Solaniwa Onsen

The private onsen available at Solaniwa is really what I need to enjoy onsen. My preference for private onsen is for a very different reasons: I just want some alone time while relaxing in the onsen, and I'm not comfortable soaking in the same body of water as others. When I see many people putting their feet in a foot spa, I straightaway reject the suggestion to join them, even when it’s free. I simply can’t when I think about soaking in water used by others. So it has to be private type for me.

Before going into the private onsen, I get to roam around the onsen. This place is like a mini village, where there are patrons, all dressed in yutaka, roaming around the massive space with gardens, restaurants, cafes, shops and instagram-worthy spots. It really feels immersive, and the garden is so beautiful. I love it.

The private onsen is gorgeous, with a mini zen garden right beside the onsen. Looking at the beautifully crafted lush greenery while soaking in the hot mineral rich water is one good enjoyment in life. And I can add cold water to adjust the temperature so that it is manageable for me.

The private room for the onsen is so well-equipped. Television, coffee table, woven chairs are available to rest and relax. There’s also shower room with cleanser, shampoo and conditioner provided. The sink area has facial care products for my use. This is so thoughtful.

The private onsen is definitely a must-try.

Dreamy, Beautiful Lavender Sparkles

1 Chome-2-3 Benten, Minato Ward, Osaka, 552-0007, Japan

Arashiyama Bune Yataka 嵐山通船

A must-experience at Arashiyama is the Yakata Bune. In fact, you have not truly experienced Arashiyama if you haven’t taken the boat ride at Oigawa River, aka Katsura River.

We are all seated on low stools during the ride in a traditional Japanese boat with roof, thus being in really close proximity to the waters of Oigawa River. And from here, I can really see how clean and clear the waters are. It feels so soothing and relaxing to watch the gentle waves of the river against the backdrop of the lush greenery, decorated with reds of autumn leaves, of the forest flanking the river.

Without any mechanical engine, the boatman uses a long bamboo pole to steer and move the boat. It is quite an experience to watch him expertly roll the boat with just a pole. It feels do peaceful when there is only the sounds of swirling waters, no grinding sound of the motor.

And from the middle of the river, we get some gorgeous views of Arashiyama from seen from land. And it’s fun to watch the cute ducks in action.

The staff of Arashiyama Bune Yakata feeding the ducks. Tourists should not feed them though.

Cute ducks 😍 It’s so funny when one just swoops in to join the one swimming.

Floating canteen to buy snacks and drinks to enjoy while on the boat.

Ebisuya at Arashiyama

After the awesome Ebisuya rickshaw at Asakusa, I’m excited about the one at Arashiyama. And our rickshaw puller of the day is Shuji, a polite energetic young chap well versed in English, knows all the good spots to take photos and has good photography skills.

One of the main highlights of the ride is through the bamboo forest. This forest is huge and full of people near the entrance. So the best part about taking rickshaw to see bamboo forest is exploring the deeper part of the forest where there is less people. The place is so beautiful and breathtaking, where the tall majestic bamboo trees extend high up towards the sky.

And I have to admit that it feels pretty good to relax on the rickshaw as we zip past the tourists exploring the forest on foot.

And it is a super sunny day, so I’m so grateful for the shade of the rickshaw that shelters us from the sun. Thus I am comfortable enough to be able to fully enjoy the beautiful scenery and immerse in the vibes.

The low-rise residential buildings here are gorgeous and have so much unique character in them. They take great care of their plants, and it shows. It is like you know this is Japan by just looking at these buildings.

Shuji is very knowledgeable and along the way, shares interesting facts about Arashiyama’s cultures, history, buildings and the relationship with nature.

And he knows where are the secret awesome photo-taking spots, allowing me to have a good time admiring the beautiful scenery and taking some great pictures.

It's a must to take the rickshaw ride, it makes the tour in Arashiyama all the more better and more fulfilling.