January 3rd, 2019

So the expression "sightseeing" might be a little overexaggerated because it was not like a tourist tour or something. My hostfamily took me to a hotel with an onsen (hot spring) and we went to see some things in the area. So, let's start at the beginning. As always: as short as possible.

Saturday (December 22nd, 2018):

• My hostparents daughter and grandkids came to visit/to go to the onsen together. They were lovely and friendly. Anyway.
• Took the train for a city in Yamanishi prefecture (which is next to my "home" prefecture Kanagawa). It took about 2 hours or something, I slept a little listen to some music, we had to transfer at some points. Only thing mentionable: We passed a place where an artist had put up a gigantic love letter on a hill. You could even see it from the train. Unfortunately no time to take a pic :(.
• Arrived in a city next to our hotel or something. Ate lunch (ramen - delicious. I chose a spicy one, but it wasn't that spicy. Just perfect) at a restaurant. Ate a regional, famous ice cream with "mochi" or something on it. Delicious and very big! I just love matcha and sweet things. But I'm looking forward to returning to Germany and eating no sweets any more.
• Went to the town where the onsen/hotel is. There were small, natural hot springs already where you could put your feet/hands in (two seperate springs though). And we browsed some souvenir shops. Prepare, friends and family, for some ridiculous and adorable gifts!
• Finally took a train to the hotel. Everyone chose a Yukata (traditional clothes; I think they are not only used as) pajamas. And we went up to our room. There were some sweets and a TV (but unfortunately no Wifi).
• Entered the garden with Koi and ducks and another "spring" where you could just sit and put your feet in.
• Prepared for entering the actual onsen (it was not natural but artificial but I don't think that is any problem). They politely explained to me how to and so on. And in the end I also took some courage and undressed (you are not supposed to wear swimming clothes, you can only carry a towel, which is not supposed to be in the water, but that you put on your head when you enter the water. But before entering you wash your body (the hair before you leave). Then we all entered and it was hot at the beginning but not that hot and unbearable. Only thing that gets worse with time passing is the air. First, it was just a basin with normal hot water, then a basin with wine (red wine, you could smell the taste ^^). And then the outside "pool". The water itself has a pleasant temperature and it is indeed enjoyable to be in an onsen. Recommend it. Just wish it would have lasted a little longer because in the end we only entered once that weekend for about 30-45 minutes. I even tried the sauna. Which was hell. Because the goddamn air is so dry that you die (exaggeration for the purpose of a pun). And I think one was supposed to soak one's towel with cold water and put it infront of your mouth, but I put it on my body. Anyway.
• I showered again (I think you didn't have to, but I wanted to get rid of any possible sauna sweat. Then I got dressed (changed to Yukata) and we went back upstairs and then had dinner: A huge buffet with many choices of Japanese and western food and all desire's could've been fulfilled. Delicious and amazing and ALL YOU CAN EAT. So yeah.
• Went to the manga library with one of the grandkids till 9 and when we got back to the room almost everyone was sleeping so we also did (after of course watching TV and checking our phones.

Sunday:

• In the morning we watched some TV, played table tennis and ate a delicious breakfast (again all-you-can-eat) and left the hotel to go to a gemstone "museum" with lovely stones, again koi fish and a gift shop. Beautiful.
• After that we attended a Taiko (traditional drums) performance. Amazing. A little loud but that makes it strong, I guess. Try seeing something like that in Germany or any other country that is not Japan (possible but you get the idea)!
• Went to a temple or shrine (I can't remember which one) and again got some souvenirs. Shrines/Temples are pretty fascinating because it's so unsusual and new (to me)  and looks old and traditional (which most of them are, I guess?), Don't like that people are selling lucky charms or other stuff, but that's part of it.
• Then went back to the station where there was a concert taking place (infront of it, outside). We attended and you could even sit infront of the (very humble) stage (it was no big deal or anything) with a table with blankets and a heater. Some people have these things at home. You can put your feet under the table, where it's very warm and eat. I ate some Yakisoba (noodles) and Takoyaki (dough balls filled with octopus meat and vegetables).
• Then we head back home, I slept most of the time, which is why I wasn't able to take a picture of the enormous love letter envelope in the hills.
• Said goodbye to my hostparents daughter and their grandkids and went home.

I am surprised how short this entry is. Really outdone myself this time :D

The pictures, though, are probably the most interesting thing for you guys, so here ya'll go: