Yamashiro Onsen town

Strong and tall. Bend but don't break. Hardy and grows continuously. One could learn so much from Bamboo tree. Hence it's one of the most important symbol in Japanese culture and everyday's usage. They said find wisdom in emptiness, as bamboo is empty on the inside. It is also able to spring back even after heavy snow and new leaves grow come every spring.:)))

So I guess we should take bamboo is a metaphor in life. Never be defeated :)) unless u get chopped hahahaha. But that's another story. Prollie I should get a bamboo plant on my new desk here at the office :))

This is like a semi-horizontal elevator from Beniya Mukayu. The property was built on the slopes of the mountain overlooking the stunning Kaga town and Sea of Japan. So to get down, there is a special access built just for guests.

There are only 17 rooms in this property and booking the one you wanted could prove to be a challenge especially during the peak season. The room we wanted was not possible because there is only ONE!!!

*pic taken from Beniya Mukayu's website*

\We wanted this Wakamurasaki Suite which was one and only one at the property. The view is so stunning isn't it? Since the snow has melted the day we arrived, so I guess it's OK. Eventually we got a room with a view too :))))

The lift shaft from the top. Yeah it was a rather weird ride but so so convenient. We reached the town centre in less than 2 minutes :))) But JS said he prefer to hike up and take the long way up, which we almost did on the way home.

JS: "Monkey where are we? Where are u taking us?"

actually I have no idea. Just hang around, visit some temples, have some ice creams and climb some trees I supposed? hehehehehe

The snow were melting everywhere . Seen in this pic, there were still remnants of snow on the sidewalk.

Monkey: "follow me JS and as usual you won't be disappointed, though I have no idea where we are goin."

I guess it's the company that matters right? Hehehehehe. He will be eppy and I will make sure there's "subjects" for his photography.

we strolled around this little onsen town and watched sunset over the little hill. Yamashiro was discovered 1,300 years ago by a monk who was on his way to Mount Hakusan at the Japanese Alps. The high natural mineral content of the hot springs here are known to relieve muscle and joint pain.

This is the public bathhouse at the centre of the town. Seriously right smack in the middle of the town. Built around the edo period, it's called soyu. It has undergone a recent refurbishment and renovation.

We were so glad we made this "pit-stop" between Kanazawa and Kyoto. As my friend always said, we do need a vacation in between our vacations just to relax and let time passed. :))

Ryokans

When I first encountered the word Ryokans I tot it was FOOD :P
heeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee

Ryokans are traditional japanese inn originated in the 15th century
with tatami mats = means u zzZZzzz on the floor
and dainty sliding doors
a large hallway and a table with short legs in the middle of the room
and of coz leg-less chairs wuahahahahaahha

Ryokans are expensive and not easy to find in Japan with concentration around areas with Onsen = hot springs
luxury ryokans has got private bath on its own with view of either the Mountain of Sea

so ZEN rite???

Monkey had been trying to book a Ryokan for the past weeks and went bonkers at the $$$$$$
it's more expensive than a 5 Star luxury hotel in Ginza *Faints*
about 3x the price

but it comes with a private onsen facing the lake with the view of Mount Fuji!!!!
aaaaAAAaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa
OMG~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I just wanna b here right now...right away!!!!

All Ryokans serve breakfast + dinner inside your own unit
inside ur room there's a Yukata which u'll wear during your stay in any Ryokans

Yukata is worn as a form of relaxation and after bathing inside the onsen
it's basically a simple version of kimono made fr light cotton

Dinner format is usually a Kaiseki dinner
varied small portion of seasonal produce

quality of food is highly stressed during these dinner
and depending on which area u r staying at....the Ryokan will serve their local food
hmmm dainty food for dainty ppl like me :P

view fr inside ur own private onsen
but since we r goin during summer we won't get a view of snow-capped Mt. Fuji

hopefully with a clear sky we can see this view :)))))))))
aaAAAAaaaaaaaaa

decisions decisions decisions
which City to stay at now??? arghhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh
then next question which Ryokan?

Lakes at Fuji or at Hakone???
or maybe we just stay at both?