We started our big adventure in by traveling to Sendai city by Shinkansen train. We arrived at Sendai station at 11:39am and we headed straight to the famous grilled beef tongue restaurant for lunch. After lunch we went to Nippon Rent-a-car and picked up or rental. Our good friend Hiroko is with us on this trip and she'll be the driver (she's a very good driver). Now the real adventure begins! Our first stop is Akiu Otaki Falls!
Emi and I came here a few months ago but we didn't have time to make the hike to the bottom of the gorge to see the waterfall up close. This time we're make the hike. It starts with a walk in the woods.
At first it's easy, and then it gets more difficult.
Eventually we get our first glimpse of the waterfall.
A little more perseverance and we arrive at the end of the trail. Here's Emi enjoying the view and the wonderful atmosphere.
And, here I am... thinking about how hard the walk back to the car is going to be.
Going back and every step is a step up-hill.
Up, up, up! and eventual we made back to the parking lot.
Next up is a drive to Togatta Onsen where we'll check into the Tamaya Inn.
After checking in to Tamaya Inn we all enjoyed soaking in the Inn's hot-spring bath and then it was time for dinner. Emi's ready to eat!
This is Hiroko. After driving all afternoon she's ready to eat too!
This Inn is famous for their vegetable heavy meals.
They're also (according to the Inn owner) famous for their draft beer!
Early next morning I went back to the hot bath. It's not fancy but it is deep and extremely hot!
We had an hour before breakfast would be served so Emi and I went for a walk.
We decided to visit Yuami and Atago Shrine.
It was an up hill walk of course.
We kept going up hill until we reached the end of the trail., because that's what we always do.
Then we headed back down.
Back down at the bottom. All the mist in the air is coming from hot-spring water overflow coming from Togatta Onsen Kaminoyu Onsen Center.
This is Kaminoyu Onsen Center's outdoor foot bath.
And this is the front entrance to the Kaminoyu Onsen Center. It's not open yet.
It's almost time for breakfast so we returned to the Inn. This is Tamaya Inn.
Time for breakfast!
Hiroko taking a picture of her breakfast.
Let's eat!
My faorite part of breakfast is the onsen tamago (very soft boiled egg) on rice!
After breakfast we checked out and made a short drive to the Kokeshi Doll museum.
Yep, the place is full of Kokeshi dolls!
On the rode again! Now we're heading for Zao Okama Crater. A circular crater lake surrounded by the three peaks of Zao Katta-dake, Kumano-dake, and Goshiki-dake.
On the way up to the crator we made a stop at one of the look-out points to see what we would see.
Of course there are stairs to get to the view point.
Here's Hiroko and Emi at the view point.
More of this adventure to come! Next we'll be exploring the beautiful Zao Okama Crater that is filled with beautiful green water!
All the best,
Mike
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