Map of Hokkaido showing the subprefectures and the primary cities (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Foreign – something unfamiliar, something different; this was certainly true of a visit to Japan a few years ago. We saw lots of food on sale in a local market which we had never seen before and which looked very strange to us. Later, dressed in tradional kimonos and seated crosslegged on the floor, we were served a wonderful selection of food at a formal banquet.
We travelled to the beautiful northern island of Hokkaido to visit the hot spring village of Norboribetsu-Onsen. Here visitors can enjoy the waters in one of the many spa hotels. It is a sort of ritual, where men and women bathe in separate areas. Once you have undressed and showered, you take a dip in several hot pools, each containing a different water. It is very therapeutic and strangely refreshing. Above the village is “Hell Valley” where you can see the sulphur pits and geysers gushing up into the air. The smell is something else……
But the sights and sounds of Japan will stay with me for a very long time
40again's Blog 
I’ve never visited Japan, although my husband has years ago. Your memories of it are probably the first I’ve heard that make me want to see it. Thanks for sharing. 🙂
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You’re welcome. It was a business trip but the free time was thoroughly enjoyable & the people we met were so friendly, would recommend a visit 🙂
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Will keep your suggestion in mind for future travel plans. 🙂
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I hope you make a visit, I think you would enjoy it 🙂
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A trip to remember and celebrate always. I love Japanese food. To me, anything foreign brings a sense of excitement which warrants discovery. I wouldn’t have thought sushi is delicious until I tasted it. The hot spring village looks like a fun place to visit. Great post!
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Thank you, so pleased you liked the post. I became a fan of the food, the people and the place. I love exploring different cultures whenever I am lucky enough to get the chance 🙂
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Great work for the theme Foreign 🙂
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Thank you Jake 🙂
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