Over the last few days, I've already written a few times about our last short trip, which once again took us to the Aizu region. Of course, we weren't just out and about, but also tried to relax a little. Even though the Japanese are generally known as hard-working and bustling people, they also enjoy it when they are not so busy. On such occasions, they often stay in so-called onsen hotels, resort hotels that have their own hot spring baths.

I too have come to know and appreciate the benefits of the Japanese hot spring baths known as onsen and now like to stay in such hotels, where you can not only bathe well but also eat well. Sometimes you are served a pre-prepared course menu, elsewhere there is a sumptuous buffet from which you can help yourself.

This time we enjoyed a buffet where we could choose and put together our own meal from a varied selection of different dishes. Of course, I didn't need to be told that twice and picked out a delicious selection of smaller and larger specialties.

A little fish, sometimes raw as sushi, or sweet and sour pickled or deep-fried. And a few takoyaki, small balls of baked dough with a piece of octopus meat inside. We also had a little chicken and some deep-fried sweet potatoes. And since we were in Aizu, I also tried the koteletts and the Ramen noodles, which are said to be particularly good in this region.

A few beans and green leafy vegetables are of course also included to give the whole thing a slightly healthier twist.

I also enjoyed a little warm sake, as the Japanese firewater is often drunk warm during the cold season. It's a bit like hot mulled wine back home, and I think you have to be careful with both that you don't bring it to the boil and let the alcohol evaporate.

Well, there was definitely still alcohol in my sake, so there was no reason to complain. After dinner, we were all full to the brim, but we did make it back to the onsen once more to end the day with a warm, relaxing bath. It was actually a very pleasant experience that I would love to repeat.

Ideally tomorrow, of course, but we will probably have to wait a little longer. But the next onsen visit is sure to come and next year still has enough free dates so that we can hopefully repeat this fun experience soon. I'm already looking forward to it...