Hot Springs, Massage and Pat Challenges

View into the library

Inside the Library

Pat: Challenge #1 bench with built in planter

Spectacular view of the Forest and Garden

Framing is everything

Pat: Challenge # 2 Tree Trunk through 4 Shelves

It was cold and rainy at Beniya, but that was perfect. We had no intention of leaving the onsen. We simply wanted to relax, discover and enjoy. Each suite has a private outdoor soaking tub of the natural hot mineral water. It is supposed to cure you of all your aliments. I am not sure of that, but it certainly cures you of feeling chilled.

We awoke, ate breakfast and then went for our first soak in our private hot springs bath. It is outdoors from our room, secluded so we could be naked and not scare anyone. It was partially covered from the rain and was quite a pleasant experience. Since we have a hot tub at home, the main difference is the healing properties of the mineral water as opposed to LA's finest.

It was quite hot but enjoyable. After cooling down we showered and went for our massages. We both thought they were excellent. A good start to the day.

We decided to explore the onsen. It is very architectural and filled with art. It has 3 separate libraries. We found all 3 and enjoyed looking at their art books. Everywhere we went in the onsen, there were windows framing the forest and the garden. I definitely decided Japanese Maples are my favorite tree. I checked on google and it said they can grow in LA. We need to get some, they are beautiful.

The architect used lots of natural wood and was very creative. Two ideas for Pat: The bench with a built in planter, and the tree passing apparently through several shelves.
We returned to our room, rested (from the massage that sounds weird even to me) and prepared to take another healing onsen natural springs soak. Stripped off our clothes (think Yukata) and stepped right in to the hot water.
Showered, cooled off, had some wine and headed to dinner. 

Again they featured Snow Crab and many other courses. The food is excellent but way too much. We have learned to pace ourselves, lesson learned - you don't have to eat everything placed in front of you.

Tomorrow we leave in the morning catching a train to Tokyo for our last full day before returning to LA on Monday. Happily it is a direct train and we don't have to transfer.