Onsen Day

Managed another OK night's sleep last night. Tom slept through, Matt and I kept waking up - but that's nothing new - we do that in Telford. I still haven't quite got used to sleeping on the floor yet and wake up aching every morning. Matt's ok and Tom hasn't seemed to notice there isn't a mattress on his bed. Even more weirdly, he hasn't noticed that his pillow is full of beans rather than foam or feathers - believe me it is quite a different feeling - so much so that Matt refuses to use one - and he's the Japanophile!

Anyway we didn't get going until about 8.30 and unfortunately Tom soiled his nappy whilst gooning about meaning we didn't get the opportunity to use the sticker bribe to get him to use the toilet.

The new pyjamas

After much deliberation about what to do today we finally settled on staying in Aioi and visiting its onsen (spa). So we caught the bus back down to Peron Castle armed with towels. Matt took Tom in with him so I had a lovely relaxing time. My side had about 3 or 4 old ladies in it - all of whom were using the sauna and cold bath so I had the run of the baths: a jacuzzi, a purple bath, an outdoor bath and some bubble beds (well that's what I call them - narrow bits of bath divided up with metal rails so they fit one lady at a time and full of bubbles - coming at you from all angles - feels great). Luckily, having been to a number of onsens I know more or less what to do but it is still a little nerve-wracking walking into somewhere naked and unable to read any of the signs and notices. Anyway no-one glared at me so I think I did OK - also I wasn't the biggest lady there, which was comforting for me.

Anyway I truly relaxed and even found time to blow dry my hair (first time since the Gala Dinner in Cosford). I met Tom and Matt back in reception - they had had a good time - apparently Tom felt completely at ease and was quite excited - especially with the outside bath - especially as you could see the inlet and boats from it. Apparently he charmed quite a few of the men there.

Once we had all cooled down and drunk some cold water, we headed out for some lunch and found a restaurant specialising in Okinomiyaki so decided to go for that. They also did some snacks: deep fried mochi filled with cheese - wow, what is there not to like about that? All 3 of us gobbled them down in no time at all.

We then stopped by the park we played in yesterday for some sliding and swinging and football before heading to the shops to pick up some rice for dinner tonight. On the way home all 3 of us lost energy (too much relaxing in the onsen - my legs felt like lead and it was a real effort to move them). Matt ended up carrying Tom home who then went straight to sleep.

We gave Tom an hour's nap and got him up, but we had real trouble waking him up and he continued to snooze for the next hour. Dinner of Hayashi Rice (beef stew) perked him up and he was fine afterwards but glad to go back to bed.

A good day: Tom was very well behaved today: Matt said he was a pleasure to be with in the onsen which was fab (also no remarks about his scabby back which was good) and he ate all 3 of his meals without us nagging him which was lovely.

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Location:Aioi