tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-80498264730996897102024-03-14T07:48:57.748+11:00Shane On The GoThis is my irregularly updated blogshanehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14389842520448331092noreply@blogger.comBlogger1502125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8049826473099689710.post-65181819883333705452019-03-08T11:51:00.001+11:002019-03-08T11:53:03.635+11:00Trentham Falls, Victoria, Australia - An easy day trip from Melbourne for families<h3>
Trentham Falls</h3>
Trentham Falls is one of Victoria’s most spectacular waterfalls and boasts Victoria’s highest single drop of around 32 metres. The waterfall is only a couple of kilometres out of Trentham in the Coliban Scenic Reserve between Daylesford and the the Macedon Ranges and about an hour’s drive from Melbourne.<br />
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The top viewing platform is only 70 metres from the car park and the scenic picnic reserve. The walk down to the lower falls is officially closed however you may see a constant stream of walkers heading down to the what is arguably the best view of the waterfall. The cooler months are probably the best time to visit because the Coliban river will probably have a constant flow that will showcase he best cascade over the falls. It can dry up a bit in the summer.<br />
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This is an easy accessible waterfalls for families with small kids. However the path to the lower falls is not maintained and is prone to landslips so if you do risk it take care.<br />
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Instagram: @shaneonthego<br />
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Trentham Falls on <a href="https://parkweb.vic.gov.au/explore/parks/coliban-river-s.r." target="_blank">Parks Vic</a><br />
<br />shanehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14389842520448331092noreply@blogger.com0Trentham Falls Rd, Trentham VIC 3458, Australia-37.3729485 144.3308432-37.398186 144.2905027 -37.347711 144.37118370000002tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8049826473099689710.post-67564874932525296042019-03-08T11:48:00.002+11:002019-03-08T11:53:19.018+11:00Olinda Falls, Victoria, Australia - A Day Trip From Melbourne for everybody (and families)<h3>
Olinda Falls</h3>
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Olinda Falls in the Dandenong Ranges is about one hour's drive from Melbourne. Wonderful for a family day trip from Melbourne. The falls are a short shady walk under the cool rain forest canopy.<br />
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It is an easy 800 metre walk for families with small children. It is a beautiful green walk to the falls but, let's face it, they're not the most spectacular falls in the world. Iguazu should feel pretty safe with its mantle as one of the world's most scenic falls. Even Turpins Falls, check out last video, north of Melbourne makes this one look little more than a splash and trickle.<br />
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However as a destination for a bush walk and to get a taste of the great Aussie bush it is a day well spent. Because of its accessibility from Melbourne the lower reaches of the Dandenong Ranges National Park can overflow with visitors so just keep driving for a few minutes more to get to the Olinda Falls reserve. It won't be anywhere near as crowded and you will be rewarded with seeing some of the largest trees in the world - the mountain ash.<br />
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Instagram: @shaneonthego<br />
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Olinda Falls on <a href="https://visitdandenongranges.com.au/activity/olinda-falls-reserve" target="_blank">Visit Dandenong Ranges</a><br />
<br />shanehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14389842520448331092noreply@blogger.com0Olinda Falls, Doughtys Rd, Olinda VIC 3788, Australia-37.8340787 145.3699686-64.2603707 104.06137509999999 -11.407786699999999 -173.32143789999998tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8049826473099689710.post-35520630518075477772019-01-10T15:57:00.003+11:002019-03-08T11:52:17.248+11:00Day trip to Turpins Falls<h3>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Turpins Falls</span></h3>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Turpins Falls is a waterfall on the Campaspe River about an hour north of Melbourne; about 10 kays from Kyneton. The waterfall flows into a secluded pretty billabong that seems brilliant for swimming. In the summertime it can be packed with swimmers however Parks Vic don't recommend swimming there because of the "cold water". I don't know what the hell that means. Many people have been killed or seriously injured falling or jumping from the rocks though. I suspect that is the real reason they don't recommend swimming. In fact the top of the falls is supposed to be closed but that doesn't seem to stop anybody clambering up there.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It is a perfect place to take the family for a picnic though. You're allowed to take dogs there because it is a public reserve and not a National Park.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">There are dozens of waterfalls within an hour or two of Melbourne. Turpins Falls in one of the most accessible and is an easy day trip from Melbourne. If you're looking for a family day out Turpins Falls isn't bad.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">We visited on a beautiful Winter's day in July. The video below is the result. Please enjoy. </span><br />
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<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/WMQERKhyw-0" width="560"></iframe>shanehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14389842520448331092noreply@blogger.com0Turpins Falls, 155 Shillidays Rd, Langley VIC 3444, Australia-37.1348395 144.483064-62.656874 103.17447000000001 -11.612804999999998 -174.20834200000002tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8049826473099689710.post-40481420094911143792018-08-03T10:05:00.004+10:002018-08-03T10:09:40.494+10:00New blog<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">I've got a new blog. I'll keep updating some of the older posts here but eventually I hope to move them to the new platform here...</span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://shaneonthego.net/">shaneonthego.net</a></span></b><br />
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Definitely new content over there so please check it out.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">I'm on Instagram too. <a href="http://instagram.com/shaneonthego">instagram.com/shaneonthego</a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Thank you!</span>shanehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14389842520448331092noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8049826473099689710.post-39414264878685939022016-05-08T17:13:00.003+10:002017-02-28T16:37:03.282+11:00Placeholder post - I am updating the blog but...I have slackened off over the last couple of years. I have dozens, or more probably, posts half written or ready for posting. I'll post them a few at a time over the next few months. I'll have to finish the 2013 Japan trip first then we've got the 2015 trip to look forward to. <br />
So keep an eye on the post below this one...<br />
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<b><span style="color: red;">Update: 28/02/2017</span></b><br />I've actually added a couple of posts. Still from 2013 but I'm getting there. In the meantime check out my <i>almost</i> up to date Instagram feed...<br /><a href="http://www.instagram.com/shaneonthego/">www.instagram.com/shaneonthego/</a>shanehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14389842520448331092noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8049826473099689710.post-41925492242918278402013-03-16T23:30:00.000+11:002017-02-28T16:19:57.817+11:00Road trip to Mount Fuji - Kukuna Resort and SpaIt's a fairly straightforward drive from Matsumoto to Kawaguchiko (Mt Fuji) of about 2 hours. Mount Fuji is visible from the road from about 100km away. I can't recall anything I've seen from a 100 kays before? Certainly not from ground level.<br />
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We're staying at the Kukuna Resort and Spa. It wasn't our first choice, we left booking too late, but our room has a tub on the balcony. That was the main thing we wanted, a tub with a view, and, oh my, it did not disappoint.<br />
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We were issued with "resort wear" for out stay. Unlike most ryokans this place is set up like a tropical resort so instead of the usual yukata we have loose fitting smocks and trousers. Loose fitting is very good for the very pregnant Michelle. Georgia got a mu-mu type thing.<br />
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In the foyer outside our room is a bar set up with snacks and drinks for us to have during the day. We also get the traditional welcome snack and tea when we get to the room.<br />
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The room is a typical tatami mat room but one entire wall is a window. Apparently there is a bloody great volcano out there. And a lake. The view is quite amazing. The balcony has privacy screens either side so we can nude up no worries for the onsen. If I have one complaint it is the glass door is too clean. I was going in and out when Michelle closed the door, I didn't notice and walked right into it. Hard. I left a face imprint on the glass.
