Showing posts with label Nagano. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Nagano. Show all posts
Monday, May 31, 2010
Saturday, May 29, 2010
Day 2 - the ride
It was anything but routine. Driving out from the Ryokan, we started a climb. Up the mountain range that hosted the famous Nagano winter Olimpics. The first leg took us on a twistie road at 3-4000 meters elevation with magnificent views of bamboo meadows and snow top mountain ranges. Plumes of steam rise from the slopes here and there.
Spotted with ski resorts, some with ski runs that were still open. Temperatures dropped to 10c. / 40f on the way. Coming off the Japanese Alps, making sure we do not hit a stray monkey along the road (yes the famous monkeys that hang out in the hot springs, wander on the road between baths),
we drove toward the north westrn coast of Japan.
A couple of hours later and a bowl of steaming tempura Ramen, we got to our destination for the night. Gokayama, a UNESCO heritage listed village. More about our experience there in tomorrow's bit.
Spotted with ski resorts, some with ski runs that were still open. Temperatures dropped to 10c. / 40f on the way. Coming off the Japanese Alps, making sure we do not hit a stray monkey along the road (yes the famous monkeys that hang out in the hot springs, wander on the road between baths),
we drove toward the north westrn coast of Japan.
A couple of hours later and a bowl of steaming tempura Ramen, we got to our destination for the night. Gokayama, a UNESCO heritage listed village. More about our experience there in tomorrow's bit.
Friday, May 28, 2010
Thursday, May 27, 2010
Day 1 - gearing up
We definitely started out in grandeur. After checking in to the Park Hyatt, most famous from the scene in. "Lost in translation",
we have gone out to an exquisite dinner in a Japanese restaurant..
Some of the highlights included an out of this world Hamachi Sashimi, Medium rarer Kobe beef sirloin grilled in a lotus leaf on the table and an amazing bowl of rice, creamy egg, lobster and sea urchin.
All accompanied with a cold semi dry Sake.
This morning, I am off to pick up the bike. If I manage to keep it eventless, We should be able to be on our way by noon
Nagano is our target for today. Mountain twisties and Onsen hot-spring Bath houses. How bad can it be...
7:23 PM
We settled in the Ryokan for our first Onsen and a Futon bed on the Tatami. In other words, we got to the local Motel 6 in Kusatsu, and got to the room with extra hard matress, green tea and a bath with bath water that has been used by the previous guests.
the heated seat on the toilette is the only Ray of light. Safta and I are being brave. We read the book and try and respect the habits of the indigenious habitants of Japan.
It's actualy very cool. We had an amazing drive through the mountains leading to the Ryokan, through rice fields and picturesque villages.
8:30
Dinner was served. Not as good as last night but quite delicious still. Chicken Shabu Shabu, Bamboo rice and Tuna sashimi were my favorites.
In an hour we are going to soak in a hot bath. Yet another first time for the day. Our eyes are heavy. It's been a very long day.
we have gone out to an exquisite dinner in a Japanese restaurant..
Some of the highlights included an out of this world Hamachi Sashimi, Medium rarer Kobe beef sirloin grilled in a lotus leaf on the table and an amazing bowl of rice, creamy egg, lobster and sea urchin.
All accompanied with a cold semi dry Sake.
This morning, I am off to pick up the bike. If I manage to keep it eventless, We should be able to be on our way by noon
Nagano is our target for today. Mountain twisties and Onsen hot-spring Bath houses. How bad can it be...
7:23 PM
We settled in the Ryokan for our first Onsen and a Futon bed on the Tatami. In other words, we got to the local Motel 6 in Kusatsu, and got to the room with extra hard matress, green tea and a bath with bath water that has been used by the previous guests.
the heated seat on the toilette is the only Ray of light. Safta and I are being brave. We read the book and try and respect the habits of the indigenious habitants of Japan.
It's actualy very cool. We had an amazing drive through the mountains leading to the Ryokan, through rice fields and picturesque villages.
8:30
Dinner was served. Not as good as last night but quite delicious still. Chicken Shabu Shabu, Bamboo rice and Tuna sashimi were my favorites.
In an hour we are going to soak in a hot bath. Yet another first time for the day. Our eyes are heavy. It's been a very long day.
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