align: justify;">Kirby Café</b></div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><ul><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">Where: East Tokyo, Oshiage Skytree Station</span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">Hours: 10am-10pm</span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">Price: ¥1,500+ per dish</span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">Reservations: Required, or arrive before opening to line up </span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">What else is in that area: Solamachi Mall, Moomin Café, Sumida Aquarium</span></li></ul><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKGWO3ng9jW64iYQWEiwZ1lqz9cjYb1bNW-2J_WI7DzqVsRi8UfRCNe3A3kghQvBq515ChND0dBiJTHLWGlyA7cPlAl8556Q-hp_CUPJHvrFB0s7nqDq2t-cC_K2OkEgwmcPLOGQpx_VuZgCIxoXZGo4u88plE6Vs08wXaP1wrnvwkhpXajej7b4k6hA/s1122/Screenshot%202022-09-13%20at%2012.33.08%20PM.png" style="font-family: Times; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="890" data-original-width="1122" height="348" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKGWO3ng9jW64iYQWEiwZ1lqz9cjYb1bNW-2J_WI7DzqVsRi8UfRCNe3A3kghQvBq515ChND0dBiJTHLWGlyA7cPlAl8556Q-hp_CUPJHvrFB0s7nqDq2t-cC_K2OkEgwmcPLOGQpx_VuZgCIxoXZGo4u88plE6Vs08wXaP1wrnvwkhpXajej7b4k6hA/w439-h348/Screenshot%202022-09-13%20at%2012.33.08%20PM.png" width="439" /></a></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b>Sunday Brunch Shimokitazawa</b> – Floral themed café that is kid friendly</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><ul><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">Where: West Tokyo, Shimokitazawa Station</span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">Hours: 11am-7:30pm</span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">Price: ¥1,500/dish</span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">Reservations: not required</span></li></ul><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv8_LLoFuFPDta-_RJ3_r-8Uzk7IXwPiVmdS-o5rhFmzFYlGy4rYZFD6ky3Tcljxw6sf2yrda61EfKpOkTBdT0YWo6SmDfRhi3zP1F0IcMBu7OqBJMWKsXMU5Ao5oyOyY-tbaKdA8qEahra6jkNnpTaNOs7Nbh0oXJ7_HpMdGZUqAI_eEmZkMlj4nuFg/s1150/Screenshot%202022-09-13%20at%2012.34.48%20PM.png" style="font-family: Times; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="892" data-original-width="1150" height="350" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv8_LLoFuFPDta-_RJ3_r-8Uzk7IXwPiVmdS-o5rhFmzFYlGy4rYZFD6ky3Tcljxw6sf2yrda61EfKpOkTBdT0YWo6SmDfRhi3zP1F0IcMBu7OqBJMWKsXMU5Ao5oyOyY-tbaKdA8qEahra6jkNnpTaNOs7Nbh0oXJ7_HpMdGZUqAI_eEmZkMlj4nuFg/w451-h350/Screenshot%202022-09-13%20at%2012.34.48%20PM.png" width="451" /></a></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b>Sanrio Café Ikebukuro </b></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><ul><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">Where: Northwest Tokyo, Ikebukuro Station</span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">Hours: 10am-9pm</span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">Price: ¥1,500</span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">Reservations: not required</span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">What else is in that area: Ikebukuro Sunshine City Mall</span></li></ul><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2SebYipls4U4glzKkyi99b447B98SPmQn8C-I0W1AE1RieOonDG3I19gC5eh9pl9qbD7D78nbza-3fQzuuxV-7ukM6Ztt_VcFURBzV9gOIBizh85k7aUvCnfoRvmo1KZHrXTLZer-e8jjDmOLQfXe6V-cyegnyWjSmjJdNClRtEloSRjD1QgD1MokTg/s1230/Screenshot%202022-09-13%20at%2012.38.52%20PM.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="940" data-original-width="1230" height="390" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2SebYipls4U4glzKkyi99b447B98SPmQn8C-I0W1AE1RieOonDG3I19gC5eh9pl9qbD7D78nbza-3fQzuuxV-7ukM6Ztt_VcFURBzV9gOIBizh85k7aUvCnfoRvmo1KZHrXTLZer-e8jjDmOLQfXe6V-cyegnyWjSmjJdNClRtEloSRjD1QgD1MokTg/w509-h390/Screenshot%202022-09-13%20at%2012.38.52%20PM.png" width="509" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b><<Floral Gardens>></b></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b>Yokohama English Garden</b> – small garden with seasonal flowers and décor, famous for their roses. They also have a small cafe</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><ul><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">Where: Yokohama, Yokohama Station + Free Shuttle (Details on website)</span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">Hours: 10am-6pm</span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">Price: ¥600-¥1,200 depending on season, free for kids under 12yo</span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">Recommended time: 1hr</span></li></ul><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijwp83UazMQKFXgzcZnKFIRtq9AbKLd296SH1JE-iAa0o2mH48bIctJdzAslMoWgP0YPG9Wqm17M_m6T4_KhkH08Nd2eLNk7EvkpAA5veT38Wig2NTsMpCOscM0gxy9_XdU4fz8oZFx2y6K1BU-ip6ir01K5wumvBtpxm27EzC-LGoQ_p2sYVJnM4S2Q/s1168/Screenshot%202022-09-13%20at%2012.40.24%20PM.png" style="font-family: Times; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="936" data-original-width="1168" height="385" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijwp83UazMQKFXgzcZnKFIRtq9AbKLd296SH1JE-iAa0o2mH48bIctJdzAslMoWgP0YPG9Wqm17M_m6T4_KhkH08Nd2eLNk7EvkpAA5veT38Wig2NTsMpCOscM0gxy9_XdU4fz8oZFx2y6K1BU-ip6ir01K5wumvBtpxm27EzC-LGoQ_p2sYVJnM4S2Q/w481-h385/Screenshot%202022-09-13%20at%2012.40.24%20PM.png" width="481" /></a></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b>Hana Biyori</b> – large floral park with both outdoor and indoor area, large LED light show, Japanese garden, and different flower and plant workshops. Large Starbucks available indoors</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><ul><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">Where:West Tokyo, Keio Yomiuriland + Free Shuttle (Details on website)</span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">Hours:10am-5pm (closed on Wednesday/Thursdays, seasonal, please check website)</span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">Price: ¥1,200/adult, ¥600/3-12yo</span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">Reservations: not required</span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">Recommended time: 1-2hrs</span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">What else is in that area: Yomiuriland Amusement Park</span></li></ul><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir0B5YUZwMTDY8DaMnI5xPy07qNn_pLJnMOravIegcTI2eCWr7G1Fig5lzt42NEb3mYcmm5Ny0nkcvDYNS5HCihc286AEE4GNdbgypUEP52rJQzNHSFiam4GvjMwhXSMkF9noBt9Yst0QDx2hKTsD65r9CAnKRJNh8lYPbhEdbJZSbN5m7rffCNJrTPw/s1208/Screenshot%202022-09-13%20at%2012.45.53%20PM.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="958" data-original-width="1208" height="371" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir0B5YUZwMTDY8DaMnI5xPy07qNn_pLJnMOravIegcTI2eCWr7G1Fig5lzt42NEb3mYcmm5Ny0nkcvDYNS5HCihc286AEE4GNdbgypUEP52rJQzNHSFiam4GvjMwhXSMkF9noBt9Yst0QDx2hKTsD65r9CAnKRJNh8lYPbhEdbJZSbN5m7rffCNJrTPw/w467-h371/Screenshot%202022-09-13%20at%2012.45.53%20PM.png" width="467" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b><<Art Aquariums>></b></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b style="font-family: verdana;">Art Aquarium Museum </b></p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><ul><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">Where: Central Tokyo, Ginza Station</span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">Hours: 10am-7pm</span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">Price: ¥2,400/adult, 2 kids under 12yo can accompany one adult for free entry </span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">Reservations: recommended</span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">Recommended time: 1hr</span></li></ul><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYKO0ZK0qQsrtUfbz1U3JLJ3x7v5wNJaW00AR3RlC2OM8dFLWkYmAyH0QR-44Oa9zvCuaGvCGlOYJ0x1XDtNoLPp7roEUULzK6GcFKqgb2TgNcpgNB2Fw06dMPHPpaazQEm-Qwg3hInWpYwQ74WGBGsNYFNVSMb46R6r7UsfWW37gtLtUbv4Okw1UIww/s1206/Screenshot%202022-09-13%20at%2012.44.12%20PM.png" style="font-family: Times; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="924" data-original-width="1206" height="347" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYKO0ZK0qQsrtUfbz1U3JLJ3x7v5wNJaW00AR3RlC2OM8dFLWkYmAyH0QR-44Oa9zvCuaGvCGlOYJ0x1XDtNoLPp7roEUULzK6GcFKqgb2TgNcpgNB2Fw06dMPHPpaazQEm-Qwg3hInWpYwQ74WGBGsNYFNVSMb46R6r7UsfWW37gtLtUbv4Okw1UIww/w453-h347/Screenshot%202022-09-13%20at%2012.44.12%20PM.png" width="453" /></a></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b>GaKyo Odaiba</b></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><ul><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">Where: East Tokyo, Odaiba Station</span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">Hours: 11am-8pm (9pm on weekends)</span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">Price: ¥1,200/adult, Free for kids under 12yo</span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">Reservations: not required</span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">Recommended time: 30mins</span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">What else is in that area: Daiba 1-Chome Shopping Street & Arcade (under Malls & Shops)</span></li></ul><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnATxctf82jmW0S8gfWEnuDnblUAlyAQ93I9rRJxPjo53Rbi6YZ1NCs4zokiOI1mIY_mW8iLJ-Ek9TkVjfhiDEfVgGkVCOhKRX9XB4yHX72M9Y5ZTopzSUARw7VvFN5zWsNIUL9M1R2J4fBd7PHc4SoV5hTWB64i6SJte-NGsfdafOa1FU5vLzDa_RXQ/s1110/Screenshot%202022-09-13%20at%201.00.25%20PM.png" style="font-family: Times; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="864" data-original-width="1110" height="347" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnATxctf82jmW0S8gfWEnuDnblUAlyAQ93I9rRJxPjo53Rbi6YZ1NCs4zokiOI1mIY_mW8iLJ-Ek9TkVjfhiDEfVgGkVCOhKRX9XB4yHX72M9Y5ZTopzSUARw7VvFN5zWsNIUL9M1R2J4fBd7PHc4SoV5hTWB64i6SJte-NGsfdafOa1FU5vLzDa_RXQ/w446-h347/Screenshot%202022-09-13%20at%201.00.25%20PM.png" width="446" /></a></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b><<Special Train Line>></b></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b>Oedo Line </b></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><ul><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">Where: All around Tokyo, Oedo Subway Line is Circular</span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">Hours: 5am-11:25pm</span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">What: Cars 3 and 6 on random Oedo Line trains have illustration walls. Thomas The Tank Engine is the most common one.</span></li></ul><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaFTEg97SRQ4Khg950KPzBYCd0tk7vLrJ2ECUu5CSrhPcfXHuGkurBZilZwUgZV6QCTLKxuwOH7nE_Ubjmru8YZ0xwlw-v0g-61gRgmIqDzcMnkLb2BJIUSHywYPhuUSyFKn8l2Na-hJvRhi_OR5fou8HwZxQDIJIpCMCFt5IaKC-XGeopgm-7VPM1xQ/s1104/Screenshot%202022-09-13%20at%201.01.41%20PM.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="866" data-original-width="1104" height="341" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaFTEg97SRQ4Khg950KPzBYCd0tk7vLrJ2ECUu5CSrhPcfXHuGkurBZilZwUgZV6QCTLKxuwOH7nE_Ubjmru8YZ0xwlw-v0g-61gRgmIqDzcMnkLb2BJIUSHywYPhuUSyFKn8l2Na-hJvRhi_OR5fou8HwZxQDIJIpCMCFt5IaKC-XGeopgm-7VPM1xQ/w435-h341/Screenshot%202022-09-13%20at%201.01.41%20PM.png" width="435" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Yurikamome Line to Odaiba</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"></span></p><ul><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">Where: Shimbashi to Odaiba, via the Rainbow Bridge</span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">Hours: 5am-midnight</span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">What: Head to the front of the car for a spectacular view of Tokyo Bay and bridge crossing</span></li></ul><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSDPlESsjvcPIcuOSaLLlv2QBtjkqJKUnkPXHBECFUx5O7PfZ5BY8v8zwdI4bG2c_6sfcWpfRUYGJp4vcYbzuKMLwOA5gxhhHN9maghpbU4oTy1R9qJcFymSOA2JOYz6S8gAtcVN1w4icq-EF7udLw0lrDL3o_4lqC8WyFMaW0bV4kap59i774p3Ch5Q/s1098/Screenshot%202022-09-13%20at%201.16.45%20PM.