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The room has a bathroom, actually a sink room, the bath is on the balcony, and the usual Japanese Starship Enterprise heated toilet. So even if it is freezing, and there is some ice on the ground outside, you have to tub it in the onsen on the balcony.<br />
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Even staying at a resort where almost everything is catered for we wanted some snacks so we went for a drive into town and went to one of the convenience stores for supplies. Even car parks have a pretty reasonable view of Fuji.
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/gp/15584423@N02/57qb2V" title="P1020047"><img alt="P1020047" height="281" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/8/7305/10357705396_d9d6a5a3dc.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script>shanehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14389842520448331092noreply@blogger.com0Lake Kawaguchi, Fujikawaguchiko, Minamitsuru District, Yamanashi Prefecture, Japan35.5170946 138.7517786999999335.4653951 138.67109769999993 35.5687941 138.83245969999993tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8049826473099689710.post-39928266838599015612013-03-16T23:00:00.000+11:002017-02-28T15:11:43.828+11:00Another stroll around Matsumoto CastleWe had to leave Matsumoto today to go to Mount Fuji, but we had enough time to visit Matsumoto Castle again and see if we could snag that elusive photo of Georgia. Of course she was uncooperative again so Michelle wandered off to take photos. Somehow I convinced Georgia to pose for a couple of photos. Later between Michelle and myself and some chocolate we cajoled another couple of photos out of her. Bribing with chocolate wasn't necessarily a good idea because then we had an uncooperative two year more interested in eating chocolate than posing for the camera.<br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/gp/15584423@N02/H9P2L2" title="P1010969"><img alt="P1010969" height="500" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/3/2858/10355417933_0906fb5f4c.jpg" width="281" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script>shanehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14389842520448331092noreply@blogger.com0Matsumoto, Nagano Prefecture, Japan36.2380381 137.9720340999999735.8279806 137.32658709999998 36.6480956 138.61748109999996tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8049826473099689710.post-51798464517800828832013-03-15T23:30:00.000+11:002017-02-28T14:54:37.981+11:00Mirakuen Japanese BBQ, The Pungency and doing the laundryAfter we got back from our stroll to the castle I grabbed a couple of beers for beer o'clock drinks. I thought they were beers. The Suntory was obviously a beer but "The Pungency" was something I took a punt on. "The Pungency" is probably not the most enticing name for a drink in history. I'm still not sure what it actually was. I think it was milk tea.<br />
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There's no Michelin Guide to Matsumoto so we're at the mercy of hotel receptionist recommendations or the Lonely Planet for dinner. I can't recall if this Japanese BBQ place was a recommendation or if it was something we just stumbled upon. Either way it was awesome. Of course no one spoke English but the staff were extremely friendly and helpful. The menu has Yakiniku written across the top of it. It could be the name of place but I have a feeling it means something like grilled meat because we have hit the jackpot by the look of it when it comes to meat. Whatever this place is called it is a Izakaya style food joint. The menu has pictures and is bilingual but the descriptions are beautifully vague - "Beef of Ribs" and "High Quality Beef of Ribs". From the pictures the "high quality beef of ribs" looks like delicious wagyu. And it was. We tried a few different plates of meat and we cooked them on the grill in the middle of the table. Extraordinarily good it was.<br />
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All this was washed down with sake. Georgy had a ball and even posed for some photos. Nothing quite like getting some great food in your belly to make you happy.<br />
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I painstakingly searched for pictures of yakiniku places in Matsumoto so I could get this wonderful place's name. I finally found a picture of the front of the restaurant that matched my photo. It is called Mirakuen. They're on Tabelog <a href="https://tabelog.com/en/nagano/A2002/A200201/20000401/dtlphotolst/4/" target="_blank">here</a> and have their own website <a href="http://www.mirakuen.jp/" target="_blank">here</a>.<br />
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Doing the laundry is one of those painful things you have to do when you're travelling. We usually try and book a hotel with a coin laundry. The laundry does build up after a few days to a week. The laundry tonight took a number of loads, and I was still doing it way after midnight. I sat on a stool next to the clothes dryer making use of the free hotel WiFi and catching up on emails and eyeing off the beer vending machine to my left. There was some sake in the vending machine. Or, I was hoping it was when I pushed the button. Some bloke came in as I picked it up and laughed and said "Japanese sake'. Waiting for the dryer to finish wasn't as boring after that.
