Life is a Blog: A resort, a few Kappa, and a homecoming parade in one day...oh, my!

Today was an exciting day! I went on a tour to the Komaki Onsen Aomori-Ya in Misawa. I'd heard about this place but wasn't quite sure where it was. This is definitely a place we will be going back to.

This is a resort that has man-made ponds, lush landscape, a hotel, and onsen (mineral hot baths) beautifully situated on over 100 acres of land.


This is known as Kappa (goblin) pond.

This is a Kappa, which is a mythical creature in Japanese folklore. They are thought to live at the bottom of ponds, lakes, etc. and cause 'mischief.'

These koi don't seem to be affected with their creepy little neighbor. I can't wait to bring the kids here to feed them.

About 10 years ago, the Emperor of Japan visited this onsen resort. He stayed on the top floor of this building. They charge around $2000 per night to stay in the same apartment after that.

Another one!

There were many Shinto influences here. The statue on the left is a god of strength. The one on the right is a goddess of wealth.

Here is the god of children.

The infamous red bridge. Local photographers choose this bridge as a backdrop for their photo sessions.

These rocks were brought in from the Oirase Gorge, near Lake Towada.


They offer horse and carriage rides at night, and these are the horses responsible.

These statutes were built in honor of Shibusawa and his father. The man that built this resort years and years ago (I can't remember his name) was taught by Shibusawa. Evidently, Shibusawa's father made and impression on the man as well.

This is Shibusawa's home. Originally located in Tokyo, the builder of the resort paid to have it moved here. The house itself is over 140 years old. I still can't fathom how they moved it all the way up here from Tokyo before semi trucks were built. Stone by stone and brick by brick?

This is a Nabuta Float. I've yet to see a parade at night, but just looking at this makes me anxious for the Nabuta Festival next year!

This is actually in the basement area of the hotel, where the onsen are. I didn't take any pictures in the actual onsen because it's a public bath...know what I mean?

This picture is nowhere near the resort, and I took it back in August in Aomori. However, can you see the Kappa in the picture? It's warning kids to stay away from this little pond.

...and, this is a shushi restaurant appropriately named 'Kappa Sushi.' Know I know why.

After I got back on base, I heard a bunch of screaming and sirens. The High School on base (Edgren High) has it's homecoming game tonight. The kids were super excited when they got home because the parade went by their school and they caught a bunch of candy.