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="856" data-original-width="1098" height="350" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSDPlESsjvcPIcuOSaLLlv2QBtjkqJKUnkPXHBECFUx5O7PfZ5BY8v8zwdI4bG2c_6sfcWpfRUYGJp4vcYbzuKMLwOA5gxhhHN9maghpbU4oTy1R9qJcFymSOA2JOYz6S8gAtcVN1w4icq-EF7udLw0lrDL3o_4lqC8WyFMaW0bV4kap59i774p3Ch5Q/w450-h350/Screenshot%202022-09-13%20at%201.16.45%20PM.png" width="450" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b><u>Places that open early (pre 10am)</u></b></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><<24hrs>></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><ul><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">Robot Park </span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">Kinshi Park</span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">Kodomonomori Park</span></li></ul><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">9am Kidzania</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">9:30am Inokashira Park Zoo (free for kids under 12)</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">9:30am Natural Museum of Nature and Science (free for kids under 12)</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">9:30am Fukagawa Edo Museum (free for kids under 12)</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">9:30am Edo-Tokyo Open Air Architecture Museum (free for kids under 12)</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">9:30am Fire Museum (Free for everyone)</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><u><b>Places that are free</b></u> </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b>Free for everyone</b></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><ul><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">Itabashi Petting Zoo</span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">Keikyu Train Museum</span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">Fire Museum</span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">Robot Park</span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">Kinshi Park</span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">Kodomonomori Park</span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">Hakuhinkan Toy Park</span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">Books Kinokuniya Tokyo </span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">Tsutaya Tokyo Roppongi </span></li></ul><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b>Free for kids under 12yo</b></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><ul><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">Inokashira Park Zoo (adults ¥400)</span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">Natural Museum of Nature and Science (adults ¥630)</span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">Fukagawa Edo Museum (Adults ¥400)</span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">Edo Tokyo Open Air Architecture Museum (adults ¥400)</span></li></ul><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><iframe height="480" src="https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/0/embed?mid=19gdp9DKYJWHDv-eSqC5Ls3AUtEIGGJQ&ehbc=2E312F" width="640"></iframe> </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b><u>Places by area</u> </b></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b>Central Tokyo</b></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><ul><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">Red Kids, Tokyo Tower</span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">Robot Park (Sakurazaka Park)</span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">Hakuhinkan Toy Park</span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">Books Kinokuniya Tokyo (Shinjuku)</span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">Tsutaya Tokyo Roppongi</span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">Art Aquarium Museum</span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">Tokyo Toy Museum</span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">Fire Museum</span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">Asobono!</span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">Natural Museum of Nature and Science</span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">Kura Sushi (Harajuku/Asakusa)</span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">Train:<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span><span style="text-align: justify;">Oedo Line</span></span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="text-align: justify;">Train: Yurikamome Line </span></span></li></ul><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b>East Tokyo</b></span></div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">Kidzania</span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">Fukagawa Edo Museum</span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">Kinshi Park</span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">Daiba 1-Chome Shopping Street / Arcade</span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">Kirby Café</span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">GaKyo Odaiba</span></li></ul></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana; text-align: justify;"><b>Northwest Tokyo</b></span></div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-family: verdana; text-align: justify;">Itabashi Petting Zoo</span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana; text-align: justify;">Sunshine City</span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana; text-align: justify;">Train<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Oedo Line</span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana; text-align: justify;">Sanrio Café Ikebukuro</span></li></ul><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b>West Tokyo</b></span></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><ul><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">Inokashira Park Zoo</span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">Edo-Tokyo Open Air Architecture Museum</span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">Peter Rabbit Garden Café</span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">Shiro-Hige's Cream Puff Factory</span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">Sunday Brunch Shimokitazawa</span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">Hana Biyori</span></li></ul><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b>South Tokyo & Yokohama</b></span></div></div><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><ul><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">Kodomonomori Park</span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">AniTouch Minatomirai</span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">Keikyu Train Museum</span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">Yokohama World Porters</span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">Yokohama English Garden</span></li></ul><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Follow me on instagram <a href="http://@ariel.land" target="_blank"><span style="color: #e06666;"><b>@ariel.land</b></span></a> for more daily fun and insights around Japan</span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://instagram.com/ariel.land" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="3868" data-original-width="1500" height="801" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1oNwMPlPswf4eI-_6MDVqQ8hKkY9dgZFV7zOktQNMsfnnp_tnup8YDTZR3cSeOynj0Fs1Y6ZWZ0913gm3clLDvEfXKYW82tj6uBPjWp0YI2SvLhBL-b0AVp6J-ykiCbDJJ6wXBVi9drYVIgRTdUrgj-L5f6CUxqQJZguFiuBH6a4SNuZTxB_E3Ccavw/w310-h801/IMG_6566.JPG" width="310" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9w14qHX7wu_maeZZ_E7O_neYIgEXKL5wVuFY86gmHneR2fUcK9NuMZclQUNLkGe69ADkhsICaRbyAHVNGQE7ccdFd6Ycyn6oTGEnHE9kENpn3zs6MwvAkas7S1UmuDDG0kehAdhpQRFGuqDp395RzU0pSNcYpb96oom8eyJRDIjmzrN6RtraHNkugMQ/s660/IMG_6567.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="269" data-original-width="660" height="82" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9w14qHX7wu_maeZZ_E7O_neYIgEXKL5wVuFY86gmHneR2fUcK9NuMZclQUNLkGe69ADkhsICaRbyAHVNGQE7ccdFd6Ycyn6oTGEnHE9kENpn3zs6MwvAkas7S1UmuDDG0kehAdhpQRFGuqDp395RzU0pSNcYpb96oom8eyJRDIjmzrN6RtraHNkugMQ/w202-h82/IMG_6567.jpg" width="202" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p></p>Arielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03509227042293152734noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8124579507526577941.post-74463269589789105852021-11-22T00:39:00.003+08:002024-02-25T16:18:33.675+08:00Hirosaki, Kuroishi, Owani Onsen (Aomori Prefecture) | Tohoku Series <p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.arielland.com/2021/11/hirosaki-kuroishi-owani-onsen-aomori.html" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="342" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7ktPIoSM71oICIMbiB1nF13c6ID7GcVGXyFp3u6K9rWiFmLxgFhReZbN6El7m5P85BIW3lx8wXXjZZw5iGFS_6giM2RiUYcY8OBvgUM3jb4meXGJ_xi7vbon4awefRvSlso8Er30dEVYF/w609-h342/Hirosaki+%252B+Owani.jpg" width="609" /></a></div><p></p><span><a name='more'></a></span><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">The last stop on my 5-day Tohoku trip is Hirosaki area on the west side of Aomori Prefecture. This region is called "Tsugaru" and is famous for not only their Neputa lanterns but also for Tsugaru style shamisen music and Kogin-zashi embroidery. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">In this blog post I will cover many locations, so here's a summary list of locations mentioned: </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><ul><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">Tsugaru-Han Neputa Village</span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">Hirosaki Park (Chrysanthemum and Autumn Foliage Festival)</span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">Hirosaki Park branch Starbucks </span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">Fujita Memorial Garden + Taisho Roman Tea Room</span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">Kuroishi City, Neputa lantern making at Irodori </span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">Hoshino Resort Kai Tsugaru: Apple Afternoon Tea, Shamisen performance and mini lesson, Apple Onsen, Kogin-Zashi embroidery </span></li></ul><p></p><p><span style="color: #b45f06; font-family: verdana;"><b>Arriving at Hirosaki Station</b></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">I pretty much immediately fell in love when I arrived at Hirosaki station. This city is just bursting with culture and is so welcoming! You can see elements of the Tsugaru region everywhere around the station, from statues, to walls and even vending machines! Just wandering in and around the station was a lot of fun. They also have a grand piano at the station and tons of super talented people are always playing there. </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg45TUKM65PJGD46RLh2Rrbs9bMWwCvUtNwaqumritIYspZx25gccHm-mQ6uLt2WyL3_7tJBgLOggRQxsfgnDI8fLBu3cxcRhpfe2m8YgU2EYUZC9CDKiZOT6ecHgrvlRIcNdlczpmAXexp/s2048/IMG_3418.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg45TUKM65PJGD46RLh2Rrbs9bMWwCvUtNwaqumritIYspZx25gccHm-mQ6uLt2WyL3_7tJBgLOggRQxsfgnDI8fLBu3cxcRhpfe2m8YgU2EYUZC9CDKiZOT6ecHgrvlRIcNdlczpmAXexp/s320/IMG_3418.JPG" width="240" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8cx3mAD4Gs1YDmIZo3a6GB7SdnsyoUDrmnhNo9w8uqcRB5pqPsw4GDPGMIc-sIYEtBY3WXBoPmXltzcJjsHgVKmM5NUQ1Bco_6im7p_EHCjf9cC_l7QJS6P8CmW0Dj2i6i60bq_0O8j9H/s2048/IMG_3417.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8cx3mAD4Gs1YDmIZo3a6GB7SdnsyoUDrmnhNo9w8uqcRB5pqPsw4GDPGMIc-sIYEtBY3WXBoPmXltzcJjsHgVKmM5NUQ1Bco_6im7p_EHCjf9cC_l7QJS6P8CmW0Dj2i6i60bq_0O8j9H/s320/IMG_3417.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">(Upper right: There is a post-box with an apple on top at Hirosaki station, however this photo was taken in front of Hirosaki City Hall)</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilT7VZNJuGGJfryKLcwBdDKXw6Oz3iTn4LSHKsGCIXZy0hgiKcbmaIDr6IbL30suuQlIRADTWY66GIM8XlAJ7i3wLFdYgNzJcwIsMqHjWSWwc0shlzS4FlTeoV7TVwsfM4sampvyOnavRZ/s2048/IMG_3419.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilT7VZNJuGGJfryKLcwBdDKXw6Oz3iTn4LSHKsGCIXZy0hgiKcbmaIDr6IbL30suuQlIRADTWY66GIM8XlAJ7i3wLFdYgNzJcwIsMqHjWSWwc0shlzS4FlTeoV7TVwsfM4sampvyOnavRZ/s320/IMG_3419.JPG" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjqMNLRIRx7G5LkrLS5bpCCXDe4pee75Wvp8RDox0HxnJpRbrnQN_LdPVSpiNgDB6phspy_lIYa389sahASLNK6nN0_jsqpa-EmGACjPoW5CWxicrGuE1fV-0nqfU58LmEPijPXzph_ZuE/s2048/IMG_3420.JPG" style="font-family: verdana; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjqMNLRIRx7G5LkrLS5bpCCXDe4pee75Wvp8RDox0HxnJpRbrnQN_LdPVSpiNgDB6phspy_lIYa389sahASLNK6nN0_jsqpa-EmGACjPoW5CWxicrGuE1fV-0nqfU58LmEPijPXzph_ZuE/s320/IMG_3420.JPG" width="240" /></a><span style="font-family: verdana;"> </span></div><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #b45f06; font-family: verdana;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI3bCB-gmrU00XKZxsNzOStgDu_WkyKtqURfA5lYEHQBk7Ts0N5PbEPvdsvDejbvjBRGmdb5OIyPDz8Nk2H_RBa_Zpr_0BCK1UDqKdm9nfvF6l_hfbu_QvRLlbqsXzciuxkp3dit4vPurC/s2048/IMG_3362.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI3bCB-gmrU00XKZxsNzOStgDu_WkyKtqURfA5lYEHQBk7Ts0N5PbEPvdsvDejbvjBRGmdb5OIyPDz8Nk2H_RBa_Zpr_0BCK1UDqKdm9nfvF6l_hfbu_QvRLlbqsXzciuxkp3dit4vPurC/s320/IMG_3362.JPG" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQoO3Quer5n9s3GWxGy8VzrOb0u9sjtwghykzqnN5c8JLVBw6jTJPk6R0QRdRaJbi-LkPP9Tyecu95cij-mlDv-UDmRYQUMAR40YD-6McsCBArExR5huQLG8tMDwAI7OTOxjd4Np96C_ag/s2048/IMG_3363.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQoO3Quer5n9s3GWxGy8VzrOb0u9sjtwghykzqnN5c8JLVBw6jTJPk6R0QRdRaJbi-LkPP9Tyecu95cij-mlDv-UDmRYQUMAR40YD-6McsCBArExR5huQLG8tMDwAI7OTOxjd4Np96C_ag/s320/IMG_3363.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br style="text-align: left;" /><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDYWQg2evPnJIxTFNixvjX6_BBTKGijvIQkwhiyu14rrxNnxQ-TWQj7kNBFfdGFtoyXJpY8Xsxd-951y2LXhTeCEBbTNZl2ZEdfH4cc_bHo5DsaZOdZRJ65NaxHcrYXEtcQS-Ld5wA1irp/s2048/IMG_3364.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="282" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDYWQg2evPnJIxTFNixvjX6_BBTKGijvIQkwhiyu14rrxNnxQ-TWQj7kNBFfdGFtoyXJpY8Xsxd-951y2LXhTeCEBbTNZl2ZEdfH4cc_bHo5DsaZOdZRJ65NaxHcrYXEtcQS-Ld5wA1irp/w376-h282/IMG_3364.JPG" width="376" /></a></div></div><p><span style="color: #b45f06; font-family: verdana;"><b>Tsugaru-Han Neputa Village</b></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Before we dive in, a quick distinction between Aomori City and Hirosaki City's festivals: </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Aomori City's festival is called Nebuta Festival spelled with a b. Their floats are large 3D rectangular floats. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Hirosaki's festival is called Neputa Festival spelled with a p. Their floats are large fan shaped floats with drawings on them. The fans spin at the base to showcase the artwork 360 during the parade. Smaller lanterns come in 3D shapes like the goldfish one shown below. </span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGZ3ilrz3dTjcCG5O2AyDwhoPVpHLrAvxAd-7tReZsYl7wPtRVYeDvEWTraOIFkwA1cKdfm0MuB0kURfmN2m-z5am2Q-gWypkarYfVi5N-wjO2FbyLCWR9-zwnmL8BbU-bWaU9_3T7XmCv/s2048/IMG_3366.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGZ3ilrz3dTjcCG5O2AyDwhoPVpHLrAvxAd-7tReZsYl7wPtRVYeDvEWTraOIFkwA1cKdfm0MuB0kURfmN2m-z5am2Q-gWypkarYfVi5N-wjO2FbyLCWR9-zwnmL8BbU-bWaU9_3T7XmCv/s320/IMG_3366.JPG" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBhp5ebZyggEwGTy8sGgAixkhZCElWVLRUTnQk-AvPmcfp3TaPNTmN2N1_wME6eEzAhl3vKgV5I3tDVIg0WwxwEUyZkZ6rZeA7TTNbaYsq7JFq1ZgIA0hMmVAaoPENq5sNUrf8pXyKdAPL/s2048/IMG_3507.