New Year Travel

Set up the cats with their auto-feeders and we're on our way to the neighboring prefecture for an overnight stay at a Ryokan.

For those unacquainted with a "ryokan," or traditional Japanese inn, these are the places known for their gracious hospitality. Dinner and breakfast is served in your room in courses, and they even come to lay out your sleeping futons and put them away in the morning. Then there are the hot spring baths. It's a great start to the year.