Going Japanese,I think so.

Our train today is named for a famous Japanese folktale, Ibusuki no Tamatebako, literally:-Ibusuki treasure box. The doors open at each station with a puff of smoke(steam).  

A fisherman saw children teasing a turtle.

The princess gave him a box and said do not open it.         

Our accommodation for the next two nights offers the traditional ryokan experience. Shoes are not worn but slippers provided along with a traditional yukata and coat.

Guests are encouraged to wear these during their stay and to enjoy the beautiful gardens surrounding the buildings.In the grounds is an extensive collection of Satsuma ceramics and glass ware. It was collected by the owners father for his personal museum. This is now open to the public and is housed in a building designed on the same principles as a famous shrine.

In addition to the normal bath, guests can have a sand bath, only available in the region.

Thankfully you are supplied with a different Yukata for the sand bath…..leaving you other in a basket . You lay down on the thermally heated sand and then you are covered in sand. After nicely cooking for 10 minutes…..you are now a lovely shade of pink to match the yukata. Off you go and shower off any sand that has crept up the sleeves, down the neck and other unmentionable parts. Then being suitably cleaned, it’s time to cover any bits with a minuscule towel and enter the onsen.  One of the other ladies and I laughed our way from the outside pools, to the hot tub, down to the main bath and then ito the ice bath. When we turned a lovely shade of blue, we sat on a tiny bamboo stool and tried all the product available….the results….questionable. We now have detoxed:- sand bath and onsen, collagened our face, removed the rough skin from our bodies, washed our hair, rinsed ,dried, used 3 moisturisers and blown dried our hair…oh and we got dressed in a yukata.

And then we went for a special Japanese dinner of 8 courses. I hope you realise how much I have suffered to give you a traditional Japanese experience including drinking sake and

Now I am going to sleep on the floor. Good night