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Misa Edito:
After returning from the clean, crisp air of New Zealand, Tokyo in summer seemed unbearable! So, Germain and I decided to try to escape the palpable humidity and head up north. We took the shinkansen to Aizu-Wakamatsu in Fukushima Ken- neither of us had ever been there, it was a short shinkansen ride, close to Bandai Asahi National Park and we figured that if it was in the mountains (good spot for hiking), at least the air would be clean :). Although it was still hot and humid, it was a break from Tokyo... and a break from routine is always welcome. While walking the sights, we came across an underground crosswalk (anything to get out of the sun!). At the entrance was this beautiful homage to the Byakkotai (White Tigers). In 1878 20 teenage samurai looked down upon Tsuruga-jō, saw it surrounded in smoke and concluded that imperial forces had captured the castle. Rather than surrender, they committed seppuku- ritual suicide by disembowelment. ["Lonely Planet", Japan]. Of course then, we had to see Tsuruga-jō, but as it is a reconstruction, we skipped the tour and instead tried our hands at archery. Due to a week of gym-class archery each year of junior high, I was able to hit the mark and win a prize- thanks, Abington Heights athletics ;). The following day we ventured to Bandai-san and hiked around Goshiki-numa, famous for its 11 lakes and ponds known as Five Colours Lakes. As you can see from the pictures, they weren't kidding! Following a day of hiking, nothing feels better than a dip in an onsen. We headed up the hill to this gorgeous onsen with indoor and outdoor baths... and since we were late for onsen go-ers, we had them all to ourselves. Aahhhhhhh... It was additionally lucky for us that we were so late, since we left 2 screaming-fashion-nightmares! The day washed from us and onsen-induced relaxed, we donned our ryokan-provided-yukata but forgot appropriate changes of footwear. So, it was that 2 refreshed Tokyo-ites walked back to our ryokan with yukatas blowing in the breeze and muddy-clunky hiking boots on our feet (>_<). Along the way we spotted what was either an amazing light installation or the town's unique way of lighting up. And what is a trip without tasting the local dishes?! Before departing, we made sure to try Dengaku (bamboo skewers of tofu and vegetables basted in miso paste and baked over charcoal). It was delicious!!! We couldn't get enough of it... I recommend the mochi! |
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