Rafting Japanese style...
April 3, Tuesday- We had a full day excursion in Kyoto today, using various trains and trams. Departing for beautiful Kameoke valley by scenic train, we were treated to breath taking sights as the train transversed the valley and followed the river.
Once there, we took the adventurous Hozukawa rapid river ride for an hour and a half and enjoyed the glorious spring colors of Kameoka Valley. The boat ride was like a river raft ride with some good rapids.
Next we went to the Samurai Movie Studio Park and enjoyed lunch along with some great shows and sights.
Following this we went to the Toji Padoga Temple- another World Heritage Site.
Then it was back to Osaka for dinner and an evening out. Carol and I met our good friends Hilo and Michiko Sunagawa in a local hotel. They then took us out for dinner at an old Samurai House that had some stone bridges on the property dating back over 1500 years. It was just as you would imagine. This huge old house had tatami rooms everywhere and they were all separated by the shoji screens.
We had our own room with our own tapanyaki chef and personal server; she was, of course, in traditional dress. And so many courses......... like grilled baby abalone- need I say more.
It was so good to see the Sunagawas again, and it seemed like Michiko had not aged a bit. Hilo is now number two man as chief operations officer in his company and Michiko just received her masters in English literature. All three of their boys are doing well. It was really a special night for Carol and I. We plan to see them again tomorrow night.
Once there, we took the adventurous Hozukawa rapid river ride for an hour and a half and enjoyed the glorious spring colors of Kameoka Valley. The boat ride was like a river raft ride with some good rapids.
Next we went to the Samurai Movie Studio Park and enjoyed lunch along with some great shows and sights.
Following this we went to the Toji Padoga Temple- another World Heritage Site.
Then it was back to Osaka for dinner and an evening out. Carol and I met our good friends Hilo and Michiko Sunagawa in a local hotel. They then took us out for dinner at an old Samurai House that had some stone bridges on the property dating back over 1500 years. It was just as you would imagine. This huge old house had tatami rooms everywhere and they were all separated by the shoji screens.
We had our own room with our own tapanyaki chef and personal server; she was, of course, in traditional dress. And so many courses......... like grilled baby abalone- need I say more.
It was so good to see the Sunagawas again, and it seemed like Michiko had not aged a bit. Hilo is now number two man as chief operations officer in his company and Michiko just received her masters in English literature. All three of their boys are doing well. It was really a special night for Carol and I. We plan to see them again tomorrow night.
posted by Mark and Carol- "On the road again" @ 10:23 PM
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