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/gp/15584423@N02/47P0K0" title="2013-03-15 23.46.59"><img alt="2013-03-15 23.46.59" height="500" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/2/1503/25759745714_a8a80d60ca.jpg" width="299" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script>shanehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14389842520448331092noreply@blogger.com0Matsumoto, Nagano Prefecture, Japan36.2380381 137.9720340999999735.8279806 137.32658709999998 36.6480956 138.61748109999996tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8049826473099689710.post-85231841885763866532013-03-15T22:30:00.000+11:002017-02-28T12:44:01.053+11:00Strolling around Matsumoto and Matsumoto CastleIt was a beautiful sunny day. Clear blue skies and a not freezing. It was apparent we weren't going to get snow in Matsumoto this time around. It was a perfect day for strolling around Matsumoto before heading to the castle though.<br />
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And stroll we did, down to the old historic merchant area of Nakamachi-dori, a street of restored Japanese inns, restaurants, sake breweries and shops. The giant samurai frogs used in parades were a favourite of Georgia's. In fact little statues in fountains or ceramic or toy frogs were everywhere, especially in Nawate-dori. I'm not sure what frogs have to do with Matsumoto? That would require, you know, research. But kawaii nonetheless.<br />
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At the main railway station we found a Mos Burger. Who knew a burger franchise could be this good? Unlike Maccas or Burger King the burgers are made to order but they're worth the wait.<br />
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I was trying to take video of Georgia in Mos Burger but she waved her hands at me and said most emphatically "No photo Daddy!". Even a two year old has her limits.<br />
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By the time we got to Matsumoto Castle, Japan's oldest, Georgy was a little cranky and tired. She'd been carrying around her bag of treasures everywhere. No amount of pleading from us could make her give it to us to carry. It is a large paper shopping bag with string handles almost half Georgia's height but she insisted on carrying it. When we walked through gate of the park and saw the moat and the castle Georgia brightened up and exclaimed "Castle!".<br />
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We tried to get photos of Georgia in front of the castle but she really wasn't cooperative. Oh well.<br />
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Okay, I am a sucker for a little research. The Matsumoto Frog Festival is a thing. It lasts a couple of days every June. I'm not sure why they have samurai frogs but for the duration of the festival and beyond everything is frog themed. shanehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14389842520448331092noreply@blogger.com0Matsumoto, Nagano Prefecture, Japan36.2380381 137.9720340999999735.8279806 137.32658709999998 36.6480956 138.61748109999996tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8049826473099689710.post-77310635329503420332013-03-15T22:00:00.000+11:002016-10-24T15:51:17.244+11:00Breakfast at the Richmond Hotel Cafe and a new toy for GeorgiaWestern style breakfast for the win. Eggs, sausages, toast and pancakes, not too mention yogurt and fruit. Now that is how I like starting the day. Throw in a slight discount for hotel guests and this cafe is a winner.<br />
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They have a bunch of touristy nick knacks and toys at the counter. Georgia noticed a little pink fake computer. It has lots of buttons that play music. Each letter of the alphabet spells out a word - "K. K A N G A R O O, kangaroo". Mostly it says words or phrases in English but inexplicably drops into Japanese occasionally. Yep, now her new favourite toy. Into the treasures bag it goes.<br />
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Technically smoking is allowed in restaurants in Japan. In practice we haven't seen it much. Not in Kura though. When some people smoke they chain smoke. Pain in the arse. Thankfully it was only one person. Obviously pregnant Michelle was really impressed (see photo below).<br />
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Otherwise we had some excellent sashimi, sushi and tempura. I've seen some horrible reviews on TripAdvisor for Kura but on the whole we thought it was pretty good. I think we found Kura in the Lonely Planet or Rough Guide.<br />
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shanehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14389842520448331092noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8049826473099689710.post-48806200201431131902013-03-14T23:30:00.001+11:002016-10-24T14:11:46.983+11:00Jigokudani Monkey Park to Matsumoto - Richmond HotelThe last time we drove the hour and half from Yudanaka to Matsumoto it was an overcast day but by the time we got to Matsumoto the snow had begun to dump. We could barely find the rental car agency to drop off the car so much snow had fallen. This time it was fine all the way. Beautiful clear skies. We were going to see Matsumoto <i>not</i> covered in a blanket of snow. That was kind of disappointing though. Everything looks prettier covered in a blanket of snow. See <a href="http://shaneonthego.blogspot.com.au/2010/03/matsumoto-castle.html" target="_blank">Matsumoto Castle</a> on our last trip in 2010 for example.<br />
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We stayed at the Richmond Hotel in Matsumoto again. Centrally located not far from shops, restaurants, transport and attractions like Matsumoto castle. We've stayed here twice now because it is a very good reasonably priced hotel - for both couples and families.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View from our room on the 4th floor</td></tr>
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The staff were very helpful. Checking in required using an ATM like machine but the receptionist helped us through the, easy, process. They also advised on local restaurants. The car park attendant was very friendly and helpful. Very typical of older guys in service jobs. They love kids. He gave Georgia a little hand made plastic bead cat key ring which has gone right in to her bag of treasures.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Georgia running down the hall</td></tr>
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Like most Japanese business hotels the rooms was tiny. We had just enough room to squeeze in a travel cot for Georgia in a deluxe double room. We probably couldn't fit a cot into a double room. The rooms were spotlessly clean and the beds were very comfortable. The rooms have the usual hotel mod cons; WiFi (and Ethernet), TV, Air con and mini-bar. Video on demand is available too if you need to see that Japanese tentacle porn. Coin laundries are on a couple of floors. The laundry rooms also have a couple of vending machines. I just had to buy a small jar of sake from the vending machine for 200 yen.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Plenty of room. Travel cot and desk behind me</td></tr>
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The bathroom was tight but fine.<br />
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A good western style breakfast was available at the restaurant / cafe downstairs at a discounted rate for hotel guests.<br />
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Parking is available at the hotel for about 1200 yen per day.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Laundry and beer/sake vending machines</td></tr>
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The Richmond Hotel is a very good option for a couple of days. We'd stay there again if we visit Matsumoto. It is very cheap. Most of the business hotels are cheap. We paid about 10000 Yen per night.That's around AU$100 depending on the exchange rate. We've rarely stayed in hotels or motels in Australia of this standard for as little as this. Japan can be surprisingly cheap. I think most people expect that Ryokan rates are standard. We don't often pay as much as 50000 Yen *cough* per night like Kokuya the night before. To be fair Kokuya is a luxury ryokan with private onsen on the balcony and Michelin standard dinner and breakfast included. Why, if you say it like that it sounds like a dead set bargain. Ahem. Anyway, the Richmond Hotel is cheap.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Watching a movie</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Richmond Hotel Matsumoto</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hotel from street at night sans snow. Last time we were here there were snow drifts everywhere</td></tr>
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shanehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14389842520448331092noreply@blogger.com0Matsumoto, Nagano Prefecture, Japan36.2380381 137.9720340999999735.8279806 137.32658709999998 36.6480956 138.61748109999996tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8049826473099689710.post-34485179919053978502013-03-14T23:00:00.000+11:002016-10-14T13:41:53.123+11:00It snowed so of course we have to go see the snow monkeys againThe path to the snow monkey path is usually icy and muddy at this time of year. Today the path is icy, muddy and snowy. We did happen to have a dump of snow overnight.<br />
"The path is very slippery Michelle, take care", I said.<br />
I did mention ominous foreshadowing in a previous post didn't I? The last thing we want to have happen is a pregnant woman slip over.<br />
Extra snow does make for a prettier walk, but a very cold walk. More snow gently fell as we walked. Georgia was safely ensconced in her plastic cocoon so was spared the worst of the not too horrible conditions.<br />
On arrival, again, we sat down and had our 7 Eleven sandwiches before going out to the Monkey baths. You never get sick watching the monkeys cavorting, frolicking and... I'll have to look up a thesaurus if I want to use more verbs to describe what the monkeys were doing. But you get the idea. Monkeys are kawaii (cute) and are well worth a diversion if they're not already on your itinerary. I suspect we'll come back one day. Maybe when Michelle's current passenger has arrived? But that is in the future. Today was a good day. Playful monkeys and beautiful snow covered scenery.<br />
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Like the adage says, all good things must come to an end. Apparently Chaucer first wrote that. Anyway, for this trip we had to farewell the monkeys. Of course this meant taking the treacherous icy path back to the car park. <a href="http://shaneonthego.blogspot.com.au/2010/03/snow-monkeys.html" target="_blank">It isn't as if I'd ever slipped and fallen on that path and watched my video camera bounce into the ravine</a>. Something like that couldn't happen again could it? Not if we are very very careful.<br />
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As we arrived at the final stairs to exit the track to the car park I reminded Michelle that it was very icy and to take care.<br />
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So what does she do?<br />
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Michelle slipped over at the end of the path.<br />
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See the sign in the picture below warning of the slippery path? Ironically Michelle slipped over off the bottom steps a metre or so from the sign. Hilarious.
