Day 8: Hirayu - 11 Dec 2017

We were woken up by the host mum's TV program which was switched on as early as 6am.. breakfast was served by 7am and this was the setting. Generally the food provided was nice but in super big portions that the kids had a lot of problems finishing them.

love these fermented beans which went very well with rice

we checked out early in the morning because it will be a long ride to our next destination. Morning scenes in Shirakawa-go is so beautiful..

We took a 50mins bus ride to Takayama, and then transferred another bus ride to Hirayu which took about an hour plus.

Ethan started to play with snow again at Hirayu.. the snow texture here is so fine and powdery which was very different with what we had come into contact with earlier.

After checking into our onsen (about 5 mins walk from the bus station), we went to a nearby cafe which was very cosy

We spotted a dog near the cafe and the boys were curious but held back in getting near it.

 while checking out the ski resort, we borrowed this mascot from the tourist centre..

We were directed to a nearby ski resort which was only a 15 min walk from the bus station. As it was windy and cold (-ve 2 to 3 degrees), this walk was very torturing for me.. but the boys seemed to be doing better than me!

Sadly the ski resort is only scheduled to open the next weekend, we couldn't ski but decided to hang around this area for them to play with snow..

Papa dug himself into the snow

so light and fluffy

sheet joy

started snowing slightly in the afternoon

returned back to our ryokan. This place is also very nice and comfortable. I love their onsen!

room has a view to the mountains

 At about 6pm, we braved the weather of negative 4 degrees out to have this hot udon..

 After dinner, we went back to Cafe Mustache again for their desserts..

 And then.. we went for onsen..

we can't do much here at Hirayu but I like the tranquility and the untouched nature. At night, the adults played MJ, while the kids were occupied with their own games..