Saturday 17 July

Today we went to the Nikko Edo World. The link is: http://www.edowonderland.net.
Here was a look at the old Japan of the Edo period. We saw several shows; a ninja battle, a magic show with water, traditional Japanese cultural theatre, and the Oiran Dochu parade at the end. We could have dressed up in the traditional kimono dress (been there, done that) but we passed on that. We ate soba noodles, went through the mystery house, the house of illusion and saw an outside Ninja battle. We also threw water on soldiers carrying royaly on a chair. That was fun, especially as it was very hot outside.
After we spent the day at Edo world, we went on to a more modern onsen, at the Kinugawa Onsen Park. Emily, Lauren and I did go in the private onsen's, but I did not go in the public one. The private one outside was nice, as we had it almost to ourselves, and it was surrounded by rocks. I did not put my hand on a frog in this one, like I did the night before! Or step in an ant bed! The water was at least 105F, it was hotter than my hot-tub, but felt great. We were in rooms located outside and away from the main part of the hotel. We ate a very traditional meal in a big room, along with everyone else in the hotel. The Watanabe's and our other escort, Mr. Hirata, came to dinner in their yakata's, but Lauren, Emily and I did not. I had not been in the onsen, so I did not feel the need to change into it, and I don't think Emily or Lauren had gone in before dinner either. There were other people dressed in regular clothes, but most had on the yakata. The food was traditional to the area, with lots of Yuma and other veggies native to the area. It was good, and filling.