Utsunomiya (宇都宮市 ) is the capital and largest city in Tochigi Prefecture, as of October 2010, the city has an estimated population of 510,416 . Utsunomiya is approximately 100 km north of Tokyo. It is the stop before Nasu on the Shinkansen train and quite a few of my colleagues live there. Its a much bigger city than Nasu/Otawara, but I don’t often go there, I usually go into Tokyo if… Read More Utsunomiya
Did a day trip into Tokyo this weekend… It was snowing and cold in Otawara and shopping seemed a cure … Specifically to look for Cheese and Aussie wine… Found both in abundance at Nissin World Delicatessen in Minato-ku…Got back to Nasu station to find my car covered in snow and a “interesting” drive home !http://www.nissinham.co.jp/nwd/nwd_01.html
Soutome Onsen (早乙女温泉） at Kitsurekawa is about 30 mins from the office.The onsen is a milky color and smells of sulfur, apparently it is clear in the mornings… I shall have to go back and see. My skin felt great afterwards.. After the Onsen we went to “Café restaurant Kuragasaki” in Kitsurekawa that is in the old police… Read More Soutome Onsen January 2012
We held our “Shinnenkai” party this week. “Shinnenkai” is the “welcome the New Year party” – seems a good a reason as any to have a party …Headed up into the Shiobara Onsen area to stay in a Ryoken overnight, have some good food & an onsen or two. AND 1 or 2 beers of… Read More Shinnenkai January 2012
Monday was a public holiday so I planned on heading out somewhere. Taking advice from a friend who used to live here I headed out to the frozen waterfalls.. Fukuroda no takiA relatively easy trip and not too much walking/climbing – I have some new boots that I need to wear in, they are… Read More Fukuroda Falls – January 2012
All settled in now… The apartment is completely furnished and apart for needing to get the oven instructions translated, all is going well. My Apartment View from the front of my place this week. The snow on the ranges is increasing daily now…………. Guest Room It cold here right now -5C tonight, but the… Read More Otawara January 2012
Road trip this weekend to Ikea in Shinmisato – about 150 km from home… Ikea is Ikea anywhere you are. Exactly the same as Sydney Ikea, even the furniture is the same…Just the signs are different…Anyway, got everything I came for:Small dining table that I can use as a desk & a couple of chairs2 stoolsA coat rackA… Read More Ikea January 2012
Just Life in Japan 