The first day
Enjoy a special lunch at Chuzaemon
Take the train to Musashi-Itsukaichi Station. The noodle shop from the Edo period has a 15-year history of making soba noodles! Seeing the veteran shopkeepers, you can feel their dedication and enthusiasm. The pickled vegetables inside the shop and the flowing water display at the entrance give a comfortable feeling as if you were in the countryside!
Very generous portion
As for the soba noodles, the portion for one person is very generous, and the texture of the noodles is smooth and substantial. Even though I was extremely hungry, it filled me up.
Akiru Shrine
I visited three places: Akiru Shrine, Kotokuji Temple, and Kougan-ji Temple. The three places are not far apart, and besides experiencing a solemn atmosphere, you can also feel the spiritual realm away from the hustle and bustle, which can definitely cleanse the soul.
We walked a bit of a mountain path.
Afterward, we walked a bit of a mountain path, and it felt like something out of Mr. Miyazaki's "My Neighbor Totoro."
Went to the "Seoto-no-Yu" (瀬音の湯)
We went to "Seoto-no-Yu" in the Akigawa Valley. Due to shyness, I ended up soaking my feet in the "Ashi no Yu" (足の湯) outside the entrance, but it was enough to relieve my fatigue. It was so comfortable! Besides the hot springs, there are also many places to rest here.
Local snacks can be purchased at Seoto-no-Yu
You can also buy souvenirs and local snacks!
Festival
Finally, we went to the local festival. At the festival, I fully experienced the local culture and spirit. There were ceramic and food stalls run by students, live band performances, and even a ninja teaching ninja techniques!