Gunma

070707. Beautiful kokeshi dolls

We had lunch...

...at this old fashioned and charming place "Kabiya"

Our room at the Japanese-style hotel :)

The famous Ishidan dori

At the very top of the Ishidan dori there is a temple

070708. Superb tenpura and soba!

Great view from the 32nd floor

070707-070708, Saturday-Sunday

070707, Saturday
I went by car to Gunma ken with my aunt, her husband, my cousin and her daughter. My cousin's husband went to the same place but by train, since there unfortunately were no space left in the car :( The reason for all of us going to this place is that my cousin's husband's parents live in Gunma ken. After about 2 hours we arrived. We met up with my cousin's husband and his parents and first we went to a place where the make the famous Japanese kokeshi dolls. We saw the craftsmen carving and working and it was very nice. This doll is a truly popular Japanese gift. After this we went to have lunch at Kabiya. We then drove to our hotel, Omori. It is a Japanese-style hotel and I really enjoy these types of hotels :) They make me feel at peace. We then took a stroll at the famous Ishidan dori, where there are a lot of shops selling souvernirs etc. When climbing all the stairs you come to a temple that is on the very top. It is very nice. After walking back to the hotel, and having rested a while we went to enjoy the hot springs :) After a refreshing dinner we went to see hotaru (firefly) in the evening. There were a lot gathered at one spot and they had a beautiful glow in the dark :) Feeling content about this day we went back to the hotel and relaxed.

070708, Sunday
I woke up early in the morning to have a chance to enjoy the onsen once more :) It was great! We then went to a museum of a writer who is named Tawara Moeko. After walking around in the museum we went to have lunch. On the menu was great tenpura and soba! It was really tasty!! Later on we went to a high building in Gunma ken Maebashi. From the 32nd floor we had a great view of the city. After enjoying yakimochi, another speciality here, we went back to Tokyo. It was a very nice trip indeed.