Japan Kantō Winter Drive to Mt Fuji - Part 6 - Last (Tokyo-Singapore)

Departing from Kusatsu, we headed towards Ikaho Onsen to meet our friends for lunch. Coincidentally they were on their way to Kusatsu on the same day we depart! 

Lake Haruna

To reach Ikaho Onsen, we had to pass through Mt Haruna, also known as Mount Akina in Initial D!

Firstly there was Lake Haruna, where we took a little stroll and tried to take a few steps on the frozen waters~ Except for the occasional cars which passed by, there was hardly anyone in the area. 

After Lake Haruna came the main event, the drive from Lake Haruna to Ikaho Onsen is supposed to be the actual route that Initial D creators based their Mt Akina route on. Some kind person has marked the map here. 

Japan Kantō Winter Drive to Mt Fuji - Part 5 (Ryokan Tokinoniwa 季の庭)

On the last day we check-in into 湯宿　季の庭（ときのにわ）Tokinoniwa
[Official Website]. It is an onsen ryokan situated in the southern part of Kusatsu town. They are part of the Kyoritsu Resort Group and their establishments are usually nice and stylish.

After we parked the car and walked into the main hall, the first thing we were told to do was to take off our shoes before we stepped onto the reception area. Initially I thought it was a hassle to take off my shoes and then have to wear them again when we go to the rooms. It was later then I realized that the entire building was covered with tatami mat!