Izumo

We just got back from playing tag and hide and seek (yes folks, you heard that right) so I'm pretty beat. But I need to share with you guys where we went over the weekend. 3 hours from Hiroshima is Izumo, home to the largest temple in Japan. It was an over night stay in the Ryokan, pictured above. It was our first time getting in an Onsen.. woohoo!

Before I get ahead of myself though, I need to share some photos of the beach that we stopped by. Actually, more of a fishing spot - a really beautiful one.

This was on top of the lighthouse that we climbed. Pictures don't do justice, really. The whole place was just breathtaking. This is the ocean between Japan and Korea.


After visiting the Izumo Shrine and the Museum, we finally arrive at the Ryokan. This is the Japanese styled inn owned usually by families. After a scrumptious dinner...

.. we went to the forest to watch fireflies. The last time I saw one, I was about 7 or 8 so holding them in your hands while they glow invitingly was cool. But there was definitely more than one here - they were all over the forest, constantly glowing as we walked deeper into the forest.

Once we got back, everybody was all set to try the Onsen. They're the hot springs, but here in Japan, they are definitely more sophisticated. It is a luxury, after all. Here's a quick walkthrough.


No shame in getting naked! This is your last stop before you strip yourself away.


You have to take a shower before submerging yourself in the onsen. You can go here on the one inside...


... or the real deal fed directly from the volcanoes, complete with sulfur that's supposed to be good for your body.

And we agree - it felt so good after soaking your body for about an hour. They seperate the male and female for obvious reasons but they switch it so everybody can have a feel for the 2 onsens. And so, that night everybody was just relaxed. Nothing better to do than have a Nintendo DS party!


I think we slept at around 2am that night. Here's a pic of my room.


The next day, after soaking ourselves in the onsen once again, we went across the street to a Japanese garden museum. I cannot find the name right now but this garden is famous for being voted the best in some of Japan's gardening magazines. Why? Because...





This place is huge! What you see it probably only a quarter of the whole thing. After this, we said our goodbyes to the people at the Ryokan and drove for an hour to Matsue castle. Nearby, we had a reservation at this restaurant serving a dish the owner invented (I think I made the food post a little early). It was a busy week for everyone especially now that we're down to the final stretch. But having that trip definitely gave us the boost that we needed.

I'd love to talk more but I have a couple of tests tomorrow so I'd better get my work started. The truth is, I just can't express enough in words how much fun I've had.

Nevertheless, hope you guys enjoyed!