Japan Diaries 4: Day 71


Day 71: January 11, 2022

Tuesday - Mie Road Trip Day 1

Good morning everyone, it's a rainy day but that won't stop us from our planned 2-day road trip to Mie Prefecture. For today's trip, we will be heading to Shima City in Mie Prefecture. 


We left Kameyama Residence in Osaka Prefecture at around 9AM. The estimated travel time to our hotel in Shima City is around 3 hours and 30 minutes. For today's trip, our first stop was at the house of Mr. Toshi's daughter Ms. Akiko in Suita City, Osaka Prefecture. We dropped off the family dog, Yomogi there. 

Ano Service Area

Ano service area stamp

Ano Service Area
Cremia soft creme break with my Japanese family

From Suita City, we continued on to Ise Expressway. Since it was a long drive, we decided to have a toilet break stop at Ano Service Area. Of course, I made sure to get the service area stamp for my travel diary. Also, as a way to thank my Japanese family for this trip, I bought them Cremia Soft Cream Ice Cream. 

Shin - Meishin Expressway to Ise City

Oedo Onsen Monogatari Ise Shima

It took us around an hour and a half drive to reach Oedo Onsen Monogatari Ise Shima in Shima City. Upon arrival, we checked in and then brought our luggage to Room 601. The room was big and is divided into 2 smaller rooms. It also has a beautiful view of Ago Bay. While enjoying the view, I took the opportunity to practice my video-taking skills. 

Oedo Onsen Monogatari Ise Shima
6th-floor hallway

Our room for the night

Oedo Onsen Monogatari Ise Shima
One of the two rooms in 601

Oedo Onsen Monogatari Ise Shima
We unpacked our stuff

Oedo Onsen Monogatari Ise Shima
The view of Ago Bay from our room


What is the purpose of staying in an onsen ryokan if you won't make a din in the onsen right? Late in the afternoon, Mr. Toshi and I went to the designated onsen for men while Ms. Taeko, Ms. Sawa, and baby Karin went to the women's onsen area. 


The onsen area has a sauna, indoor onsen, and outdoor onsen. Mr. Toshi and I stayed in the indoor onsen and talked about various stuff ranging from my life as an ALT to our future travel plans. Before finishing our onsen experience, I tried the outdoor onsen alone. I took a dip for about 15 minutes. It was a relaxing experience as I was the sole bather there and was spared from the view of nude men walking around. If you're planning to visit this place, I'd highly recommend the outdoor onsen as it has a scenic view of Ago Bay and if it's quiet, you'd hear the euphonious sound of nature. 

Checking out the game corner and karaoke rooms

After the onsen experience, we all went back to our room to rest and wait for the restaurant in the hotel to open for dinner. I used this time to explore and familiarize myself with Oedo Onsen Monogatari Ise Shima. 

Oedo Onsen Monogatari Ise Shima
Dinner time at Mikuri

Too many foods to choose from

Just when I was about to go back to the room, I received a call from Mr. Toshi informing me that it was time for dinner. Since the hotel's restaurant was on the ground floor which is where I am, I just waited for them to come down and meet me there. 

Table tennis area

The hotel's restaurant is called Mikuri. It can cater to around 50 guests. During our stay, they offered buffet Oriental and Japanese cuisine. After dinner, we went to one of the vending machines in the hotel and bought some beverages for our usual late-night chat time. However, before heading up to our room, we decided to play table tennis first. 

Oedo Onsen Monogatari Ise Shima
Table tennis match between me and Ryo

Mr. Toshi and I teamed up against Ryo and Ms. Sawa. It was a fun game and I discovered that Mr. Toshi plays like a pro. After the game, we headed to the lobby where there are coin-operated massage machines. Ms. Taeko was there and she made me try going back to our room.

Preparing to call it a night

That night, Mr. Toshi and I talked about everything under the sun. As I have mentioned in my previous articles, these are things that I look forward to whenever I'm here in Japan. Overall, day 1 of our Mie Road Trip is memorable not only because I got to travel again with my Japanese family but also marks my 1st visit to Mie Prefecture making it my 12th out of 47 prefectures to visit here in Japan. 

Read more:




Location: 1035 Hamajimachō Hamajima, Shima, Mie 517-0404, Japan

Comments

  1. AnonymousMay 21, 2024 at 1:57 PM

    I want to go to Mie too! Nice!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Neil Alvin NicerioMay 23, 2024 at 12:27 PM

      Please visit Mie Prefecture when you have the chance.

