Fun 'Japanese Style' = (Onsen + Futon) x 6 !

On their second weekend in Japan, it was off to the Izu Peninsula with 'Team Lewis'. It's such a lovely place and, so others can enjoy the beauty too, we keep returning . As normal, we stopped at Hakone where we wandered around the shore of the lake. We also found a very traditional street which we had not previously visited. After a quick 'sit down on the floor' lunch we moved on.

We drove down the west coast and across the centre to Kawazu. My decision to return (for the third time) to Amagi Zen Onsen was a successful one. Dress code was perfect ....pyjamas or nothing!! I had been unsure whether the children would be permitted to use the onsens, but we had no problems. Initially, they found the water a little hot but the temptation to go in overrode that issue. With a preference for nudity anyway, Amy had a ball collecting cups and filling them with the spring water that flows constantly into the pools. She would then tip all the water out, throw the cups in and retrieve them and then begin the process again. She showed no preference for the indoor or outdoor pool, but the sauna was definitely way too warm. It is a very luxurious experience and all the gorgeous body products at your disposal are just the 'icing on the cake'!

At about $100.00 for each adult per night, it's great value....... dinner, breakfast, endless onsen and sauna, room complete with futon, pyjamas and, of course, the luxury wheat bag pillows!!! The kids just loved everything about the place..... I mean, what kid could resist rolling around in futons and plunging into hot onsens??
 
Our dinner was a barbecue and, as it had been a bit drizzly, we ate under a traditional Japanese covered area. The food was delicious and Henry and Amy had plenty of space to run around. Choosing to do the barbecue, rather than a meal in the dining room, was also a good choice. It adds a bit more to the basic tariff but it saved issues at the dinner table, in the absence of high chairs.  

Henry, for some reason, had decided he was going to sleep in nanny and pop's cupboard so we set his futon up in there. With Amy asleep in the other room, we partially closed the cupboard door, so as not to disturb Henry, and enjoyed a brief moment of conversation and peace. We were actually so relaxed from all our immersions in hot water that we, too, were glad to hit the futons.


On the Sunday, it was my birthday (my second one celebrated in Japan) and I had a magical day. It began with a very early 'jump on the futon' morning call from the kids followed by the normal Japanese breakfast, definitely not 'my cup of tea'. On this visit I had been determined to give everything a go, but I just couldn't do it. Breakfast is served on a tray with numerous small bowls, containing all manner of things, and a little burner to heat your fish. Even though quite salty, I enjoy the fish (not like eating a flathead fillet though). Even the only vegetarian in our group wasn't impressed with the fare....bring on a coffee and toast was her wish. 

(Clockwise from bottom) Fish, natto kinase, tofu(maybe), miso, orange, rice, pickled something x 2 and egg (sort of poached but.....)!

A traditional component of the meal is natto kinase (I say 'nasty'). Eaten with rice, it's apparently a popular breakfast food. Natto kinase is an enzyme extracted from a Japanese food called nattō. Nattō is made from fermented soybeans and has been eaten in Japan for many years. It is produced by fermentation, when the beneficial bacterium Bacillus natto is added to boiled soybeans. Supposedly, it is effective in treating intenstinal disorders, skin conditions and immune deficiencies. I can imagine why.....you would have to be a brave 'bug' to take it on!!!  It is also compared to having an aspirin a day with possible blood thinning benefits. With its strong, cheese-like smell; a nutty, salty flavour and incredibly sticky consistency, I think I will give it a miss.

The strings don't actually break. I end up with it on my face!

The few Japanese people that I've asked compare it to our Vegemite. Recently, I asked Ritsu (my Monday teacher) to sample some Vegemite. Having lived in England for a few years, she was familiar with Marmite which she didn't like. I explained that they were derived from quite different products...one beef, the other a yeast extract. The Vegemite got the 'thumbs up' over Marmite....but who knows......I know she would be way too polite to say she didn't like it. I guess it is just what we are used to!

A traditional Himitsu Box (Secret Personal Box) beautifully made with lacquered wood and a seven step process needed to open it was a gift from Steve! 'Team Lewis' presented me with an innovative Rainbow Maker, compete with genuine Swarovski crystals. A solar panel creates the energy to turn a series of cogs, which turn the crystals and create moving rainbows in the room....it brings good Chi into your home according to Feng Sui. Now hanging in the apartment, it's definitely bringing good Chi in....it's certainly bringing in lots of warmth from the sun.

Exploring the Kawazu Seven Waterfalls in the rain was actually really beautiful. With the added effect of umbrellas it created quite a surreal experience. Since the end of Winter, on each visit we noticed the water had continued to increase and this time there was more water than ever. The roar of the falls and the water rushing down the river was awesome.

My Dad!!

After visiting the falls we headed further south through Shimoda towards Irozaki, where we knew there was a lovely white sand beach. As far as we have seen, white sand beaches are not the norm. Amy quickly stripped off and played in the sand with Henry, who kept his clothes on. The water was just a bit cooler than the onsen!

Father and Son!

Such stunning views!

With the trip home sure to be lengthened by the customary traffic jams, we turned north and headed back to Yokohama. So keen were we to avoid the traffic we didn't even stop for lunch....we just ate chocolate, lollies, dry biscuits and all sorts of unhealthy stuff. It became quite funny when we still got caught in the traffic and also started to run out of supplies. The kids were brilliant travellers and not once complained as it got later and later. Trying to beat Honey's (the GPS) predicted arrival time always keeps us entertained. We've given up arguing with her but still like to prove her wrong in other ways. Traffic jams included, we spent about $100 on tolls for the weekend!! It certainly gets expensive if you stay on the expressways. 


These days I don't like having birthdays but back home it was fun to celebrate with a 'cake' sourced by Erica at the SevenEleven Store down the street.  

Tanjoubi o medeto!

Eyes too big for mouth..... let alone stomach!!!