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Published: February 21st 2007
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A birthday in Japan, fabulous. Turning 28, for me not so fabulous. Yes I know its not old but its pretty close to 30 and again 30 also not old at all. The problem for me turning 28 is not the number but the fact that Im still hovering around the world with no real direction. Amy(my house mate) knowing that I was not looking forward to my birthday made an exciting suggestion for us to head to Izu for 3 days. Brilliant plan, Onsen, whitesand beaches, beautiful coastline and 3 days of relaxation...what could be better.
Izu is a beautiful place to visit and we had an amazing time I suggest to any fellow travellers in Japan that have not been there yet to add it to your list of places to go. We arrived safely on the ferry, I had to sing to Amy to distract her from vomiting, scared a few Japanese passangers with my terrible vocals but all in a good cause. First stop Shimoda, with a few pit stops on the way. Things were going great we were taking in the lovely sights, then took a wrong road and ended going all the way up
to the top of the mountains just to come back down again. Our first place to visit was Jyoren Falls. A stunning water fall, its was magical. There were people fishing in the river, which was fun to watch and when they caught their fish, they cooked it right then and there (on a stick of course).
I decided to skip the fish on the stick, especially since they weren't scaled or gutted, yuk!! Izu has a very peaceful and calming feel to it. Driving in Izu is fun and exciting, the coastline is beautiful and you get to drive down a spiral road which was a cool experience.
We found our accomadation, 'Marty Mouse' which was a very cool place to stay in Shimoda. Our room was called'Wooty Mouse", what a wooty mouse is exactly, Im unsure! The place was all bright colours, the walls of the rooms were corrugated iron and the Japanese man that ran it was just so sweet and friendly. I was very excited to hear that they had a big bath (like a small onsen). I hadnt been in an onsen yet and was happy to ease my way into the whole being
naked in front of stranges, with just Amy to begin with. It was a very relaxing experience and so soothing. As it was my actual birthday we thought we should go out for tea to celerbrate, easy, well not so. We found it so hard to find a place to eat, which became the running trend over the 3 days. I dont know what is the deal with Izu and resturants there werent that many open, maybe it was due to it being winter and not the busy sunny season.
Day 2 was full of great things. Got up early and headed to the beach. It was just like being home, a whitesand beach and clear blue water. The beach was a great place to start the day, there was a lovely Torii Gate on a small cliff and the surrounding were picture perfect. From there we were headed to Dogashima for a boat cruise. Stopped on the way at a very cool Festival, my first Japanese street festival. Good food, crafts to see and of course a photo with the festival princess. I was very excited I found a lolly that looked like must, with great excitment started
to eat it....oh no not musk, fish...yep lollies that tastes like fish, what a delight. Anyway we were on the road again, travelling along the coast, blue skies, the water I was feeling very happy. Arrived at Dogashima, disappointment, no boat cruise, too windy, not safe for the boat. Oh well, got some great shots of the coast and the cave. Next place, Syuzenji- onsen, the village of the Onsen, yippee. Amy and I found a great Onsen, got our gear off and found inner peace, well not quiet. Very cool experience, I am now a complete fan of the Onsen and look forward to many more.
Day 3 stayed in Syuzenji-onsen for a while, looked around, nice things to see. There is a beautiful shrine and temple there. In Syuzenji-Onsen is Syuzenji first and most famous onsen, Tokko-no-yu. According to legend the onsen was created in 807 AD by Kobo Daishi, the founder of Shingon Buddhism. The story goes that he found a boy washing his ailing grandfather in a river and the priest (Kobo) struck a rock with his tokko ( a short metal rod carried by Shigon priests) and out gushed hot water with curative powers.
A bit of history for you. From there we went to Niji No Sato, beautiful gardens that are actually dedicated to different countries. There was a British, Canadian, Native Indian (yes I know not a country) and of course Japanese garden. I must say I was disapponited with what I saw but apparently it is better in summer. The only exciting thing that happened there for me was that a Japanese lady wanted a photos with me, my 5 minutes of fame! Next stop, "Sweet Lovers Point", very beautiful with an amazing view of Mt Fuji. There are bells to ring there with your lover to bring you eternal happiness and love. It was very busy due to the approaching day of love, Valentine's Day! It was humorous for me, 3 girls not a guy in sight!!!!! There was alot more I saw but the above had probably bored you enough........
It was a lovely weekend, I survived turning 28 and plan to go back to Izu in the Summer, it is a must place to go, Onsen, beaches, coast what more could you want except somewhere to eat!!
........until next time hugs and kisses for all!!!!!
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BlackManx
Amy Hall
Happy Birthday!!
You rock at blogging!! But you didnt write about how we nearly spent Saturday night with our arse ends in a wall. Loved getting naked with you, glad there wasnt a whale in sight!! xx