Japan - Mie - Day 3

There is a reason why all of the vegetation here is so lush - it rains a lot! Not a wash out, but a nice gentle rain throughout the morning. So, we had some good downtime with puzzles, reading, and playing Mah Jongg. Then the rain let up and we went out to explore some more. Today, we went to the Marina and to Sunset Hill. A very nice setting on the bluff where we could see a different vantage point of the Bay. Unlike yesterday, where I forgot to mention Nan had a close encounter with a muskrat, no animal sightings today, just the ever elusive bird calls. Back home in time for our afternoon appointment at the lovely Thermal Springs. Today, we wore our Yukata (like a minimalistic kimono/robe) to the spa with our swimsuits underneath. There were two other people in the springs when we arrived, but they left about 20 minutes after we got there. And, the springs have two very large areas where two people can easily make their own space. Actually, each area could probably easily accommodate 10 people. Japan is still very Covid conscious, so they try to minimize strangers mingling together.

After our wonderful relaxing in the springs, we headed back to our room for some Cribbage time before dinner. While the Thermal Springs are heavenly, we’ve stumbled upon our perfect combination for dinner, so that may be the highlight of the day. Nan has an Umami Martini with Japanese Vodka while I have a Negroni with Japanese Gin before our dinner of assorted sashimi from Ago Bay (so, very fresh!) and the local Waygu beef which is exceptional (and the garlic chips are an added bonus)!! Sadly, no room for ice cream…