Japan Calling (Days 1 & 2)

Days 1 & 2 (5-6 Nov 2014) in Tokyo and enroute to Gunma

Finally caved in to the many temptations to visit Japan! What with the double whammy "yen"; strong yearns for onsen dip and fresh sashimi, and the rapid weakening yen!

Day 1 was tiring (after a long flight and travel to Shinjuku) but delightful as I managed to find and buy the stunning Japanese designed and made cycling wear. And though dinner was very late at around 8pm, it was utterly satisfying both in terms of price and taste.  Only 2,300JPY for 3 pax (abt S$8.50 pp) with free flow beverages! And the business class hotel right in the heart of Shinjuku was far above my expectations considering its prime location, very decent price and the ultra  comfortable and spacious room.  I had a most well rested and sound sleep.....


We were fortunate to enjoy this free wifi service

Nice and comfortable business class hotel just 5 minutes' walk from Shinjuku Station

Dinner at Saizeria, Shinjuku.  These and free flow drinks for only 2,300JPY!!

Today (Day 2/6 Nov) we were all fully charged and ready to go to the mountains for our onsen and kiseki pursuits. It was an extra long driving day due to some miscommunications.  It usually took me 2.5-3hrs to drive to Gunma including stopover, but this time round, it took us almost 6hrs including a lunch break!  

Enroute to Gunma

But we were blessed to stumble upon an excellent sushi shop for a late lunch at around 2.30pm.  The seafood were so fresh and delicious with ultralicious complimentary fish soup! We even asked for a 2nd serving! The bill came up to just 3,500JPY. Each plate of sushi costs only between 120 and 480JPY!!! And this includes fresh scallops and salmon roes!!!

Interesting shadow casts on the sunshade next to the sushi restaurant's entrance

While it was dark when we arrived at the very secluded ryokan, we could see the awesome foliage enveloping the mountain resort from our car's powerful headlights!  Cant wait for day break to go for a long hike in the vicinity and to absorb  the crimson and golden hues.

Indoor onsen with view of the rotenburo/outdoor onsen

And needless to say, we had 2 onsen (hot spring) dips before and after dinner in 2 of the 3 different hot springs.  My favourite is  of course the outdoor rotenburo!!!

Here's where you scrub clean b4 soaking in the onsen.  Note the very old, traditional water flow system via a large wooden knob and wooden trench instead of the modern tap and shower head

 Await my autumn trail update for Day 3.....