Today the skiew were overcast so we rethought our plans. Originally we were going to do the walk between Tsumago and Magome, two old post towns in Gifu-ken, however the weather did not bode well for walking.

Indtead we headed up to Suwa lake where there was allegedly a natural geyser. The rain on the way was torrential but stopped when we arrived. As with many tourist attractions, they are not signposted but we took a guess and parked up near an old steam locamotive.

We walked along the front where their were boats for tourists in the shapes of a swan and a turtle with another turtle on its back. Along the prom we came across a strange area with many textured areas. We gather from a sign that it was all to do with the feet. Next door was a footbath, filled with warm steamy water that Kevin had a paddle in.

Just beyound we found the Suwako geyser but suspected it might not be as natural as we hoped as it had a sign telling folk when it would erupt.

Whilst we waited for the next eruption we could see what looked like a waterfall across the other side of the lake. We were a bit bemused when it seemed to stop and disappear.

Approaching 12:30 other people showed up and an announcement over a tannoy told us the geyser was about to blow. It rose up with lots of water and steam. See the videos and pics. There was definitely a sulphourous smell in the air. It last about five minutues and steamed away for quite a while after.

We walked back along the shore and tried to work out what some circles made with logs were on the waterside.

There was a sculture of a shepherd playing to his sheep.

Furhter down there were trees with the individual fruits covered with bags. On closer inspection, these turned out to be quince.

We decided to try and find the disappearing waterfall so drove aroung the edge. Near the barrage we spotted in the water a metal structure with lights. Suddenly it came on and a fountain arose.

On the way back we ignored the satnav which is obsessed with directing us onto toll routes. We made our way on A roads which were lined with endless snack bars, shops, car showrooms etc. There seems to be little planning control here as these corridors all blur into one.

Back at the hotel a friend had somewhat belatedly asked us to pick up some traditional Japanese tabi boots. Joan knew these were worn by agricultural workes (as well as ninjas) and we found an old dusty shop that sold workwear staffed by an old gentleman. He dusted of some boxes and bags and found some tabi boots but sadly they weren't big enough for our friend's feet.

We carried on up the road and just as we were about to turn round we came across a vegetarian and vegan restaurant, Gen. As we couldn't read the menu we went for the set dish of the day which turned out to be a vegetable stew, rice with mushrooms, a tofu pattie and selected pickled veg. It was very warming, welcome and tasty!