Destination - Onogawa Onsen!

 Onogawa Onsen is a small hot-spring resort town in Yamagata prefecture. To get there we took a train to Tokyo and transferred to a Shinkansen Bullet train. We rode the Bullet train to Yonezawa train station in Yamagata prefecture where we were picked up by our hotel's free shuttle bus. From the train station to the hotel was a pleasant 20 minute drive. After checking in we did a little shopping in town for some snacks and drinks to consume in our room then we returned to the hotel to enjoy a soak in their wonderful hot-spring bath followed by a fantastic diner and then it was time for lights out - end of day one.

Day 2: After breakfast I went for a walk around Onogawa and Emi rode the hotel's shuttle bus back to Yonezawa to visit some museums.

Walking along the Otaru river.

Passing by a frozen rice field.

A small waterfall in the Otaru river.

As one can see, Onogawa Onsen is in the middle of nowhere. 

As I walked around it would suddenly start snowing.

And, then it would stop and the Sun would shine. This is the backside of another Hot-spring hotel.

I crossed to the other side of the river to visit the Onogawamachi Hotaru Park.

There are two natural hot-springs in the park.

Continuing my walk around the village.

Back in the center of the town. The dark building on the left is our hotel. The building on the right side of the picture is a liquor store; very convenient. 

Close to our hotel there is also a shop that sells local products.

Next I crossed back over the river and walked up the hill to visit the Kinoene Daikokuten Buddhist Temple. To get to the temple I have to pass by the Onogawa Onsen Hoju no Yu lodge (building in the center of this picture).

Approaching the Kinoene Daikokuten Buddhist Temple.

Like all Buddhist Temples this place is very peaceful and quiet. 

Crossing back over the Otaru river and heading into town.

A local ramen shop. The two little black dots in the middle of the road are a couple of cats just strolling around doing as they please.

Third day: time to check out and start our journey back home.

While Emi was taking care of our hotel check-out I stepped outside to take a picture of the hotel's shuttle bus.

When I went back inside I took this picture of the front desk. My camera lens fogged up a little bit because of the change in temperatures from outside to inside; I kind of liked the effect it had on the picture.

On the way from the hotel back to the Yonezawa train station we got off the shuttle a little bit early to visit the Uesugi Shrine.

Emi is approaching the main shrine.

Next a group of female athletes approached the shrine.  

They bowed and prayed... presumable to be successful in whatever sport they are members of. 

Afterwards they all looked happy and cheerful!

This must be a security pigeon keeping an eye on everyone that visits the shrine.

Next to the Uesugi Shine is the Yonezawa City Uesugi Museum. So, of course we visited there too! Inside the museum is a Noh theater stage.

While we were there a man and a young boy were on the stage practicing. It was fun to listen to them, they were very good!

Time to start walking to the train station.

We have arrived at the Yonezawa train station.

It's a nice station.

Standing out on the platform waiting for our bullet train.

This is a local train passing through.

This is our train!

Once inside all the passengers are putting their bags into the overhead shelf and getting settled in their seats.

Last shot: Now we're underway heading back to Tokyo.  This is the passenger on the other side of the aisle. She's wired for sound and happily clicking away on her PC.

Thanks for stopping by!

Mike