“Only 3 Hours Left.”
That’s how much time I have left to use up my paid leave for the year.
In Japan, we’re required to take at least five days of paid leave annually.
But so far, I’ve only taken 4 days and 5 hours.
At this rate, my company will get penalized…!
So, even though I still had work to do, I decided to take the time off!
Since I had a half-day off, I figured I might as well make the most of it and refresh myself.
I headed to a spot in Iwate where I could enjoy hot springs, great food, and a bit of history.
Soaking in a relaxing onsen, eating delicious food, and taking a stroll through history—
Even in just half a day, it felt like a mini getaway!
Here’s my little travel report!
“A Bath is a Refreshment for the Soul”
Inspired by Misato from Neon Genesis Evangelion,
I decided to visit an onsen to heal my work-weary soul.
The onsen I chose is Kadar Terrace Kindaichi in Iwate Prefecture.
This facility has an onsen, a swimming pool, a dining area, and even accommodations.
One of the highlights here is the “Reimei no Yu” bath, which is naturally heated to 33°C.
Since I can’t stay long in hot baths, this lukewarm onsen is perfect for me to relax.
First, I entered the sauna and sweated out all the toxins.
Then, I washed my body.
Finally, I soaked in the onsen.
With my eyes closed, I listened to the sound of flowing water,
the sound of someone washing their body nearby,
and simply enjoyed the bliss of doing nothing.
The onsen made my skin smooth, refreshed my mind,
and… made me hungry.
So, I decided it was time to get out.
The Classic Post-Bath Milk
After a bath, it’s almost a tradition to drink milk from a glass bottle.
Near the changing area, I found a vending machine and bought a bottle of milk.
The common choices are:
- Plain Milk
- Strawberry Milk
- Coffee Milk
- Fruit Milk
Lately, milk in glass bottles has been disappearing because collecting and recycling them is a hassle.
Before this culture disappears completely, I decided to try Fruit Milk, which I had never had before.
Hmm… Delicious.
This drink probably brings back childhood memories for many people—
the taste of drinking milk after a bath as a kid.
I was surprised by the slight tartness, but it had a fruity taste.
When I checked the ingredients, I found out it contained apples!
With my post-bath milk mission complete, it was time for lunch.
A Warm Bowl of Soba
I had tempura soba with okra and chicken.
Okra is the small, star-shaped green vegetable on top of the soba.
It’s slightly sticky and is said to be good for stamina.
It also tastes great with soy sauce!
The restaurant’s name is Fukuwarashi.
- “Fuku” means good fortune.
- “Warashi” is a Tohoku dialect word meaning “child.”
All their soba and udon noodles are handmade,
and they are particular about the water they use.
The chicken tempura was crispy on the outside,
and when I bit into it, the juicy flavor of the chicken spread in my mouth.
After finishing my meal, I sipped a cup of hot tea,
warming my body.
I was ready to head home, but then I saw an interesting sign…
Kunohe Castle Ruins – A National Historic Site
It seems that there used to be a castle in this area.
But since it’s called “ruins,” there’s basically… nothing left.
The sky was cloudy, and the wind was picking up.
Still, since I had taken a rare day off, I decided to explore.
I parked in the empty parking lot and started walking toward the main keep.
It wasn’t a straight path to the top—I had to walk a little.
This is the view from the top.
As expected of a castle location,
the view overlooks the surrounding area.
I could have taken a shortcut down,
but I didn’t have the courage.
There were informational signs here and there,
but I couldn’t really imagine what the place looked like back in the day.
And I was still completely alone.
I noticed many cherry blossom trees planted around,
so maybe people gather here in spring.
Still, I felt like this place wasn’t being utilized to its full potential.
With that thought, I took a different route back to the parking lot.
The most helpful sign here?
The one that showed the way back to the parking lot.
When I wasn’t sure which way to go,
that sign was there to guide me.
Today’s MVP goes to you, signboard.
Ending the Day with a Local Snack
Before heading home, I stopped by Kita no Chocolate Factory & Store – 2door,
a famous senbei (rice cracker) shop in Iwate Prefecture.
I’ll introduce their recommended products another time,
so if you’re interested, stay tuned!
Lastly…
News reports say cherry blossoms are blooming in Tokyo,
but here in the north…
Spring is still far away.
Next time, I’ll introduce Hirosaki Castle’s cherry blossoms,
one of Japan’s top three cherry blossom viewing spots.
Look forward to it!
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