We woke up early in the Ryokan, took a quick (public) bath, and toured the area. This beautiful item was in the lobby.

Outside, it was very foggy and drizzly in the mountain region. This looks up at our room on the fifth floor.

Below the ryokan, a river channel with brisk water flows.

Can you see any crazy Americans leaning over the bamboo wall? The hot spring water baths are on the top floor.

A spider greets me on the way back up the hill to the hotel.

We have breakfast in the same room as the feast the night before. I sense less enthusiasm for Japanese food...I heard someone ask for toast or cereal!

Mmmmm....breakfast!

I'd give anything for a cup of coffee right now...

Wait...it's a dream come true!

Several road weary Americans pay 500 yen for coffee! Then we pack up on the bus again, and it's time to visit the paper factory.

We are tickled to see students at a bus stop!

We arrive at the Tokushu Paper Manufacturing Company. Our bus is greeted by several workers.

As we pass through the hallway, I pose by a wall displaying the different textures and colors of paper made at the plant.

We gather in the board room, with a beautiful centerpiece up front...

..but of course I'm focusing on the techie-nerd AV equipment!

All of the normal people are looking over the gifts on the tables.

We are delighted with the lovely yellow hats!

We are given a brief overview of the company, and shown a video. We are divided into two groups for the tour. We are asked not to take photos in the plant, but when we make hand-made paper, we may capture those Kodak moments.

The frames wait for us to try our hand at paper making.

First, the frames are dipped in the paper slurry. The frame is rocked to let the paper settle, then extra water is tossed off.

After a couple of passes through the slurry, the paper is on the bamboo screens. It is carefully rolled off onto absorbant paper.

The demonstration looked easy, but we discover it's not quite so simple once it is our turn.... thank goodness for the plastic apron!

I love this apron! Do you think this watch is slurry-proof?

After the paper has been formed, we place petals and leaves on it for decoration. We also place our names, written in Japanese, on top.

Here is my final project! It still needs a top layer (which the staff here will do), then go through the dryer

Then, the people at the plant place our projects through several blotter papers to dry them further, then finally on a heated, curved dryer.

Then, we went to the museum site at the paper factory. First, we view ancient ruins, and an excavated crypt.

Then we went into the museum. The museum is under construction, so we were only able to see a few artifacts, but what we saw was exquisite.

We admired the works of art. Each item in the museum has something to do with paper.

After we left the paper factory, we stopped at a hotel and had lunch. After eating at the Ryokan...

...we are tickled to have steak, potatoes, bread, and sweet dessert!

Next, we arrive at Numazu Goyotei Kinen Park. We are welcomed by dignitaries, and given information on Numazu City.

As we go through the former emperial palace, and marvel at its simplicity. This is the kitchen, and the bath.

Then, we went to the Technical College. The students shared their robotics projects.

I instantly bonded with the guys on the computers!

I think the stop at the technical school was Terri's highlight of the trip!

We are greeted at the Numazi Hotel by the desk clerks.

The room is mighty tiny- I barely have room to turn around...

....so we decide to take off to the mall, where there is a lot more room!

I see someone familiar, and decide to have my picture taken with him.