I’m definitely not a city boy. Growing up in the suburbs where you need a car to get around, I’ve never had a desire to live in the city. I like living close enough to enjoy the benefits of the city, but far enough away to avoid the fatigue of urban life.
So when I get the chance, I like to get away and soak up some nature. Today I’ve come to a place not so far from Tokyo called Shima Onsen. To translate, it means forty thousand hot springs. The origin of the name comes from the belief that the hot spring waters here can heal up to forty thousand different ailments.
It’s a small town lost in time. The famous Spirited Away’s Hayao Miyazaki apparently stayed in the same inn that I’m staying in, and was a source of inspiration for the animated film. It feels very much like stepping into the past.
Since it’s the week and also not the peak season, there are hardly any people here so most of the time I have the baths to myself. Outside, there is still snow on the ground, and the sky is clear. I had a little wander this evening, and the lights and stars were amazing. There is also a place where you can drink hot spring water. This too is said to heal all kinds of illness.
As soon as I got off the bus, all my stress and tension disappeared. Tight shoulders, lower back pain, it all melted away. And I’m so tired! I could have slept at 4pm.
Just being here I feel so relaxed and refreshed.