      Delete

Post a Comment

Book your hotel thru KLOOK

Klook.com
Subscribe and get updated with the latest travel articles of The Backpack Adventures

Popular posts from this blog

Imus City Plaza - Cavite

Image
Located in the center of the Poblacion or town proper of Imus City in the province of Cavite, Imus City Plaza is one of the city's scenic and historical attractions. Imus City Plaza Imus City Plaza Details This plaza is located in front of the equally historical Imus Cathedral and Imus City Hall . Imus City Plaza is also the first place to greet you if you're heading to the cathedral via Sapinoso Street.  Imus City Plaza - Imus City, Cavite General Licerio Topacio The general guarding the flag Checking out each angle of the monument Imus City Plaza History Imus City Plaza is probably easily remembered because of the monument with two vintage artillery flanking it. The monument stands as an honor to the children of Imus who joined the fight for the independence of the country against Spain. As for the man standing on top of the monument, he is General Licerio Topacio . He is one of the most notable sons of Imus. He is famously known for honorably declining
Keep reading

Casa Hacienda de Tejeros - Cavite

Image
Located in Rosario in the province of Cavite, Casa Hacienda de Tejeros is famously known as the location of the historic Tejeros Convention of 1897. Casa Hacienda de Tejeros Casa Hacienda de Tejeros history Casa Hacienda de Tejeros was originally built in the 17th century. The hacienda and its surrounding lands were formerly owned by the Augustinian Recollects. The estate was once the largest and grandest estate in the country. It once covered as much as 1,125 hectares with the casa occupying 4 hectares of it. Casa Hacienda de Tejeros - Rosario, Cavite The NHI Marker of the Casa Hacienda de Tejeros The name tejeros came from the Spanish name tejer , which means "to weave". It's due to the fact that the weaving industry is one of the major industries of the municipality of Rosario. Going back to its historical importance, Casa Hacienda de Tejeros played an important role in 1897 when it hosted the assembly that the new leaders of the revolution were elected.
Keep reading

Bonifacio Shrine in Indang - Cavite

Image
Located in Barangay Limbon, Indang in the province of Cavite, the Bonifacio Shrine of Indang is one of the historical landmarks dedicated to the Father of the Philippine Revolution -Andres Bonifacio.  Bonifacio Shrine of Indang Bonifacio Shrine in Indang History Bonifacio Shrine in Indang marks the location of the nipa hut where Andres Bonifacio was seized and captured by the soldiers of his political rival and fellow revolutionary Emilio Aguinaldo in 1897. It was also here that Bonifacio was gravely injured after he was shot by an arresting soldier when he was being dragged to Indang town proper to be imprisoned. Bonifacio Shrine in Indang , Cavite This is how I look like pre-sneeze. The arrest of Bonifacio Philippine Historical Commission marker Presently, the historical nipa hut did not win against the tests of time. A small public park was constructed where the nipa hut was said to have once stood. The park features a statue of a seemingly very surprised Andres
Keep reading

Fukagawa Roadside Station – Hokkaido

Image
Fukagawa Roadside Station  ( 道の駅 ライスランドふかがわ ) is one of the 128 roadside stations spread across Hokkaido. It is located at 59-7 Hirosato, Otoecho in Fukagawa City, Hokkaido Prefecture, Japan . Fukagawa Roadside Station Fukagawa Roadside Station details Fukagawa Roadside Station is officially called Roadside Station Riceland Fukagawa . It follows the theme “Fukagawa, the city of rice”. It is a place where visitors can buy high-quality Fukagawa rice and also a place where visitors can learn about rice and agriculture. Fukagawa Roadside Station - Fukagawa City, Hokkaido Prefecture Fukagawa Roadside Station was registered last August 13, 2002, and was given registration number 17.  Photos outside Fukagawa Roadside Station At present the roadside station has the following amenities: General Information It is located right after you enter the front entrance of the roadside station. Motorists can get information about tourist spots, restaurants, public facilities, and even road info and we
Keep reading

Daisetsuzan National Park - Hokkaido

Image
Daisetsuzan National Park ( 大雪山国立公園 ) spans 2,267 square kilometers and encompasses 16 peaks, offering diverse trails, abundant wildlife, and alpine flora. This is the largest national park in Hokkaido, Japan . This vast park covers parts of Kitami City, Asahikawa City, Furano City, and the towns of Higashikawa, Kamifurano, Minamifurano, and Kamishihoro. However, a large part of the park is inside the town of Kamikawa but for this article, I will write about my experience in the Higashikawa part of the Daisetsuzan National Park . Daisetsuzan National Park  Daisetsuzan National Park details Nestled in the heart of Hokkaido, Japan 's northernmost prefecture, lies the breathtaking Daisetsuzan National Park . Known affectionately as the "roof of Hokkaido," this expansive park is a haven for nature lovers, adventurers, and seekers of tranquility. Daisetsuzan National Park - Hokkaido Spanning an impressive 2,267 square kilometers, Daisetsuzan National Park is home to the awe
Keep reading

