Onsen day

Today is the "Onsen" day - or the hotsprings of Japan.
We basically took a two and half hour trip from Tokyo up to the Japanese Alps to a hidden onsen resort.

Let me just say, it is fabulous and despite the sub-zero temps here (5 degrees), I can walk around scantly without any issues. Yes, it takes a little to get use to since you have to walk to the onsen with basically nothing more than your undies and thin kimono style clothing, but once there, outside does not matter anymore.

Onsen is suppose to be enjoyed with Winter and snow - common in Hokkiado up north where it snows a lot with heaps of volcanic activity. We were pleasantly surprised that the snow has not all melted and still patches of it around to give us a good sensation of the environment. Yes, its not winter - but that would have mean even colder weather to battle before the onsen!

Anyway, the meal (dinner) is included and it has been a traditional Japanese dinner. It was awesome and really had the traditional feel. Funny thing: we had Bear for dinner tonight.. Yes, Bear. Taste? hmmm.. its very much beef but very gamey type taste. Tougher too, but was prepared in a stew/soup thing (See pic). :)

BTW.. no pics at the onsen itself for obvious reasons. and no, I am not that Hentai enough to take a camera there too.. although thought did come through tonight when there are no one there.

Pleasantly surprised that there is a hotspot here for internet. I am surfing from the front foyer where the wireless access point is to present you this post.

Tomorrow is unfortunately going back to the city and the bullet train to Osaka.

Til then. :)