塩沢花火祭り Shiozawa Hanabi Matsuri (Fireworks Festival)

Yes, despite the earthquake earlier this morning, the festival proceeded as planned. The ladies from my private class on Monday evenings held a farewell party for me, culminating with the viewing of fireworks.

First stop, taking a hotspring bath at the magnificent 龍言 Ryugon in Muikamachi.

Paper umbrella at the entrance

Very Zen passageway leading to the baths...really puts you in the mood to enjoy a relaxing bath.

Indoor bath, with 3 "waterfalls" to provide a back massage

Outdoor bath next to a picturesque stream with paddling ducks

After the onsen, we dress up in yukatas for fireworks-viewing later in the evening. Takeko and Mrs Sasaki enjoying a foot massage while waiting for the rest of us to finish dressing up

Enjoying tea after a relaxing bath...気持ちいい kimochi ii (feels good)!

Group picture at the entrance of Ryugon. Standing (L-R): Chiharu, me, Eriko & Mrs. Sasaki. Kneeling (L-R): Yuko & Takeko

Next, dinner at Annontei, Ryugon's restaurant, which is similarly done up in the classic Japanese style

Check out the present they gave me...a kanzashi (traditional Japanese hair ornament)! Just what I've always wanted!

Then we click-clacked off in our wooden geta (Japanese slippers) to see the fireworks. We spent a very pleasant evening doing traditionally Japanese stuff.