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1506" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBhp5ebZyggEwGTy8sGgAixkhZCElWVLRUTnQk-AvPmcfp3TaPNTmN2N1_wME6eEzAhl3vKgV5I3tDVIg0WwxwEUyZkZ6rZeA7TTNbaYsq7JFq1ZgIA0hMmVAaoPENq5sNUrf8pXyKdAPL/s320/IMG_3507.JPG" width="235" /></a></p><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9oP_3Nwlv3iVZZ6vCrL6BitQ9vnFkALJK-djIvsgOXVRhIA-m0rvMHUaovmEsRup-DxfzPwvgFqgeCJqUGfRIJKVMVIKHyXnkgBmvwHzPggLeXLcc0dgpRpwJg4cgSG7W5GPpEnHFYkTn/s2048/IMG_3265.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9oP_3Nwlv3iVZZ6vCrL6BitQ9vnFkALJK-djIvsgOXVRhIA-m0rvMHUaovmEsRup-DxfzPwvgFqgeCJqUGfRIJKVMVIKHyXnkgBmvwHzPggLeXLcc0dgpRpwJg4cgSG7W5GPpEnHFYkTn/s320/IMG_3265.JPG" width="240" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXa5g8dfZcVfDwKpCVwNpw7wPn4UA7rZQ7xh4txjiDRJu_wNT5yrlyxQHeVR-c8K-i8EKae_tYCMQdCUMStgq3HxUnMHgB2sEemYffWay2XGnz5AG0TBkEkyhcmb7TKdhuOVorCMJJb-FQ/s2048/IMG_3367.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXa5g8dfZcVfDwKpCVwNpw7wPn4UA7rZQ7xh4txjiDRJu_wNT5yrlyxQHeVR-c8K-i8EKae_tYCMQdCUMStgq3HxUnMHgB2sEemYffWay2XGnz5AG0TBkEkyhcmb7TKdhuOVorCMJJb-FQ/s320/IMG_3367.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAFhKRO-flLQBNrS3ecmMOR375lZtrxwocM7eDw69vVVrapW5ekfxL3Rtqqhyf-BzA0DXBhjy8Xdb3Y-BhTNzkz2R-Q-2M-dL-IthqNN2z0Gxts8r3bYQD1MoKoad1AcLbvQJVbgUi_PEd/s2048/IMG_3372.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAFhKRO-flLQBNrS3ecmMOR375lZtrxwocM7eDw69vVVrapW5ekfxL3Rtqqhyf-BzA0DXBhjy8Xdb3Y-BhTNzkz2R-Q-2M-dL-IthqNN2z0Gxts8r3bYQD1MoKoad1AcLbvQJVbgUi_PEd/s320/IMG_3372.JPG" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSOebJljerB56l47culzlAV96C_0Kk1-voA4gg9Ef_TOnkH-gxakXk0fEfsL_L_6ovHGopQq84UOHpJSm7vy8ReEx8cj5L233OZZz3yxn4QD0um6JIBbiS3fBWM4WpH6hXHMt7v-ZuYpzr/s2048/IMG_3373.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSOebJljerB56l47culzlAV96C_0Kk1-voA4gg9Ef_TOnkH-gxakXk0fEfsL_L_6ovHGopQq84UOHpJSm7vy8ReEx8cj5L233OZZz3yxn4QD0um6JIBbiS3fBWM4WpH6hXHMt7v-ZuYpzr/s320/IMG_3373.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg07rMFi_lwmYM9EiT9QOx8ucKnzlq5Gx8WZrSmDiWZ58vk2LzynsKpH1-u6bQ2rbNwddWfhPHbjItuRuAzUmHRd9QoTG3xedwPfw5vrP9DW8ezisrLKz3GN4mEwCOahTY0jTQ3Gqfudzr7/s2048/IMG_3375.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="324" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg07rMFi_lwmYM9EiT9QOx8ucKnzlq5Gx8WZrSmDiWZ58vk2LzynsKpH1-u6bQ2rbNwddWfhPHbjItuRuAzUmHRd9QoTG3xedwPfw5vrP9DW8ezisrLKz3GN4mEwCOahTY0jTQ3Gqfudzr7/w432-h324/IMG_3375.JPG" width="432" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBPOMVZECgQn8Cj77oXeGPHExyEe3hfU9EIYuRPrLJJwNYBaL8ZWTh5ZazhBUriS2RfrED1Ueqpn_vOFUjvUaVU7lhyitELzOGzb8YtWKJkxEXL0qkqx4xUU3Uk-MH3dFUtosN9mPWHN_V/s2048/IMG_3379.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="312" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBPOMVZECgQn8Cj77oXeGPHExyEe3hfU9EIYuRPrLJJwNYBaL8ZWTh5ZazhBUriS2RfrED1Ueqpn_vOFUjvUaVU7lhyitELzOGzb8YtWKJkxEXL0qkqx4xUU3Uk-MH3dFUtosN9mPWHN_V/w417-h312/IMG_3379.JPG" width="417" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">This museum is not only a treat to the eyes, it is also full of experiences! There is free demonstration of music such as shamisen and drum playing experience. For an extra fee you can also make your own lantern or other crafts from the region. The gift shop is just behind a beautiful Japanese garden and it has lots of local crafts which make perfect souvenirs for friends and family back home. </span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjjO8H4rBJMN5LCJTxN6Yoq9pkAzRWZ7YipZM4sb_MI4rP4pz-whxq-5AfeAMprjRFzl_kfWiA8cujeCXcx99QOjcWSWMHVgUQMkY_6m7117HGZSAmknr7ydZvnc4V9Nd9heZDJMVJOv20/s2048/IMG_3380.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjjO8H4rBJMN5LCJTxN6Yoq9pkAzRWZ7YipZM4sb_MI4rP4pz-whxq-5AfeAMprjRFzl_kfWiA8cujeCXcx99QOjcWSWMHVgUQMkY_6m7117HGZSAmknr7ydZvnc4V9Nd9heZDJMVJOv20/s320/IMG_3380.JPG" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_HXodwjy8y5aOQjNQDQ3MTj7aLzYORDJ8Erss1NVn3U658BDwMJAAjgL5ImBBH5mfPS-Pgzh9NV2ApwySAE5Co6EMmLPHFl30ye6xSZ-SCBBFXTj6ZZ4nyeRxN5cXqGAOhg4lK4fFOU0a/s2048/IMG_3386.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_HXodwjy8y5aOQjNQDQ3MTj7aLzYORDJ8Erss1NVn3U658BDwMJAAjgL5ImBBH5mfPS-Pgzh9NV2ApwySAE5Co6EMmLPHFl30ye6xSZ-SCBBFXTj6ZZ4nyeRxN5cXqGAOhg4lK4fFOU0a/s320/IMG_3386.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX8fTb6qXcTKmy1u8GywyR-ozlWPOlTISMGeXP0VvWYAlEu8y_VXtalduV4mLvzA3RBhVtoSBtN9esy_3YHg7SbFZbiLzCmc_SmBdaGkh0_H3MzsttRGesvww6mLwY9z9yUAqPLv1lj_Fn/s2048/IMG_3387.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX8fTb6qXcTKmy1u8GywyR-ozlWPOlTISMGeXP0VvWYAlEu8y_VXtalduV4mLvzA3RBhVtoSBtN9esy_3YHg7SbFZbiLzCmc_SmBdaGkh0_H3MzsttRGesvww6mLwY9z9yUAqPLv1lj_Fn/s320/IMG_3387.JPG" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg86KyVSwbPkQibNGEfwfY8Tc6LBvgustZndWsoh-YqR3OBidQFrBoHgJDQfSJRKmih7MMM8HhvTe9ZVD7bNLCoLNBTg4Q6-zlAx9vF28DilxVd37KZr6IPO8AtnCGbNkkImlTHmye_nMpQ/s2048/IMG_3389.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg86KyVSwbPkQibNGEfwfY8Tc6LBvgustZndWsoh-YqR3OBidQFrBoHgJDQfSJRKmih7MMM8HhvTe9ZVD7bNLCoLNBTg4Q6-zlAx9vF28DilxVd37KZr6IPO8AtnCGbNkkImlTHmye_nMpQ/s320/IMG_3389.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">(Upper right: The t-shirt depicts Tsugaru Dialect. The region's dialect is so unique that even the average Japanese person can't understand what they are saying!)</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #e69138; font-family: verdana;"><b>Hirosaki Park + Chrysanthemum and Autumn Foliage Festival </b></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Starting on November 1st, the autumn foliage at Hirosaki Park is at peak colors and they are really as if its on fire. The colors are so highly saturated it's incredible and I've never seen anything quite like it. On top of that the Chrysanthemum festival is free and it has such a gorgeous display in the river, on the lawn, on statue like structures, just everywhere! I've seen a few Chrysanthemum displays in Tokyo and I just have to say they aren't quite as pretty as the one here in Hirosaki. </span></p></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCEo6aJKCEFiP3bmjWVvcjrS58u9GCO8mNutIgl2sPTKJtnW2la-B8NaZpQSAIthGRMxNJ9kcV18mr_KjIVYqFkemjFchTkTzqnGjzCQ41N8Q1uX012l0g-j_ux9GPpEGNLjhDjT12MRnD/s2048/BE6D9479-C739-47E7-8B74-EFA5D079EDBA.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCEo6aJKCEFiP3bmjWVvcjrS58u9GCO8mNutIgl2sPTKJtnW2la-B8NaZpQSAIthGRMxNJ9kcV18mr_KjIVYqFkemjFchTkTzqnGjzCQ41N8Q1uX012l0g-j_ux9GPpEGNLjhDjT12MRnD/s320/BE6D9479-C739-47E7-8B74-EFA5D079EDBA.JPG" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPoekPCcwMls1W6lAgiN6pQ-X5irmHp6BQ3Pku9KdrNiMHFLYkW_1L5_wcwJrXqk9a96IhZnYK5O5hXXDqU0-6FLNQ7oUJFQrFTqw6f59iuvj09Il6YjXp24qB3pwL_YGl7DSHvtSz8G-g/s2048/IMG_3744.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPoekPCcwMls1W6lAgiN6pQ-X5irmHp6BQ3Pku9KdrNiMHFLYkW_1L5_wcwJrXqk9a96IhZnYK5O5hXXDqU0-6FLNQ7oUJFQrFTqw6f59iuvj09Il6YjXp24qB3pwL_YGl7DSHvtSz8G-g/s320/IMG_3744.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfkkafbYiSqQj3jJcn7FnK5ZT4U8emgurBfXyu77IXKoDe6Z4w9S3hOD3hSYad8aHe1XDL8bbGZ1AjwlsXjc1D1-v-6d2HzKSsTdl_avun6HjfLaXCXlNtDpo4U1EajYI_qNzMFfMxLsB5/s2048/IMG_5956.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1365" height="532" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfkkafbYiSqQj3jJcn7FnK5ZT4U8emgurBfXyu77IXKoDe6Z4w9S3hOD3hSYad8aHe1XDL8bbGZ1AjwlsXjc1D1-v-6d2HzKSsTdl_avun6HjfLaXCXlNtDpo4U1EajYI_qNzMFfMxLsB5/w354-h532/IMG_5956.JPG" width="354" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">(Photo above: Japanese kindness just warms my heart so much!)</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br style="text-align: left;" /><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin_oKAL6KDpwZjmW1P8fAxItvALjRXgD36R0LcPqneDrNQRgUgNNWk5VjhMN6cCXIZ79qhZqxpwHzNOyBxe-8tkLIA8hIbUjLHyR1P4F_rEFKAbn2baNAZPA-G5RVBphlbc6DcCYaikiJZ/s2048/IMG_3753.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin_oKAL6KDpwZjmW1P8fAxItvALjRXgD36R0LcPqneDrNQRgUgNNWk5VjhMN6cCXIZ79qhZqxpwHzNOyBxe-8tkLIA8hIbUjLHyR1P4F_rEFKAbn2baNAZPA-G5RVBphlbc6DcCYaikiJZ/s320/IMG_3753.JPG" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCRf1aye76BmBuBSBsbwefdSrByflCPoF8E1n67caps700gDiJfw_GEq4rrp9u7RGbHNVSfAgYGCXq0L7YsI0HUahtjZtRcVObwA2gNigju5n2Fpov_ZmQbYOEdXcj-k-fNA_8NH-KIOhn/s2048/IMG_3755.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCRf1aye76BmBuBSBsbwefdSrByflCPoF8E1n67caps700gDiJfw_GEq4rrp9u7RGbHNVSfAgYGCXq0L7YsI0HUahtjZtRcVObwA2gNigju5n2Fpov_ZmQbYOEdXcj-k-fNA_8NH-KIOhn/s320/IMG_3755.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU2L5xOU9w8IHbAm9cxYldvYPz6nllKKIrjl7yOcf9NG4jaG42a3n21CGmtejOAtjCFJFw3d7SqtHFIS8p_gq7GsTVzNPIGSmEb1iZVkWSstzWhm-bu7encyQEZu85ZW7vSo2PmQm9HszL/s2048/IMG_5958.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU2L5xOU9w8IHbAm9cxYldvYPz6nllKKIrjl7yOcf9NG4jaG42a3n21CGmtejOAtjCFJFw3d7SqtHFIS8p_gq7GsTVzNPIGSmEb1iZVkWSstzWhm-bu7encyQEZu85ZW7vSo2PmQm9HszL/s320/IMG_5958.JPG" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtBwm-7EEfsU5jrTMKEDHKF6fti9mlci_2GboS-mG1-Lhl6W9pKxHQYzveWD-cKY9FUoJ_KdM5DfeMFyXubeNdwn_loCoOpfspL4h1hSN_JN9vKOxz5IeGFYTEyJPxfZGyMg42TXOo76p0/s2048/IMG_5959.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtBwm-7EEfsU5jrTMKEDHKF6fti9mlci_2GboS-mG1-Lhl6W9pKxHQYzveWD-cKY9FUoJ_KdM5DfeMFyXubeNdwn_loCoOpfspL4h1hSN_JN9vKOxz5IeGFYTEyJPxfZGyMg42TXOo76p0/s320/IMG_5959.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl28zFH6aHSMaoL8r8yk-Z27BeJuGcM1OZhH-IsWgik4Q1XV71b0EZC46XL21OTWx4J9lxxByzTHZJyNlJlrPG1I2BSRiOlgAgKzn9CXFIYlhq5QwwVNBxsEzeM4Otw5yvUGq2jOmBSMC5/s2048/IMG_5960.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl28zFH6aHSMaoL8r8yk-Z27BeJuGcM1OZhH-IsWgik4Q1XV71b0EZC46XL21OTWx4J9lxxByzTHZJyNlJlrPG1I2BSRiOlgAgKzn9CXFIYlhq5QwwVNBxsEzeM4Otw5yvUGq2jOmBSMC5/s320/IMG_5960.JPG" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbSCzOBeSDicEX2kYd3Y7jFeaNrjRFdscInXMaAO0XKyFuK3-NswXvzoaybWhyc5abe-2J1CriljNVufV6n-8OLf1sBL98JYRKk0s5mHdpSM2sHmSxg8CosnXa2Gng3F3QaLI-D-Qwm8FB/s2048/IMG_5962.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbSCzOBeSDicEX2kYd3Y7jFeaNrjRFdscInXMaAO0XKyFuK3-NswXvzoaybWhyc5abe-2J1CriljNVufV6n-8OLf1sBL98JYRKk0s5mHdpSM2sHmSxg8CosnXa2Gng3F3QaLI-D-Qwm8FB/s320/IMG_5962.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_759O6XRUgGfriyZdQhaevkUmMcIhZOnotLfWMbwULoNwkgNUrfFjEQJMxqnH-Yo4zScuxLKTx3vOLEUxkpp7cN1PvFd-87JWNraZGHVECmLmX3-HZBqT4BiCLgAeycGRVwza9u_J3RND/s2048/IMG_5964.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_759O6XRUgGfriyZdQhaevkUmMcIhZOnotLfWMbwULoNwkgNUrfFjEQJMxqnH-Yo4zScuxLKTx3vOLEUxkpp7cN1PvFd-87JWNraZGHVECmLmX3-HZBqT4BiCLgAeycGRVwza9u_J3RND/s320/IMG_5964.JPG" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnPUycmpV7vQ-xnVBeQmD6TY1gmYb0KPAyC9Rb9JjZbIhlTQnPz5MTWa6bJ3R1Rnm47wyGwkDs9YwiRtlh7cYGxTAoXFw-6hTM6Ps3SpWtZAg10_qrCX4xKx6yPgTWC6052K2PE4H4NJmc/s2048/IMG_5965.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnPUycmpV7vQ-xnVBeQmD6TY1gmYb0KPAyC9Rb9JjZbIhlTQnPz5MTWa6bJ3R1Rnm47wyGwkDs9YwiRtlh7cYGxTAoXFw-6hTM6Ps3SpWtZAg10_qrCX4xKx6yPgTWC6052K2PE4H4NJmc/s320/IMG_5965.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: verdana;"><b>Starbucks - Hirosaki Park Store</b></span></p></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Right on the south side of Hirosaki Park is an award winning Starbucks store. It was built back in 1917 as the official residence of the Army Commander. This western-Japanese mix styled house conveys the essence of Taisho Romance in its bar and conference room area. You can also see elements of the Tsugaru region with its patterned chairs. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-6jMSRI0NC-XIkFG9MqKTrjrqfyQAS7_UDbjtyDhE7yUL1VPb4jCaV3W2AlshsjmJN69yB1HzdhYH_nnFX075WRgMXXtbIpRn120ij1YYs7nS2j4BaLjBv6OdM87mvrEGqRLbySxUOf6z/s2048/IMG_3586.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="359" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-6jMSRI0NC-XIkFG9MqKTrjrqfyQAS7_UDbjtyDhE7yUL1VPb4jCaV3W2AlshsjmJN69yB1HzdhYH_nnFX075WRgMXXtbIpRn120ij1YYs7nS2j4BaLjBv6OdM87mvrEGqRLbySxUOf6z/w479-h359/IMG_3586.JPG" width="479" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJGCA3CLK4oSyluHr8R905x6lDRnj3laWfGV3UZZZWZON8UALFE1BHvTOrjbRffpwJn63jAib8zjGLQK6ILuHG7KVus-HvtsqV48O-V1XSujOQSSFa7U-RgDyTLYzUA2P5-UxIZxyZoC1K/s2048/IMG_3592.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJGCA3CLK4oSyluHr8R905x6lDRnj3laWfGV3UZZZWZON8UALFE1BHvTOrjbRffpwJn63jAib8zjGLQK6ILuHG7KVus-HvtsqV48O-V1XSujOQSSFa7U-RgDyTLYzUA2P5-UxIZxyZoC1K/s320/IMG_3592.JPG" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4AREAm5b9mw3DsxVGvC98anlsz_59A6IWcHhR8EzoHlpciSJnqUO8z1GZFR5Iot_FFEM6i_pK33IyUEgMz37kZp3s1RVroy_20auZDLezxSJ_Pw08m5YhqtCnqVT_ZKOVSf7kGYg6LeFG/s2048/IMG_3604.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4AREAm5b9mw3DsxVGvC98anlsz_59A6IWcHhR8EzoHlpciSJnqUO8z1GZFR5Iot_FFEM6i_pK33IyUEgMz37kZp3s1RVroy_20auZDLezxSJ_Pw08m5YhqtCnqVT_ZKOVSf7kGYg6LeFG/s320/IMG_3604.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #6aa84f; font-family: verdana;"><b>Taisho Roman Tea Room </b></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Just down the road from Starbucks, right inside the entrance of Fujita Memorial garden is this tea room. It is another iconic architectural/historical spot for Hirosaki. It was built in 1921 for business man Kenichi Fujita. Taisho stands for the years between 1912-1926 where the Taisho emperor ruled. Roman is short for 19th century European "romanticism". As a whole it's a trend of thought and cultural events that represented a liberation and a new era. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">The gorgeous sun room in the back features large panel windows that look out into the garden full of autumn foliage. Here you can do an apple pie tea set or apple pie tasting set of 6 different type of pies. </span></p></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA5Q_HgiWPFzHjWstE-v4SjunrP4m-i5-bifk9vXE8mxb99xIll9EAt_rLgPKZnEZzBxVJPgZCzwkkydLxL0CGy6styZNs5NAI6Qb8KaST8KLTAb-KtY3A201YLoHi03Ge7NW-0jZWdDUh/s2048/IMG_3624.