A Mountain Onsen in The Kita (North) Alps of Japan
From Matsumoto to Nakanoyu Spa in Kamikochi National Park. This solitary inn (onsen) was surrounded by a forest of Japanese beech trees. Onsen is another name for hot springs in Japan. This mountain inn and spa offered five separate natural volcanic hot springs. Some were inside, one for couples only and the beautifully situated outside one could be used by both sexes together.
New etiquette from Kate. If you use any of the hot springs, cover genitals only with another little washcloth given to us by the Nakanoyu Spa. Leave all clothes in the inside dressing room, cover genitals, enter hot springs and then use the washcloth to mop brow or wear around neck. It is also impolite for the men to stare at women's breasts. We were game and it was a surreal experience soaking in this outside hot spring surrounded by waterfalls and dense forest. Just great and there would only be one more chance to take baths, period, before we hit the mountain huts.
A brief bus ride the next day to the Kamogochi Visiter's Center parking lot...
...crowded with Japanese visitors hoping to see the leaves change color and posing for group pictures.
There were also three buses of teenagers on a field trip. When the girls spotted ex-Marine, they started shrieking..."Rocky, Rocky...". ran over and insisted on having their pictures taken with him. I have to admit, he did look rugged and Rocky-ish.
A 1-1/2 hour walk to the Tokusawa Guest Center for two nights and an out-and-back day hike tomorrow. From today on, all clothes would have to be carried from hut to hut with luggage left behind. This four-mile walk followed a graded level path...View image...to the Tokusawa hut, a basic hostel that at least had a hot bath.