<br />She did manage to land on her back and not break her waters so she is still pregnant. I was hoping not to use that extra pregnancy coverage we'd paid for with the travel insurance if we could help it. Handy tip for pregnant travellers - get travel insurance that covers you for pregnancy issues and premature birth. It is amazing how limited the coverage is for may insurance companies.<br />
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After all the excitement it was back to the road. Next stop Matsumoto.<br />
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Entrance to the park - sort of. It is about half an hour's walk from here.<br />
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Snowy path and pram.<br />
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Sangers in the visitors centre.<br />
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7-Eleven sangers.<br />
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On the way down to the monkeys.<br />
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Snow monkey!<br />
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It really is amazing how close you can get to the monkeys.<br />
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A break from the cold.<br />
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I went back out for a little while while Michelle and Georgia got warm in the visitor's centre.<br />
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Oh yeah, that's the spot.<br />
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The monkey's paw. That's from the Simpson's isn't it?<br />
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shanehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14389842520448331092noreply@blogger.com0Jigokudani Monkey Park, 6845 Hirao, Yamanouchi-machi, Shimotakai-gun, Nagano-ken 381-0401, Japan36.732655 138.4621449999999611.4258895 97.153551499999963 62.039420500000006 179.77073849999996tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8049826473099689710.post-84078806887589620212013-03-14T22:30:00.000+11:002016-06-17T17:46:27.979+10:00Breakfast and sayonara to KokuyaIt snowed over night so there was a light dusting of snow over our balcony. This bodes well because we had decided to go see the snow monkeys again. Our next stop will be Matsumoto and it's not more than a couple of hours there from Yudanaka so we reckon we have enough time to see the monkeys again. Having said that we still need to give ourselves some time to get to Matsumoto because the last time we did this drive we drove into Matsumoto in near blizzard conditions and struggled to find the car rental drop off before it closed. That time we got to the car rental place within five minutes of closing but the guys were cool enough to drop us back at our hotel. I'm pretty sure they'd have found our frozen corpses in the Spring thaw if we'd attempted getting to our hotel by ourselves. Sometimes the service in Japan can be extraordinary. We're not dropping the car at Matsumoto this time so we won't be as stressed about getting there at certain time.<br />
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But before we go off gallivanting over the countryside we had to have our last dip in the onsen, breakfast and then check out of the ryokan. There's never enough time in the mornings for us sleepyheads to have a long soak in the tub. We have to have breakfast over and done by 9 AM and checked out by 10. With the breakfast spreads as they are you do not want to miss breakfast under any circumstances.</div>
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Again, breakfast is special. I actually struggle making a reasonable attempt to try everything. I'm usually just a toast and cereal kind of guy and I really have trouble coping with more than that. But you have to try. Michelle has no problems. I think she loves Japanese breakfast more than just about anything.<br />
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We thanked our delightful breakfast, and dinner, servers. Those women are extraordinary. They're there first thing in the morning serving us breakfast and still there last thing in the evenings serving us dinner.</div>
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After breakfast we finish packing and load the car which has magically appeared in front of the lobby again. Georgia got to say hello to a little doggy that belongs to one of the staff or the ryokan. After a few photos in front of the Ryokan we wave bye bye to our wonderful hostess and drive about 100 metres up the road to a small shrine and stairway for more photos. At this rate it will take us about 3 hours for the 10 minute drive to the snow monkey park. But Georgia in her parka and little red boots is worth a photo or two at every opportunity.</div>
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shanehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14389842520448331092noreply@blogger.com0Hirao, Yamanouchi, Shimotakai District, Nagano Prefecture 381-0401, Japan36.741876088662792 138.4132289886474636.738695088662794 138.40818648864746 36.74505708866279 138.41827148864746tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8049826473099689710.post-43965590870476915232013-03-13T23:30:00.000+11:002016-06-12T01:01:17.724+10:00Private onsen and dinnerAfter a long hard day watching monkeys in the hot tub it was time for this group of primates to wash off the day's grime in our hot tub. Or rather, we thought we'd give one of the ryokan's other onsens a go. They have a couple of these onsens in the hotel available for all the guests. Guest without private onsens on their balconies I suppose. We do have a private onsen but we still wanted to sample what else was a available. We chose Gessen. It is indoors but it has a couple of big screen doors that can be opened to the outside. We thought it would be better to take the opportunity to have an indoor bath. No cold wind blowing up your... back. Gessen was a beautiful large stone bath. Very hot water which did need some cooling down. When you sit in the water for few minutes you notice that the lower half of your body is bright red and the top half normal skin colour. Michelle was only half way through her pregnancy and we worried the little fella she was carrying would be cooked early if we didn't cool down the water just a little.<br />
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Georgia had a ball splashing around in another big bath. She has taken to all the different onsens like a monkey to a rotenburo.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Family fun time in the tub</td></tr>
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After the bath there was nothing to do but go to dinner. Don't you just love being holidays? Seriously, I could get used to this lifestyle. Dinner was again in the private dining room downstairs. Another feast. Similar to the night before, multiple courses, yet quite different. There is no danger of you getting the same meal two days in a row. It would be interesting, and very bloody expensive, to stay here a week and see how many days go by before you get the same menu again.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Snow Monkey sake</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Steak</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr>
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The futon fairies had been in our room while we were out stuffing our faces. So the beds were made up and ready for us to crash into. Firstly though, Georgia had to finish watching a weird little show on TV about bananas. Then she went to bed in her porta-a-cot. I don't think I've mentioned the <a href="https://philandteds.com/au/Products/Sleep/traveller" target="_blank">Phil & Ted's travel cot</a> yet, but even if I have it is worth mentioning again. It is an extremely light, 3kg, portable cot. It is designed for camping but can be used anywhere. At 3 kgs it adds almost nothing to your baggage limit when flying and it folds up very compactly. It is a bit of a bitch to put together, it is like putting up a tent, but once you get the hang of it you can get together in a couple of minutes.<br />
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After a hard day's monkeying around, and soaking in hot tubs,
and stuffing ourselves silly at dinner there's only one thing left to
do. Yeah, that's right. Take a bath in our private hot tub on the balcony.