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="445" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA5Q_HgiWPFzHjWstE-v4SjunrP4m-i5-bifk9vXE8mxb99xIll9EAt_rLgPKZnEZzBxVJPgZCzwkkydLxL0CGy6styZNs5NAI6Qb8KaST8KLTAb-KtY3A201YLoHi03Ge7NW-0jZWdDUh/w334-h445/IMG_3624.JPG" width="334" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm-CSkgyqkEBfvAoUzsX_Hrxc6p0pPXEZRi9QzPiOxIAJjTilG9OfWhb4pGeNy_JUpjHBe-IeT14H3bZMD6dpeaTBhKrNjUVbMx3_86oCXWcNTQhDs1RXcZxK_gNecBhxptOqEU__n2t3w/s2048/IMG_3614.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm-CSkgyqkEBfvAoUzsX_Hrxc6p0pPXEZRi9QzPiOxIAJjTilG9OfWhb4pGeNy_JUpjHBe-IeT14H3bZMD6dpeaTBhKrNjUVbMx3_86oCXWcNTQhDs1RXcZxK_gNecBhxptOqEU__n2t3w/s320/IMG_3614.JPG" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX_1ocoNRqXCScP1G452kDLFs_xksD6iB49KM1qdrrlI_mt7d-gTxf_OhseK_CDcCcDAqE_LcyL1mSd9XGJLBpCrKC3IaGtloFufPjxqEjeo_abAkQwkGTNIcdp3ZbxWVLNJ_OwhTYt9JA/s2048/IMG_3625.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX_1ocoNRqXCScP1G452kDLFs_xksD6iB49KM1qdrrlI_mt7d-gTxf_OhseK_CDcCcDAqE_LcyL1mSd9XGJLBpCrKC3IaGtloFufPjxqEjeo_abAkQwkGTNIcdp3ZbxWVLNJ_OwhTYt9JA/s320/IMG_3625.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; text-align: left;"><b><span style="color: #990000;">Fujita Memorial Garden</span></b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; text-align: left;">This is a Japanese style garden that features yellow, orange, and red maples as well as a Giant Gingko tree. It's a popular spot for newlyweds to take wedding photos, but also a perfect autumn foliage spot! It wasn't crowded like Hirosaki park so you could really enjoy the colors in peace and quiet. During the autumn festival period, entry to this park is free! </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX0koc_Hj86hXQRVa4eianjigbH1QuE6nEY-pnf_sLWe_BEONCUUJ6W13lvxn61DHVO66RWAfo6NLsdPaSUxlxY9aYa7Y05gwGzYEHHjSmfJi7av0Zf-AKh6XWSxy5YuIU1GWxHbjQPB3E/s2048/IMG_3728.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="444" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX0koc_Hj86hXQRVa4eianjigbH1QuE6nEY-pnf_sLWe_BEONCUUJ6W13lvxn61DHVO66RWAfo6NLsdPaSUxlxY9aYa7Y05gwGzYEHHjSmfJi7av0Zf-AKh6XWSxy5YuIU1GWxHbjQPB3E/w333-h444/IMG_3728.JPG" width="333" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtClnPMc2JNNn9ZfzLZeg7aQYPW4J8yGQcA14O_5qA4KzylL9y_LbQuXztLFGGX4Sg4eYvmVIb7seg4H454zz2T1PjiuBEBMwP1IWlQTh7Ing0AO0cqijP4TPFCYoTjKLUcEnoy6vSmz6l/s2048/IMG_3868.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtClnPMc2JNNn9ZfzLZeg7aQYPW4J8yGQcA14O_5qA4KzylL9y_LbQuXztLFGGX4Sg4eYvmVIb7seg4H454zz2T1PjiuBEBMwP1IWlQTh7Ing0AO0cqijP4TPFCYoTjKLUcEnoy6vSmz6l/s320/IMG_3868.JPG" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiafs88N2rdspeKS7aLFYrQq1flpD5mlHi72D0ezDsAQJbnb9dgUlqhnP51IKzdlvcshbqPuis-Apj7eb-Yr9t6VvoPaXaOlfyk0-zXzPk21teJ4esPod6WvKLQppEKg9uhrpr19eI0YtYZ/s2048/IMG_3740.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiafs88N2rdspeKS7aLFYrQq1flpD5mlHi72D0ezDsAQJbnb9dgUlqhnP51IKzdlvcshbqPuis-Apj7eb-Yr9t6VvoPaXaOlfyk0-zXzPk21teJ4esPod6WvKLQppEKg9uhrpr19eI0YtYZ/s320/IMG_3740.JPG" width="240" /></a> </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiweFyHV550OZg8UtGabrEkdopEyIktC-aDNwLgOYOw4jVO0INP3B2Q9mo7ZLa65ARbG7PugGVCSsYQUWhWlAhwpfow22lbyBAkAy8ZAIXa7_4ZBEbEsnp7HPjNHsT48JOI3UKKvZx2qQQx/s2048/IMG_3876.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiweFyHV550OZg8UtGabrEkdopEyIktC-aDNwLgOYOw4jVO0INP3B2Q9mo7ZLa65ARbG7PugGVCSsYQUWhWlAhwpfow22lbyBAkAy8ZAIXa7_4ZBEbEsnp7HPjNHsT48JOI3UKKvZx2qQQx/s320/IMG_3876.JPG" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZd920D-aqLZmPJepnt5xUAoook-iFjOA8Kv4ZUdzJsEIPEkq5eAgQzwx_6Wr7-DD90ysYIro9mC7COE0CFL39gGczul1Lbk1VHFPn_fHazwOrWtju1Ycw4R4hp4ICHSzymnzbs_pss2Xc/s2048/IMG_3877.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZd920D-aqLZmPJepnt5xUAoook-iFjOA8Kv4ZUdzJsEIPEkq5eAgQzwx_6Wr7-DD90ysYIro9mC7COE0CFL39gGczul1Lbk1VHFPn_fHazwOrWtju1Ycw4R4hp4ICHSzymnzbs_pss2Xc/s320/IMG_3877.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #674ea7;"><b>Kuroishi City - Lantern making at Irodori </b></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana; text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Hop on the Konan Line, Kuroishi City is 30mins from Hirosaki at the very last stop. This train line was so scenic, running through the country side full of apple farms and the background covered in majestic mountain ranges. You really get into the country side by riding this train and I love it! </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Because this train is operated independently and not a part of JR East, I couldn't use my pass here. The one way fair is ¥470. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRflGSItKuYv8s-YokhCk18MIZVFkwfT8sfj0zWYvOBIpv0M6jrlyEpzNgaNy2q8AdCnrkFrU2lV-KB3961PHrO_dZbgPhvWvhOLZCh3VzgGNWG9RjaKT2zSnI26PYFZPEMSbCjCK6YHmH/s2048/IMG_5966.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRflGSItKuYv8s-YokhCk18MIZVFkwfT8sfj0zWYvOBIpv0M6jrlyEpzNgaNy2q8AdCnrkFrU2lV-KB3961PHrO_dZbgPhvWvhOLZCh3VzgGNWG9RjaKT2zSnI26PYFZPEMSbCjCK6YHmH/s320/IMG_5966.JPG" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzAZhOYJiwei0ujRyqMQZ41U7Ocp3OOFcmAYzfgtwclSuFttmtmdBE1-XcF1JyMut6KnqWGdflyH4cKxjDisGg8wy4FX4gpchbeG5QPzajlBmlmR4MZUp_n1QNjjeIcTX7EJ_BnpwbmvSJ/s2048/IMG_5967.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzAZhOYJiwei0ujRyqMQZ41U7Ocp3OOFcmAYzfgtwclSuFttmtmdBE1-XcF1JyMut6KnqWGdflyH4cKxjDisGg8wy4FX4gpchbeG5QPzajlBmlmR4MZUp_n1QNjjeIcTX7EJ_BnpwbmvSJ/s320/IMG_5967.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAazSwLLhyphenhyphenxau3IwFkGV102uvDfk_jXutL4ogI3G0QrFMPF0kaqAN7_AI-xDLEE3PgBCWeS3DIugxsytxtbMjuhI4AwKNyBu3iniazUhAMXAxwYUx0Hv0Ocr0mqaQc5CidzU_o7FMNQmtc/s2048/IMG_5978.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAazSwLLhyphenhyphenxau3IwFkGV102uvDfk_jXutL4ogI3G0QrFMPF0kaqAN7_AI-xDLEE3PgBCWeS3DIugxsytxtbMjuhI4AwKNyBu3iniazUhAMXAxwYUx0Hv0Ocr0mqaQc5CidzU_o7FMNQmtc/w397-h298/IMG_5978.JPG" width="397" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">From Kuroishi Station, Irodori is a short 10mins walk. All of the fans and lanterns displayed in the workshop already blew me away before I even started making one. The colors, patterns, and light just really captured the soul of Tsugaru region so well. For lantern making you can choose 1, 2, and 3 layer. Because I didn't have a lot of time, I made only a 1 layer lantern. It's super easy and fun! </span></div><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKShQKrwnj9as6XsQu8F3WjbvN-RIMD6VAIVJ4LbtXfBRfJHrM4J-sQ5CT3nVlLcVLoTr_bQ3I7aG8WA1SM3Pe1rCUxdc-fcWsahXZTT_LhT72Crgao_IAo_9lU43xL6nCXzjjMc5uvvip/s2048/IMG_3990.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKShQKrwnj9as6XsQu8F3WjbvN-RIMD6VAIVJ4LbtXfBRfJHrM4J-sQ5CT3nVlLcVLoTr_bQ3I7aG8WA1SM3Pe1rCUxdc-fcWsahXZTT_LhT72Crgao_IAo_9lU43xL6nCXzjjMc5uvvip/s320/IMG_3990.JPG" width="240" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-UU0Vbny4vgeR1XDswivFstH5wmAFUsq7D1i9jH4xlL9_fZJuRx0wBMr8QLzqJJcn7tAnkLDxLv2lzGyoCJuj_zZ-d-UuXpappVcrHdpctp5xlIcb8VE-onvHLyIyi9iUp1ZqhVUJ70YY/s2048/IMG_5975.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-UU0Vbny4vgeR1XDswivFstH5wmAFUsq7D1i9jH4xlL9_fZJuRx0wBMr8QLzqJJcn7tAnkLDxLv2lzGyoCJuj_zZ-d-UuXpappVcrHdpctp5xlIcb8VE-onvHLyIyi9iUp1ZqhVUJ70YY/s320/IMG_5975.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ6rqtM8gqpRd_Wl2ogfm0NKSC081FmmHvwXhGb99soQRpTFzBRFtD_1wBuol2I_DX1fpiMeKBQNbX4-oqobdw21QjdoP1raC4YjhfbnjRhlPaPzPipWhjvv-JP9gtzrXf3-Q7U8CnOz6f/s2048/IMG_5968.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ6rqtM8gqpRd_Wl2ogfm0NKSC081FmmHvwXhGb99soQRpTFzBRFtD_1wBuol2I_DX1fpiMeKBQNbX4-oqobdw21QjdoP1raC4YjhfbnjRhlPaPzPipWhjvv-JP9gtzrXf3-Q7U8CnOz6f/s320/IMG_5968.JPG" width="240" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpIydHI-zOdlyq-xc6yNULJ8n48wEpwp2MkMLTueXHSv4Uo8fmFv4Hc02M0yOwKZdSIpD9ueusPyO5VLF__PiRqnQGuCGGPVrfMgt7jw2JezDn4ttOvNWTpckptwMj3guFwN8huK2Ndvuf/s2048/IMG_5973.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpIydHI-zOdlyq-xc6yNULJ8n48wEpwp2MkMLTueXHSv4Uo8fmFv4Hc02M0yOwKZdSIpD9ueusPyO5VLF__PiRqnQGuCGGPVrfMgt7jw2JezDn4ttOvNWTpckptwMj3guFwN8huK2Ndvuf/s320/IMG_5973.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">The frame of the lantern is pre-made for you and the paper is pre-painted as well so all you need to do is:</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><ul><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">Pick pieces of paper with colors and patterns that you love</span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">Glue the paper into the frame</span></li></ul></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHpW78fS4wWgApNHOaHkyKuopVX9ILMSsOpJ-X0BQ7uVP2aBqpi5wdjHOHUCMLlvogAJucCwXzoqLc8wDGr3q68HHc9euhDZMf9XUz_blSZvKx1vRXN4dUEOlrtvnsws01yo9Nu4XyLSuD/s2048/IMG_5969.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHpW78fS4wWgApNHOaHkyKuopVX9ILMSsOpJ-X0BQ7uVP2aBqpi5wdjHOHUCMLlvogAJucCwXzoqLc8wDGr3q68HHc9euhDZMf9XUz_blSZvKx1vRXN4dUEOlrtvnsws01yo9Nu4XyLSuD/s320/IMG_5969.JPG" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUx3jRP3RKq5vMWmNxyllrbx6TNiy6GvvpWah6f3mCtT6oabABo14zMTJNOR2ppr9cEWRQBOhIHtICueRIm7nam2qd5NQtYIzLN8B7wMhhJSejy5BhiVQ2w-JNpcS5vpCyFk8o7m3bc9nz/s2048/IMG_5974.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUx3jRP3RKq5vMWmNxyllrbx6TNiy6GvvpWah6f3mCtT6oabABo14zMTJNOR2ppr9cEWRQBOhIHtICueRIm7nam2qd5NQtYIzLN8B7wMhhJSejy5BhiVQ2w-JNpcS5vpCyFk8o7m3bc9nz/s320/IMG_5974.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p><span style="color: #a64d79; font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><b>Hoshino Resort Kai Tsugaru </b></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">So I really splurged on this one. Hoshino resorts cost about ¥45,000/night to stay at but honestly it is absolutely worth it. I decided to splurge because of all of the amazing experiences it offers, on top of that I was celebrating one year living in Japan! Walking into the lobby I was already so impressed. The hotel has a lot of design elements that represent the region, from Neputa lanterns to Kogin-zashi embroidery patterns. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">There are free shuttle busses running multiple times a day from JR Owani Onsen station to Hoshino Resorts. Please check their website for the schedule. </span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwQavk4vcfUFn151CuKFDnYblTrC7c-HDCot-5ZyWsfcm3ooINICegqCEcc6q9FXsCnTieAm8gxsm3z4oqX2Gzz3oOF5CGFPAzqvaHeDSoqMxMrHuEQvaKnuSjeBCQXqSAp-yIOa_FuC3P/s1800/C95B272A-FF3E-4D8F-90CC-EDCD714F3F02.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="1440" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwQavk4vcfUFn151CuKFDnYblTrC7c-HDCot-5ZyWsfcm3ooINICegqCEcc6q9FXsCnTieAm8gxsm3z4oqX2Gzz3oOF5CGFPAzqvaHeDSoqMxMrHuEQvaKnuSjeBCQXqSAp-yIOa_FuC3P/s320/C95B272A-FF3E-4D8F-90CC-EDCD714F3F02.JPG" width="256" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDjpYz09enL_B-fF6GVGbj8yGxbxvSNNnccE1d4noHHDmktsyCRQQj-xlvpQ9RhS0qe_cqn31Id47Ihg-tE-nJKDPsaFUiW9A32sUCQAX6RpJuFgHXpgpQkwyXEaC_r0eWTQiR-A89iEuc/s2048/IMG_3783.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDjpYz09enL_B-fF6GVGbj8yGxbxvSNNnccE1d4noHHDmktsyCRQQj-xlvpQ9RhS0qe_cqn31Id47Ihg-tE-nJKDPsaFUiW9A32sUCQAX6RpJuFgHXpgpQkwyXEaC_r0eWTQiR-A89iEuc/s320/IMG_3783.JPG" width="240" /></a></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB_N4DEmDmsfm1F1mANa3gqpPh2SzUTq-2gwS6EPPiJ2pal2wKMfJyP1QfJQFKMsvhY3E0qgGXyCd_zNS0gl_Y8g23Ba3PWDe5vNEB15uBmzPCOVaAM69LbEe37rDdMfrbNTeEjN2DlcGH/s2048/IMG_4062.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB_N4DEmDmsfm1F1mANa3gqpPh2SzUTq-2gwS6EPPiJ2pal2wKMfJyP1QfJQFKMsvhY3E0qgGXyCd_zNS0gl_Y8g23Ba3PWDe5vNEB15uBmzPCOVaAM69LbEe37rDdMfrbNTeEjN2DlcGH/s320/IMG_4062.JPG" width="240" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd_40uWfq_d_GN5g3vnm01gcWRNO4qGv0ZIV-5dL5g4YoKWgFOnIyViYsQY-Z1uVyiWqF6Si3sZjzIYjzIxuynPwpnIUslej0KuzdcHm3_NdGD7DvTXY4DGrQPfUKE5p-S_ZOFcovxX6ku/s2048/IMG_4059.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd_40uWfq_d_GN5g3vnm01gcWRNO4qGv0ZIV-5dL5g4YoKWgFOnIyViYsQY-Z1uVyiWqF6Si3sZjzIYjzIxuynPwpnIUslej0KuzdcHm3_NdGD7DvTXY4DGrQPfUKE5p-S_ZOFcovxX6ku/s320/IMG_4059.JPG" width="240" /></a></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLTraPA69ttUorXL4YJ0P0mlTmtiHMH01suby_YgtLGMHjxlmYCpmxNrqRACc26ypi2Y1G7svOWrKtrVPVjVALSUDA8h2Bbifpi-RlQrDCJ1B8SNM2KmJ1FXHBQtGz15tinABmP7zn61Ra/s2048/IMG_3959.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLTraPA69ttUorXL4YJ0P0mlTmtiHMH01suby_YgtLGMHjxlmYCpmxNrqRACc26ypi2Y1G7svOWrKtrVPVjVALSUDA8h2Bbifpi-RlQrDCJ1B8SNM2KmJ1FXHBQtGz15tinABmP7zn61Ra/w532-h400/IMG_3959.JPG" width="532" /></a></p><p><span style="color: #da581c; font-family: verdana;"><b>Apple Afternoon Tea </b></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">This afternoon tea is limited to one set per day up to 4 people, so you bet I called 2 weeks in advance to make a reservation. Their customer service hotline is in English so not to worry! This tea set is an assortment of different types of apples as well as pastries and apple tea from the region. It was really interesting to try apples with sweet, more sour, and different textures in a row. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxmi47oQWrUWSWgwQURlnPujmsRYcR6bZz4m9Tc72ihy1dOnX8ACsb4nSEkMDU5cqQ1KjdTlo4OrTMeUuzZjURQ0fKC_CwIsq_ewAldPgSqKCkshJrNghQMrwAsgbWDewH_7WJkHJUCvxl/s2048/IMG_3895.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxmi47oQWrUWSWgwQURlnPujmsRYcR6bZz4m9Tc72ihy1dOnX8ACsb4nSEkMDU5cqQ1KjdTlo4OrTMeUuzZjURQ0fKC_CwIsq_ewAldPgSqKCkshJrNghQMrwAsgbWDewH_7WJkHJUCvxl/s320/IMG_3895.JPG" width="240" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCmReWNCYAHWAHzE6XQH3Pj7BuP2thacExUrNlhiowcFNV_wuCI7ilIWeN5Upoh4FLSNDKZyjChzlsm3MZQJk8ZZfbHRp6QFdxmqba3CWKcgsuNvDn_98sF7qP_VGUFsm5q5eN1ZVIgEnR/s2048/IMG_5980.