Day 15: Thursday, Oct 29, From Ise to Oyado The Earth

Day 15: Thursday, Oct 29, From Ise to Oyado The Earth

Weather: Perfect again, we’re still on a roll; Cool all day, from low to mid 60s

THB thinks he has lost a date, this should really be Day 16 of the trip. Hmmmmmmmm…..or maybe THB gained a day and it is Day 15.

At dinner last night, we settle our combined nights bar bill tab: THB and DB total is $115, which included picking up pre-dinner drinks for everyone one night.

The last day of the Kumano Kodo tour. A series of goodbyes and continuations. First, buffet breakfast at the Pearl-Pier and THB skips the French fries.

The group transfers to the inner Ise Shrine where the reconstruction that was in process when we were here in 2013 is now complete. It is back to “normal” as they reconstruct everything every 20 years; it is also 25-30 degrees cooler than last time!

 

More dogs seen today than rest of trip in total

A stiff breeze, so temps lower with wind chill

Jamie is not afraid to question the local priests

After the shrine tour, L&L depart, then Jamie says his goodbyes. That leaves 8 of us and, after wandering the touristy stretch of town, we regroup and have a much needed simple meal of udon (most have the option with one large tempura shrimp floating on top) at an outdoor restaurant just off the main shopping street. Total for two bowls: $15.

 

M (one of three women on the trip whose first name started with M) with her daily ice cream...before lunch!

THB buys the group the local mochi treat: $9 for 12 pieces, eaten before lunch

Ordering

Numbers = orders

M&D go veg as usual

THB goes non-veg, as usual

Class photo just outside the inner shrine

The semi-final WJ reckoning: THB will (greatly) expand his thoughts on the Walk Japan tour with his final observations.  The cost of the tour was extremely reasonable (around $6200 not including the alcoholic drinks and incredibly cheap lunches), and much agreement that the tour was as promised. 

A bit longer/harder forest walking than anticipated, plenty of shrines and temples, interesting accommodations, and spectacular weather (THB is much affected by temps over 72 and humidity, neither of which were issues on this tour with the exception of a few hours in Osaka). The group was highly compatible, especially if alcohol was on hand!

Back to Ise: Then it is just THB, DB and M, and after we wander around a bit more, managing another green tea ice cream, M treats, and we share a taxi to Oyado The Earth, known just as The Earth to the locals. The taxi cost $90 total for the three of us and seems a good tradeoff over cabbing to the train station, taking a short local train and then the hotel shuttle.

Our greeting snacks:

The view from our room:

It’s as lovely as THB remembers, truly a magnificent spot for form and function, totally relaxing with great food and onsen tubs.

Our rooms:

Dinner is terrific, here it is in pics:

Our formal attire

Easily the best sashimi of the trip so far

Our intermezzo: a visit to the Observation roof and a shot of the low colorful moon