Today is day 3 of Japan and we were all in rockin spirits. We are finally caught up on our sleep and have got back in the groove of travelling with 3 little kids. We left Tokyo this morning and headed 2 hours out of town to the mountain village of Nikko. I am writing this from a little cushion on the floor with my laptop on a tiny table. My 4 guys are sound asleep on futons on tatami mats and the window is open to let in the sound of the running river. It is only 7 pm here in Nikko, Japan, but all my family fell right to sleep before I even knew what happened!
We took over 6 trains and subways (with not wrong transfers-yeah daddy for getting it all figured out before we left!) to get to the Tobu station to buy our tickets for the train to Nikko. We did not have a hotel yet, but I had read you could get one when you got into town at the tourist desk. We bought our bus pass and headed out of town. It was such a beautiful ride with rice fields and mountains most of the way.
the river running through town
We were able to book a hotel at the station when we arrived into town. Thankfully I had stayed up late packing us 3 days of stuff in one suitcase so we could leave 2 of our suitcases at lockers in the Tokyo station. It totally paid off because we had to walk a long way to get to our hotel, so it was so nice to not have a bunch of stuff to lug around (well, Jarrett still did-sorry honey!). Our hotel is a japanese-style inn called the Turtle-Inn. It was the only one in our price range, but amazingly it was also the one that the Frommer’s guide author loved and recommended in the “Inexpensive” range. It is awesome!
our japanese sleeping futons-they are soo cozy-Trek LOVES them!
our room came with kimonos-oh yeah baby
on our walk into town for dinner, the sidewalks are so beautiful
benches everywhere! I guess it is only in the city where people do not like to sit-here in the country everyone is way more laid back
the boys being silly-finally they are back in the wild where they can be carefree!
Trek getting ‘milkies’ on the peaceful walk into town
they were so happy to not have to stay right by our side like they had to in the busy city
dinner-Japanese noodles
the boys got some samurai swords-now they are really in their element-hehe
getting some Japanese snacks for our hotel room
back at the inn heading to the amazing thermal bath room!
we got lucky that our hotel had a family bath that you could reserve. You just put up the ‘occupied’ sign and got it all to yourself!
these two bring me so much joy! we had soo much fun in that beautiful hot spring room
look what was on the wall in the steam room!! a painting from Lahaina, Maui where we are from-crazy!
relaxing thermal bath overlooking the river
There was a faucet so you could add cold water. We added it in the corner and Trek and I got in. He loved it and just floated around like a cutie. We had the most special relaxing time just enjoying each other and talking and playing. It felt so good to just breathe after 3 days of travelling. Jarrett is not feeling very well, poor guy always gets a fever and chills anytime he gets behind on his sleep. He was trying to act strong and like he was fine, but after the thermal bath I gave him some ibprofen and made him go to bed. Hopefully he will feel better in the morning. We are going to see a ninja reenactment tomorrow!!! So excited for another fun day making awesome memories with all 5 of us in them.
Sounds incredible and looks beautiful! So glad you’re out of that mean city and in the country where you can relax and the boys can be free! Hugs & kisses
Wow! It looks absolutely beautiful there. Loved all of the pictures! Tell Jarrett I hope he feels better real soon. Love yall
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Sure is pretty there. Glad you have some relaxing time after the lst couple of days. Looks as tho they take pride in their places. Enjoy, have fun, stay safe, & remember all the prayers & love coming your way from here.
So glad you guys made it to Nikko! I knew it’d be more your style
I want a Japanese bath house in our house some day 
Hope Jarrett feels better soon! Happy Ninja-ing tmrw. xoxox
That place looks incredible! I want to take my family! And I know Jarrett was naked under that kimono. He hasn’t changed a bit.
Recall I hit the wrong button. From PapaT,Not Mama
Love to see the boys wild and free! And Trek floating in water! Praying that Jarrett wakes up feeling 100%. I really enjoy your blog, Chelsea. You do a nice job telling your story. xoxo
So glad you’re caught up on your sleep & on schedule again. It makes life much more enjoyable:) Love the kimonos! The boys are going to absolutely love the ninja reenactment – so excited for them. The pictures are great! Hopefully Jarrett will feel better soon:( Love & miss all of you.
Poor Jarrett:( He is such a good daddy and hubby..hope he feels better soon! It looks so incredible and neat there! So glad you got to visit the country and the boys are enjoying it…love the kimonos!!! hehe! Have so much fun today! miss and love you
Y’all look sooo relaxed in the pics!! Um, I did notice the boys using chairs instead of cushions to sit on to eat.
Japanese food is so pretty! Feel better soon Jarrett.
Unlike anything I’ve ever seen! It’s so fun to travel along with you all… thank you for sharing your adventures once again! I hope Jarrett feels better soon, and that the rest of you stay fever and chill- free! Are your boys adventurous with the food they eat? Do they ever complain about all the different tastes to try? It seems like they don’t mind! That is very cool
Chelsea,
The pictures are beautiful! I have a dear friend who is Japanese and she goes “home” to see her family every summer. They live in Okiyama
Hope that all of your boys have a great time! May you and Jarrett have a peaceful, relaxing time of rejuvination in this beautiful country.
Thinking of you now and always,
Misti
Wow Nikko looks beautiful – so neat and clean. I have put it on my list. I hope that Jarrett is well today – I can relate to the getting sick from being tired. Praying for him and your continued safe travels!
I’m so glad you are all finding your groove in Japan! Tokyo is beyond crazy! I totally want a Japanese bath someday. Water up to my neck! Have you guys enjoyed using the squat toilets?
yes we want a japanese bath too, it was awesome, not so much a squat toilet-hehe
So beautiful! I love the kimonos! How amazing and perfect with the Lahaina picture. Sending love from Lahaina.
I love kimonos too! and yes, i could not believe the picture either:)
wow this is beautiful! It reminds me of Oregon
. But of course, I know it’s not quite!! That picture of the thermal bath right next to the little river is sublime! I would cozy up with a book and be so happy 
. So, is the bath always warm? or is it just like a normal bath tub?
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