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCmReWNCYAHWAHzE6XQH3Pj7BuP2thacExUrNlhiowcFNV_wuCI7ilIWeN5Upoh4FLSNDKZyjChzlsm3MZQJk8ZZfbHRp6QFdxmqba3CWKcgsuNvDn_98sF7qP_VGUFsm5q5eN1ZVIgEnR/s320/IMG_5980.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLSI1ZrqX-ukrXLUnMkh3qaaXc8qTadrnQImxjxMWWZQ12_EVcPfxxagaVGVghe1mx-0otbNS9GI9VjSMhDgRmZSv_-xPNU3-bUXLRW8WvrOvVhpYh54iXYnZM9WEwj2ph2cdWR6WHgOyX/s2048/IMG_5979.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLSI1ZrqX-ukrXLUnMkh3qaaXc8qTadrnQImxjxMWWZQ12_EVcPfxxagaVGVghe1mx-0otbNS9GI9VjSMhDgRmZSv_-xPNU3-bUXLRW8WvrOvVhpYh54iXYnZM9WEwj2ph2cdWR6WHgOyX/s320/IMG_5979.JPG" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYQcWgXQl8hNzpJ0itQF7Eid3qQebClKV_vfU-W5B1TeYCYLeFRG6pXbBa9K9T9JTdipIv4Y1Yr6h55M4NPCIHoxOrl3eLs7VK9Zi4YuB9VNx1MVdhkqOYyZwOyhw-UnYIO1q5SLB2UqWB/s2048/IMG_3778.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYQcWgXQl8hNzpJ0itQF7Eid3qQebClKV_vfU-W5B1TeYCYLeFRG6pXbBa9K9T9JTdipIv4Y1Yr6h55M4NPCIHoxOrl3eLs7VK9Zi4YuB9VNx1MVdhkqOYyZwOyhw-UnYIO1q5SLB2UqWB/s320/IMG_3778.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><p><span style="color: #bf9000; font-family: verdana;"><b>The meal experience</b></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">The meals are served at given times and you can book in advance on their website. I choose 7:30pm so I can watch the Shamisen performance at 9pm right after. The dining area is on the 2nd floor with a semi-private room layout. I love it because I was traveling alone and it gave me some privacy. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Dinner is a 9-course endeavor serving:</span></p><p></p><ul><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">Appetizer: Tuna and sea urchin with black garlic paste (Aomori is known for garlic)</span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">Soup: egg, sea urchin, shrimp and mushrooms</span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">Assorted delicacies (7 items): sushi, rice cracker, baked sweet potato, chestnut and spinach, seasonal vegetables etc. </span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">Sashimi: Tuna, scallop, red sea bream</span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">Pickled dish: mozuku seaweed </span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">Fried dish: Fried foie gras and radish tempura, assorted vegetable tempura</span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">Steamed dish: baked mushroom and scallop</span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">Earthen pot steamed rice </span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">Dessert: unbaked cheese cake with apple and assorted berry sauce </span></li></ul><p></p></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhupu7Z16IUcxWsrt2TH89yJNI8KIkFm8YMea12qBeSAGL5RAViAnGlv0ajB3JZgvQZodAIK41Wxaj417i6JNe9t5KxlTNrbAbn4_8PG9o77D0SdxheL-roJPUKsWpUnpUucVAO_KwnGYhM/s2048/IMG_3923.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhupu7Z16IUcxWsrt2TH89yJNI8KIkFm8YMea12qBeSAGL5RAViAnGlv0ajB3JZgvQZodAIK41Wxaj417i6JNe9t5KxlTNrbAbn4_8PG9o77D0SdxheL-roJPUKsWpUnpUucVAO_KwnGYhM/s320/IMG_3923.JPG" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmpDEH2SYbSgpoZS2j8LT4_z_mY3xg_L9WDhDsNnx_9R4bdhyphenhyphen-etmna0v_WXgQKJDD-Y01mgT-FjVMaF_fj3ESL-g6Opo29w3PxGsM6hO7sLHI8tODiNighiAGLDsbhyphenhyphenBR7anNtq9xeV9R/s2048/IMG_4047.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmpDEH2SYbSgpoZS2j8LT4_z_mY3xg_L9WDhDsNnx_9R4bdhyphenhyphen-etmna0v_WXgQKJDD-Y01mgT-FjVMaF_fj3ESL-g6Opo29w3PxGsM6hO7sLHI8tODiNighiAGLDsbhyphenhyphenBR7anNtq9xeV9R/s320/IMG_4047.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Breakfast was just as grand, with 7 dishes. You can see the food on the photo below on the left. I would be in heaven if I could eat breakfast like this every day! The scallops boiled like that is a delicacy that fishermen in the area eat. They add egg on top of the scollops as it boils and the flame comes to an end. </span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB-42wxBvBaffo-12-ICnnD1-nzAhHmGPkjB9-gqK2P1dIsp0bnMMJwYcQkjHBE8N8a8WlwbAL7S6TpWtcl5-ke5uMpdjjav3BU2fHO4JEdfvBHr9dN9CMaDgHDSWL7nzA-_iAMdaU7l6P/s2048/IMG_4048.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB-42wxBvBaffo-12-ICnnD1-nzAhHmGPkjB9-gqK2P1dIsp0bnMMJwYcQkjHBE8N8a8WlwbAL7S6TpWtcl5-ke5uMpdjjav3BU2fHO4JEdfvBHr9dN9CMaDgHDSWL7nzA-_iAMdaU7l6P/s320/IMG_4048.JPG" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimPSIOeO5oiS5Xtd7zkuI89_v89XicToWOqTYde_79jR6lLyJ2u2kjkcbi7e8IyvrwQhmQgu259Sa9rR9AImKOUw43oZJNBxkkQpwmn_rSLanoXGUnWIO_daEfAu8fkCUjc58-AOhCQ9vX/s2048/IMG_4051.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimPSIOeO5oiS5Xtd7zkuI89_v89XicToWOqTYde_79jR6lLyJ2u2kjkcbi7e8IyvrwQhmQgu259Sa9rR9AImKOUw43oZJNBxkkQpwmn_rSLanoXGUnWIO_daEfAu8fkCUjc58-AOhCQ9vX/s320/IMG_4051.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><b>Shamisen performance and trial play</b></span> </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">At 9pm each day, their resident Shamisen master, national champion, Kohei Shibuya performs with one of his students. He is originallly from Kuroishi and plays Tsugaru style shamisen. This style shamisen is a heavier instrument and played while held at a 45degree angle. The performance lasts about half an hour, but afterwards you can go up and the champion himself will teach you how to play a simple tune from "Sakura". </span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRJaiXiJHnFb9eUVu4iz_ynVcCkXNyXvo1F3btT2Fap_im7lqo50bm8kBqiASVNM6Ad8aU9mfyfgMY_RdgJ8QA1yIxukoLtvrVsjRMvvJrOA7C9HnBZPlnXFFFdGQAXGNq_plN_kKdFm-A/s2048/IMG_3955.JPG" style="font-family: Times; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="419" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRJaiXiJHnFb9eUVu4iz_ynVcCkXNyXvo1F3btT2Fap_im7lqo50bm8kBqiASVNM6Ad8aU9mfyfgMY_RdgJ8QA1yIxukoLtvrVsjRMvvJrOA7C9HnBZPlnXFFFdGQAXGNq_plN_kKdFm-A/w315-h419/IMG_3955.JPG" width="315" /></a></span></p><p><span style="color: #e06666; font-family: verdana;"><b>Apple Onsen </b></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Another absolute highlight from this trip was dipping in an apple-filled onsen! Although this resort only has one public bath per gender, the bath is so gorgeous with all of the apples! it's just a really modern-sleek design but still keeping the traditional elements. </span></p></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxLKbyq5yHqKvk8BrQuDXOz5T730K4tdR0_VbHpN8QZr2vD6koV38m2JdNhNiuvqvStrBWYxe1xZnK_UxrcfIMEX_LBrYEqVonGgKt3TWEjjGBivRenoXHEWyhzSTpoXVQw3URqA999hso/s1800/C4DBFD3F-9119-42F0-8831-9A46F64D4ECA.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="1440" height="409" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxLKbyq5yHqKvk8BrQuDXOz5T730K4tdR0_VbHpN8QZr2vD6koV38m2JdNhNiuvqvStrBWYxe1xZnK_UxrcfIMEX_LBrYEqVonGgKt3TWEjjGBivRenoXHEWyhzSTpoXVQw3URqA999hso/w327-h409/C4DBFD3F-9119-42F0-8831-9A46F64D4ECA.JPG" width="327" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b><span style="color: #e69138;">Kogin-zashi Embroidery</span></b></span></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">On the ground floor in the back is this little library area. There's also sets of Kogin-Zashi embroidery boxes for you to try. There are photo guided steps on how to make this super easy pattern on a bookmark. I honestly had so much fun making this! It was very calm and relaxing to do this after breakfast in the terrace area. Tis activity is free, available 24/7 and there are 8 colors of thread to choose from! </span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvQcfaFQyJVqjQF-RnQ5v_X5cEISbARcliIavrOQrQ9Pau58JJapzlr632WY5uiuLAP4qPe_MjZrlTHZshfsZiU3XCFBDJvVZbJUewIpqtufYEUKlac6p2Jxj6Sx0_qOlI26JjgI4bjYeM/s2048/IMG_4052.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvQcfaFQyJVqjQF-RnQ5v_X5cEISbARcliIavrOQrQ9Pau58JJapzlr632WY5uiuLAP4qPe_MjZrlTHZshfsZiU3XCFBDJvVZbJUewIpqtufYEUKlac6p2Jxj6Sx0_qOlI26JjgI4bjYeM/s320/IMG_4052.JPG" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibtFujlUYS-BYmmSnpsgLYPwFovwb0mE9Tv1hiSRxCam8RZCDUkQ4MQz3QqpfiUpyZo1DugJ6JneHky_uI9h-Ws3ozRxFf80SdkUu8wymMJwz6A5VIPbsMEzSmpZvQdpTwtqtoHbdYmoGh/s2048/IMG_4053.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibtFujlUYS-BYmmSnpsgLYPwFovwb0mE9Tv1hiSRxCam8RZCDUkQ4MQz3QqpfiUpyZo1DugJ6JneHky_uI9h-Ws3ozRxFf80SdkUu8wymMJwz6A5VIPbsMEzSmpZvQdpTwtqtoHbdYmoGh/s320/IMG_4053.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiAceFG0vPUkXZqdxpvAcJzPBZRmsktBrf_JrTMfQosWemjId7dEs6lXlvTBz830oUSzZNaAQ8BY4R3g3RZ7ZyUcMJqjBoqnJyehXGijarsJYUYKBNXn_yQIY_DnlddtHBiwdkJsQ2C2KA/s2048/IMG_4010.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiAceFG0vPUkXZqdxpvAcJzPBZRmsktBrf_JrTMfQosWemjId7dEs6lXlvTBz830oUSzZNaAQ8BY4R3g3RZ7ZyUcMJqjBoqnJyehXGijarsJYUYKBNXn_yQIY_DnlddtHBiwdkJsQ2C2KA/s320/IMG_4010.JPG" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7n1xr_iy-Mh__nHWhNVKw2yhjrX1qvqcNWw4VZup_DCvoDgZuK-k6SvXQPuyISNzubm0iO7dXTF0pOSmz3XFq9TKLi5ZjeY-HcifVhX-iteC-DyL1BudWyGLTZRh_w8zM6E62dAyH1WV4/s1799/EE8CA79B-FF50-441C-B9A2-1AF987C40D63.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1799" data-original-width="1440" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7n1xr_iy-Mh__nHWhNVKw2yhjrX1qvqcNWw4VZup_DCvoDgZuK-k6SvXQPuyISNzubm0iO7dXTF0pOSmz3XFq9TKLi5ZjeY-HcifVhX-iteC-DyL1BudWyGLTZRh_w8zM6E62dAyH1WV4/s320/EE8CA79B-FF50-441C-B9A2-1AF987C40D63.JPG" width="256" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: verdana;"><b>Owani Onsen Station </b></span></p></div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><div style="text-align: justify;">I really didn't want to leave, but Hoshino Resorts was such a perfect way to end this 5-day Tohoku tour. At Owani Onsen, you can take one last dip at their year-round foot bath for free. This onsen area has been opened for 200 years already! </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Also if you are taking the Shinkansen, there are a few express trains (covered by the JR East pass) that take you directly to Shin-Aomori Station. I took the one around 10:30am. </div></span><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY2IidBraTPfQymr3Fn5_ufIxTFjRKPZA1r2_a5Kx8RvTBB-ONpfsqjMugEIYzVnBT8IwhDzCneKuFWgJkbIaJ-ZISfPsC2M2zxafaQVgZEiECHuvUw1tYw4BwN7F0zobQBdMIUdziKUFl/s2048/IMG_4098.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="312" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY2IidBraTPfQymr3Fn5_ufIxTFjRKPZA1r2_a5Kx8RvTBB-ONpfsqjMugEIYzVnBT8IwhDzCneKuFWgJkbIaJ-ZISfPsC2M2zxafaQVgZEiECHuvUw1tYw4BwN7F0zobQBdMIUdziKUFl/w416-h312/IMG_4098.JPG" width="416" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br style="text-align: left;" /><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1XfMUQHymR62EQ8ldJxvQh63f-L9We2saBlrTnvx9QjuIcFbNu05lU9nAXQaRse5LFilZbHX2JAtnlrI2lmuVsefW2ZdFIDH2utEa25c1MxZjsjrninkhfFpibAVEHP1ro4cen2T_JDIf/s2048/IMG_4029.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="303" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1XfMUQHymR62EQ8ldJxvQh63f-L9We2saBlrTnvx9QjuIcFbNu05lU9nAXQaRse5LFilZbHX2JAtnlrI2lmuVsefW2ZdFIDH2utEa25c1MxZjsjrninkhfFpibAVEHP1ro4cen2T_JDIf/w405-h303/IMG_4029.JPG" width="405" /></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrBFeoJtIwS_TYqpBZjbFpglSwQ8UjTGqCmeG6Yiu9OOyZ0niNzvGGpmbNbUfTqv8MMRun1nOCCj9M1OepI5Tfs35r9p3vQC52wSjVHXo4Txuf0FXZqPeaiiBcxK3f_MM5uNiWImoFfY5Q/s2048/IMG_4064.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="420" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrBFeoJtIwS_TYqpBZjbFpglSwQ8UjTGqCmeG6Yiu9OOyZ0niNzvGGpmbNbUfTqv8MMRun1nOCCj9M1OepI5Tfs35r9p3vQC52wSjVHXo4Txuf0FXZqPeaiiBcxK3f_MM5uNiWImoFfY5Q/w315-h420/IMG_4064.JPG" width="315" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">I will be back for you soon, Tohoku! </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">More from the series: </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><ul><li><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: verdana;"><a href="http://www.arielland.com/2021/11/tohoku-5-day-trip-with-jr-east-rail-pass.html" target="_blank"><b>Tohoku 5-day trip with the JR-East rail pass</b></a></span></li><li><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: verdana;"><a href="http://www.arielland.com/2021/11/morioka-and-tsunagi-onsen-iwate.html" target="_blank"><b>Morioka and Tsunagi Onsen (Iwate)</b></a></span></li><li><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: verdana;"><a href="http://www.arielland.com/2021/11/kakunodate-akita-prefecture-tohoku.html" target="_blank"><b>Kakunodate (Akita)</b></a></span></li><li><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: verdana;"><a href="http://www.arielland.com/2021/11/aomori-sukayu-onsen-aomori-prefecture.html" target="_blank"><b>Aomori & Sukayu Onsen (Aomori)</b></a></span></li><li><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: verdana;"><a href="http://www.arielland.com/2021/11/hirosaki-kuroishi-owani-onsen-aomori.html" target="_blank"><b>Hirosaki, Kuroishi, and Owani Onsen (Aomori)</b></a></span></li></ul></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Follow me on instagram <a href="https://instagram.com/ariel.land" target="_blank"><span style="color: #e06666;"><b>@ariel.land</b></span></a> for more Japan tips and guides</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://instagram.com/ariel.land" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="2815" data-original-width="1117" height="699" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVaTBWYr3huYFAd780guk-tYz0UTpCEnrH-OaTvdnY8phAChblJ2wT55w82OESL7lr2QuBuy7ZdNKwmRH-1VbzD8L0sdUedTg8f4aAL8JaorPLK8Qj0x2BAVDGpPzcqr0POIIxiK4w746e/w278-h699/IMG_5903.JPG" width="278" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMjvaMfHjKs7gglnIeTJWozLwVkB0d-o-82JrfxFzAXr_onXgCKDvDf_oT5rGf5qaFc-NK2X4IQAYYJ-ivfJfQIXln0LDntORnvGcViXkr9KQTL7gzsJSSFUihxUJqd73QVaqjCo26TErD/s200/Screen+Shot+2014-10-23+at+7.51.53+PM.