We left Tokyo after visiting the tourist area of Asakusa. There were two important places to find among the active visitors: a wood block print store and a gluten free restaurant. Both lived up to our expectations, and both were quiet islands amongst the hustle and bustle.
Nagoya was our next stop, and we started our first full day by seeking out a gluten free restaurant out by the rice paddies. The building is modern and the food delicious. I had two (that’s right, two) chocolate and strawberry bagels.
As we crossed the fields, I noticed this lovely home with a traditionally shaped roof. Can’t call it a traditional roof because of the solar panels.
We then went to the grounds of the Nagoya Castle. It was build around the time Shakespeare was writing plays.
The castle is undergoing work and is closed to visitors. The adjacent Honmaru Palace was open for us.
Its many rooms, with gold tinted walls and vast tatami mats, hosted Samurai.
After a brief rest, we were off to Nagashima Spa Land for its illuminations. We had hoped to spend 45 minutes at an all you can eat You Pick on the grounds. Alas, the option was not available today. In the beds of the picture above, you will see large beds of tulips. In bloom. On January 30.
The first surprise came when we entered the Begonia Room. Four walls of tiered begonias, like choristers on risers ready to sing. Overhead were massive hanging baskets of begonias. It was captivating.
The exit took us to another room, this one filled with hanging fuchsias intermingled with faux baskets made with strings of light.
Just when we thought we were going to exit the greenhouses, we walked into another begonia hall, only this one had a light show!
Outside again, we walked through a light tunnel to the large light show: the birth of Mount Fuji, waves, sumo wrestlers, geisha, and four seasons. Amazing!
It’s been another long day, with around 24,000 steps and many train rides. We’ve earned our rest.
Juliette Knits 