This is part 2 in the Japan 2016 series. For part 1: Japan 2016 – Tokyo

Day 5. Minakami was my next stop after leaving Tokyo and I stayed at a popular ryokan, which is a traditional Japanese inn. After checking in and putting on my yukata, I decided to…stay in my room, haha.

I expected to take a quick nap and then shower before getting in the onsen. Turns out, I slept until it was time for dinner. One of the attendants brought the food to my room.

After eating, I fell asleep again and did not wake up until the middle of the night. Panicking, I was trying to decide if I should go back to sleep and get in the onsen later in the morning, before it was time to check out. I decided to get up, shower in my room, and then get in the onsen. Not a big deal, right? Well, since I did not take the time to explore the ryokan earlier, I had no idea where anything was, and I was unable to read some of the signs because my knowledge of kanji was limited. And since it was the middle of the night, none of the attendants were around. No problem. I was wide awake and had the time to wander. After about 10 minutes, I found the entrance to the onsen area. Yes! I put on a pair of geta (traditional wooden sandals) that were two sizes too small and headed out into the snow. I managed to shuffle across a few bridges and on several narrow pathways without slipping on the ice and falling into the river.

I passed a few of the baths until I reached the one that was marked with the kanji for “woman.” I went into the closed off area to disrobe and place my clothes in a cubby. Now, I was ready! With enthusiasm, I placed a portion of my foot in the water, and immediately took it out. I knew the water was going to be hot, but not that hot. So, there I was, freezing, and dipping my foot in and out of the water trying to get my body acclimated to the water’s temperature. This goes on for a good 5 minutes, and luckily, no one else was around! Imagine how relieved I am to finally get in the water.

I stayed in the bath for at least 2 hours. My favorite part was when it began to snow again. The giant snow flakes fell all around me and would immediately melt upon landing in the bath. I could not believe that I was halfway around the world, in an outside natural hot spring bath, while it was snowing, the middle of the night. At this point, I knew that I needed to make traveling a a constant in my life.

Day 6. I checked out of the ryokan and the shuttle took us back to the station. Because of the snow, the train was delayed about an hour. A few people around me let me know (in English) that the train was delayed, and I was appreciative, even though in my broken Japanese, I was able to understand the announcement. A fellow passenger introduced herself and asked me a few questions. She was surprised to see a tourist in Minakami. It seems that many tourists tend to frequent the larger cities in Japan, but I wanted to experience different parts of Japan outside of Tokyo. Eventually, I made it to Kyoto.

Day 7. Walking along Kamogawa (the Kamo River). Then lunch at Falafel Garden. Later, I shopped at the Toji Flea Market. I bought some fresh taiyaki with azuki/red bean filling for $2 USD. The azuki bean is pretty standard when it comes to taiyaki, but there are so many different fillings that you can get. I also purchased an assortment of dried fruit, and a blanket scarf for $10 USD, that I desperately needed.

Day 8. Nishiki Market. I bought a few snacks to bring back with me and sampled several items, including the tiny octopus on a stick with a (quail?) egg inside. Even I was surprised that I did not like the octopus, but I ate it anyway because I hate wasting food. I must have been at the market for a few hours because I stopped by so many small shops and looked at the snacks, desserts, herbs and spices, handmade goods, etc. I bought some chopstick holders. One looks like a tree stump and another is of a pie or tart with a bear’s face on top. At some point, I ate some mini soy milk donuts, which were really good. Definitely get to Nishiki Market early. I came back later in the afternoon and found it difficult to shop because there were so many people.

I left the market and wandered around the area for a few hours, stopping by some thrift stores and a few book stores.

Next was Chorakuji Temple. I may have gotten my first shuin (temple stamp) here. Actually, I started walking through another temple, but I hoped that the further I walked, the further away from the crowds I would be. And I was correct. I stumbled upon Chorakuji, which became another one my favorite places in Kyoto. It was beautiful and peaceful. I walked to the top and could not believe the view overlooking Kyoto.

Sad to leave Chorakuji Temple, I went to Heian Shrine and received my second shuin. Then, I explored the surrounding area.

The day ended with me shopping at various stores on Shijo Street and Kawaramachi Street…and then buying laundry detergent so that I could wash clothes.

The next post should conclude my adventures in Japan.

Thank you for reading!