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="92" data-original-width="200" height="92" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMjvaMfHjKs7gglnIeTJWozLwVkB0d-o-82JrfxFzAXr_onXgCKDvDf_oT5rGf5qaFc-NK2X4IQAYYJ-ivfJfQIXln0LDntORnvGcViXkr9KQTL7gzsJSSFUihxUJqd73QVaqjCo26TErD/s0/Screen+Shot+2014-10-23+at+7.51.53+PM.png" width="200" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p></div>Arielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03509227042293152734noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8124579507526577941.post-72728417776104684362021-11-21T16:26:00.004+08:002024-02-25T16:18:27.994+08:00Aomori & Sukayu Onsen (Aomori Prefecture) | Tohoku Series<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNh9DzgzsiaFUbWjwY0Q5m287RYxEMslLUsz5ciQ9CkYeL9hlPyGrxaUTDTNiEuXVkR4rxIDP6b4VFtHjY4RZ7VMzsPOksFTdx2B8wWWS2clAeEqrdt_9nsEMWGwUwUNLX_zfLAzFyWaZJ/s1280/Aomori+and+Sukayu.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="325" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNh9DzgzsiaFUbWjwY0Q5m287RYxEMslLUsz5ciQ9CkYeL9hlPyGrxaUTDTNiEuXVkR4rxIDP6b4VFtHjY4RZ7VMzsPOksFTdx2B8wWWS2clAeEqrdt_9nsEMWGwUwUNLX_zfLAzFyWaZJ/w578-h325/Aomori+and+Sukayu.png" width="578" /></a></p><span><a name='more'></a></span><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Aomori City of Aomori Prefecture was the third stop on my 5-day Tohoku trip. It started in Morioka (Iwate), with a stop in Kakunodate (Akita), and I based myself in Aomori City for 2 days to explore Sukayu Onsen area as well. Being in Aomori City, there's 2 themes that stand out which you'll find all over the city: Apples and Nebuta lanterns. </span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRC3WasaMmqmO3_yYpprB_BNbJCkUqj-zds1IofW_teDaI8U0LCbzcfP1X5P0cWBTu_Tc2us8UgPuQc6DTTFXqvxE9U1idDwWFTdgd8Pktgj4qobCfziHFzkGrJzr72hFDHnuqWntWiS3w/s2048/IMG_2941.JPG" style="font-family: Times; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRC3WasaMmqmO3_yYpprB_BNbJCkUqj-zds1IofW_teDaI8U0LCbzcfP1X5P0cWBTu_Tc2us8UgPuQc6DTTFXqvxE9U1idDwWFTdgd8Pktgj4qobCfziHFzkGrJzr72hFDHnuqWntWiS3w/s320/IMG_2941.JPG" width="240" /></a> </span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIO5XvnJZgoxT6ZqM7VHrH0dLJGTIqPr51j3lrWrGZXuHkAtXztg46J40ChCBCBg46ux0m0pihAoz_tUeFyk1L1Na2cdnmwtJRIhwJntTDrTpf9imS7GigHoyHrD4HD4dhjli5s07KgJuS/s2048/IMG_2946.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIO5XvnJZgoxT6ZqM7VHrH0dLJGTIqPr51j3lrWrGZXuHkAtXztg46J40ChCBCBg46ux0m0pihAoz_tUeFyk1L1Na2cdnmwtJRIhwJntTDrTpf9imS7GigHoyHrD4HD4dhjli5s07KgJuS/s320/IMG_2946.JPG" width="240" /></a></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">(Upper Left: Aomori Station celebrating 130 year anniversary)</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b>Getting to Aomori City</b> </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Taking the Shinkansen (JR East Tohoku, Hayabusa), the train will stop at Shin-Aomori station. You can transfer to the JR OU Line and take one stop to Aomori to explore the city. The <a href="http://www.arielland.com/2021/11/tohoku-5-day-trip-with-jr-east-rail-pass.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #45818e;"><b>JR East rail pass</b></span></a> will allow you to ride the Shinkansen and JR train lines unlimited times for 5-days so definitely look into it if you are planning to take trains a lot. </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0wFqhtUW81-F5JQhpImSUNsX8_nArIknzsWYHqGyW8zx61ZxEd-AVJMvBtIvcOGVV5h2wUtc_kiw7FvFNIsODWEk1mrGLBforeKi6rz46fwPtiEtiRq1A93_RMSHcluN0O5M6btrpAD8Q/s2048/IMG_2929.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0wFqhtUW81-F5JQhpImSUNsX8_nArIknzsWYHqGyW8zx61ZxEd-AVJMvBtIvcOGVV5h2wUtc_kiw7FvFNIsODWEk1mrGLBforeKi6rz46fwPtiEtiRq1A93_RMSHcluN0O5M6btrpAD8Q/s320/IMG_2929.JPG" width="240" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT86Kjct0aD-wAxuGEmOk9tQMqm2RhpxETAWqAapeOTydN5SfqqAcn-JqsjKX9NfzVGjENORmOIpE82YpsJnR_YEAtmg1v8QE1NR2CzKXqpTHz5bsSILOD-NC-_TMCCWKxH0clLWRz2Iiv/s2048/IMG_2938.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT86Kjct0aD-wAxuGEmOk9tQMqm2RhpxETAWqAapeOTydN5SfqqAcn-JqsjKX9NfzVGjENORmOIpE82YpsJnR_YEAtmg1v8QE1NR2CzKXqpTHz5bsSILOD-NC-_TMCCWKxH0clLWRz2Iiv/s320/IMG_2938.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_8Dn48kA7xKADp9q8_VlxBiiKmMru3QRCyjnAbxd68OfZdZEmAz3Qb7oC8ng7_LkgUpFYNVRT3NvlCvtjopcb84q9IFvAm0gNe8mLItKqkI4TPJxSIs6kOg2jgo5DotFJeNMY3kiFVH7q/s2048/IMG_2940.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_8Dn48kA7xKADp9q8_VlxBiiKmMru3QRCyjnAbxd68OfZdZEmAz3Qb7oC8ng7_LkgUpFYNVRT3NvlCvtjopcb84q9IFvAm0gNe8mLItKqkI4TPJxSIs6kOg2jgo5DotFJeNMY3kiFVH7q/s320/IMG_2940.JPG" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXycaIpiZdPolWuJu35wSS35K8PHdWu64rgfCnd64i3T7jXqLk2z1ZsNEMWTtEWZJfSxOPj2un-VcQ6nY-nW7sQFZvrYxvPd0BukGQaUPZ3f8XgXjRN2UGh8BS55kKCWmMPer34eZ9CebT/s2048/IMG_2939.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXycaIpiZdPolWuJu35wSS35K8PHdWu64rgfCnd64i3T7jXqLk2z1ZsNEMWTtEWZJfSxOPj2un-VcQ6nY-nW7sQFZvrYxvPd0BukGQaUPZ3f8XgXjRN2UGh8BS55kKCWmMPer34eZ9CebT/s320/IMG_2939.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJxNyo1Z8Ffn4ZC0n8cP8sjx2cvNw-4B0EmAChQmVxGk4C5rtuRbfU_HmK0F3N5ynUMN51TAT0FWXtOPpWKblhj46MiWSOz7DMNcSav4ltz2DOyl_l86-wwl4tt5Znk2muCzmE1edvaLI4/s2048/IMG_2947.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="322" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJxNyo1Z8Ffn4ZC0n8cP8sjx2cvNw-4B0EmAChQmVxGk4C5rtuRbfU_HmK0F3N5ynUMN51TAT0FWXtOPpWKblhj46MiWSOz7DMNcSav4ltz2DOyl_l86-wwl4tt5Znk2muCzmE1edvaLI4/w429-h322/IMG_2947.JPG" width="429" /></a></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">(Above: At Aomori Station East Exit is the Tourist Information center. They have a super cool coin locker with Nebuta lantern designs all over it! )</span></p><h4 style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><b>Hirota Shrine 廣田神社</b></span></h4><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Just a 15min walk from Aomori Station is a very unique shrine, dedicated to ward off diseases. Currently they are selling a set of beautiful Owl themed Omamori (Amulet) and Ema (Wooden Plaque to write wishes on), as well as Goshuin (Shrine Seal). Since Aomori is famous for Apples, you can also find an apple Goshuin. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">What helped me find this place though was their beautiful Hanachozu (Water basin filled with flowers). They even have cute little clear pots of Apples, too! </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLsO5kkPkcoSDPqivCqNDlR2JVrA2UMMCPGkc5q1vMkSPnYbz9f3LM8vyM_3ahsiCeyMcqCRP9ucQ4_vAFxD6UyEfSmuGBPSkkLighZovCfgZUp8AUm8a79jlt6npgN3NsN4gMUaPxlthv/s2048/IMG_3014.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="343" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLsO5kkPkcoSDPqivCqNDlR2JVrA2UMMCPGkc5q1vMkSPnYbz9f3LM8vyM_3ahsiCeyMcqCRP9ucQ4_vAFxD6UyEfSmuGBPSkkLighZovCfgZUp8AUm8a79jlt6npgN3NsN4gMUaPxlthv/w458-h343/IMG_3014.JPG" width="458" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmvJGY1o_KBy8rzgBuNiw_atks8CXFUU9aHesuXkbmG3-Cyg6hVBbftTMpPbgbqw6v0wsgUEdv7pcvGfkZuL6XWQx3E2jMOpIOSaSzjgKWMKzYep-G07hw8G1ly1QP88TsvIUvFs32u_JW/s2048/IMG_3011.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmvJGY1o_KBy8rzgBuNiw_atks8CXFUU9aHesuXkbmG3-Cyg6hVBbftTMpPbgbqw6v0wsgUEdv7pcvGfkZuL6XWQx3E2jMOpIOSaSzjgKWMKzYep-G07hw8G1ly1QP88TsvIUvFs32u_JW/s320/IMG_3011.JPG" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1xe1WhIk-_hCMkDfEuwm-0D1HuLClQYxfeJI0rSxB14pP2TWPV7gtqHMHu1XpMgGRvCOLgs3NXwrmxYSWW3fB-4IVgMojzFg5lHnYL6sy_jaIvrc2tRGFecAd2tZkDXF4L7IqyDB-dOQx/s2048/IMG_3013.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1xe1WhIk-_hCMkDfEuwm-0D1HuLClQYxfeJI0rSxB14pP2TWPV7gtqHMHu1XpMgGRvCOLgs3NXwrmxYSWW3fB-4IVgMojzFg5lHnYL6sy_jaIvrc2tRGFecAd2tZkDXF4L7IqyDB-dOQx/s320/IMG_3013.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLhB94yZeY2x2fJDUsuThgAvxtutfe_T6UiZ11Y9sxeJeH9uQ_nY_t_L5W6tsaGhgpx5sgQ74xYVQuA_Vc5xB2eE46sIhEG3T96c73PqIgotNAMxgvXopTDQzMGeJ446SzzO7-VEsSloi0/s2048/IMG_3015.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLhB94yZeY2x2fJDUsuThgAvxtutfe_T6UiZ11Y9sxeJeH9uQ_nY_t_L5W6tsaGhgpx5sgQ74xYVQuA_Vc5xB2eE46sIhEG3T96c73PqIgotNAMxgvXopTDQzMGeJ446SzzO7-VEsSloi0/s320/IMG_3015.JPG" width="240" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSdlPN2vcmdaRy_vVSZVQmAL75inhH3fuGQXcxgNq-AxXmYplBsrehwaVlszFIjqreq24GUMWGptKmNjtuj-yp_NtMmZL3mXchXeN3lIue2tkHXnlLF1s7YWu5CriLJ9nC72bzGfiClEIZ/s2048/IMG_3070.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSdlPN2vcmdaRy_vVSZVQmAL75inhH3fuGQXcxgNq-AxXmYplBsrehwaVlszFIjqreq24GUMWGptKmNjtuj-yp_NtMmZL3mXchXeN3lIue2tkHXnlLF1s7YWu5CriLJ9nC72bzGfiClEIZ/s320/IMG_3070.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">(Top right: Amabie, this is a legendary creature with a bird's head and mermaid tail. It protects people from diseases and illness, which is why during the past 2 years you can see Amabie everywhere!)</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW9ENUi-wcUHy4PS_xvpIDolxJDrUv524XTmedM9k9xhq_8imKR20jPUmd0kdPjfkK7wx16wmkffomt98YFIIKvxCBRtaALzspycopPqkNnDo7f50tt2H_j6_2qW84IMMTVSD7po0CK6s7/s2048/IMG_3017.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW9ENUi-wcUHy4PS_xvpIDolxJDrUv524XTmedM9k9xhq_8imKR20jPUmd0kdPjfkK7wx16wmkffomt98YFIIKvxCBRtaALzspycopPqkNnDo7f50tt2H_j6_2qW84IMMTVSD7po0CK6s7/s320/IMG_3017.JPG" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrgL5uK5RdLL3qE6cN0CStmq5aOmTFlq0E42uXFYSa1fpbkkUdIfHS9BWVq7SEk8ZMHL-Qa2u-V1XljvvlaWkIT0OjsYpDGh5MadiLbh6VYA6pz3k7IKIQ4mbILHNQH8mPnqq1vYgUXfNk/s2048/IMG_3018.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrgL5uK5RdLL3qE6cN0CStmq5aOmTFlq0E42uXFYSa1fpbkkUdIfHS9BWVq7SEk8ZMHL-Qa2u-V1XljvvlaWkIT0OjsYpDGh5MadiLbh6VYA6pz3k7IKIQ4mbILHNQH8mPnqq1vYgUXfNk/s320/IMG_3018.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">(Another fun thing to do at Hirota Shrine is to draw your fortune. They have these Scallop and Apple shaped containers which have fortune paper in it. If you like to collect items from Shrines, these are perfect!)</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><h4 style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #b45f06; font-family: verdana;"><b>Nebuta Museum WA RASSE </b></span></h4><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Each year in early August, the Nebuta festival takes place in Aomori. It's one of the 3 great festivals of Tohoku region and features these giant floats that measure up to 9x7x5 meters. Weighing 4 tons, it can take up to 30men to carry each float down the street during the festival. You'll see about 15 large floats each year which take up to a year to make and they are designed and made by Nebuta masters (not very many of them remain). </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">During the festival, dancers, drummers and flute players accompany these floats and the participants cheer "rassera rassera" which means "irrashai" (welcome) in the local dialect to welcome guests.</span></p></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0xYVxQoiNpgrD8xfqhKUMtiyK-rnv04BFOIWC-ZGjP6qe6tbQpmp7PtLEwqI5qxlVSd6XoZpnvyMa1mekLOXilSYN8WAhN_poAUj50cWfpQJdg3qXj8EbcwinEvzmMa1XLt7fQIAbq1vR/s2048/IMG_3019.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="341" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0xYVxQoiNpgrD8xfqhKUMtiyK-rnv04BFOIWC-ZGjP6qe6tbQpmp7PtLEwqI5qxlVSd6XoZpnvyMa1mekLOXilSYN8WAhN_poAUj50cWfpQJdg3qXj8EbcwinEvzmMa1XLt7fQIAbq1vR/w454-h341/IMG_3019.JPG" width="454" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTwgITf5_o7HFw2YwBw5kPykENE7fBFORhRmbYQuXZcbth7A4-JhPlg5KRKEJOKa0z9dSwBl-RWHrNI7gaX1nTnP_OcTyU2ICctOYjgiTX7o9B5aI4-tLEly93Ee-gxCrLKLrc2a24XC4w/s2048/IMG_3022.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTwgITf5_o7HFw2YwBw5kPykENE7fBFORhRmbYQuXZcbth7A4-JhPlg5KRKEJOKa0z9dSwBl-RWHrNI7gaX1nTnP_OcTyU2ICctOYjgiTX7o9B5aI4-tLEly93Ee-gxCrLKLrc2a24XC4w/s320/IMG_3022.JPG" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGTcqmQeyV_y4WNxwRdCZ644eqyWOgUcW2cvTnvREePvQJST0BlFnBiFwEh72F9E5CmzZmE-CT8AM3KzSBfniSKDARX_3TZ-tcyxNQG8dsJs9PRDT_O175GlBgvGs-wOzODcumuD5W5Ob6/s2048/IMG_3027.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGTcqmQeyV_y4WNxwRdCZ644eqyWOgUcW2cvTnvREePvQJST0BlFnBiFwEh72F9E5CmzZmE-CT8AM3KzSBfniSKDARX_3TZ-tcyxNQG8dsJs9PRDT_O175GlBgvGs-wOzODcumuD5W5Ob6/s320/IMG_3027.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB_pRBDKjK-NQ7jNHF75JRWRep2BJrhRSgfI5-P-DSszX_qS_PjKVsGfDisUlZpRaICCzljSXu22UEaF3FG92cLkKXH9-fzb5hcXRIje6bPkb0SfETIHTW5KRClOlRpBcJBJilgMTXW5xM/s2048/IMG_3030.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="316" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB_pRBDKjK-NQ7jNHF75JRWRep2BJrhRSgfI5-P-DSszX_qS_PjKVsGfDisUlZpRaICCzljSXu22UEaF3FG92cLkKXH9-fzb5hcXRIje6bPkb0SfETIHTW5KRClOlRpBcJBJilgMTXW5xM/w421-h316/IMG_3030.JPG" width="421" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHHtUiLqRN8xwmBtHIL0qHBByCuRMZL_3B1EMKKxlJgzj6h3Qzxu6B394NYKKanxmEicivkw5l9dYlDQvdOxaef0yrxXGtJ29ZQYrMliU56wFO70z-j0gHq4OFCRlDneHIsSE6r9-Vee0E/s2048/IMG_3032.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="323" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHHtUiLqRN8xwmBtHIL0qHBByCuRMZL_3B1EMKKxlJgzj6h3Qzxu6B394NYKKanxmEicivkw5l9dYlDQvdOxaef0yrxXGtJ29ZQYrMliU56wFO70z-j0gHq4OFCRlDneHIsSE6r9-Vee0E/w430-h323/IMG_3032.JPG" width="430" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">(2021 Gold Award went to the first and only female Nebuta Master, Kitamura Asako. This is her design of the Chinese Goddess of lightning and god of thunder. )</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh93ptTXgSIk2uakMctX2RZrsV7gtskSB2nVrbwocJ7e5IXe9hLcCteMbQSWhbr-6JJGFteqHvdFhBcgg7IDElL33OWkdHYlXGxYuwZDbwFApvXMM-3Vh_C9-MfjaxR7ekV5MBeskjhMfQ5/s2048/IMG_3037.