Kawakamishougakukan Joetsu

... design!

I was told that each room of the hotel is uniquely designed. Each room reflects a theme. Unfortunately, their website doesn't show any of their rooms. Only hotel guests have a privilege to see them.

There is a library on the second floor of the building, where you can take a look at books on art and architecture.

I really wish to come back for lunch and spa!

Kamaboko is one of the specialties in Toyama. It used to be a must for festive occasions such as weddings and betrothals. FIsh shaped kamaboko is the most popular one. Kamaboko is made from fish meat. Fish meat is kneaded and shaped into a fish shape, which I think is quite ironic...

We visited "Kamaboko Museum" annexed to Umekama kamaboko factory. A president of the company came to see us and the ...

Furudo is just the outskirts of Toyama City. There is a dam for agricultural purpose. Although there were no people (no tourists) present when we were there, I thought the dam could be a nice sightseeing spot. Since there is a bath house there, I hope people find this place to have a relaxing time.

There is an astronomical observatory near the dam.
I'm not a big fun of stars.. Maybe that's not it. To be ...

... as a side dish of curry & rice.

There was a museum of old checking station in Inotani. It's too bad that Inotani checking station no more remains. It could be a great sightseeing spot if we are actually able to see the station.

The hightlight of the day was viewing Tokoniji Falls. Although I've never heard about the place, I thought it ...

... they preserved a traditional architectural style. A man in a yukata was showing how they used to make medicine traditionally. He was using a uniquely shaped wooded machine to round pieces of medicine.


There are many different types of medicines on sale at the store. They are nicely packaged for souvenirs.

This weekend was fun too. Darcy and I went on a bit of a road trip with Steve (the driver), Shara, and Erin to Nagano ken to check out the snow monkeys. Very cool. There are these monkeys that live in the mountainous region of Joshin-Etsu Kogen National Park in Nagano and ...

... like contraption! It was painful and comical at the same time. I went to the medical clinic in the town and got some x-rays. It appears to be okay. No dislocations, no broken bones or fractures. It is not nearly as bad as when I fell last time. I will heal. I am in a lot of pain and find it hard to walk, but I have faith that I will be back to normal soon. Cross your fingers. (Recent Update: I went to a doctor in Toyama because ...

... the woman who served me breakfast this morning came over and said I was from America on my break, and made a comment about my Japanese too, and the other women were all like, "Ohh!!" :o I thought it was pretty interesting :p But I really enjoyed having the opportunity to converse with them in Japanese. As we drove away, those poor women stood along the road out and waved to us as we drove by, and kept waving as we drove away down the street! It was awesome there!

... of the couple a question in Japanese. He didn't understand, and all I could understand at that on the spot moment was "170 senchi..." ("Senchi" means centimeters in Japanese) I told my mom what the woman had said to see if she could make sense of the matter and they finally figured out that the woman was asking him how tall he was, so he stood up so she could see. She left on the note saying she would be back. When the woman came back, she brought us yukatas and then came ...

... The amount of people were staggering, and also were the Japanese's thirst for queuing. Once the gates opened it was like the first day of the Januarys sales as everyone poured into the site manically, not exactly knowing where to direct themselves. They knew where they were but no-one exactly knew what to do, so they began to run; it was funny to watch. The many pavilions representing all the countries of the world; varied in quality. With the majority being ...