Adventures in Japan
After Tokyo we hopped a train and began exploring other regions of Japan for the next 12 days. We visited the onsens (hot springs) in the countryside of Yudanaka, slept in a Ryokan (a traditional Japanese Inn), walked the ancient streets of old world Takayama, visited the temples of Kyoto and worked at sunrise on a soybean farm in the village of Asuka. Some highlights from our adventures in Japan...
Everyone walked the streets in their yukata, a casual Japanese summer kimono usually made of cotton or synthetic fabric...
Enjoying a night on the streets with locals...
Later in the evening we grabbed dinner and took a night dip in an onsen, a traditional Japanese hot spring and bath facility used by many locals to both bathe and relax. Men are separated and secluded on one side of the spring, women on the other - important, as all are required to strip off all clothing in order to participate in this traditional experience!
The following morning we walked up the mountain to a spring particularly famous in the winter where monkeys bath often in the snow...
From Yudanaka we caught a train to Takayama, a city in Japan's mountainous Gifu Prefecture (a prefecture is a district). Its narrow streets are lined with wooden merchant houses dating to the Edo Period (1600's)...
From Takayama we took a train to Kyoto, famous for having some of Japans most beautiful temples.
We ended on a soybean farm in the village of Asuka, located in Nara Prefecture. We were up at 4am and headed to the fields, where we were worked with locals to support the soy...
Such an incredible time was had in our first Asian country. We loved the people, the culture, the food, etc... everything about Japan! A country we hope to once again visit in our lifetime.
After 12 days in the quieter side of the country it was off to a city known for it's incredible skyline and great nightlife... Hong Kong!!!
Again, you never disappoint. Your pictures capturing your experience are so beautiful. I actually felt the tranquility coming through with your photos.
Missing you both,
Mom
It was so peaceful exploring Japan, we can’t wait to go back!
Not so Fast!!!!! 🙂 lol
You guys are awesome, I’m loving these updates! Why am I not surprised that Laura has found and made friends with all those monkeys?! xD I hope you had an awesome birthday, Laura! Sean – I’m totally not jealous of your epic mountain-man beard.
all fixed! 🙂 the monkey’s actually scared me a bit..not so cuddly!