Getting to Urabandai was slightly tricky because we needed to line up the timing of the JR train and the local bus so that we could reach the hiking spot in the morning and not at noon. Thankfully, Japan's reliable public transportation rewards everyone who does their research, so we were able to reach our destination without hiccups.
On top of the smooth journey, we also had the best weather for hiking: an overcast day with a temperature of around 23 degrees Celsius. Everyone was awed by the serene lakes and took turns to take pictures, commemorating their hikes. There were plenty of tourists at Urabandai, but international visitors were scarce. A local lady we talked to was very surprised that we would go all the way there from Malaysia.
On top of the smooth journey, we also had the best weather for hiking: an overcast day with a temperature of around 23 degrees Celsius. Everyone was awed by the serene lakes and took turns to take pictures, commemorating their hikes. There were plenty of tourists at Urabandai, but international visitors were scarce. A local lady we talked to was very surprised that we would go all the way there from Malaysia.
A kind uncle offered to take a photo of us when we were at a smaller lake. Noel and I showcased our brightest smiles. But where's the pond? It's barely visibly in the photo. Nevertheless, thank you, uncle, for trying.
This is probably the best shot we had throughout the trail. The Japanese lady who asked us where we were from took this. She also took many other shots from various angles. Thank you!
After hiking, we had Kitakata ramen, a style of ramen originating from Kitakata, Fukushima. We tried both shio (salt) and soy sauce flavored ramen. I was pleasantly surprised by how light yet flavorful the shio-based broth was, a stark contrast to the tonkotsu broth we usually get at Japanese restaurants in Malaysia. I love the simplicity of Kitakata ramen. It's filling, but it didn't leave me with a food coma or foul breath.
After lunch and shopping for souvenirs, we went to the Morohashi Museum of Modern Art, which was another place I was eager to explore. According to the museum website, the museum’s collection of Dali works is the third largest in the world after those of the Dali Museum in Florida and the Dali Theatre and Museum in Spain. It is also the only museum in Asia where Dali’s works are on permanent exhibit.
After lunch and shopping for souvenirs, we went to the Morohashi Museum of Modern Art, which was another place I was eager to explore. According to the museum website, the museum’s collection of Dali works is the third largest in the world after those of the Dali Museum in Florida and the Dali Theatre and Museum in Spain. It is also the only museum in Asia where Dali’s works are on permanent exhibit.
The museum building and its compound are also a work of art. The building is majestic, and the overall landscape evokes a sense of tranquility.
I have seen quite a few Dali paintings on TV and in other museums before, so I'm no stranger to his signature motifs of melting clocks and half-open drawers. The visit to the Morohashi Museum opened my eyes to the beauty of Dali's sculptures.
My favorite sculpture was The Anthropomorphic Cabinet, featuring a human with an octopus head, half-lying on the floor. The lines of the tentacles and the shins are smooth while the lines of the drawers are sharp and straight. Overall, the sculpture looks clean, with each line carved crisply and purposefully. Photos are strictly prohibited in the museum, so I have nothing to show here.
I have seen quite a few Dali paintings on TV and in other museums before, so I'm no stranger to his signature motifs of melting clocks and half-open drawers. The visit to the Morohashi Museum opened my eyes to the beauty of Dali's sculptures.
My favorite sculpture was The Anthropomorphic Cabinet, featuring a human with an octopus head, half-lying on the floor. The lines of the tentacles and the shins are smooth while the lines of the drawers are sharp and straight. Overall, the sculpture looks clean, with each line carved crisply and purposefully. Photos are strictly prohibited in the museum, so I have nothing to show here.
From the hike to the ramen break to the museum visit, everything played out organically without the stress of traffic, the heat or the crowd. On our bus ride back to Inawashiro train station, Noel commented that I looked so happy while staring out of the window. Yes, I was. The greenery was indeed, for a lack of better term, healing.
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