Japan Travel June 2009, part 1: Photos 147 to 168

We started our travels by staying a few days in Shimoda 下田 on the Izu Peninsula 伊豆半島.
While there we rented a car and traveled all along the coast taking hundreds of pictures as we went.
It was "off" season, so the roads and tourist areas were not busy.
Good thing for the roads especially! They are very much like the roads you find in the peak district in England.
Beautiful, narrow, and very curvy! Fun but a little scary at times.

Also the onsens (Natural hot springs heated from the earth's core), were mostly empty so we could relax in our own private baths.

While in Shimoda, we stayed at a Ryokan. (Ryokan are Japanese style inns - Guests stay in Japanese style rooms with tatami floor and a low table. Shoes are usually removed at the ryokan's main entrance, where slippers will be kept ready. You are supposed to remove even your slippers before stepping onto tatami mats.

Dinner and breakfast are included in the overnight stay, except at some no-frills establishments. Some ryokan serve meals in the guest room, while others serve them in separate dining areas. Both meals are in Japanese style and often

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