It was snowing lightly tonight so there couldn't be a better place to
finish our last night at Kokuya than in our onsen.<br />
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shanehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14389842520448331092noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8049826473099689710.post-40279348968856000142013-03-13T23:10:00.000+11:002016-06-17T17:54:39.437+10:00Jigokudani Monkey Park - snow monkeys with out little monkeySnow monkeys.<br />
Eventually.<br />
But first we have to trek for weeks along an icy trail. With a pram. Then there are stairs. Up. Lots of up. Maybe we should have made Georgia walk? No that wouldn't have worked. Her little cute red gumboots are cute but she refused to put them on properly so they kept coming off.<br />
"All we have to do sweetheart is push them on properly..."<br />
"No!"<br />
Sigh. So we pushed the pram along the icy path. It takes about half an hour to get to park. The last 50 metres or so is up a steep staircase. The pram, a Peg Perego, was pretty good considering. I doubt it was designed for going bush like this. It was light enough to carry up the stairs fairly easily too. Did I mention that Michelle is pregnant? Is that enough ominous foreshadowing? Pregnant partner, icy trail, what could go wrong? She did very well too considering the load she was carrying. Georgia wanted to climb the stairs herself. Icy and steep. Yes, we were thrilled. I kept having flashbacks to the last time we came here. That time I slipped on the path, came down heavily and my expensive video camera bounced over the edge into the ravine. Hence my paranoia about icy paths and steps. I think I only screamed and swore in frustration once or twice. Eventually we got to the top safely and paid to go in to the park.<br />
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After the long walk we thought it would be best for all our sakes to stop and have a bite to eat. Family Mart sandwiches we'd bought earlier it was then. And some green tea flavoured Kit Kats given to me by a couple of young women visiting from Australia.<br />
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The last time we came here the whole area had been dusted with snow and it looked quite pretty. Today it has been days since it snowed so the area around the hot spring is pretty much snow free so it looks quite stark. But the monkeys were there soaking in the hot water.<br />
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A little monkey came up to Michelle, stopped at her feet and then pooped. What's with monkeys welcoming Michelle this way? Last time we came a little fellow ran up to Michelle, flipped himself over and dry humped her leg. Hilarious.
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One of the monkey keepers told us to either hide Georgia's Teddy bear or hold on to it tight because the monkeys are known for taking stuff from the tourists. Some things, like phones and cameras, don't take well to being dunked in the pool. There was no way Georgia was going to let the bear out of her sight though, she insisted on holding it.<br />
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A good day with the monkeys. We're considering coming back again tomorrow before we head off for Matsumoto.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://c1.staticflickr.com/4/3811/10337515104_bd31f484fa_c.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Sangers before braving the monkeys"><img alt="Whatever" class="notsowide" height="281" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/4/3811/10337515104_bd31f484fa_c.jpg" width="500" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sangers before monkeys</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://c6.staticflickr.com/3/2881/10337591565_f3211293d4_c.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Before we even leave the entrance station"><img alt="Whatever" class="notsowide" height="281" src="https://c6.staticflickr.com/3/2881/10337591565_f3211293d4_c.jpg" width="500" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wants sangers too</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://c7.staticflickr.com/3/2857/10337695006_2af9e78cbf_c.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="What's this cheeky monkey doing?"><img alt="Whatever" class="notsowide" height="400" src="https://c7.staticflickr.com/3/2857/10337695006_2af9e78cbf_c.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hello little fella, what are you doing?</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://c7.staticflickr.com/4/3728/10337675694_c5943889db_c.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Oh. He pooped."><img alt="Whatever" class="notsowide" height="400" src="https://c7.staticflickr.com/4/3728/10337675694_c5943889db_c.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Oh, poop.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://c6.staticflickr.com/4/3765/10337950133_e2dd416e89_z.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title=""><img alt="Whatever" class="notsowide" height="281" src="https://c6.staticflickr.com/4/3765/10337950133_e2dd416e89_z.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It's not all laying about in hot springs you know</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://c3.staticflickr.com/8/7331/10337776714_d7a5722801_z.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title=""><img alt="Whatever" class="notsowide" height="281" src="https://c3.staticflickr.com/8/7331/10337776714_d7a5722801_z.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sometimes it is all about laying about in hot springs though</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://c7.staticflickr.com/4/3796/10342156766_698b2a5553_z.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title=""><img alt="Whatever" class="notsowide" height="281" src="https://c7.staticflickr.com/4/3796/10342156766_698b2a5553_z.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Monkey jump</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://c3.staticflickr.com/6/5496/10342260826_701449e900_z.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title=""><img alt="Whatever" class="notsowide" height="281" src="https://c3.staticflickr.com/6/5496/10342260826_701449e900_z.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">See, it says snow monkey livecam</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://c2.staticflickr.com/4/3782/10342653873_5875ee1da5_z.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title=""><img alt="Whatever" class="notsowide" height="281" src="https://c2.staticflickr.com/4/3782/10342653873_5875ee1da5_z.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Buddy, you are too close</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://c3.staticflickr.com/4/3735/10342538434_a17f369657_z.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title=""><img alt="Whatever" class="notsowide" height="281" src="https://c3.staticflickr.com/4/3735/10342538434_a17f369657_z.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Oh yeah. That's it.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://c5.staticflickr.com/4/3703/10342589916_833c6d6890_z.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title=""><img alt="Whatever" class="notsowide" height="281" src="https://c5.staticflickr.com/4/3703/10342589916_833c6d6890_z.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Little red boots</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://c3.staticflickr.com/6/5514/10343049234_2e80c2daa9_z.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title=""><img alt="Whatever" class="notsowide" height="281" src="https://c3.staticflickr.com/6/5514/10343049234_2e80c2daa9_z.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tired out.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://c4.staticflickr.com/8/7455/10343305643_06794585e0_z.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title=""><img alt="Whatever" class="notsowide" height="400" src="https://c4.staticflickr.com/8/7455/10343305643_06794585e0_z.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Back on the trail.</td></tr>
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shanehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14389842520448331092noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8049826473099689710.post-32539161874731112072013-03-13T23:00:00.000+11:002016-06-02T18:20:34.639+10:00Breakfast at Kokuya and, hey, where'd they hide the car?Breakfast isn't served in the room. In Ryokans breakfast is generally served in a large buffet or in private tatami mat rooms. Breakfast at Kokuya is in a private tatami mat room and is every bit as good as we remember. All the usual type stuff - fish, rice, pickles and the most delicious onsen eggs. We keep forgetting to get them, but out the front of the Ryokan is a small hot spring fountain. In it they keep a basket of eggs for sale at about 50 yen each.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Breakfast spread</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://c1.staticflickr.com/3/2885/10337437104_55478d7215.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Onsen Egg"><img alt="Whatever" class="notsowide" height="281" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/3/2885/10337437104_55478d7215.jpg" width="500" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Delicious onsen egg</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Surprise Daddy!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Georgia enjoying her breaky</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Onsen eggs in the hot spring outside of the ryokan</td></tr>
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After breakfast we ask for our car. It was whisked away to car parks unknown when we checked in the night before. Like magic it appears at the front door of the lobby. Within minutes we're off to the Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park which is only about 10 minutes drive from our Ryokan.