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="319" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh93ptTXgSIk2uakMctX2RZrsV7gtskSB2nVrbwocJ7e5IXe9hLcCteMbQSWhbr-6JJGFteqHvdFhBcgg7IDElL33OWkdHYlXGxYuwZDbwFApvXMM-3Vh_C9-MfjaxR7ekV5MBeskjhMfQ5/w425-h319/IMG_3037.JPG" width="425" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9wnvAxWwM3JG04o5zqitHpS-KdyXDBf75LPduwnZKFUxbzyFEWsz9URrC8KiPhTjpV5ue9iJjuoUskqDd8cD8u72R2L52rmBGcxxicf81ZSpShfGULLZCqzR-U0mrL5CQg8vISLdNnn6s/s2048/IMG_3038.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="313" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9wnvAxWwM3JG04o5zqitHpS-KdyXDBf75LPduwnZKFUxbzyFEWsz9URrC8KiPhTjpV5ue9iJjuoUskqDd8cD8u72R2L52rmBGcxxicf81ZSpShfGULLZCqzR-U0mrL5CQg8vISLdNnn6s/w417-h313/IMG_3038.JPG" width="417" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVJwPER_HzTE0-8u0lTuh6qCgDLBS9CsuyOgKDG6IuCh4Z_yGtv_vPITkpHDOHT-A2Wu4iicHs0ph2HLzmhXu0oyIQE3rPG2AA1UTVwC1t3MuAAj2FychtS8FudcxFQZy5NB0uQhUv7lNT/s2048/IMG_3035.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVJwPER_HzTE0-8u0lTuh6qCgDLBS9CsuyOgKDG6IuCh4Z_yGtv_vPITkpHDOHT-A2Wu4iicHs0ph2HLzmhXu0oyIQE3rPG2AA1UTVwC1t3MuAAj2FychtS8FudcxFQZy5NB0uQhUv7lNT/s320/IMG_3035.JPG" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLoPO9YLYt9fmEt_IfydHYA77bgCPpc8avMEWMqLB8PxUF6Eiq75o-VXWEcOBnydsbJymxjnU9jMA24d4bkw6zzgAj2Mx00wiRHwBXaJt8WNzWnhlwHgix5umZboQaXP57VfYtcNCOJ0BF/s2048/IMG_3040.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLoPO9YLYt9fmEt_IfydHYA77bgCPpc8avMEWMqLB8PxUF6Eiq75o-VXWEcOBnydsbJymxjnU9jMA24d4bkw6zzgAj2Mx00wiRHwBXaJt8WNzWnhlwHgix5umZboQaXP57VfYtcNCOJ0BF/s320/IMG_3040.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">If you are looking for souvenir snacks to bring back home to friends and family, this museum has an amazing gift shop at the end of the exhibition. There's all assorts of cakes, mochis, crackers and so on. If you're not into food, there's also local crafts for example Kogin-zashi embroidery style goods. </span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgadh8kC1fiiWuCzFU2sRoI3sSEwZuyuWx9hfgj_X0xXISNAXxWPJSFZwEY8OhMIF9ybySvtQ-Jm_SsSI6jfKkEj-UFrv3tyXRsiYQZLPWvuzyAcqjYHK_qoCnZK4KOIaexxLytO6CBuFa_/s2048/IMG_3041.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgadh8kC1fiiWuCzFU2sRoI3sSEwZuyuWx9hfgj_X0xXISNAXxWPJSFZwEY8OhMIF9ybySvtQ-Jm_SsSI6jfKkEj-UFrv3tyXRsiYQZLPWvuzyAcqjYHK_qoCnZK4KOIaexxLytO6CBuFa_/s320/IMG_3041.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2vTq8VtU6-wpuAgY8185Mo1hNYTxXMQrkDTsA5-_YQVjeSqaDlbzTumYpuLo8GoLMmN35s16K5tpVN-_Y15UJB_DbNeRGQZlzVMUZbngFgvA8CEh07a0U9DoWnP7m2oessBKvdC_ygobU/s2048/IMG_3042.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2vTq8VtU6-wpuAgY8185Mo1hNYTxXMQrkDTsA5-_YQVjeSqaDlbzTumYpuLo8GoLMmN35s16K5tpVN-_Y15UJB_DbNeRGQZlzVMUZbngFgvA8CEh07a0U9DoWnP7m2oessBKvdC_ygobU/s320/IMG_3042.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOtBpbOnyT4Z53BKy0C1MPmpHdECogarwVrETWyPi93IcYnLFpYFtptDhyphenhyphenMgGzkcBrsr1j86OvFrIsJVnpCdNqTIy1ViRa75hw2eqw0yaPgEuum7rI6NY0XsX8yi2ULIm-Gi5r_IoVz84N/s2048/IMG_3043.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOtBpbOnyT4Z53BKy0C1MPmpHdECogarwVrETWyPi93IcYnLFpYFtptDhyphenhyphenMgGzkcBrsr1j86OvFrIsJVnpCdNqTIy1ViRa75hw2eqw0yaPgEuum7rI6NY0XsX8yi2ULIm-Gi5r_IoVz84N/s320/IMG_3043.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><span style="color: #6aa84f; font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><b><div><span style="color: #6aa84f; font-family: verdana; font-size: medium;"><b><br /></b></span></div>A Factory </b></span><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Right across from museum Wa Rasse is this warehouse mall that features a lot of premium local products. Again you'll see a lot of apple products such as apple wine, apple cider, apple tea, apple pies and more. There's also a lot of handmade crafts again, and I picked a lavender bath bomb since my accommodation in Aomori city doesn't have onsens. </span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS0IaLFBknc5GBG4BMC0HE0jqdqWgIfg72WQnAKRA9M5r_kOu6w-7WJeAO0ELi2pWe8KLZCS5l5i9fEgYLLzcLT3-uQ9gc_VYBiZrwgQPYHJ9m84VMIxXzr1aqMK-97yUnLFjCBtTlfxZT/s2048/IMG_3044.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="337" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS0IaLFBknc5GBG4BMC0HE0jqdqWgIfg72WQnAKRA9M5r_kOu6w-7WJeAO0ELi2pWe8KLZCS5l5i9fEgYLLzcLT3-uQ9gc_VYBiZrwgQPYHJ9m84VMIxXzr1aqMK-97yUnLFjCBtTlfxZT/w449-h337/IMG_3044.JPG" width="449" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsvnTHm8W2GcEYFecu90Q06bfJ3No6HI8pihZ_SwbbDXTLQsSyBPWPNjP25IYQMM4fcPP0_HkfCRLB4AXQg0gcYByaN2bYJolJhn_XpXQ7cJDa4lvFqnOyLcqyWHwiKklzjmOqSRMV-TBR/s2048/IMG_3047.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsvnTHm8W2GcEYFecu90Q06bfJ3No6HI8pihZ_SwbbDXTLQsSyBPWPNjP25IYQMM4fcPP0_HkfCRLB4AXQg0gcYByaN2bYJolJhn_XpXQ7cJDa4lvFqnOyLcqyWHwiKklzjmOqSRMV-TBR/s320/IMG_3047.JPG" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0FFJZf9myLVCZjcIzHkjco32rbguh2E6ascliMN5cIM56C7JKp3QwJfIiA0zKvj5N4apnYHGNWjY4Zng9vt9Gb2TzLOSw4pnvjxY9ZfJ1SVQscX0soFiF2ze_14PMKCfeCRTSlZZ-0ch3/s2048/IMG_3048.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0FFJZf9myLVCZjcIzHkjco32rbguh2E6ascliMN5cIM56C7JKp3QwJfIiA0zKvj5N4apnYHGNWjY4Zng9vt9Gb2TzLOSw4pnvjxY9ZfJ1SVQscX0soFiF2ze_14PMKCfeCRTSlZZ-0ch3/s320/IMG_3048.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoXCS3nsldpMnT8szbS6FvMlMFpTRcMn41CuNwYIQYzOspMjSoV8FyswmR2Qdl3XvAujYzaspwv-N4u1mkFV1ZjOqFVUi3nTqp7vV1oOOsuzrNwvL-NgjVYzL6LZ9mcwNCG1hc-YkB6A84/s2048/IMG_3049.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoXCS3nsldpMnT8szbS6FvMlMFpTRcMn41CuNwYIQYzOspMjSoV8FyswmR2Qdl3XvAujYzaspwv-N4u1mkFV1ZjOqFVUi3nTqp7vV1oOOsuzrNwvL-NgjVYzL6LZ9mcwNCG1hc-YkB6A84/s320/IMG_3049.JPG" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxTObYVbOu3K2GeX8LnF0aOlJQx49KT5N6Qcw1Vp3wYuMLuxfUDLsLMjU60rwqtgsw6-Yn9hqjcBpQ3mYS4gWApoG19EKsFMY7Asx-JU7UzEfUTO4NGYdQtQZqRx57_VEYbGwjMJ_oqQHU/s2048/IMG_3050.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxTObYVbOu3K2GeX8LnF0aOlJQx49KT5N6Qcw1Vp3wYuMLuxfUDLsLMjU60rwqtgsw6-Yn9hqjcBpQ3mYS4gWApoG19EKsFMY7Asx-JU7UzEfUTO4NGYdQtQZqRx57_VEYbGwjMJ_oqQHU/s320/IMG_3050.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b>Dinner recommendation: Izakaya Uotami </b></span></p><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">This spot is right by the station and what I love about it is that it has private rooms and touch screen menus in English, so it's great for groups, families, or anyone who just want a bit of privacy. Though I don't mind eating and traveling alone, sometimes it's nice to have a room all to myself while I unwind from the day and go through all the photos I've taken. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Another thing is because they're an Izakaya, they offer a wide rage of foods in their menu so you'll definitely find something for each person. They also have Nomihodai which is an all you can drink option.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></span></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1jnatNpJanVkKAitXN0zsL_Gwef8RGkYMVB_Z73QbaZ5yTJ8nbOyFUvEtbdp2iHOjojdmA8h3MKz38MS-dwiBqH6u93KCr5lF3QJ-m9ZcOhBE23MhWMaeMjbe5guL6b2Ikt170na-2k4h/s2048/IMG_3052.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1jnatNpJanVkKAitXN0zsL_Gwef8RGkYMVB_Z73QbaZ5yTJ8nbOyFUvEtbdp2iHOjojdmA8h3MKz38MS-dwiBqH6u93KCr5lF3QJ-m9ZcOhBE23MhWMaeMjbe5guL6b2Ikt170na-2k4h/s320/IMG_3052.JPG" width="240" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkcHfSVAR2Uqmvhmq6-EsUFJOtciunKBwtysTStV5MkHbapb80Gnm64hTVUhjfSihrvjnoCFJBpNYB4dHUGyL6yipvS9BVmnaf5OZS99rMgjAIO5suFLAfVnos1wF4RXbHkB05ZYQBNIE2/s2048/IMG_3056.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkcHfSVAR2Uqmvhmq6-EsUFJOtciunKBwtysTStV5MkHbapb80Gnm64hTVUhjfSihrvjnoCFJBpNYB4dHUGyL6yipvS9BVmnaf5OZS99rMgjAIO5suFLAfVnos1wF4RXbHkB05ZYQBNIE2/s320/IMG_3056.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjriBv3GraewDMgC8K70uiUno_PJ9_SQJk9JHRzWCTRc-BIMKMRGOmUGXDzz5dtNPd8M42RhRo7bmuF8ioY4n521TIMO29Xyj3lbU0Zun8-evh9H5sJK8UAGWSbc5au1NlT1UdEmCqj4tHt/s2048/IMG_3053.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="355" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjriBv3GraewDMgC8K70uiUno_PJ9_SQJk9JHRzWCTRc-BIMKMRGOmUGXDzz5dtNPd8M42RhRo7bmuF8ioY4n521TIMO29Xyj3lbU0Zun8-evh9H5sJK8UAGWSbc5au1NlT1UdEmCqj4tHt/w474-h355/IMG_3053.JPG" width="474" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #a64d79; font-family: verdana;">Sukayu Onsen</span></h3><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">If you take a 1hr ride on the JR Bus Tohoku Mizu-umi line, you'll find yourself at Sukayu Onsen. It is famous for it's 1000-person-bath (public mix bath) as well as several natural sights around it. </span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">There aren't very many busses running each day so definitely plan your schedule in advance. I took the bus from Aomori Station at 7:45am which took me to Sukayu Onsen at 8:50am, and I returned from Sukayu Onsen on the 11:58am bus which arrives back in Aomori at 1:19pm. 3hrs time is more than enough to explore.</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">The bus schedule has since changed so please check here for the latest times: </span><a href="https://www.jrbustohoku.co.jp/route/detail.php?r=167&rc=23" target="_blank"><span style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">https://www.jrbustohoku.co.jp/route/detail.php?r=167&rc=23</span></span></a></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">If you have the JR-East 5-day pass for Tohoku, then you can ride this bus for free. Just show them your pass when you get on and off.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGyu2ow0HKsMDujMROlPdIkPwVgiLYgnAGl4tY15DnWg4jbfGKcUqz3yLa7-C3lO6CB9eIfAr2Ow8a7ZWONt8f01DoDrsa85VsK_GPxSwT6Eo9cOt5rqZVyn1PQiyzlFJC1pG68jXR3hl4/s2048/IMG_3323.JPG" style="font-family: Times; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="388" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGyu2ow0HKsMDujMROlPdIkPwVgiLYgnAGl4tY15DnWg4jbfGKcUqz3yLa7-C3lO6CB9eIfAr2Ow8a7ZWONt8f01DoDrsa85VsK_GPxSwT6Eo9cOt5rqZVyn1PQiyzlFJC1pG68jXR3hl4/w518-h388/IMG_3323.JPG" width="518" /></a></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD7lG1bddcKNDbUdroV-bLFWEVT7MggveD3apd6KcuVg5S723jIvEEl1sVT4TtdU4D74MoYly0l_TnuddolDupNCtCOhxxb2RRjE_aokXo6XWQEHZie2vp322F7j2LrKaPDZkSmNWAHiyn/s2048/IMG_3290.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="534" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD7lG1bddcKNDbUdroV-bLFWEVT7MggveD3apd6KcuVg5S723jIvEEl1sVT4TtdU4D74MoYly0l_TnuddolDupNCtCOhxxb2RRjE_aokXo6XWQEHZie2vp322F7j2LrKaPDZkSmNWAHiyn/w401-h534/IMG_3290.JPG" width="401" /></a></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b>Sukayu Onsen - Jigoku Numa</b></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">After getting off the bus at Sukayu Onsen, I took a short walk to see Jigoku Numa. This is a pond that is on average 90C because of the volcanic activities in this area. You can see the water steaming in the distance. Literally translated Jigoku means "Hell" and Numa means pond or swamp. </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR4Xbbh6EFLv_Zpe3MDuVnM57-z_pzePhoh2T8Fo-ihUFRz9R3a3gQjSQzi5AjoSX7uP0H0go-eaTpftvoyRBcKrfpGlDiS6IdO_f9c01ZtzB3NTpXXdT68w8fnMe7_y5y1sv9AxR6r92e/s2048/37C8D725-42F6-417E-AEDD-3AEE470698D4.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR4Xbbh6EFLv_Zpe3MDuVnM57-z_pzePhoh2T8Fo-ihUFRz9R3a3gQjSQzi5AjoSX7uP0H0go-eaTpftvoyRBcKrfpGlDiS6IdO_f9c01ZtzB3NTpXXdT68w8fnMe7_y5y1sv9AxR6r92e/s320/37C8D725-42F6-417E-AEDD-3AEE470698D4.JPG" width="240" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4CsNZJvYPv8iE9U6fiI1vuSucNg7BQyI1bZn52OZCTEGBP8KSKJBURhPcrqu4Y_eM2fYzWQb3-Z_VBi3qrw5w7WTpVWj1sSmZTOdL2fiQaNpy1KklH6vFG8xKlCefs6QzEH-jmxRPYiFX/s2048/IMG_3294.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1365" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4CsNZJvYPv8iE9U6fiI1vuSucNg7BQyI1bZn52OZCTEGBP8KSKJBURhPcrqu4Y_eM2fYzWQb3-Z_VBi3qrw5w7WTpVWj1sSmZTOdL2fiQaNpy1KklH6vFG8xKlCefs6QzEH-jmxRPYiFX/s320/IMG_3294.JPG" width="213" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX8L1LYF2h4v_LtQOdZ-auWRO9b-FXukV28km6feD8QXxfvJmuWK55kxLmctMFuSfwm1-_8M0-yM-oZgGRUqUpV6d_8r7a4ADAhEkr2eKHzEPS_jw0DJbykxfVpzbNoLOvJaaJxB7-0viq/s2048/IMG_3292.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="290" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX8L1LYF2h4v_LtQOdZ-auWRO9b-FXukV28km6feD8QXxfvJmuWK55kxLmctMFuSfwm1-_8M0-yM-oZgGRUqUpV6d_8r7a4ADAhEkr2eKHzEPS_jw0DJbykxfVpzbNoLOvJaaJxB7-0viq/w436-h290/IMG_3292.JPG" width="436" /></a></div><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b>Sukayu Onsen - Manjuu Fukashi</b> </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">This is just across from Jigokunuma. Directly translated Manjuu means buns and Fukashi means to steam. The hot spring waters run beneath the benches here so when you sit here it warms up your bum, hence Manjuu Fukashi! How cute is the name?! There's also a tiny fall on the right hand side of the stream, and lots of beautiful maple tress around.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEe40MmPDG_aH358OS8cQZA9dZSYX_opC_kqQe-z8Z43f8TOPbJembACDbEerEE00kE7cHPOMZRFkKIMKTNEDhtAcKGnwTObPK7xEmqfQHrpISQjUPSW29cVJvNAAuVjnijXYCuOGdITb0/s2048/IMG_3336.JPG" style="font-family: Times; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="441" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEe40MmPDG_aH358OS8cQZA9dZSYX_opC_kqQe-z8Z43f8TOPbJembACDbEerEE00kE7cHPOMZRFkKIMKTNEDhtAcKGnwTObPK7xEmqfQHrpISQjUPSW29cVJvNAAuVjnijXYCuOGdITb0/w331-h441/IMG_3336.JPG" width="331" /></a></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz8Bg7qJvzn8oiAB60Znjn5_ced_cYfPJZpFxBYakFe3sxRIGc75hqIplHl0CsoZBHBFJftx__WR-ENYulkGLlirs6nqY4lBydCvfh-Adcf9KVWDDfmw1oy7OIlux3C8QpD9vY0jXQxPzV/s2048/IMG_3302.JPG" style="font-family: Times; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz8Bg7qJvzn8oiAB60Znjn5_ced_cYfPJZpFxBYakFe3sxRIGc75hqIplHl0CsoZBHBFJftx__WR-ENYulkGLlirs6nqY4lBydCvfh-Adcf9KVWDDfmw1oy7OIlux3C8QpD9vY0jXQxPzV/s320/IMG_3302.JPG" width="240" /></a> </span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPrNrPSpc8I73p8HIb-pT2AT909A9N5C42tSVxK-PaM33KJaNGHAJul9Nk8Brb0A8MNBY9N7cKYC9eIV_mcnJgr5_W8mqPr2xfo9aSZoK5Bey_F5deV0RQxYhs1NisY1sQyNdYKLSZXpV2/s2048/IMG_3335.