"Onsen": Best part of our Japan 2017 Holiday

Our November 2017 Japan holiday itinerary was divided into 4 parts: 3-day holiday at Ginza, 4-day stay and family gathering at Kodaira, 3-day “babe” time in Higashi-Shinjuku and finally 3-day “slowing-it-down” R&R at Nippori before we finally head back to Manila.

My feeling of exuberance is still on at Ginza. The crowd, exciting modern structures and numerous shops that wifey is so eager to check-on: the newly opened Ginza 6 that was still being constructed during our last Tokyo visit couple of years ago; shopping of course where wifey did not spare Coach and Joe Malone.  We can easily forget about Tsukishima and the Imperial palace but a day spent in Tsukiji Market is a must for some Yakitori, Oysters and squids, Tamagoyaki and what else but ramen tolerance!

We had some personal Kodaira vacation where we shopped at a local market and tried finding ingredients to cook some “pinoy” food contrary to the usual local practice. Adobo and “ginitla” were my best options. The “tatami” mat experience was just as special as I recalled our usual “banig” siestas during our youngsters years.

We just found out this time that Mitsui Outlet Park in Irumashi is far better than Gotemba Premium Outlet if not for the majestic Mt. Fuji view.

“Babe” time for our Higashi-Shinjuku stay where I get to again indulge on the numerous Japanese menus at a local commissary I call “tapatan” for it is located exactly in front of our fave abode. And Yes, Shinjuku Eastside Square and its arcade located underground. No way, Yamachan Tebasaki will not be missed out of course!  A sound sleep and some hot green tea to sooth my itchy throat I still got from Manila.

After our Yanaka Ginza afternoon stroll at our last stop Nippori, we can forget about anything and settle in at our newly discovered abode. A traditional Japanese ryokan where shoes are off immediately upon entering, and that all were provided by Japanese handmade slip-ons. Where people seldom speak English though all are very accommodating and attentive of anyone’s needs.  We even had a short hotel tour courtesy of the benevolent owner, showing us the hotel’s best treat for their guests: Ryokan “onsen”.

And what is it about Onsen?

There really is nothing more relaxing or therapeutic than lying back in a hot bath after a long day—especially when the weather gets extra cold, or perhaps on the beach overlooking a beautiful mountain, or listening to the sound of a rushing river. And once you’ve done and appreciate it...you'll never look back!

Stripping off in public can be very daunting at first. But once you “dare to bare” however, it really does not seem to be an issue anymore.  Soon, you will get adapted to it.  Besides, Japanese do not care bat an eyelid so in no time, you will get comfortable and eventually lose your self-consciousness.

More than the nude part, I am more concerned about the etiquette that surrounds an onsen.  I made some blunders but good enough that no one noticed my being a stranger.

And so the next day was a special immersion that I wish to spoil myself over again.  BLISS

Momentarily I realized I just had somewhat a "sento" experience since the onsen is just inside a hotel.. But having noted the essential etiquette I should remember.... I now am ready for the real Japanese public Onsen.  LATER!!!!

Malaog Cave & Apasan Gorge

Hike and Seek:  "MALAOG CAVE"

With an adventurous thoughts I decided to check on an area in brgy Apasan Sampaloc Quezon where a subterranean river apparently is being visited by some intrepids from nearby municipalities. Fortunate with good weather, our team proceeded and went straight to the area.

The place is called "Malaog". About an hour leisurely walk from the town's square with some rivercrossing and  little bushwacking.

Most local residents of Sampaloc have no knowledge about the cave. Situated in a discreet lime formations under a hilly privately-owned agricultural land of brgy Apasan, where most farm folks just pass-by unnoticing the hidden jewel of the place: A cave with 50-meter diameter cathedral and a spring under its numerous cavities creating a 48 meter-deep serene lagoon and flowing water stream every time the spring overflows into the land surface contributory to Sampaloc river.

According to the landowner himself, it was only 2 years ago when he bravely enter the cave using an inflated rubber tubing and investigated the area.  Aside from the notion that the place is “sacred”, no previous information or even folklore was transferred by their great-grandparent owners to them, heirs of the property.

The GORGE in Apasan.

Opposite Malaog Cave few hundred meters across the river (NE) is a huge gorge with a stretch of about 1.5 km from far northeastern vicinity of brgy Apasan.. Along the gorge are numerous caves and or limestone caverns amazingly formed by nature thousands of years ago. Walking its grounds and crossing it's waters one would obviously appreciate it's rich unexploited treasures where fresh water shrimps and fish abounds. Definitely wildlife at its best.

Presently, the local government has not done any appropriate action yet as far as scientific research to gain some information nor any impression to acquire necessary knowledge for tourism purposes.  Ms. Tina, the town’s tourism officer however plans of taking some initiatives as mentioned to me before we leave the sleepy beautiful town of Sampaloc.

Good luck on your endeavors!