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://c3.staticflickr.com/4/3690/10345554826_81f6909b2f.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="The car back where we left it"><img alt="Whatever" class="notsowide" height="333" src="https://c3.staticflickr.com/4/3690/10345554826_81f6909b2f.jpg" width="500" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The car back where we left it</td></tr>
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shanehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14389842520448331092noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8049826473099689710.post-58188146089736161762013-03-12T23:45:00.000+11:002016-05-31T18:26:22.713+10:00Kokuya Ryokan - Yudanaka-Shibu OnsenFrom one luxury ryokan to another luxury ryokan. This time we're staying at Kokuya Ryokan in Yudanaka-Shibu Onsen. This will be the second time we've stayed at Kokuya. When we stayed there back in 2010 we'd been looking for ryokans with the great food and private onsen experience. We'd short listed a couple but the thing that swung it for us in the end was the review by Billy Law on his <a href="http://www.atablefortwo.com.au/" target="_blank">A Table For Two</a> blog. Billy Law is now famous for having been on Masterchef Australia but back then he was a reasonably popular food blogger. It was his description of the food at Kokuya made us book. Of course now that we were back in Shibu Onsen we'd try and see if lightning could strike twice.<br />
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Like our visit 3 years ago we got a room with private onsen on the balcony. The first time we stayed at Kokuya we had room Sagano. It is an average sized room but has a large balcony and one of the larger hot tubs. This time we stayed in Ayame. A larger room but a smaller balcony and a slightly smaller tub than Sagano. Just enough room for the three of us though. There's also a couple of reservable onsens in the ryokan for all guests that we thought we'd try this time as well - just for a bit of hot water variety. The downside of the upside of having a private onsen on your balcony is the shower is outside too. A bit chilly in the middle of Winter when you're rinsing off before and after soaking in the tub. Dead set though, when you're sitting in the tub there could be blizzard and you'd be toasty. There's also a TV behind a glass screen outside with the tub just in case you get bored chillin' in the tub and looking at the stars.<br />
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After the check-in ceremony of green tea and snacks under the heated table blanket we dressed in the supplied yukata and made ready for dinner. Oh yeah, it was a feast. Again. Oh the humanity. I don't know how I lose weight travelling because these dinners put the sump in sumptuous, the X in glorious excess and the F in feast. 12 or 13 courses, but who's counting? There's tofu, meat, fish, crab, rice, soups, assorted appetisers and dessert. Dinner and breakfast are taken in private rooms in the dining room downstairs. The first time we stayed it was some of the finest dining we've ever had. It wasn't quite up to the same standard this time but it was on a par with Michelin starred restaurants we've eaten at. Every course, and there were many courses, was delicious. I recommend the local cloudy Snow Monkey sake with your meal too.<br />
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No special kid's meal for Georgia this time but she was more than happy sharing ours. If there is raw fish she eat it hand over fist. Bring noodles to the party, and we had soba, she will happily slurp away. You don't always need special kid's meals. With a bit of luck they'll try almost anything before spitting it out with a resounding "YUCK"! Actually it wasn't quite true that there was no kids meal. She did get rice with a packet of savoury powdery flakey stuff that kids love to sprinkle over their rice. Japanese kids at least. I can't recall seeing anything like it in the supermarkets at home. Reason #247 for moving to Japan.<br />
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After dinner we had an early night and went to sleep. Ha! As if. Did I mention we had a hot tub onsen rotenburo thingy on the balcony? No, after dinner it was time to nude up and soak in the the tub.<br />
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We booked direct with Kokuya. The link to their English language website is <a href="http://www.ichizaemon.com/lang_en/" target="_blank">here</a>.shanehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14389842520448331092noreply@blogger.com0Yamanouchi, Shimotakai District, Nagano Prefecture, Japan36.7446337 138.4125962000000536.5410557 138.08987270000006 36.9482117 138.73531970000005tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8049826473099689710.post-87902383205743602012013-03-12T23:00:00.000+11:002016-05-04T17:03:04.582+10:00On the road to Yudanaka Shibu OnsenKilometre wise the next leg of our trip isn't far. Just over 130 km. According to Google and the GPS it should take about 3 hours though. Probably due to the depressingly slow speed limits and maybe some windy mountain roads.<br />
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The route takes us north and loops around anti-clockwise via the ski towns of Yuzawa and Nozawa Onsen. We stayed and skied in Nozawa the last time we were in Japan in 2010. I was hoping to catch a glimpse on the way through. However we didn't have time to make a detour and check it out. As always we were late leaving and hoped to get to Shibu Onsen before dark - and dinner.<br />
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A good half the drive is on big highways that cut through and around some pretty spectacular mountains. There's a couple of big ski resorts on the way. Yuzawa has a number of multi story hotels either side of the highway for example. They certainly get a lot of snow in this part of Japan. Average sized house almost disappear into drifts and the some parts of the road go through canyons of cleared snow that could be 10 metres deep.
