It’s day three @ Takinoya in Noboribetsu, and what with the sun out and after a long walk to a distant lake yesterday in the rain and cold, about eight and a half miles and four hours, we are staying in today mostly.  Hence, yakuta a.k.a. jammies.

Yesterday was lovely: Steam pouring from mountainous vents, the air redolent with sulphur, signs warning of kitsune, and Yoko telling me that bears are about.  Another lunch of spicy ramen at the one place in the village open after two P.M. (until dinner), naps, more baths, and shabu-shabu for dinner.

Five baths in natural hot springs.

Reading, “The Gate,” by Soseki while here adds to the passivity that coincides with the vigor.