Onsen

Excellent sign found while walking to the Onsen. I think he's picking his nose; couldn't figure out what it was advertising.
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My next stop was the town of Hirata for an authentic Onsen (hot springs spa) experience. And authentic it turned out to be! I am very appreciative of the advice of the hostel manager to go there. Upon exiting the train, I attempted speaking to a young station worker. After a few minutes, we were able to communicate where I wanted to go. He called them to make sure they were open and then found a copy of a map of the town. No latin letters of course; he drew the way on the map and told me it would be about a ten minute walk.

It's official! I had found the place.
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I enjoyed my walk through the town. Very nice to see classic Japanese houses with nice gardens with a few western style houses in the mix. I was extremely excited when I found the spa as I had not gotten lost and I wanted to soak and relax.

There weren't any good english speakers but with lots of pointing and expressions, we managed to get me a towel and to the shower section.

I couldn't figure out my way through the building and took a roundabout way to the bath area. It was only 500 yen (less than $5)!!! There weren't any good english speakers, but with lots of pointing and expressions, we managed to get me a towel.

Entrance to the women's locker area
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The spa had a large locker section flowing into an even bigger room with a huge hot bath and showers on the other side of the room. The proper way to prepare for the Onsen is to sit on a plastic upsidedown bucket and wash. Soap, shampoo, and plenty of water is provided.

The spas are separated by sex and I was there with about thirty other Japanese ladies. I ventured outside into the sun where the hot bath was created with various sections of rocks. It was wonderful. Outside there were also three large tubs big enough for one person. There were two saunas: one inside that had a large TV and another outside that was very cavelike. There was also a small-sized, freezing cold bath used in between areas to cool down. I enjoyed everything. It was my favorite experience so far.

More of the spa
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After feeling totally relaxed, I headed back to the station in an attempt to get to Matsue City before the castle and its exhibits closed for the day. I made it with about fifiteen minutes to spare. The top of the castle tower provided wonderful views of the city and once again I thoroughly enjoyed the exhibits of old maps, reconstructions of the town areas, and various helmets used in warfare.

The sun was setting when I began my search for a place to eat. I randomly found a shop that had a small eating area alongside the moat of the castle. I ordered a large bowl of soba noodles and enjoyed my quiet meal tremendously while catching up in my journal.

I love all the small cars!
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I took the railroad back to the hostel. Unfortunately, it took quite some time to walk all the way back and I didn't feel like I was going the right way, but when I asked people while I was walking they all kept pointing me in the same direction.

I was happy to tell the hostel manager of my excellent day touring the area and he was happy to hear it.