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Georgia and Michelle slept through most of the interesting part. Well, interesting if you find monstrous snow drifts everywhere fascinating. We stopped for a break near the turn-off to Nozawa, at a Lawson Station in a field of snow. Snow is not the only thing I find endlessly fascinating. I love the variety of products they stock at Lawson.<br />
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Georgia just wanted chips and wanted nothing more than to sit down in the carpark and share her chips with me.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/15584423@N02/10337030165/in/album-72157664735020453/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="P1010096"><img alt="P1010096" height="500" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7333/10337030165_135f350862.jpg" width="281" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Love the red boots. <br />
Note the bag of goodies from Osenkaku behind her.</td></tr>
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/15584423@N02/26091987410/in/album-72157664735020453/" title="2013-03-12 14.44.47"><img alt="2013-03-12 14.44.47" height="299" src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1673/26091987410_65b5759f28.jpg" width="500" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script>shanehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14389842520448331092noreply@blogger.com0Gunma Prefecture, Japan36.3906675 139.0604061000000234.7574105 136.47861910000003 38.0239245 141.64219310000001tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8049826473099689710.post-80785862708248958362013-03-12T22:58:00.000+11:002016-04-11T17:14:40.538+10:00Kan-etsu tunnel (the longest road tunnel in Japan)<br />
I mentioned in a previous post that the best vending machine coffee I've ever had was from a road side stop. Just before you enter the Kan-etsu Tunnel is a road side rest area which includes a ramen bar and a shit load of vending machines including the coffee machine that dispensed a reasonably good coffee and, my favourite, the hot food vending machine.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wall to wall vending machines</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I really dig the hotdogs</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Oh my... a decent coffee out of a vending machine</td></tr>
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The Kan-etsu Tunnel is the longest road tunnel in Japan. At 11 km it is the about 10th longest in the world. It seems to go on and on and on.<br />
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We made a video. An epic 1 min and 4 seconds...
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If you click on the map below you can get to Google street view and virtually drive through the tunnel.
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<iframe frameborder="0" height="350" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="https://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=36.77863,138.94176&aq=&sll=36.77989,138.939557&sspn=0.001027,0.002087&t=h&ie=UTF8&ll=36.77863,138.94176&spn=0.008146,0.016694&z=14&output=embed" width="425"></iframe><br />
<small>View <a href="https://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source=embed&hl=en&geocode=&q=36.77863,138.94176&aq=&sll=36.77989,138.939557&sspn=0.001027,0.002087&t=h&ie=UTF8&ll=36.77863,138.94176&spn=0.008146,0.016694&z=14" style="color: blue; text-align: left;">A drive around central Honshu - March 2013</a> in a larger map</small>shanehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14389842520448331092noreply@blogger.com0Kan-etsu Expressway, Anogawa, Minakami, Tone District, Gunma Prefecture, Japan36.7794134 138.9403583000000736.7778239 138.93783680000007 36.781002900000004 138.94287980000007tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8049826473099689710.post-76805582354198529302013-03-12T20:30:00.000+11:002016-03-26T01:34:45.641+11:00Sayonara OsenkakuAlas our visit to Takaragawa Onsen must come to an end. After a quick wander around to check out the sad bears in cages, it was time to get back in the car and go. Osenkaku is a great place to stay but those bears are really problematic. It is one thing to hunt and kill wild bears for food but to keep a couple of poor sad bears in tiny enclosures is definitely an issue.<br />
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Georgia strapped and ready to go. Bear in hand and the bag of goodies she got with the first dinner in the other. Lots of little toys in that bag. Half of them are probably choking hazards but it has barely left her side since she got it.<br />
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shanehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14389842520448331092noreply@blogger.com01899 Fujiwara, Minakami-machi, Tone-gun, Gunma-ken 379-1721, Japan36.8475705 139.047036811.540805000000002 97.7384433 62.154336 -179.64436969999997tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8049826473099689710.post-22825055234442526172013-03-11T23:45:00.000+11:002016-03-21T17:57:27.288+11:00Ethical crisis averted, no bear soup this time for dinnerNo bear soup this time but still a feast. After a quick explanation of how and when to cook what where from our hostess it was down to business. Georgia, again, got the kids meal that would feed a small army of toddlers let alone one.<br />
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Shabu shabu was on the menu tonight. Thinly slice pieces of steaks and veggies. There was a foil "pot" simmering over a candle of some sort of milky white soup. All we had to do was dump the veggies in, wait till it boiled and then "shabu shabu" the meat. That is, dip the meat in the soup for about the same time it takes to say say "shabu shabu" then dip it in one of the 3 or 4 sauces and eat. So tender. So delish.<br />
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Georgia didn't know where to start. Rice, soup, fried things and fruit and chocolate eclair to finish.<br />
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You really could just fill up on all the appetizer thingys. Raw fish things...<br />
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Deep fried things...<br />
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Cold things in sauces...<br />
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And a seafood fish soup thing just to push you to bursting...<br />
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But there is always room for sake. Always.<br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/15584423@N02/10332027396/in/album-72157636689290883/" title="P1000959"><img alt="P1000959" height="281" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7386/10332027396_0b1b670a91.jpg" width="500" /></a>shanehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14389842520448331092noreply@blogger.com01899 Fujiwara, Minakami-machi, Tone-gun, Gunma-ken 379-1721, Japan36.8475705 139.047036811.540805000000002 97.7384433 62.154336 -179.64436969999997tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8049826473099689710.post-57952751082519757192013-03-11T23:00:00.000+11:002016-03-21T16:44:54.103+11:00Minakami - Sakurai ShokudoLunch isn't included in the tariff at the ryokan so we decided to go for a drive, between dips in the onsen, to Minakami for lunch and site seeing. Minakami is a small town servicing the local ski resorts and tourism industry. Many of the shops in town definitely cater for tourists selling souvenirs and local produce.<br />
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It was a really cold day. The temperature must've been hovering around zero degrees. We'd had a near blizzard the night before so there was plenty of snow around. The car was parked undercover but the snow had blown in sideways so there was a decent cover over the car.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Powdery sticky dry snow</td></tr>
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On the drive to Minakami we saw what looked like a bear. Holy shit a bear! But after watching it for a while we decided it was a Japanese Serow. A type of goat-antelope. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Japanese Serow - The tiny black dot in the centre</td></tr>
