We took an express bus from Sendai City to Naruko Onsen and arrived around 1630. Naruko Onsen is in the middle of nowhere and and that's just the way we like it! We actually stayed in Higashi Naruko which is a bit further in the middle of nowhere and is one train station away from the main town of Naruko (are you confused yet?). Anyway, the nearest train station to our small Inn was Naruko-Goten-Yu station; conveniently located across the street from our Inn. And, the morning after our arrival we decided to use the train to do a little exploring.
This is Naruko-Goten-Yu station.
Inside was very small and cozy.
Nothing around here except trees, hills and rivers; perfect!
Looking down the track as the adventure begins.
After a beautiful train ride passing through mountains, crossing over rivers and passing through tree covered hillsides we arrived at Nakayamadaira Onsen station.
After walking for about 20 minutes we found a nice hot spring hotel that catered to daytime visitors. Soon after checking in I was blissfully soaking in this hot bath.
Note: I don't normally take pictures of the baths because either there are other people in the bath or the room is to steamy. This time I was all alone and the room was well ventilated.
On our way back to the station a train passed by. These trains consist of two cars and are operated by one man; hence they are called One-Man-Trains.
Another side note: On our way back to the station we stopped at a small Musubi (rice ball) restaurant. It's a small operation that is only open from 1130 - 1330 and I didn't take any of the place but one is in the area I highly recommend stopping by. I had the salmon rice ball and it was out-of-this-world.
On the web: The Rice Ball Place They use local rice that is some of the best I've ever tasted.
The streets of Nakayamadaira Onsen (all two of them) are lined with daffodils.
Riding the train back to Naruko Onsen station.
These trains may be small and in an isolated part of the country but I have to say they are very nice and comfortable inside.
We got off at Naruko station so we could do some shopping for food and then walk from there back to our Inn in Higashi Naruko. This is the biggest train station in the area.
Nothing like buying already cooked food to eat in our room later.
Another day, another adventure: Welcome to Kawatabi!
One knows they are in a small country town when the village greeter is a bull.
A cherry tree lined stream runs through the village - so, we followed it.
It wasn't long before we came to a bridge and then a large field of mustard greens in full bloom.
A blue sky would have been nice for some color contrast.
Another person with a camera slung around their neck.
This place is quite the attraction, look at all the people!
The mountain top in the background is still lightly covered with snow.
It's very peaceful here.
Well it was very peaceful until I arrived. It's funny how the camera makes me look fatter than I really am. Damn camera!
This town is also a regular stop for the express bus we'll use tomorrow when we return to Sendai City.
The entrance to the local hot spring center. We checked in and soaked for over an hour. Life is good!
Just me goofing around taking pictures of anything and everything.
Last shot before we returned to our Inn - still a few Cherry blossoms clinging to the trees.
A previous trip we made to this area can be found on my blog here: Sunjatta blog post for Miyagi Prefecture
Thanks for stopping by!
Mike
Bonus shots!
A day in Yokohama with the Fuji X100F camera.
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