My trip to Izu Peninsula

At the bay...
Originally uploaded by idivilayil.

What a start
When nature calls it makes a definite call.
Had an early wake today and then got to the skyscraper town in Tokyo – Shinjuku. Reached the JR south gate by 9.30 AM. Met the co-traveler and we were there at the Odaikyu Information center. We had a detailed study of the possible pass plans and the routes and locations.
We soon decided to go for on the spot individual tickets. Soon we were having the tickets in hand and boarded the train when I got a call again from Mother Nature. 8 minutes to go for the departure and the station master told me the rush rooms were one level up. Rushed to the rush room and was waiting for the lift and then I felt come on just run down the stairs. Zoom I reached platform 7 when I realized my train was leaving from platform 4.Soon was back at the lift and I got a call from Rahul my co traveler that the train was leaving. Great start! I was in another express train in a couple of minutes. Thanks to the efficient rail and tele network of Japan.
I was in touch with him then we decided to meet at Odawara. In almost 1.5 hours I was at Odawara and there I saw him, across on the other platform.
Great!

Soon we were trying to find the next connection train. Destination Atami!!!
We were told to take the JR Tokaido line and oh my gosh!! That’s the line we use almost daily to commute to work. I soon came to know from that ‘Tokaido’ means Eastern end road. We were passing through a coastal line and the scenery was just great. We were at the station and then for a quick lunch. What’s for lunch???

Sushi- Wow! Believe me it was awesome.
Soon we were walking to our Hotel and then we realized that we could check in only by 3 PM. So waiting at the lobby and the genesis of this blog. Lots to go and more to be written. Need to rush now to select the spots to visit in Atami and plan the rest of the trip.
That’s it for now!
14:51 16th September

Got the room keys and hit the bed direct! With amazing symphonies being played on the channel music can you imagine your sleep to be more beautiful? Slept for about an hour and then was out fro a stroll to see around Atami. As we walked towards the beach we realized that the summer festivities are on and there were some events happening in the bay area. Singers and performers were doing events based on the
traditional Japanese culture as well as the western pop influenced songs etc.

We of course had a wonderful time strolling around Atami. Been to the ropeway and walked a lot along the shore line. As we returned a quick bite at Mister Donut and then was a bit tired as we walked back to our Hotel. Well we reached in time for the dinner and we realized that we were allotted the third floor Buffet for dinner. So very surprising to find that the whole of the sea was present there. Fishes and God’s creations of the water were available fresh and raw as well as in various preparations. The seshame was just awesome as ever I had it before. I treated myself a lot especially with 2 rounds of the seshame. Some thing special for this seshame was the raw shrimps with green eggs. Believe me dipped in Soya sauce and whoosh – sucked into your mouth it tastes great. Every thing was in plenty and we had a great dinner.
Out from the dinner we had some TV watching and relaxations with foot massages.
Back in the room we discussed some rough sketch for the next day’s Ito visit. And listening to some awesome music and typing the blogs, I guess soon it would be time to catch some good sleep before we continue with tomorrow. How great is God with His creations and the joy they bring along with!

To be continued tomorrow .For now ‘.’

As decided we were up quite early and then soon were away at the Breakfast buffet. Again a great treat for all those who love to taste and experience new and different things.
The sweet corn steamed in the warm milk was something real special and then the Japanese noodles and rolled up Omlettes and salads and many more items. Was surprised to see the traditional Japanese breakfast included the normal rice chunks and also the Mizho soup. Excuse me the Mizho soups were being served using an automatic dispenser wow! Height of technology???

Out of breakfast and we were ready to move to Ito about 20 Km from Atami. The typhoon in the south had already cast clouds over the Izo peninsula too and we were afraid that this may spoil our plans. Well but we decided to go ahead as long as the conditions were in control. Took a special train to Ito all decorated under the Paris influence. A single line fast moving train along the coast. The scenery was awesome and I was fortunate that I could capture a few from the moving train. As soon as we reached the station in Ito we took some info from the tourist information center just outside the station. WE were advised to visit a couple of places and then given some map references by the personnel at the information desk.

