PERU-BOLIVIA: A relaxing day in the Japanese Alps

After driving quite a bit yesterday, was looking for a more relaxed day. That part of Japan i.e Gifu and Nagano prefectures are famous for their mountains and hot springs "onsens" (温泉) as the japanese say.

The Norikura peak being over 3000m high and the mountain pass leading to it was still closed, because of snow conditions, therefore a detour had to be driven to reach the Shirahone hot springs, which is stalagmite and spherical limestone surrounded spring. The white water of the pool is quite unique in the area.

I ll cite here wikipedia about the etiquette of onsens, since the indications in the bath are usually not clear....

Ensuring cleanliness
At an onsen, as at a sentō, all guests are expected to wash their bodies and rinse themselves thoroughly before entering the hot water. Bathing stations are equipped with stools, faucets, wooden buckets, and toiletries such as soap and shampoo; nearly all onsen also provide removable shower heads for bathing convenience. Entering the onsen while still dirty or with traces of soap on the body is socially unacceptable.

Swimsuits
Bathers are not normally allowed to wear swimsuits in the baths. However, some modern onsen with more of a waterpark atmosphere require their guests to wear a swimming suit in their mixed baths.

Towels
Onsen guests generally bring a small towel with them to use as a wash cloth. The towel can also provide a modicum of modesty when walking between the washing area and the baths. Some onsen allow one to wear the towel into the baths, while others have posted signs prohibiting this, saying that it makes it harder to clean the bath. It is sometimes against the rules to immerse or dip towels in the onsen bath water, since this can be considered unclean. In this latter case, people normally set their towels off to the side of the water when enjoying the baths, or place their folded towels on top of their heads.

Noise
Onsen vary from quiet to noisy, some play piped music and often feature gushing fountains. Bathers will engage in conversation in this relaxed situation. There are usually prohibitions against rowdiness in the washing and bathing areas. A small amount of excess energy and splashing around is usually tolerated from children, however.

Shower cubicles

Tattoos
Many onsen ban bathers with tattoos, which in Japan, as in the West prior to the radical changes that have taken place in society, are recognized as a badge of criminality—Yakuza traditionally have elaborate tattoos. Despite this background reason, the rule is often enforced strictly against all, including foreigners, women, and even when tattoos are small and "peaceful".

After soaking for a couple of hours continued via some curvy roads and Mountain landscape towards Takayama a larger village in the area. That was also the final destination for today with a special traditional accommodation and dinner served in the room.

Stayed at a ryokan (旅館) which is a type of traditional Japanese inn that originated in the Edo period (1603–1868), when such inns served travelers along Japan's highways.

They typically feature tatami-matted rooms, communal baths, and other public areas where visitors may wear yukata and talk with the owner.

In room dining experience
Kaiseki (懐石) or kaiseki-ryōri (懐石料理) is a traditional multi-course Japanese dinner. The term also refers to the collection of skills and techniques that allow the preparation of such meals, and are reminiscent of Western haute cuisine.

In the present day, kaiseki is a type of art form that balances the taste, texture, appearance, and colors of food. To this end, only fresh seasonal ingredients are used and are prepared in ways that aim to enhance their flavor. Local ingredients are often included as well.

Finished dishes are carefully presented on plates that are chosen to enhance both the appearance and the seasonal theme of the meal. Dishes are beautifully arranged and garnished, often with real leaves and flowers, as well as edible garnishes designed to resemble natural plants and animals.