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<br /><a href="https://www.tripadvisor.com.au/Restaurant_Review-g1121071-d7499193-Reviews-Sakurai_Shokudo-Minakami_machi_Tone_gun_Gunma_Prefecture_Kanto.html" style="background-color: white; color: #006699; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, 'Bitstream Vera Sans', sans-serif; font-size: 20.832px; line-height: 36.96px; outline: none; text-decoration: none;">Sakurai Shokudo</a><br />
We wanted some hot, like ramen, for lunch. As usual we'd left it pretty late so most of the restaurants in town looked like they'd finished for lunch. But we found a small place run by a couple of women. Probably mother and daughter. They were very welcoming and plonked us down at a table near a heater. Georgia is always centre of attention. While we read the menu, thankfully with pictures, they gave Georgia things to play with like the toy that played Happy Birthday.<br />
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We haven't had a dud ramen yet in Japan and today was no exception. Huge steam bowls of tasty delicious ramen. Perfect for a cold day although we were starting to steam in front of the heater. The service from the two women was outstanding and very friendly. We've been overwhelmed with some of the hospitality shown in Japan. We should be used to it by now but I hope I'll ever take it for granted.<br />
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The ladies saw us off with bows and smiles and we wandered up the street looking for souvenirs.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sayonara ladies</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Minakami main drag</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stop for supplies again</td></tr>
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<br />shanehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14389842520448331092noreply@blogger.com0Minakami, Tone District, Gunma Prefecture, Japan36.6786996 138.999063936.2721046 138.35361690000002 37.085294600000005 139.6445109tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8049826473099689710.post-48237916620224708572013-03-11T22:00:00.000+11:002016-03-21T16:35:27.770+11:00Airing the Johnson in the OnsenThe main reason you come to an isolated Ryokan like Osenkaku is the outdoor onsen (rotenburo). Sure luxury ryokans have their own appeal - the food is often outstanding, the peace and tranquillity is divine, but the rotenburo is why we're here. We're also at Osenkaku in particular because it has a number of mixed bathing onsen. That is, you can nude up and take a dip with members of the opposite sex. Generally onsen are separated by gender. I always imagine nymphs cavorting in the onsen but in reality the whole experience is family friendly. The main game is to sit yourself down in the hot water and soak up, what the hotels claim, are the therapeutic and healthy aspects of bathing in volcanic springs. Really though there is nothing more relaxing than a long soak with your family in a gorgeous hot outdoor onsen with the snow gently falling.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rotenburo</td></tr>
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The rotenburos, there are 4 (3 mixed sex and one women only), are nestled in rocks either side of the river that rages down the valley. There are warnings posted around the place about swimming in the river. The river is prone to flash flooding so it can be dangerous. The river is also fed by snow melt so it would be too bloody cold for my liking anyway. Two degree river water or 40 degree hot spring water? Hmmm, decisions decisions. It is a few minutes stroll, at most, from the hotel down to the Rotenburo past a collection of the most eclectic snow covered artifacts and and knick knacks imaginable - and of course the ubiquitous vending machines. At the rotenburo there's a small hut with male and female change room where you strip down, grab your tiny little towel and then head for the water. We usually bathed in the large main onsen. We could then not crowd other people and hopefully not disturb them having a drowsy soak with our excitable toddler. We were usually met with smiles and nods. I think most people were delighted to see us with a little girl there. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Just shallow enough</td></tr>
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Most of the time we were in the rotenburo we were there alone but occasionally a few more people would take a dip while we were there. Sometimes you have to make eye contact to avoid seeing dangly or jiggly bits but every one is there for the same reason you are. To perve. No, not really. Quite a broad cross section of Japanese society takes the plunge. We bathed with older retirees and young families or couples. A Japanese man, probably in his 30s, struck up a conversation with us in his halting English. We chatted about the ryokan food and bears and the anniversary of the tsunami which had occurred exactly 2 years to the day prior to today. Initially I thought he was saying that there had been another earthquake today. He must have thought I was an idiot for not knowing of the the big one 2 years earlier. But I did realise my mistake and I hope we sorted it out. The only other westerners we saw in the onsens while we were there were a group of 3 or 4 guys from somewhere in Europe (they weren't speaking English but I couldn't quite hear the language).<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">30 something degrees in and snowing out</td></tr>
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Georgia loved the rotenburo. There was a bucket for, I guess, pouring water over your head and Georgia had a ball scraping snow off the rocks into the bucket and watching the snow melt. She enjoyed putting her head back and trying to catch snow flakes in her mouth. She just loved the whole experience of just splashing around and soaking in the water with us. In fact it was a struggle to get her leave.<br />
<br />shanehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14389842520448331092noreply@blogger.com01899 Fujiwara, Minakami-machi, Tone-gun, Gunma-ken 379-1721, Japan36.8475705 139.047036836.835026500000005 139.0268668 36.8601145 139.0672068tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8049826473099689710.post-28093151453427671812013-03-11T21:30:00.000+11:002016-03-21T17:39:17.590+11:00Breakfast at OsenkakuThe night had been pretty blowy and windy but we were rugged up like the proverbial bugs. I think we had a minor blizzard over night, or at least a big dump. There was plenty of fresh snow on the ground and in the trees. But except for the wind and the creaking of the building you'd never know. The futons were comfy and warm. Georgia loved being on a futon for a while but she became restless and was more comfortable back in her travel cot.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Futons: so comfy</td></tr>
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<script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script>Breakfast at Osenkaku is almost as good as Dinner. Again, too much food if anything. We had a choice of western or Japanese breakfast and a kids breakie for Georgia. Way too much for one little girl - sausages, omelette, salad, cereal, jelly and a banana. I think I want hers tomorrow. The Japanese breakfast is very good, Michelle loves her Japanese breakfasts, but sometimes I just need a bit of cereal and toast.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Breakfast</td></tr>
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I know I keep saying it but you will not go hungry at a ryokan like Osenkaku.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fish</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Egg, salad and rice</td></tr>
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After breakfast the most important thing we have to do is relax and relax hard. So it is back to the onsen for a leisurely dip before we think about lunch.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Family of 3 with one in the oven</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The stroll to the rotenburo</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some of the eclectic... um... art you'll find on your way down to the rotenburo.</td></tr>
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shanehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14389842520448331092noreply@blogger.com01899 Fujiwara, Minakami-machi, Tone-gun, Gunma-ken 379-1721, Japan36.8475705 139.047036811.540805000000002 97.7384433 62.154336 -179.64436969999997