Sunday we rode the train to the center of Japan, up into the mountains to Minakami. The scenery was…um, to be honest I was reading a book instead of paying attention to the scenery. Minakami is a hot spring town that attracts numerous outdoor enthusiasts to Joshinetsu Kogen National Park. The river running through it and beautiful snow-capped peaks surrounding it were picturesque.

We stayed in Tanigawa Ryokan: a traditional japanese inn dating from the Edo period (1603–1868). Upon entering, we were instructed to remove our shoes and were provided slippers. Our room had traditional tatami mats and a private hot spring bath, call onsen, on the balcony. Yukatas, traditional cotton kimonos, were provided for morning and evening wear. We read, we soaked, we lounged we drank sake. It was all very relaxing and quite a unique experience.

Kimono-wearing staff brought elaborate dinners and breakfast of traditional japanese delicacies. The language barrier prevented us from understanding what it is we were served, but I took lots of photos. If presentation is everything, then these meals were some of the finest to be had. At night, staff moved the short table and spread futons on the floor for sleeping.

Tuesday we hired a guide to take us snow shoeing around the Tanigawa-dake mountains. We had beautiful sunny weather and saw monkeys on the way back.

Part I: Tokyo

Part II: Minakami photos on facebook

Part III: Tokyo Returns

Tags: Japan, Minakami, Wanderlust