Japan
Travel
Trip to Japan
Vacation
Trip to Japan 2015 Day 2- Gotemba Premium Outlets, Onsen
We were supposed to go to Mt.Fuji but rain and clouds was forecasted. We ended up skipping the hike up. We did, however, ended up snapping a jump shot with the infamous volcano in the background.
We passed by Fujisan Sengen Shrine (富士山本宮浅間大社, Fujisan Hongū Sengen Taisha) is located in Fujinomiya City in the southwestern foothills of Mount Fuji.
There were a lot of beautiful Cherry blossoms trees here.
There's something about these places that calms me and make me feel at peace.
Purify my hands and mouth at the "temizuya" water pavilion.
The "temizuya" water pavilion consisting of a water basin and ladles is not a place to drink water. It is there to perform "misogi", "a ritual to purify the body and mind with water before proceeding to stand in front of the deity.
Wash yourself with the idea of washing away impurities in your heart as well as from your physical self.
- First, scoop up water in a ladle with right hand and pour water over left hand.
- Next, hold the ladle with left hand and pour water over right hand.
- In left hand, take some water that you have scooped with the ladle and rinse mouth. Never touch the ladle directly to mouth.
- Lastly, using the remaining water, tip the ladle to rinse it off.
*You only scoop up water one time, at the very first step of the process.
Stopped over for lunch. Had an Oishi ramen :-)
Went shopping at Gotemba Premium Outlets. Known to be the flagship center, and one of the largest centers in Japan. It is situated on an extensive site within view of World Cultural Heritage site, Mt. Fuji.
The stores found at the Premium Outlets are the outlets of internationally known brands such as Abercrombie & Fitch, Cath Kidston, Disney, Sanrio, Nike and many more. The prices are not ridiculously cheap, but they are better on average than what you will find at regular retail shops in Japan.
Hakone Kowakien Yunessun is a hot springs or “温泉“ (onsen) spa resort and water amusement park.
Address:
1297 Ninotaira, Ashigarashimo-gun, Hakone-machi 250-0407, Kanagawa Prefecture
Imagine bathing in Wine, where there is huge wine bottle. Bathing is wine is considered rejuvenation for the body, and it has been said that the Queen of Egypt, Cleopatra, frequently did it.
There was also Green Tea Spa containing rich catechins, Coffee Spa, which contains coffee extracted from coffee, Milk, Chocolate and Japanese Sake. Each of the different pools has different health benefits, so they say. For instance, a sake bath has the potential to remove freckles and age spots, while green tea picked from the mountains of Tanzawa and Hakone, can boost skin health and the immune system.
There were also a lot of activities for children, both indoors and out. They include huge water jungle gyms, slides and shallow water that's safe and fun for all. I would definitely like to come back here again. I hope next time I can bring my whole family here. Kids will enjoy it for sure.
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1 comments
Hi! I just want to ask what month did you go to Gotemba? We are going to Japan this June. And I know it can be rainy, so I am quite hesitant to see Mt Fuji. Cos some people say if it is cloudy, you can't see the Mt. Fuji. Also, is Gotemab a good place to viw Mt. Fuji? Thank you!
ReplyDeleteHere's my email: dreiajavier@yahoo.com
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Thank you very much! Maraming Salamat! Arigatou gozaimasu!