Onsen Time in Yuzawa

During my last few days in Brazil, I had asked my friend to plan a last minute onsen (thermal hot springs) weekend - I needed to rejuvenate my skin.

Destination - Yuzawa Onsen.
Only ~1.5hrs by bullet train from Tokyo, so very close and convenient. I've been here many times before, but during the winter for skiing. And never for the hot springs.

We arrived at the familiar station early in the afternoon, and walked directly to the hotel (more accurately, the ryokan, or traditional Japanese inn) while breathing in the fresh, crisp air.15 minutes later, we were greeted by the proprietor of the Otowaya Inn.I love these inns. Upon check-in, they provide you with green tea & snacks. And, we were even able to choose the yukata and obi color combination we wanted for the night before heading to the room! Cute.

The room was OK, nothing fancy. The usual tatami mat, table in the middle with tea set, 20-year old television, wooden chairs and towel hangers by the window.

After a short walk around the inn and town (didn't find anything particularly worthy to note), it was onsen time!!!
My usual routine: strip down - wash & shampoo - indoor onsen - outdoor onsen - indoor onsen - rinse - dry - put on yukata
I understand that the concept of bathing naked with a bunch of people (usually same-sex only) may be weird to those not used to it. I, on the contrary, find it uncomfortable and "not right" to wear a swimsuit into the springs, like in many countries I've visited on my travels.

(Oddly, "hygiene" doesn't enter my mind at all. Probably unless the place is horrendously filthy. Luckily, I haven't encountered such a place in my onset experience so far)It's really, really, really amazing what an hour in those waters can do!!!!! I may stink a little with sulfur, but my skin is sooooooo smooth : ) Totally rejuvenated from the horrible treatment it got during my RTW trip.

The other main highlight of staying at a ryokan is the food - a huge course of local specialties.

Everything comes in small pieces, so it's great to be able to experience a bunch of different tastes. YUM. But extremely full by the time I'm through with the meal (with obvious leftovers).

Then, watch TV, chat, and read to aid in digestion.
Then, back to the onsen. Same patten as above, except the "wash & shampoo" would be replaced by a "quick rinse".

I swear, the staff must keep an eye on their guests like the CIA. Because by the time you're out of the onsen and back in the room, the futon is beautifully made. Just screaming to be slept in, which I gladly do.
Definitely more comfortable than hotel beds. It must be the sleeping on the floor thing and the warm, soft comforters.

The next morning, we wake up early to be fed another huge meal - fish, tofu, miso soup, rice. Lovely.
Then….you guessed it! Return to the onsen for a final soak : )
During which time the staff remove the futons and return the room to its original condition.

Before heading back to Tokyo, we took the cable car up to the top of the mountains. In the winter, it's used to transport skiers and boarders up to the slopes. Now, it's for the tourists who want to get a panoramic view of the snow capped mountains:I didn't expect to see any snow, considering it's already late April, but I guess these mountains are either really tall, or Japan was having a cool season. Then again, this could be normal. Who knows. As I said, I've never been around these regions except to ski.