Best of 2010 Travel: Hokkaido Ryokans and Onsens- only in Japan

Have been wanting to do this "project" for the longest time. It's day 12th into the "New Year " and I am finally able to kick off.

In no order of preference, here's the 1 of 10 favorite travel moments in 2010:

1) Ryokans & Onsens!
With the "wintery" weather Singapore is currently experiencing, I constantly daydream about my Onsen experience back in Hokkaido. So calming, relaxing and heavenly to unwind in a hot spring. I love the outdoor hot springs best. The water temperature maybe about 38-40 deg C and ambient air is at <10 deg C. Very refreshing . Honestly, one of the best-est  ways to end the day. The tatami mats are comfy to snuggle into too. (Of course, Japanese hot springs also means the very strange and still in existence public bathes. That itself is an experience no less, which I rather not explained in any more further details. =P)

Comfy and warm Tatamis.

The insides of a Ryokan. These tables and chairs make way for the tatami as night falls.

A very pretty Ryokan overlooking a scenic and calm Lake Mashu. What a view to wake up to!