So the same natural forces that make Japan rumble and Mt. Fuji (well, a volcano) also mean that Japan has countless hot springs. It didn't take long for someone to say, "hey, let's hook a spa up to one of these and charge an entrance fee" and the onsen was born.
Following our obligatory splash in the public water fountain we decided to cash in our onsen coupons for a proper shower and to soak our weary bodies in some natural hot spring water.
Let's just say there is nothing like immersing your sore muscles in boiling water...ahhhh. This was one of the largest onsens we've been to and it was certainly the real deal as the smell of sulfur was very strong.
Following the much needed pampering at the onsen we were off to the center of Obuse for some sightseeing and lunch.
We first visited the giant beetle and struck a very corny Starship Troopers pose.
Then we were off to the restaurant. Unfortunately you can't get it from the picture - but the smell of this place was amazing! There were giant pots (more like cauldrons) cooking over roaring flames fueled by natural wood charcoal. And unless you've experienced a Japanese restaurant, it's difficult to describe the chorus the entire staff belts out (in perfect unison) in response to some indistinguishable signal or trigger that you and I never pick up on.
After lunch, we made a quick stop at the sake bar. Interesting side note; they serve edamame (steamed and lightly salted soy bean pods) at the bar instead of peanuts - and the tv was showing the sumo tournament.
All this activity and it was just early afternoon. We switched venues to a ryokan or traditional Japanese inn. Our tatami mat rooms pulled double duty as living room by day and comfy bedroom by evening. And they were cavernous compared to our econo-room from the previous night.But the true beauty of a good ryokan is the food. And after running 12 miles we were hungry.
We dined in the grand ballroom that evening (actually just a very large tatami room). But eating dinner while you're sitting on the floor wearing a yukata (Japanese bathrobe) is quite an experience. Following dinner 
most people took a power nap (us included) before our group party. We had picked up some wine and light snacks in Obuse for the occasion. We were both pretty much spent so we turned in relatively early - and for the first time in recorded history Chris called it quits before Nicole.
most people took a power nap (us included) before our group party. We had picked up some wine and light snacks in Obuse for the occasion. We were both pretty much spent so we turned in relatively early - and for the first time in recorded history Chris called it quits before Nicole.Monday morning was checkout day but not before we had our traditional
Japanese breakfast -- check out the spread - and that's just one place setting (just kidding). The meal was great and the fresh squeezed apple juice was amazing.
Japanese breakfast -- check out the spread - and that's just one place setting (just kidding). The meal was great and the fresh squeezed apple juice was amazing.
We also had time to head down to the outdoor onsen - a short 100 step cliff side staircase away. The outdoor hot spring sits right over a rushing stream. It's so loud that it drowns everything else out. Pretty nice setting.That's it. Chris's birthday, Obuse half marathon and ryokan rolled into a three day weekend.
