Aizuwakamatsu, Japan, Thursday [Daytime]

[firstofitskind]

Time to leave behind the hustle and bustle of big city life and head to somewhere a little quieter! Today we're back on the train and heading to Aizuwakamatsu.

Comments

Train [02/25]

[firstofitskind]

It takes a little over three hours to get to Aizuwakamatsu by train, so you might as well settle in and enjoy the Japanese countryside as it whizzes by. Once again, Fandom has an entire car to itself, so pick your seatmate wisely.

Re: Train [02/25]

[grayskollar]

Adora was napping on the train. For reasons that would never be adequately explained, she was also wearing a headband with oversized cat ears.

Re: Train [02/25]

[stykera]

Stark was as promised experiencing some regret from last night's singing. Lacking a giant hat to pull down over his face and mask he had settled for pulling the hood of a sweatshirt as far as possible over his head.

He found a window seat again (on the left hand side, of course) and settled in to watch the countryside during the ride.

Re: Train [02/25]

[sith_happened]

"I almost walked past you," Anakin teased.

Hotel

[firstofitskind]

Sure, that train ride is long. But now you get to relax and enjoy the comforts of Shosuke no Yado Takinoyu, a ryokan (hot spring) hotel with intimidating views of Fushimigataki Fall. A perfect place for a rest.

Rooms [02/25]

[firstofitskind]

Some of you get Japanese-style rooms with tatami, some of you more Western-style rooms, and as per usual, twin or double beds depending on what's funniest.

And then there's that one room with just tatami and one double bed.

[ your room assignments can be found here! please keep the dirty stuff to your personal journals. ]]

Room 111

[1000yearstoolate]

At least the tatami mats were more comfortable than the floor. And at least Seivarden had occasionally slept in worse places. She tried to remind herself of this, although Faye would get a glare if she was there.

She really needed tea now, and at least there was very good tea to be had.

Private Hot Spring Tubs

[firstofitskind]

Why leave the hotel to go to a hot spring when you can just rent one of the hotel's own hot spring baths in privacy? With a perfect view of the waterfall, you're sure to get some relaxation.

Re: Private Hot Spring Tubs

[wrongkindofsith]

Of course Cara was here. Of course she was. She might never leave it. Except possibly to go to another one.

Public Hot Springs

[firstofitskind]

Or get some friends together and come hang out in some of the comfortably heated hot spring pools this complex has. Also with a good view of the river and the waterfalls.

Re: Public Hot Springs

[1000yearstoolate]

After several nights of uncomfortable sleeping, a hot spring bath was perfect. Seivarden slipped into one of the pools, leaned back against the edge and closed her eyes.

Restaurant [02/25]

[firstofitskind]

The hotel's small restaurant serves modern Japanese fare: sushi, ramen and soba, but also hot pot with thinly sliced beef, mushrooms, and vegetables.

Aizuwakamatsu

[firstofitskind]

.

Tsuruga jo Castle

[firstofitskind]

Picturesque Tsuruga Castle belonged to the ruling class of the Aizu area and often changed hands over the centuries. It was destroyed in 1868, and then rebuilt in the 1960s into the beautiful castle you see today. Stroll though the surrounding park, have some green tea at the Rinkaku Teahouse and admire its garden. Then stroll through the castle, where the museum will teach you a bit about samurai culture, and finish up on the roof, which has a lovely view.

Re: Tsuruga jo Castle

[crimson_sister]

Lucille wandered through the castle, spent some time in the garden and stayed for a while in the teahouse, finishing a letter to Tisarwat.

Re: Tsuruga jo Castle

[sexy_giraffe]

"I suppose if I were to live in a castle, this one could do," Tahani mused aloud (of course) as she wandered.

Amida Temple

[firstofitskind]

Or take some quiet time to yourself at Amida Temple, a pretty, small Japanese temple that offers tours for anyone interested. Go on, admire the temple bell.

Re: Amida Temple

[sith_happened]

Anakin hadn't intended to, but he was spending a great deal of his vacation meditating in temple gardens.

(His teenaged self would be so confused.)

So here he was, in a new town, meditating in another garden.

Re: Amida Temple

[stykera]

Yesterday had been loud and a bit chaotic and had ended with singing. The temple was quiet and calm.

Stark was just going to wander around enjoying that calm and quiet.

Higashiyama Onsen

[firstofitskind]

Okay, let's be honest: you don't come to a famous hot spring town for the sights. Higashiyama, where your hotel is also situated lies just outside of Aizuwakamatsu and is absolutely full of different onsen venues. Take the bus or head out on foot to try out some of the other onsen resorts in the area, the most famous of which is Mukaitaki Ryokan. Enjoy the hot water!

Re: Higashiyama Onsen

[sake_shinigami]

Hot springs were certainly at least fourth on Shunsui's list of favorite things (followed by women, wine, and naps, of course!), so it would not likely surprise anyone to find him there enjoying a soak...and quite possibly some of those other things on that list as well.

Enjoy Aizuwakamatsu

[firstofitskind]

It's a lot quieter than the cities you just came from, but for those interested in old samurai history or geisha performances, or just wanting to go through a stroll in this beautiful region, there's still plenty to do.

OOC

[firstofitskind]

This week, you guys. Is it over yet?

Re: OOC

[stykera]

I have been informed that it is somehow only Thursday morning? This sounds fake though.

Re: OOC

[throughaphase]

It's been Thursday for three days.