Noboribetsu - Part 1

Now we were off to Noboribetsu.  This is a little town south of Sapporo, about 60 minutes by train.  See Map.

Joe had selected Noboribetsu because it is a famous hot spring resort area.  We were about to stay at our first onsen  ryokan, called Takinoya.  This was the most amazing 24 hours.  I can see why the Japanese like to vacation this way!!!

Takinoya entrance

Our room, Tamadare

Our room was a traditional Japanese style hotel room.  It had multiple rooms within it.  And, no beds!

There was a dress code at Takinoya - no street clothes.  All guests were to wear these yukata (robes).  We eventually figured out that the short robe was kind of like your "public" jacket, if you wanted to leave your room.

We were served a snack (and then dinner and breakfast) in our own private dining room (in our room).

Not only did our room, have a dining area, but our own private onsen (hot spring).  This was amazing!!!! I thought sitting in a hot tub outside in the winter was great.  This beat that hands down.  It is crazy to think that the mineral water is naturally heated!!!

 Joe was so loving and scheduled us a relaxing message treatment when we arrived.  I was now fully relaxed. We headed down to the common area of the hotel, which had coffee, tea, beautiful views and a lovely fireplace.

But soon, it would be time for dinner.  We were treated to a modern style Kaiseki dinner.  I have never eaten so well in my life.

First course - vegetables, plum wine, tofu and a little sashimi

They had an extensive sake list, but since we couldn't read it, we decided to go with what we knew was good!

They brought us more sashimi (tuna, sweet shrimp and uni) along with a clam miso soup.  Delightful!!

Braised beef (this one was a surprise, as it was very western, but oooo so good!)

Fugu sashimi (the fish that can cause death if prepared improperly)

Will I make it?!?!?  

Fried fish (with a pickled ramp, I think?)

This dish was crazy!  We each got a little "fireplace"  On top is that wire basket lined with paper -- inside was a soup with dumplings and fish.  As it warmed, it cooked the fish.  (And nothing caught on fire!)  See soup in photo below.

Best crab in all of Hokkaido.

Tempura (fish and pumpkin)

Pickled mackerel (kind of like a Polish pickled herring!)

Our dining room was attached to our room, so there was a little door that would let our "waitress" in to serve us dinner.  She was very sweet and took this photo of us when we started dessert.  I should also mention that it started to snow just as we were served dessert.

Dessert was a ice cream and custard cup with strawberries and a sort of floral merangue on top.  WOW

Needless to say, this was an amazing dinner.  We then climbed into our private onsen for a little hot bath before heading to bed.