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPrNrPSpc8I73p8HIb-pT2AT909A9N5C42tSVxK-PaM33KJaNGHAJul9Nk8Brb0A8MNBY9N7cKYC9eIV_mcnJgr5_W8mqPr2xfo9aSZoK5Bey_F5deV0RQxYhs1NisY1sQyNdYKLSZXpV2/s320/IMG_3335.JPG" width="240" /></a></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b>Sukayu Onsen - Yakushi Shrine</b></span></p></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">As you walk back towards the Sukayu Onsen thousand person bathhouse, there's an abandoned shrine. I love this spot because a single maple tree is so bright, creating an amazing contrast with the Tori gate. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdmNBMa5pujhtwtgxyP1vgSpIHa6ES1Hv54NJ-s2YFW5sD2DxMjhB9R_uN0ikprYZ5lCjFh2Zn3SxG4rQY05ZHcN0gDC3QcX7j_-uRyNSIo64yM9VE62G8XEO1eD7azpygL9BkcsBhQXwX/s2048/IMG_3306.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="437" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdmNBMa5pujhtwtgxyP1vgSpIHa6ES1Hv54NJ-s2YFW5sD2DxMjhB9R_uN0ikprYZ5lCjFh2Zn3SxG4rQY05ZHcN0gDC3QcX7j_-uRyNSIo64yM9VE62G8XEO1eD7azpygL9BkcsBhQXwX/w328-h437/IMG_3306.JPG" width="328" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b><span style="color: #b45f06;">Sukayu Onsen - The thousand person bathhouse </span></b></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">I arrived back here with more than an hour to enjoy this spot, and I will give an honest review of how it felt to be in a mixed bath! </span></p></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDq6Gi7qQ2ve1jyqkribgKhTYrnwxp9mXI9EZrq2FJg7YEEZ7YAGlezrvTyUGLLVBbkuBh4U_3AeKyt1ysbnTWpazs1RqfKFvjNPnbSwj5xcNLp36-REfN3sCzBRhpqUnzu9mhR5w7gsFz/s2048/IMG_3307.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="283" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDq6Gi7qQ2ve1jyqkribgKhTYrnwxp9mXI9EZrq2FJg7YEEZ7YAGlezrvTyUGLLVBbkuBh4U_3AeKyt1ysbnTWpazs1RqfKFvjNPnbSwj5xcNLp36-REfN3sCzBRhpqUnzu9mhR5w7gsFz/w377-h283/IMG_3307.JPG" width="377" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgonWnhVioq0ITLi0rUxDt4TAEhkr2Uk6VxDf-58cq_TYSXqucq-6_6c0ixwgSQZMSR_Tb9RUa4k6oJeZ9mAsuHl6suGDg8R-Wu_aE2rv1nK5sLTcjtT1IHlluKbEh4aKdSZI7dNv_do6cd/s2048/IMG_3356.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="292" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgonWnhVioq0ITLi0rUxDt4TAEhkr2Uk6VxDf-58cq_TYSXqucq-6_6c0ixwgSQZMSR_Tb9RUa4k6oJeZ9mAsuHl6suGDg8R-Wu_aE2rv1nK5sLTcjtT1IHlluKbEh4aKdSZI7dNv_do6cd/w389-h292/IMG_3356.JPG" width="389" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx57uK0Cq4gUTES-wg0mF14RvwSMRvR0tvCu9nKQzPJtW4sCE4omZrZaDb9R4VyDTopW2qJCJr2kzx0VJke0M9Nf4lVMz9EnXs0-t3E4yq4d-CuJ6A6_TfcJk625KI32rvO1jo-Yshuk2R/s2048/IMG_3340.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx57uK0Cq4gUTES-wg0mF14RvwSMRvR0tvCu9nKQzPJtW4sCE4omZrZaDb9R4VyDTopW2qJCJr2kzx0VJke0M9Nf4lVMz9EnXs0-t3E4yq4d-CuJ6A6_TfcJk625KI32rvO1jo-Yshuk2R/s320/IMG_3340.JPG" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWw0CmejWfMz2VEuZ8emdtJX0G7BTU5rXj0ejiwoyqB-bG1vV2X1boxKCgFr0NBdI-gs4_YxfwggcKHYwyrM998nxumcv6zqOsBwIsV8hk0PkXTG51KZFg37wKgy40noeBHtnvOSbxsOCM/s1280/IMG_3247.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWw0CmejWfMz2VEuZ8emdtJX0G7BTU5rXj0ejiwoyqB-bG1vV2X1boxKCgFr0NBdI-gs4_YxfwggcKHYwyrM998nxumcv6zqOsBwIsV8hk0PkXTG51KZFg37wKgy40noeBHtnvOSbxsOCM/s320/IMG_3247.JPG" width="180" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">If you aren't staying overnight here, you can still use the public bath. The entry is ¥1,000 which comes with a large bath towel and a small face towel (yours to keep). First thing to do is put your shoes in the free lockers provided on the right side and put on their indoor slipper. Walk straight towards the back and you'll see a mini Nebuta lantern plus a display of their onsen yukata and drums. To the immediate right of that is the entrance to the mixed bath.</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEKf7s4AU7t-ZPontdxpPDzFaT-pLoi0BrWW7w97uAeB_AFWj1HyvskZrEr_6F20Egzg1kxmwoMGiBrl_g_ET2zWtDT4zdZdIsa67eOmnPjINCzgHhDm6VbH1wdufTt_naYH4NFlbcxPtq/s2048/IMG_3342.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEKf7s4AU7t-ZPontdxpPDzFaT-pLoi0BrWW7w97uAeB_AFWj1HyvskZrEr_6F20Egzg1kxmwoMGiBrl_g_ET2zWtDT4zdZdIsa67eOmnPjINCzgHhDm6VbH1wdufTt_naYH4NFlbcxPtq/s320/IMG_3342.JPG" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgblThGhdNxHCpkbK4ScqGVOZFoZKG9umpK-Kc_TwHdKLHMpe9GIT7YeQxaH06woLGpR0eEmF-aST6v8Jpk-pPfEFK1cmLha_MdzT-xonws8pn-5qeRmB8qqP2A_mLSo23qGbouvTqmJhUr/s2048/IMG_3343.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgblThGhdNxHCpkbK4ScqGVOZFoZKG9umpK-Kc_TwHdKLHMpe9GIT7YeQxaH06woLGpR0eEmF-aST6v8Jpk-pPfEFK1cmLha_MdzT-xonws8pn-5qeRmB8qqP2A_mLSo23qGbouvTqmJhUr/s320/IMG_3343.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Below is the entrance to the mixed bath. On the photo on the left are some paid lockers ¥100 per use to store your valuables. After you enter there are open cabinets to store your clothes and towel. If you are shy about entering, you can purchase a cover for ¥1,100. However the women's side entrance to the bath actually has a long walkway blocked off by walls so you don't get seen until you are fully immersed into the bath. The bath water is a milky color so you can't see anyone's body parts that's inside the bath. </span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzVmU8JL-uRCjf7AkmItboXzYccj39P0KCwKEFDS13kmIe1Az-d1re1l_5MbwZPn6_xJhrlgtC3ANt9aDVizprwaEml-pev8pJLmH-AouF_ZRoIuA3QKM_DZ_QyLv45MhhSoHaBMcoc2Pl/s2048/IMG_3344.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzVmU8JL-uRCjf7AkmItboXzYccj39P0KCwKEFDS13kmIe1Az-d1re1l_5MbwZPn6_xJhrlgtC3ANt9aDVizprwaEml-pev8pJLmH-AouF_ZRoIuA3QKM_DZ_QyLv45MhhSoHaBMcoc2Pl/s320/IMG_3344.JPG" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU6nxP0xxdoVZK6PB5mgS06W1abJJZalshoaCGf37uTVuW8Oc8C8Oz9czh0UvGyZlgijPgM2N-ODmNHCQ2xzp6XoWIYQwZXgH42C-sexLkPbqMhZxgncKNf759dbLkJOJkzb8qquFZ8x-i/s2048/IMG_3346.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU6nxP0xxdoVZK6PB5mgS06W1abJJZalshoaCGf37uTVuW8Oc8C8Oz9czh0UvGyZlgijPgM2N-ODmNHCQ2xzp6XoWIYQwZXgH42C-sexLkPbqMhZxgncKNf759dbLkJOJkzb8qquFZ8x-i/s320/IMG_3346.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEharLVCWKW7IZ4XqaE22ngR3aez1SN87QHlOxtCrNGphg99b6KFZUTZx3NEZ94WjsfTH8nDQWtHJZdYKOXm4p_UQ948KkHFFFL88kBfx4TQnKPTII1xxj89kKcBf4TkWGFduQVSxfX9giIY/s2048/IMG_3354.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEharLVCWKW7IZ4XqaE22ngR3aez1SN87QHlOxtCrNGphg99b6KFZUTZx3NEZ94WjsfTH8nDQWtHJZdYKOXm4p_UQ948KkHFFFL88kBfx4TQnKPTII1xxj89kKcBf4TkWGFduQVSxfX9giIY/s320/IMG_3354.JPG" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVQQ2ux6-MOyR-0X5oAIF0QxBvAFXOGQ3b02TMwZxVqWi0TIJd0N4EUZMHVzfp9_kH9pwSSX6PprixBn2qqX2FS39nEv0QpBUnEV7XWO5IypNaJzM9QcE1DnUbDPTBNnbSoxcQw9lajBpZ/s2048/IMG_3355.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVQQ2ux6-MOyR-0X5oAIF0QxBvAFXOGQ3b02TMwZxVqWi0TIJd0N4EUZMHVzfp9_kH9pwSSX6PprixBn2qqX2FS39nEv0QpBUnEV7XWO5IypNaJzM9QcE1DnUbDPTBNnbSoxcQw9lajBpZ/s320/IMG_3355.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Below is an image of the public bath taken from online. In the back of this photo are the entrances from the changing room. On the left you see a set of stair cases and a long walkway all covered by wooden panels, that's the women's entrance side. The mens enter from the right side which is completely opened. You aren't allowed to wear anything inside the bath, so no bathing suits, no towels in the bath. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">When I was there it was mostly middle age to elderly people. Everyone was respectful, mostly kept to themselves. No one really looked around, and when people stood up, they will cover their private parts with the small towel, so it's not like there are people running around butt naked. Even if a guy is sitting on the edge with only his legs in the water, they will also cover their private parts with a towel. The men also tend to stick on their side. There isn't really a line per se but there's kind of this invisible divide and people don't cross sides to the opposite gender. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">It wasn't crowded at all ,definitely not 1,000 people. I'd say it was similar to the photo below but people were more spread out. Mens side probably had about 10-15 people and womens side had about 5-10 people. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">How I felt: I personally didn't mind at all and wasn't nervous, and I didn't really feel weird either. My perspective is that having body parts is a completely normal thing and part of being human. When I'm old and wrinkly and just want a nice bath, I wouldn't want other people staring at me all disgusted with my body, so the least I can do is also treat everyone with respect. I was really happy with how respectful and orderly everyone was, I actually went in for a second dip after I had lunch! </span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpGmGWjuS9nQH11zETlMDOJDychx9nGlcuUtstlqB7mkyWIGE2itICF4Do_JlF9XV8DxA2_dc8028AGokkqFDxIRQ98XcEWBUVvvbEyzxV6qk-ibSUbuNZ6wZWPnoSGKz0RKEIOf7j_50w/s800/2.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="532" data-original-width="800" height="317" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpGmGWjuS9nQH11zETlMDOJDychx9nGlcuUtstlqB7mkyWIGE2itICF4Do_JlF9XV8DxA2_dc8028AGokkqFDxIRQ98XcEWBUVvvbEyzxV6qk-ibSUbuNZ6wZWPnoSGKz0RKEIOf7j_50w/w477-h317/2.jpeg" width="477" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #b45f06; font-family: verdana;"><b>Sukayu Onsen - Lunch time </b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">I wasn't overly hungry, but I did have a delicious snack at the bath house! If you go to the back of the gift shop there is an oden shop as well as a restaurant. They serve all kinds of yummy noodles, tempura, and for me I choose the grilled scallops, onsen egg and a beer before going back in for a second dip. I was really warm from the first round of bath time so I choose the window spot. </span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibRG-jNaGJonR278IlYVqQ-2OXg-jNRKJzFUqF8irrRmVUE7r48kWwe_YsVZrv_jXuj-N0iY_p7IkOqpBLSW8IbHZLiuaMKbP6tV3Vk1TsSdM8r6s7rYSSR3k1_xfj-9rTYPeQh9Gpkzdv/s2048/IMG_3480.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibRG-jNaGJonR278IlYVqQ-2OXg-jNRKJzFUqF8irrRmVUE7r48kWwe_YsVZrv_jXuj-N0iY_p7IkOqpBLSW8IbHZLiuaMKbP6tV3Vk1TsSdM8r6s7rYSSR3k1_xfj-9rTYPeQh9Gpkzdv/s320/IMG_3480.JPG" width="240" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJtLErvptLRVPFS00VHhk4Bu9pfa_E5fWgyXvW90LwFuNbzWsJTXJPGwz4C8jTab7ayltAOJbHv8kUmgB8UtKXicTjHBdzGEGRwQPCPdrW3Gj_gIpdN9Ni5frRDBeo9_ECLILPMXevXmgJ/s2048/IMG_3352.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJtLErvptLRVPFS00VHhk4Bu9pfa_E5fWgyXvW90LwFuNbzWsJTXJPGwz4C8jTab7ayltAOJbHv8kUmgB8UtKXicTjHBdzGEGRwQPCPdrW3Gj_gIpdN9Ni5frRDBeo9_ECLILPMXevXmgJ/s320/IMG_3352.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Next up on the Aomori portion of the 5-day Tohoku trip, I will be heading west to the Tsugaru Region of Aomori, specifically Hirosaki and Owani Onsen area. We will be diving deep into the history and culture of Tsugaru region which includes a Neputa lantern making experience. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Times;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">More from the series: </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: Times;"><ul><li><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: verdana;"><a href="http://www.arielland.com/2021/11/tohoku-5-day-trip-with-jr-east-rail-pass.html" target="_blank"><b>Tohoku 5-day trip with the JR-East rail pass</b></a></span></li><li><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: verdana;"><a href="http://www.arielland.com/2021/11/morioka-and-tsunagi-onsen-iwate.html" target="_blank"><b>Morioka and Tsunagi Onsen (Iwate)</b></a></span></li><li><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: verdana;"><a href="http://www.arielland.com/2021/11/kakunodate-akita-prefecture-tohoku.html" target="_blank"><b>Kakunodate (Akita)</b></a></span></li><li><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: verdana;"><a href="http://www.arielland.com/2021/11/aomori-sukayu-onsen-aomori-prefecture.html" target="_blank"><b>Aomori & Sukayu Onsen (Aomori)</b></a></span></li><li><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: verdana;"><a href="http://www.arielland.com/2021/11/hirosaki-kuroishi-owani-onsen-aomori.html" target="_blank"><b>Hirosaki, Kuroishi, and Owani Onsen (Aomori)</b></a></span></li></ul></div></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Follow me on instagram <a href="http://@ariel.land"><b><span style="color: #e06666;">@ariel.land</span></b></a> for more Japan travel tips</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/ariel.land/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="2815" data-original-width="1117" height="708" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVaTBWYr3huYFAd780guk-tYz0UTpCEnrH-OaTvdnY8phAChblJ2wT55w82OESL7lr2QuBuy7ZdNKwmRH-1VbzD8L0sdUedTg8f4aAL8JaorPLK8Qj0x2BAVDGpPzcqr0POIIxiK4w746e/w281-h708/IMG_5903.JPG" width="281" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMjvaMfHjKs7gglnIeTJWozLwVkB0d-o-82JrfxFzAXr_onXgCKDvDf_oT5rGf5qaFc-NK2X4IQAYYJ-ivfJfQIXln0LDntORnvGcViXkr9KQTL7gzsJSSFUihxUJqd73QVaqjCo26TErD/s200/Screen+Shot+2014-10-23+at+7.51.53+PM.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="92" data-original-width="200" height="92" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMjvaMfHjKs7gglnIeTJWozLwVkB0d-o-82JrfxFzAXr_onXgCKDvDf_oT5rGf5qaFc-NK2X4IQAYYJ-ivfJfQIXln0LDntORnvGcViXkr9KQTL7gzsJSSFUihxUJqd73QVaqjCo26TErD/s0/Screen+Shot+2014-10-23+at+7.51.53+PM.png" width="200" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p></p>Arielhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03509227042293152734noreply@blogger.com0