Sometimes going to far away lands for vacation can be incredible. But sometimes you just need to relax somewhere close-by but not home. Right here in Misawa is an amazing hotel with a world-class onsen, amazing dining, an apple juice tree with Aomori apple juice on tap, and it’s all a 5 minute drive away!

Attached to the hotel is a large park around a lake with different activities and things to see, including a hot onsen foot bath, a Nebuta float park, a huge Shinto temple, an area with statues, a horse park, and the pony park that houses Sore and Nore. Walking around the lake at night was both beautiful and meditative.

The next day, since it was a weekday and we were still in town, Forrest went to daycare while Leanne and I enjoyed relaxing at the onsens and at the park. Don’t worry, we picked him up in the afternoon again so he could relax too! He ate so much at the restaurant (including tons and tons of fresh grilled scallops) that he gained a whole 2 pounds in just the two days were at the hotel!