Kinugawa Onsen

San Ren Kyu (三連休(さんれんきゅう) is the word used to describe 3 consecutive public holidays. I never go anywhere during San Ren Kyu because all the other folk use these consecutive days to go somewhere which means the trains and roads are packed.

Kouyou (紅葉(こうよう)) is the word to describe when the leaves start to turn reddish brown during the autumn. We chose to go during a San Ren Kyu as we were worried that if we put it off any later that we would miss the season.
Unfortunately, millions of other people we thinking the same thing (crafty buggers) and we ended up spending 5 hours driving 179.6Km from Tokyo up North to a place called Kinugawa Onsen (鬼怒川温泉(きぬがわおんせん)).

This is the road when it was a bit more clear of traffic. I still owe you a post about how to get your Japanese drivers license – will get to it erm next year ^^;

Took this near Kinugawa. Its common knowledge in Japan that there exists a shop called Book Off which sells second hand books. That chain store done quite well and they opened other stores including one that sells second hand electronic items. They went and named it “Hard Off”…

The dashboard of our car is guarded by Keroro, Wanda and Tamama.

Finally arrived and time for some grub – how about a fish on a stick? Value for money as they dont take anything out of it including the guts (with poo inside) and brains etc.

I was surprised to find the water in this valley to be emerald green. Wasn't emerald enough to make me want to jump in though.

You've already seen shrines at Enoshima and Meiji Jingu so I thought I'd get a shot of another one for you. You know the drill already but for those who are new to shrines, what you have to do is go up to them, clap once, bow your head, make a prayer, spin round three times and jump once on the spot. Do make sure you follow these steps next time you are in Japan at a shrine. If you cant remember all that then print these instructions and bring with you as if you dont do these steps correctly then you will offend the gods.

Unfortunately the weather was kinda lousy but couldn't be bothered to make the sky blue in Photoshop. Making a prayer at the shrine didnt help either.

If you happen to have 10 feet of elastic rope in your back pocket, You are allowed to set up a Bungee jump service for the duration of one hour only.

The time when we went was supposed to be the peak of the leaves turning red but the weather/climate has been a bit spooky of late and the Kouyou season came late this year.

After walking up n down mountains, its time for some more grub. This is a typical Japanese traditional fast food bar. Avoid if you haven't washed your feet for the past three days as you need to take off yer shoes and the maggots may get into your teriyaki burger.

Our trusty Nissan March parked at Momiji Line - a never ending twisting road lined with autumn trees and man eating snakes. A nice route for passengers - dead boring for the driver.

Then at the end of the day its time for some Onsen (hot spring) where you get into a steamy room full of other naked men. You should try it at least once if you are ever over here. If you are shy of flashing your little brother around - use the small towel provided to cover up. When you get into the Onsen after washing your bod, dont put the towel in the water - fold it up and rest it on your head or you will again upset the gods.
Women get to go into a room full of naked women (lucky women). I've heard of some mixed Onsen before but have no idea where they are...