Jose Rizal Shrine in Calamba - Laguna

Image
Located at Francisco Mercado Street corner Jose P. Rizal Street, Barangay 5 Poblacion, Calamba City in the province of Laguna, Jose Rizal Shrine  ( Dambana ni Rizal ) is the birthplace of Dr. Jose P. Rizal -the National Hero of the Philippines. Jose Rizal Shrine (Calamba) Jose Rizal Shrine History Jose Rizal Shrine is probably well known as the ancestral house of Rizal's family. The house serves as a museum that contains furniture and items that belong to the Rizal family. Jose Rizal Shrine - Calamba City, Laguna Young Jose Rizal with his dog I wonder what Young Rizal had in mind Rizal Shrine NHI Marker For those who don't know, the house that stood in the lot is actually only a replica of the old ancestral house which was destroyed during the Second World War. The replica was constructed right after the war. The construction was supervised by the late National Artist Juan Nakpil. It was inaugurated in 1950. The entrance to Jose Rizal Shrine
Keep reading

A Guide to Collecting Eki Stamps

Image
Japan is undeniably a collector's paradise. As a matter of fact, there are a plethora of different things to collect here that are catered to every collector's unique taste and preference.  Anime fans have their usual toys, mangas, and memorabilia. Pokemon fans have numerous Pokemon Centers that sell an assortment of Pokemon merchandise. Kitkat collectors have more than 300 flavors of Kitkat to try out. Pilgrims have the temple stamps called goshuin which I wrote about last time. These are but some of the numerous possible things to collect in Japan . A Guide to Collecting Eki Stamps However, since I'm promoting budget travel, my article today talks about something that you can collect for FREE . Yup, you read that right. All you need to have is a clean notebook or tickler and an ever-watchful eye. A Guide to Collecting Eki Stamps Eki stamps , also called train station stamps, are rubber ink stamps that are typically found in most train stations in Japan. These stamps f
Keep reading

Sula Bridge - Albay

Image
Sula Bridge  also called  Sula Delta Bridge  is a two-lane bridge that connects Cagraray Island to mainland Albay. It is located in Barangay Sula in Bacacay in the province of Albay,  Sula Bridge Sula Bridge details According to some sources online, the history of the Sula Bridge could be traced back to the 1950s when former senator Tecla San Andres-Ziga originally visualized and initiated building a bridge that would connect the Cagraray Island to the province of Albay. This was in hopes of boosting the economy and tourism of the island. Sadly, the construction of the Sula Bridge did not materialize during her term and was shelved for several decades. Sula Bridge as seen from mainland Albay Bikers are regular visitors here at Sula Bridge In the 1980s, then-Representative Edcel Lagman also pushed for its construction but like that Senator San Andres-Ziga's plan, it was also shelved for decades. He did not give up though until  Sula Bridge was finally built during the time of fo
Keep reading

Kamay ni Hesus Shrine - Quezon

Image
Kamay ni Hesus Shrine,  or simply Kamay ni Hesus   is a famous religious shrine and grotto. It is l ocated in Barangay Tinamnan, Lucban in the province of Quezon. Kamay ni Hesus Shrine Kamay ni Hesus Shrine History Also known as  Via Dolorosa Grotto , Kamay ni Hesus Shrine was built under the initiative of Fr. Joseph "Joey" Faller in 2003. He is known as a gifted healing priest. Due to Fr. Faller's healing masses, Kamay ni Hesus Shrine became one of the country's most visited healing centers. Kamay ni Hesus Shrine - Lucban, Quezon Statues of saints can be seen in different areas of Kamay ni Hesus Shrine A replica of Pieta by Michelangelo Pilgrims look like ants from a distance. Kamay ni Hesus Healing Church Inside the Kamay ni Hesus Healing Church One of the highlights of Kamay ni Hesus Shrine is the 50-foot statue of Christ with his arm wide open found on the top of a hill. This statue is often referred to as the Risen Christ or Ascending
Keep reading

Agusan Del Sur: Bunawan Ecopark and Wildlife Reservation Center

Image
Found in Barangay Consuelo, Bunawan in the province of Agusan Del Sur, Bunawan Ecopark and Wildlife Reservation Center became famous for its world known centerpiece exhibit. Bunawan arc That exhibit is named Lolong , the world's longest salt water crocodile ever caught. Lolong was captured in Bunawan Creek, a part of the vast Agusan Marsh on September 3, 2011. Lolong In November of the same year, an Australian crocodile expert from the National geographic measured Lolong and confirmed that the crocodile was indeed the longest ever caught. the enormous Lolong measured 20 feet and 24 inches from snout to tail beating the Australian croc named Cassius which formerly holds the said title. A young kid views the croc 5 times his size Six months later, Lolong was officially certified by the Guinness Book of World records as the " World's Biggest Crocodile in Captivity ". Bunawan Mayor Elorde with some foreign guests Bunawan Mayor Cox Elorde t
Keep reading