The Ome River walk- so refreshing on a hot summer day

The weather in Japan is absolutely stifling in the summertime! Being from the western US, I don’t think I will never get used to the heat and humidity. In an effort to beat the heat, we headed to the Ome  (pronounced Oh-may) river walk to wander around, and possibly swim.

There is a large suspension bridge across the river, that led to the walking path. 

The path was so picturesque and scenic.

There was also a lot of water recreation; rafting,

fishing,

even paddle boarding! I have never seen this done on a river.

Then there was this…….??? 

Well, folks, the honor system is alive and well in Japan. We passed this stand with vegetables and a box to leave your money. Only in Japan!

There is always a vending machine. Yes, even on a hike in the mountains, you will always come across a vending machine (or several)! 

We hooked up with our good friends, the Kevers, and the kids couldn’t wait to start swimming. I thought the water was cold, but, you know kids! 

Ella and Stanley. These kids are two peas in a pod!

The whole gang. (left to right: Molly, Eva, Stanley, Tommy, Ella, Audrey) 

“Mom, take my picture!” 

Ella had to start jumping in, of course. 

Well, the water was cold, but they were so refreshed afterwards! 

Of course, there was a shrine. It looked like it was in the treetops.

We climbed lots of stairs to the top. 

On the way to our car, Ella kept mentioning the museum that we passed on the trail. I said no, until she said that this was the museum she read about in the newspaper, about hair combs and clips. What?!

We decided to check it out to make sure, and sure enough, it was the Sawanoi Museum, of traditional hair ornaments. Way to go Ella! We couldn’t say no after that.

It wasn’t very large, but we enjoyed looking.

This was the view from the large windows at the museum. 

One day we were in the heart of the world’s largest city, and the next day….this! It’s not what I pictured Japan to be like at all. So beautiful!