Gong Hei Fatt Choi! Today is the sixth day of Chinese New Year, slacking and being lazy at home. Was scrolling the photo album in the phone, and decided to blog about Gero Onsen - Suimeikan (水明馆).
This was an impromptu, errrr not to say impromptu laa, the bf and I decided to join his friend, Deckson, and Deckson's gf, Miko, for a 3 days 2 nights trip to the outskirt part of Japan, just one week before our flight. So this could be considered as a last minute plan.
Landed at Narita airport in the evening on Christmas Day, took the airport shuttle bus to Tokyo Station and walked 25 minutes to our hotel. Checked in at APA Hotel Kodemmacho-Ekimae, bought our dinner at a nearby Family Mart, and dozed off after eating and bathing. What a tiring day, not having the chance to stroll around the city and enjoy Christmas Day.
We woke up early the next morning, checked out and started our journey to Suimeikan! Oh ya, we did not take any public transport to Suimeikan because Deckson rented a car in Tokyo, so he drove all the way. The journey from Tokyo to Gero took around four and a half hour.
Stopped by at the rest station and had ice cream in the cold cold weather, it was a good experience tho.
Weather was good, air was fresh.... I just totally love this place.
Soon, we reached some kampung kampung place, and we could not resist to get down from the car to take some pictures! The river was unpolluted, it was so clear where I was able to see the rocks underneath.
Drove a bit more further and we reached Suimeikan. The sky was already dark when we reached although it was only 5pm due to winter season. Checked in our Japanese styled room and dinner was served IN THE ROOM! Everything was perfectly arranged by the staff, all we have to do was sit and wait for everything to be done.
Didn't take a lot of pictures of the food cuz I was too busy eating. Was a bit regret now haha.
Went for Onsen (hot spring bath) after dinner. Was bit nervous cuz this was my most awkward moment in my life - being naked in front of everyone in the Onsen. No clothes, nothing, only a piece of towel, no joke. Of cuz, male and female are separated. For hygiene purposes, we have to bath before dipping ourselves into the Onsen. They have two Onsen, outdoor and indoor. We tried the indoor one first and the feeling was great. The temperature of the water was quite hot, felt my skin burning but it was good after getting used to the temperature. However, i prefer the outdoor rocky open-air bath which was nicer, view was also nice, everything was wonderful. Soaking myself in the Onsen outside the chilly weather for half an hour, not wanting to leave cuz it was just too amazing. I almost fell asleep in the Onsen haha. Didn't have any picture of the Onsen cuz photographs are not allowed so just log on to their website for more info.
Had the best sleep after the bath. Hope I will have the chance to visit this place again!
