The same day Mom (Salazar) departed from Tokyo, was also the same day that Mom (Frijas) arrived back from her trip to the Philippines. Therefore, it was a convenient drop off and pick up at the Narita Airport, as planned. This would officially be Mom's (Frijas) third visit to Japan and each visit has been a great adventure for us all. She's definitely become quite the world traveler! 
Golden Week consists of national holidays in Japan. It came around too quick, and as per usual, many businesses, including Honda, had a week-long holiday. During the beginning of the week, we visited some of our favourite parks outside of Tokyo, including Shinrin National Park in Saitama Prefectrue. There, we took a nature tour aboard the log bus through the park. After a relaxing half-hour ride, we were dropped off at the Musashi Kids Dome where Markus enjoyed playing in the giant jungle gym and slides. Unlike last year, we could not bike through the paved trails. Unfortunately, my doctor's orders include NOT riding bikes...shucks! Though, I highly recommend the bike trails!
Reaching new heights!
Chillin' out on the log bus tour while enjoying the scenes.
Mid-week we took a drive southwest to Izu Peninsula in Shizuoka Prefecture about 2.5 hours away and spent three days exploring popular sites north, south, east, and west shores, including central peninsula. Izu Peninsula is popularly known for its hotsprings, also referred to as onsen baths. Most resorts, if not all, have their onsen baths located outdoors where you could relax and enjoy the beautiful natural landscapes within the peaceful surroundings. The hot springs were thought to have been discovered during the 8th century and finally Izu developed as a hot spring resort towards the end of the 19th century.
It was a wonderful road trip with a ton of amazing sites to see. We first headed toward the western shoreline to Dogashima to see the rock formations and caves. For a small fee, we took a boat tour around the area, and entered into a few caves. It was such a gorgeous day to be out on the water! Lava flow from volcanic eruptions together with erosion by the sea, created the incredible stone formations along the shoreline. 
Bracing myself, I held my breath as the boat nearly scathed the walls of the narrow opening.
While entering one of the dark caves, you could not help but marvel at nature's beauty of sunlight captured through the opening from above. Breathtaking!
I was fascinated by the side-swept trees atop this rock formation. Strangely, it reminded me of a toupee!
Joren-no-taki Falls (Naka-Izu)
Next, we headed south known as Minami-Izu toward Shimoda, where we reserved a hotel/ryokan (Japanese style-rooom) on the waterfront. But first, we headed to the Joren-no-taki Falls central peninsula, known as Naka-Izu. Along the walking path, there are several open-air bathing spots.
Shirahama Beach, in Minami Izu
As we drove toward our hotel, we couldn't resist stopping at the beach. By then it was later in the afternoon. There were still people out body boarding in the water, though not many on the lounging on beach. Markus was thrilled to take a break from riding in the car to play in the sand. It was great to chill out with our feet in the sand and feel the fresh ocean breeze.
Our room's view
After dinner, Rodney and I took a hike to the lava cliffs along the shore. It was such a gorgeous view of the water. I was wearing my flat sandals, thus in no condition to be climbing high cliffs; it was still a fun little adventure anyway.
Back at the hotel, we reserved a time for the family onsen. Unfortunately, it was dark by the time we got in and didn't have much of a view of the water...just darkness amidst some tall bushes. After cleaning off, Rodney was the only one to fully soak in the bath, while Markus, Mom and I sat along the edge with our pants folded up and dipped our feet in the piping heat - 42 degrees Celsius in fact! This definitely had our blood circulating in our tired legs and feet, which felt wonderful. If you want to read further about onsen bath etiquette, click here.
After a nice night of rest, we headed out early to our next destination - East Izu known as Higashi Izu. We visited the Atagawa Tropical and Alligator Garden. Over 200 crocodiles of over 25 different species dwell in Atagawa Park. It was neat to see them up close - caged, of course. These creatures can hold completely still for very long periods of time without even a single blink. Markus wondered sometimes if they were even real! Occasionally, you'd find them opening their mouths showing off their frightening canines. I was worried about Markus freaking out, but he loved it! 
Crocs everywhere!
The botanical gardens contained rare tropical plants and fruits.
Orchids grown to perfection!
Markus enjoyed strolling through the banana farm greenhouse in search for his favourite fruit
Bananas anyone?!
The luxuriant tropical gardens are maintained using abundent heat from the hotsprings. We walked through greenhouses containing tropical fruits such as papayas, mangos, pineapples, and so on. At the end of the tour, we just had to stop at the cafe and have a taste of the fresh fruit for ourselves...sugoii ouishikatta! The most delectable, juicy tropical fruit I've ever tasted in my life!
There was more than enough to see at this attraction. We took more than enough photos to post. Among the many reptiles were other animals including the giant tortoises - most of which were over a hundred years old, and the very precious red-tailed pandas.
After our fun visit in Atagawa, we continued on our drive north by the coast along the Amagi Mountain Range to Komuroyama Park.
In the spring, azaleas grow everywhere in the region including around Tokyo. The park was 
beyond picturesque - more than I expected. Even Markus was moved by its beauty! The park is known to have over 200,000 azalea plants in various species. We climbed to the top of the observation platform to get a wide view the bright fushia-hued flowers from a distance.
Visiting the Izu Peninsula was definitely a worthwhile drive from Tokyo. We had such a great time touring. The drive along the coast alone was scenic and I'd certainly recommend a visit if you're ever in the area.
