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Published: September 26th 2010
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So far this trip, Katie and I had been going at a break neck pace. Doing and seeing so much, that we rarely had a chance to relax and mellow out for more than a couple hours. I knew it would be like this, so I planned an early in the morning even, then after that, a day of relaxation.
The day started at 4am for us. We got up, got ready, and headed to the Tsukiji Fish Market. Every travel guide I read, said this place was not to be missed. And to see all the action, we had to get there early. Now, seeing tuna auctions and all that is fine and dandy, but I was there to try some sushi. Fresh sushi, the kind that feels like it was in the water 10 minutes before you ate it. After walking around the market and seeing some HUGE tuna, we decided to stop off for a bite. I wanted to go to Daiwa Sushi. Apparently, it's one of the most popular sushi spots in Tokyo. Unfortunately, they didn't open until 5pm, so I went to another hole in the wall place in the outer market. This place did
NOT disappoint. The sushi was extremely fresh and quite tasty. For those of you interested in prices, it only set me back 2100 yen.
After the Tsukiji fish market, we went back to the hostel, grabbed our day pack, and headed to Hakone. We wanted to take advantage of the last day of our JR Pass. Hakone is a small town in the mountains about an hour or 2 outside of Tokyo. Originally, the plan was to go up the mountain, check out the area, enjoy views of Mount Fuji, and reward ourselves with some relaxation at one of the local hot springs. The weather didn't really cooperate as it was overcast and seemed like the heavens could pour down any minute. We decided to just go to the hot springs. All of the travel guides I read, recommended the Tenzan hot spring. We also saw some brochures at the tourist information center outside of the train station, so we decided to go there. We took the bullet train from Tokyo Station to Odawara, then another train to the Hakone-Yumato station.
I could tell we weren't in Kansas anymore as the signage displayed less and less English. Finally,
after taking the Micro-bus B that departed from across the street from the train station, we arrived at Tenzan shortly there after. This is where the comedy began. So it took us a few minutes to figure out which ticket to purchase (as there was no English). Then, Katie and I went to the locker rooms to change. Before I continue, I just have to add that the travel guides I read just mentioned that this was one of the best hot springs to go to in Hakone. So anyways, I get in the locker room, and glanced outside. All I could see were naked dudes. For a second, I was like "oh no, what did I get myself into". Apparently, this onsen (as well as most of the others) do not allow men and women to bath together, and do not allow any sort of clothing to be worn. I went back out to the lobby to meet with Katie, who by this time was wide eyed and couldn't believe we had to go in naked haha. At first, she didn't really want to do it, but after a few minutes, she mustered up the intestinal fortitude to try
it out. We were like "meh, we'll never see these people again."
I quick changed errrr disrobed, and headed out to the hot spring. By the way, have you ever seen a movie where someone walks into a party and the dj's needle stops the record to a screetching halt? That's what this felt like. I was the ONLY non-Japanese dude here. They all just stared at me until I got in the onsen. Luckily, I had read the proper protocol that you're supposed to wash yourself before you go in the onsen. Anyone that knows me, knows I'm not a bashful dude, but it was pretty awkward. Once getting over the fact that a crap load of dudes were staring at me, I submerged myself in the hot springs water. OH........... MY...........GOD!!! It felt AMAZING. One of the most relaxing feelings I ever experienced. Imagine a jacuzzi, but more relaxing. It was just awesome. However, I either closed my eyes were looked at the surrounding trees to keep from seeing a bunch of naked men.
Katie and I decided to meet at a certain time again, so we did. Howver, we both were so relaxed that we
went over the time we said, but luckily both walked out of the locker rooms into the lobby at the same time. After that, we headed to one of the restaurants. I hadn't tried Udon noodles on this trip yet, so figured I should. After that, Katie and I hung out in the "nap room". Basically, it's a couple rooms full of tatami mats, where people just hang out, take naps, etc. David, you'd LOVE this room.
After we got some food for Katie (she pretty much has only eaten chicken and rice the whole trip) we went to get a massage. Katie opted for the foot massage as all the walking had taken quite a toll on her feet. I opted for the upper body massage. It was pretty damn good and only cost $12 for 20 minutes.
Refreshed and relaxed, we decided to head back to Tokyo. One problem though, we had missed the last MicroBus back to the station. Oh well, no biggie. Katie and I felt adventurous, so we walked. It was a brisk 20 minute walk, but luckily we made it. I don't know how, but we got there with zero problems even
though there was zero English signage.
Upon arriving back in Tokyo, we wanted to go to Roppongi. The plan was to take a quick nap and go, but a quick nap turned into sleeping all night. Oh well, guess we'll have to save Roppongi for tomorrow when we do the pub crawl!!!! See you guys later and we miss you all!!!
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