Into the Final Turn
When I think of a traditional Japanese home, I think of sliding paper and wood walls, tatami mats and removing my shoes before entering. While most homes in Japan are no longer like this, you can still experience the old ways in a Ryokan (literally, "Travel House").
When we were booking back in the states, we decided we wanted the full experience, a big room, gourmet dinner and in-room onsen (a Japanese hot tub). We were not prepared for how jaw-dropping the place actually was!
Our room was pretty much out of my dreams of Japan. The far room is the bedroom. Our mattresses and blankets are stored behind one of the sliding partitions at the rear.
The onsen
..and of course we had to change into Kimonos!
Before dinner we took a stroll around the gardens. We had to change into those high, wooden sandals to walk around. With a little practice I was almost able to walk!
..and fed the carp that lived in the pond at the center of our inn
At promptly 6:30, we were served dinner in our room.
I consider myself a fairly adventurous eater, but there were dishes that proved a bit... challenging... for me. Like the river crab seen here. Just pop the whole thing in your mouth, legs, claws and all, and chew without thinking too much about it.
Also, lobster sushi
Jen had the best time grinding her own wabasi...
...and sampling it directly
A few hours after dinner, our attendants came back and laid out our beds for the night.
I took a soak in the super hot water of the onsen, then read for a few hours before sacking out. This was quite possibly the best evening I have ever had on vacation. If you go to Japan, definitely give a Ryokan a try!
Tomorrow it's back to the states. I hope all of you have cleared up that Swine Flu thing. I have no interest in being held up in Dulles when we land sometime Tuesday afternoon.
Smooches!
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When we were booking back in the states, we decided we wanted the full experience, a big room, gourmet dinner and in-room onsen (a Japanese hot tub). We were not prepared for how jaw-dropping the place actually was!
Our room was pretty much out of my dreams of Japan. The far room is the bedroom. Our mattresses and blankets are stored behind one of the sliding partitions at the rear.
The onsen
..and of course we had to change into Kimonos!
Before dinner we took a stroll around the gardens. We had to change into those high, wooden sandals to walk around. With a little practice I was almost able to walk!
..and fed the carp that lived in the pond at the center of our inn
At promptly 6:30, we were served dinner in our room.
I consider myself a fairly adventurous eater, but there were dishes that proved a bit... challenging... for me. Like the river crab seen here. Just pop the whole thing in your mouth, legs, claws and all, and chew without thinking too much about it.
Also, lobster sushi
Jen had the best time grinding her own wabasi...
...and sampling it directly
A few hours after dinner, our attendants came back and laid out our beds for the night.
I took a soak in the super hot water of the onsen, then read for a few hours before sacking out. This was quite possibly the best evening I have ever had on vacation. If you go to Japan, definitely give a Ryokan a try!
Tomorrow it's back to the states. I hope all of you have cleared up that Swine Flu thing. I have no interest in being held up in Dulles when we land sometime Tuesday afternoon.
Smooches!