Kamoya 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 ...

... means you can lay down to see the stars!

I have never actually seen this kind of huge telescope before. You can spot a star even in the daylight. At night you can see stars and moon in details. I really want to come back to see stars and moon at night! The staff told me that one of the stars that is the most popular is Saturn as you can often see the rings!! It must be pretty exciting to see it!!

... 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 ...

Medicine making in Toyama has a history of over 300 years. Medicine peddlers who delivered medicine door to door all over Japan are famous. They introduced a unique marketing system of "use first, pay later". Those medicine peddlers are still in business today.



Ikedaya-Yasube Shoten is located in the city ...

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 ...

... a few more pictures while waiting for our departure at 8:30 AM. The design and atmosphere of the hotel is stunning. Before we got on the bus, many of us were taking pictures with the women in the kimonos. I wanted a picture too of the woman who was my room service attendant and the woman who was helping serve breakfast this morning, in addition to another woman who wore a different type of kimono, whom was referred to as "Mama." I guess she was one of the ...

... of traditional Japanese style home. It comprised of a foyer from which you stepped up onto a higher platform after taking off your shoes in the foyer. The open area of the platform allowed you to access the toilet, the bathroom (which was the sink, mirror and a separated room for the bathtub and shower), and 2 doors for rooms. The 2 rooms were connected by another room with a table. One of the rooms was smaller but with a mirror and the other one was larger with a large table ...

... re trying to create it virtually? (I think perhaps I was the only one asking that) it was good fun all the same. It was a long day, resulting in sore feet but worth it. Met a few new people along the way (queuing) including a German teacher working in Tokyo, who was visiting the EXPO as it was Germany day (Every country has its day during the EXPO). My rail pass expires tomorrow, so I'm heading back down to Tokyo for the remainding 2 weeks tomorrow. Time is going quickly