Bathing in Jigokudani, "The Valley of Hell" with some new friends.
I tried not set my expectations high because one of my beliefs is to come into experiences and visit places with an open-mind and to never have expectations. BUT I was so excited and I couldn't help but imagine pre-trip how cool it was all going to be, after all I had been seeing national geographic pictures, internet articles and so on... since I can remember about this place.
I went to Tokyo first to meet up with a friend who was an exchange student from Guate when I was in high school. We explored Tokyo for a day and a half-ish. We told each other stories and ate lots of delicious food. Including one of my new favorite places to eat at in Tokyo! My friend introduced me to an amazing Cantonese restaurant he had been recommended the night before. I can't believe I have been missing out.
Anyway...because my friend only had a full day in Tokyo to explore we did a lot, and walked a lot. Tokyo was the windiest and coldest I have experienced it yet so I was a little miserable walking around. The thought of the next 3 days in Nagano sounded exhausting. After I said my goodbye's to my friend I started to focus and prepare for my bus trip to Nagano. At this point I just kind of wanted to go and relax and did not care if I got to see or do everything I was initially hoping for. I was extremely tired. As soon as my bus started on its way I started to feel very anxious, I had been waiting for this day since I got here and it was finally going to happen. Snow monkeys. Onsens. Mountains.
About an hour and a half in the views from the bus were jaw-dropping. I got some pictures but they really do any justice. I was exhausted and planned on sleeping on the bus but the exciting views kept me awake after I noticed the first glimpse of the Japanese Alps. Goodness are the Alps something to see. Absolutely breathtakingly beautiful. I love nature so much. This was such an endorphin producing sensation, I was so happy to be alive. I immediately entered zen mode. I was so relaxed, so happy to be able to travel. I was grateful for everything I have had to date. I felt so complete. Can you believe views from a bus did that to me?! I know, crazy.
When I finally arrived at the station, I was on a mission to find the quickest way to get to Yamanouchi. I followed signs, asked around and finally found a local train that would get me close to where I wanted to go. Hopped on and rode for about 45 minutes.
Onsen baths everywhere, I enjoyed seeing people in their Yukatas walking around town.
Look how narrow and cute the streets are, yes cars would drive through here, yes one one fits. No I do not know if it was a two-way street.
Hot water just gushing out everywhere.
The street lights have monkeys on them!
Just look at the stunning views of the Japanese Alps.
I finally arrived to Yamanouchi town and when I first set foot on the small town again I had to ask around for the best way to get close to the hike into Jigokudani or "The Valley of Hell", called that for the many hot springs there are in the area. I found a little local bus that would take me to another part of town where I could hop off and start my hike.
I followed some people that seemed to be going where I was going, and so they were. I finally got to the trail-head after walking for about 40 minutes. I was so energized and so excited. I entered, made sure my boots were on right and my backpack was on comfortably.
The trail was snowy and beautiful pine trees lined the trail. The sun filtered through the trees. There is actually a Japanese word, Komorebi, it means sunlight that filters through the leaves of trees. It was gorgeous and I walked on the trail alone for what seemed half of my short hike. It was relaxing. It was beautiful and best of all it felt like home. Was I in Oregon?
After some time suddenly I found myself in a more open space, I had made it I was in the "Valley of Hell" the sun that hit the steamy hot cliffs made for beautiful views, a combination of fog and glittering snow. I kinda wanted to cry, but the thought of ugly selfies stopped me. How could I have ugly pictures of myself after I had waited for so long for this moment?
I walked around looking for monkeys and onsens. I walked over a bridge and started to see the flocks of monkeys gathered around the hot spring waters. Omaigaaa. I could not believe my eyes. Animals are just incredible, and monkeys are just so fun to watch, their mannerisms are way to similar to those of humans. Hi brother , Hi sister! Gosh how I love biology!
I took a bunch of pictures. I practiced some self-care. I made new friends, and even got to bathe in an onsen and have unexpected visitors! The following pictures are at the human onsen, but apparently occasionally some macaques wanna join too! How lucky was I?!
After my wonderful hike and onsen time with the monkeys I started to head back out. What a successful day it had been indeed.
Enza Cafe, I visited after my hike.
Sushi and a side of fries anyone?
In the streets of Yamanouchi.
My room for the weekend.
My morning view from the place I slept at during my stay.
Evening view from my window.
Cool vintage hotel I stayed at. Alll gold errthang.
The little private hot spring at my stay.
Day view from my room.
Cute little vanity in my room, with tiny drawers. Love the vintage furniture.
P.S In 7 days I am leaving Japan for a while, I will be embarking on yet another adventure! 3 countries, one backpack. Stay Tuned.
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