Katya and I had a buffet breakfast at “ARAGOSTA“. We sat by the window.
We had a buffet because Katya wanted to have a big salad. However, I do not recommend this buffet because of a low quality.
After breakfast, we walked to “Thermaison” for spa and esthétique.
It is a big spa. The quality of water was very good. I felt my skin got smooth. Katya enjoyed esthétique treatments.
Then we drove to Chidorigahama Beach, the biggest beach in Mie prefecture.
I do not complain, but Katya did not like the tetrapod constructions in the sea to prevent waves.
So we took off the beach. We drove up to Toba Observation Platform.
Tree were seen to grow down very close to the coastline, showing a rich nature in Toba.
Then we drove down to Gozashirahama Beach. It was a smaller beach with less people.
The beach was cozy. It was OK with both of us. We went in the water, which was still not very warm but refreshing.
After relaxing for a while, we went back to the hotel. We took a very light lunch at a lounge “Dolce“.
After taking a rest in the room, we had dinner at ARAGOSTA again.
Sea bass was grilled and seasoned perfectly. It was a surprise.
We asked the waiter how they seasoned it.
“Salt, simply by salt”.
It should not be a simple salt, we thought.
The waiter also told us a good way to grill fish.
We were satisfied with the dinner.
I did not want to listen to Karaoke in the bar, so we went to the lounge for a drink. Very fortunately, there was a performance of piano and sax.
Very pleasant half an hour.
It was a good day.
Sounds like you had a good trip…. despite the heat now. I can understand Katya’s feelings about the tetrapods… Japan is a country weighed down by concrete… often in all the wrong places. I always thought that this said more about the power of the concrete business in Japan than it did about the environmental issues.
BTW – we finally decided on dates for our next trip to Japan… we’ll be heading over there in late November (I’ll be returning in early Jan). We’ll be flying into Tokyo, and looking to have a stay-over in Honshu before moving onto Sapporo. Any thoughts about where would be nice around the first two weeks of December? I know it’s going to be cool, no matter where we go.
It was a good trip. Very fortunate that we had no rain at all, while it rained heavily in many places in Japan.
During the era of the economical growth in the 60′s and 70′s, it seems that the people did not mind destroying the nature, thinking that they were heading for some new,advanced direction (sorry, Mom and Dad). Those construction/destruction was directed by the government, which the people tended to obey. I hope this has changed to some extent.
With C-chan, what should I recommend? In Tokyo, you might enjoy climbing up Sky Tree. “Hikarie” in Shibuya attracts people now.
Staying a couple of days in Hakone could be relaxing with less tourists during the season. Nikko is another choice, but it could be very cold there.
There are some beautiful places in Kofu, too, if in fall. In the early winter, honestly speaking, I would not recommend the place very much.
I will think about it.
It was a good trip. Very fortunate that we had no rain at all, while it rained heavily in many places in Japan.
During the era of the economical growth in the 60′s and 70′s, it seems that the people did not mind destroying the nature, thinking that they were heading for some new,advanced direction (sorry, Mom and Dad). Those construction/destruction was directed by the government, which the people tended to obey. I hope this has changed to some extent.
With C-chan, what should I recommend? In Tokyo, you might enjoy climbing up Sky Tree. “Hikarie” in Shibuya attracts people now.
Staying a couple of days in Hakone could be relaxing with less tourists during the season. Nikko is another choice, but it could be very cold there.
There are some beautiful places in Kofu, too, if in fall. In the early winter, honestly speaking, I would not recommend the place very much.
I will think about it.
No need to think too much, but I would appreciate some suggestions weather-wise in Honshu. Our experience of around Tokyo is that in that time of the year, you can expect low temperatures (<10degC), but not generally snow. Whilst we (and I especially I) would love to go for a long trip around Honshu (was thinking of anything from going up to Kanazawa to hiring a car and driving around Ise Peninsula…). The realities of having a 9 month old makes such trips a little difficult.
Would love to go to Nikko… but I'm assuming that the further north (and higher altitudes) the colder it will be (and some chance of snow)?
Shame to hear that you wouldn't recommend Kofu… how about further west (Takeyama? Hida? Gifu? Iga?). I'm guessing that late Nov, first week of december is too late for any autumn colour around any of these areas. Would have loved to have seen Kyoto in the autumn (but I also know it's jam packed with tourists at that time).
Anyway – hope you can help with some suggestions!
Nikko could be too cold. Takayama and Kanazawa are known for their winter beauty, so you might want to keep them.
Katya did not recommend Kofu, either, at that time of the year.
Go West, Ben! I would try Kii peninsula. Very rich in nature and historically important. Many hot springs. Foods and sakes are good, too.
Sightseeing places are spread, so you need a homework in advance.
Temperature is mild in the most southern part of Honshu. Colored leaves are probably not at their best but still enjoyable.
Public transportation is bad; driving is the most practical in Kii peninsula.
It is fun to think about a trip. Ask me anytime!
Thanks for that… we still have a little time to do some research!
Ask us anything. We are happy to help you.
At the moment, we’ve changed our plans slightly. We’re now looking to spend only a couple of days in Tokyo before catching the train down to Hiroshima/Miyajima for a couple of days then on to Kyushu. Whilst there we were going to go to Nagaski, Kumamoto, Beppu and of course Fukuoka all over about 8 or so days. We’re a little nervous to see what we can do with our son and daughter… but looking forward to it. Of course then we head up to Sapporo for a nice white Christmas.
It is a very good idea to go to Kyushu at that time of the year. It is convenient to have a car to drive around the island, too.
Kyushu was the first place that accepted the Chinese culture, so it is historically very interesting. You might feel it.
Foods are good and onsens are perfect. People are open and kind.
Have fun! I will help you!
Thanks for that… very excited, but also a little worried that we don’t know how easy/hard it will be with two children now (especially as our daughter will still be only 9 months or so). There’s so much to do in Kyushu, and two weeks there isn’t enough time to do everything we want. Still, will work hard to make the most of it.
Katya and I have no idea how to deal with kids during the trip. Wishing luck is all we can do.
In two weeks, I think you can grasp an idea of how Kyushu is like. Kyushu is an interesting place, and it is worth revisiting.
Katya has not been there (although she’s been to Okinawa three times), so I think I should go there with her.