Japan Diaries 4: Weekend 114
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Weekend 114: January 6 -7, 2024
Day 796: January 6, 2024
Saturday – Rumoi
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| 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.
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| 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.
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| Today's brunch - homemade pesto |
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| In the afternoon, my daughter headed out to play in the snow outside |
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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.
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| 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
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).
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| 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.
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| 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.
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| Relax time after taking a dip |
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| 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.
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| 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 More Things to Do in Rumoi City
10 Things to Do in Chippubetsu
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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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