Weekend away at the coast

We got a surprise weekend away, so we headed down to the southern coast from us, to a town called Shirahama.

This is the view of the amusement park and safari park from our hotel.

Yummy snails- a popular cuisine...

This is what we were waiting to see- some rugged bluffs, and untouched coastline.  So refreshing, but COLD!!!

Besides being cold, the weather was stunning.  The clouds were spectacular and the air was so clean...

We got a special treat by visiting an onsen (hot spring) that was set right on the beach with the waves crashing up right before us.  Though they separate the sexes (everyone goes nude), Ray and I got to soak our cold bodies in HOT water, while watching the waves break and the clouds roll above us.  Quite an experience!!

Shirahama is an "onsen" town, meaning it is known for its natural hot springs.  As you walk around town, it is common to see these foot baths, where a passerby can stop to soak his feet in the hot water.

These large cement triangles are a VERY common sight throughout Japan.  As hideous as they are, the Japan government has somehow managed to place these retaining structures on every beach or body of water we've yet seen.  They believe they prevent erosion.  I think they just tatter the landscape...

The next few photos are of Shirahama beach.  This white sand beach is obviously beautiful.  I was surprised to learn, however, that the sand was actually shipped in from Australia!  During the summer the beach is PACKED.  We were delighted to visit during the winter months where we had the run of the place to ourselves...

Tidepooling and shell hunting....

Oysters...

Our beautiful shell bounty.  Many of the shells I could identify, including gorgeous cowry and scallop shells.  The delightful find were the mini abalone shells- so cool!

This was a very special weekend away.  We didn't realize how much we missed the salt water air of the ocean!