We set out walking and following the map. Was interesting to find a sleepy town on a Sunday morning just like the ones we have in India too. Our first stop was at the old but traditional style Japanese Ryokan –called??????? Where visitors used to stay in the earlier days. 200 Yen entrance fee and we made an entry. We could see that there were couple of touch screens on display from where we could read about the history and background and details of the inn. Soon we were joined by a Japanese guide who spoke little bit English and he soon offered to take us around as a guide.
We were really happy at his offer and we joined him soon he explained how unique the construction of the inn was and that the building in its for is the out come of the third round of construction/renovation done on the building.
He was soon showing is various types of rooms and special artworks for each room. It is to be noted that each storey was built by a different carpentry style by carpenters from various parts of Japan. IN fact the 3rd storey has a lot of the modern artwork and carpentry. Was a real interesting tour for any one who loves to have a feel of the olden times.

Soon we were out walking along the beach which was gray sanded and after about like 30 minutes of walk we reached the sunrise marine plaza.
That’s were all the private sail boats were parked and a big complex housing the ocean bazaar stood here. We found that there were a couple of boat rides available and one of them was leaving in 5 minutes.
Soon we were in side the boat a medium sized speed boat. As it started out and gain speed there was an announcement asking all roller coaster lovers to some to the front portion of the carrier. We moved to the front and believe me it was wow. As we cut across huge waves and wind, the boat was taking deep dives up and down and it was terrific. Especially as we were aware of a typhoon building up in the south and moving up northwards. As we progressed the waves started getting even larger and it was like ohh boy! It’s coming and there we go up and then down taking parabolic dives kind of. Was a real thriller ride.

We were told that a different course away from the cyclonic path was being used. It was real fun and wonderful to experience semi free falls as we cut across the huge waves and the relative velocity being too much. It was just frightening but a great experience at times.
Was wonderful to look out at the massive waves formed by the water and I was just thinking we are nothing compared too many of God’s creations. Just tired imagining the days of Noah. How much water all around and the wind which dried the water – Imagine the waves that would have been there!

All these were reminding me it’s just impossible to imagine in human limits of the majesty power and greatness of our creator and loving God!

The best part of the ride was that on the return journey I was fortunate to be in the captain’s cabin. A fluent English speaker and a former naval officer, He explained the bare basics of riding a speed boat in open sea. It was just fantastic to listen to him about all the systems being used and the mini screen showing displays of the Sonar, Radar and GPS info. Explanations on the Dual Yamaha engines and also the navigation and steering system gave me a fair idea of riding the boat in control. And above all I was riding the boat under his guidance for about 10 minutes. It was great to see the presence of life beneath the boat on the Sonar display. An amazing and ever memorable experience no doubt!

We were back at the ocean bazaar and were seeing around some real good sea stuff. Specially the food items. Green tea delicacies being a part of the location were also available in varieties. We decided on an Indonesian Lunch and soon were enjoying lunch on a sea view balcony. As it was raining lightly we took a bus back to the station and soon were on train back to Atami our Hotel. The Hotel shuttle took us directly to the hotel from Atami station.

Back in the Hotel we had a good sleep before going in for an early dinner. Again Full fledged Japanese dinner. I had a few shots of the Sushi and sesame dishes too hi heee…The attractions were the machines filling the beer mugs. Every damn thing is automated wherever possible in this land.
Soon was back in the room and enjoyed some relaxing music and discussions and soon off to sleep.

We woke up relaxed –real relaxed the next day and soon took a local Tokaido back to Tokyo. It was a memorable experience and a cherishing memory!
Some details are included keeping in mind future travelers to these locations.

Snaps on this trip at the Flickr Izu set. Click here!