Izu Peninsula - Manazuru, Atagawa and Kawazu - Part 2

 This is part 2 of the big Izu Peninsula adventure!

We continued to follow the Kawazu river. The river is still lined on both sides with beautiful Kawazu cherry trees. By the way, if one continues to follow this river far enough you'll arrive at the famous Kawazu Seven Waterfalls. 

We're not going as far as the Seven Water Falls today, we have other plans!

Along the walking path there are many food vendors.

The variety and quality of  the things to eat is amazing.

There are many bridges crossing the river. However, this is the bridge we've been looking for; time to cross the river and look for our secret surprise. 

This is it! We are visiting Hanamai Takenosho. 

It's an old traditional Inn. For 1000 yen a person can use their natural hot spring bathing facility. 

So, that's what we did!

This place is so calm and peaceful.

There are several baths to chose from. We had this one all to ourselves.

A clay lantern.

We stayed for an hour then it was time to leave.

The front desk. 

The Inn's owner was very kind and informative. He gave us some advice on where to go next for our sightseeing adventure and then we said goodbye.

Back on the Kawazu sightseeing trail.

Another special treat. We followed the river inland 'til we arrived at the next bridge. We heard beautiful music being played with traditional Japanese instruments. On the left side of the riverbed a group was playing "Mas Que Nada" I couldn't believe my ears. This song was made popular back in the '60s by Sergio Mendes &  Brasil 66  What a wonderful day!

Time to work our way back to the train station. 

It's like walking through a pink tunnel.

We passed the station but decided to continue on to see where the river met the ocean.

We're almost there.

This is it. The river flows into the ocean. Not as exciting as we thought it would be. Time to do an about face and go back to the train station.

One last look at the beautiful cherry trees, then we soon arrive at the station.

Here we are!

And, we are not alone. A lot of people were waiting for the train. 

Off we go heading back to Atagawa. Again we have a beautiful view of the ocean from the train window.

Passing by one of the small fishing ports.

Crossing over another river.

We have arrived back at Atagawa. The white tower on the right side of the picture is a pumping station for natural hot spring water. There are several of these around the town. That's hot steam billowing out of the back of the tower.

I switched my camera to Black & White and took this picture of our hotel. I thought it would give our hotel a cool Art Deco look. Anyway, it's time for the free happy hour! And, I'm thirsty. 

More B&W. A couple of shots from our hotel room before we go to the dinning room for diner and... more free drinks! Okay, I know that nothing is really free but they don't charge extra for the drinks. Dinner is an all you can eat buffet and there's an all you can drink bar that goes with it.

The next morning and I take another picture from our room. I love this place!

After checking out we head back to the train station to go home. One last look at the charming little seaside town of Atagawa before entering the station and going home.

We had a wonderful time and we will be returning in the future.

Thanks for stopping by!

Mike

Bonus shots!