Japan Diaries 4: Weekend 114

Weekend 114: January 6 -7, 2024

Weekend 114: January 6 -7, 2024

Day 796: January 6, 2024

Saturday – Rumoi

It's another snowy day here in Rumoi City
It's another snowy day here in Rumoi City

Today's temperature: 1 degrees
Today's temperature: 1 degrees

Today brought a surprising warmth of 1 degree, marking it as the warmest day this month. The air felt almost gentle against our skin, a welcome break from the chilly days we'd been accustomed to. It's amazing how a single degree can make such a difference in perception.

Kai enjoying the winter view outside
Kai is enjoying the winter view outside

Our home became a haven, a sanctuary from the cold. My wife, being the culinary artist that she is, treated us to a delightful brunch featuring her homemade pesto. The aroma filled the house, creating a cozy atmosphere, setting the day's tone.

Today's brunch - pesto
Today's brunch - homemade pesto

In the afternoon, my daughter headed out to play in the snow outside
In the afternoon, my daughter headed out to play in the snow outside

In the afternoon, my daughter headed out to play in the snow outside

As the afternoon unfolded, so did a gentle snowfall, transforming our surroundings into a winter wonderland. The snowflakes seemed to dance gracefully, larger and more enchanting than usual. From the warmth of our home, we marveled at this magical spectacle while sipping hot coffee, feeling gratitude for the simple joys that winter brings.

Movie night: Society of the Snow
Movie night: Society of the Snow

The snowfall became the backdrop to our day, a serene scene that complemented the peace within our walls. Wrapped in blankets, we indulged in the luxury of a lazy afternoon, watching the film "Society of the Snow" (2023). It’s the survival story of the Uruguayan plane crash survivors in the Andes. The film moved us and, in some scenes, brought us to tears. So far, it’s one of the best films that we have watched this year. 


Day 797: January 7, 2024

Sunday – Chippubetsu

It's a snowy Sunday morning
It's a snowy Sunday morning

We're driving extra carefully today to avoid any accidents
We're driving extra slowly today to avoid any accidents

Today was a snowy Sunday morning, but the weather couldn't deter us from our plans. Despite the chilly atmosphere, we embarked on our first out-of-town trip in over a month, a short escapade to the charming town of Chippubetsu (秩父別町).

Chippubetsu Onsen Chip Yu & Yu
Chippubetsu Onsen Chip Yu & Yu

Our journey took about 30 minutes, leading us to Chippubetsu Onsen Chip Yu & Yu. Though we were no strangers to this delightful town, it marked our first time indulging in the soothing waters of Chippubetsu Onsen. Renowned for its "Silk Onsen" and "Golden Onsen," each offering distinct sources, water qualities, and health benefits, we were eager to explore.

We're excited to try out the silk onsen and golden onsen
We're excited to try out the silk onsen and golden onsen

Today, the silk onsen area was designated for men, allowing me to revel in the unique, milk-colored waters of the silk onsen. The experience was truly refreshing, complemented by the invigorating "pulse" onsen and a stint in the sauna.

Relax time after taking a dip
Relax time after taking a dip

Dinner time: katsudon set meal
Dinner time: katsudon set meal

Post-dip, we treated ourselves to a feast at the onsen facility's restaurant. Ella opted for miso ramen, while my wife and I savored the katsudon set meal. It served as a perfect conclusion to our onsen adventure in Chippubetsu. Departing the town around 5 PM, we took extra precautions on the snowy, slippery roads, maintaining a cautious speed of no more than 50 kilometers per hour. Consequently, our journey home was extended to an hour, double the usual duration.

Wrapping up our onsen trip to Chippubetsu Onsen Chip Yu & Yu
Wrapping up our onsen trip to Chippubetsu Onsen Chip Yu & Yu

Despite the extended travel time, we didn't linger late into the night. The onsen experience had worked its magic in relaxing our bodies, prompting us to retire early at 7 PM.


Read more:

Japan Diaries 4: Week 114

Japan Diaries 4: Day 797

Chippubetsu Onsen Chip Yu & Yu

10 Things to Do in Rumoi City

10 More Things to Do in Rumoi City

10 Things to Do in Chippubetsu

Hokkaido 179

Japan Diaries 4: Summary


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Japan Diaries 4: Week 113

Japan Diaries 4: Weekend 113


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Japan Diaries 4: Week 115

Japan Diaries 4: Weekend 115

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