A typhoon was supposed to hit Tokyo on Friday or Saturday. Luckily, it changed directions and mostly effected the Osaka area. For us, it meant that the day was very windy with occasional rain.
We decided to do some grocery shopping in the neighborhood and then try a different onsen. The picture above is a Tanuki, a kind a Japanese raccoon. There are statues of them in front of stores. I think this one looks a little crazed.
We found a fruit and vegetable place in the neighborhood with amazing produce. The prices are quite reasonable compared to the grocery stores.
We came across this group of statues in front of a shrine at the subway stop. The individuals represent the Seven Lucky Gods of Japanese mythology. I like that one has a real bamboo pole he is holding.
Here are Tommy and Kaela checking out the statues. I tried to take a picture of Tommy with the Tanuki, but he wasn't interested in the idea.
We made our way to the Niwa no Yu Onsen which is just a two minute walk from the Toshimaen train station. We took one train all the way there.
Here is a link that shows pictures of the sauna rooms. Tommy and l liked the steam room which had a menthol scent. After you spend time in the sauna, there was a shower space with either an option to pull a rope and have a wooden bucket of cold water dumped on your head. We both had to try the bucket dousing.
http://www.niwanoyu.jp/floormap/sauna.html
Kaela on the girl's side had discovered the teacup baths (these photos are from the Onsen's website - no we didn't sneak a camera into the onsen).
They are just big enough for one person to get in. The picture below is the outdoor pool. It was really hot.
And this was the hottest pool. You couldn't stay in for very long without feeling like a lobster.
We came out refreshed and relaxed. And got into the subway just before a major downfall of rain.
- Posted from my iPad
