The Izu peninsula is a large mountainous peninsula located

 about 100 miles west of Tokyo.

We never thought of fishing in a river so close to Tokyo,

but the season in many rivers of Izu lasts till end of October.

Our translator who lives in Tokyo knows the river well

and planned a trip there so we went!

Members of this trip was Masami, his wife Kyoko,

Team Oni member Kura-san and translator Go-san.

Masami with his careful approach
What a good looking stream!

We thought we’d see a good size Amago from this spot…

 This area is skip and a hop from Tokyo we found evidence of another angler

(probably bait fishing) before us so the situation was not the best.

Still, the first day was warm and Masami hooked several nice Amago

 before we encountered a Japanese viper “Mamushi”!

The Japanese viper! They can swim across a river… This one was sunbathing on top of this rock

Masami in his stealth mode

 Well, our “official” season” is over as the “home” river shut down last month

 so on this trip, the main gig was ONSEN! (Hot Springs)

Check out the size of this facility!

Japan is basically a large set of volcanic mountains sticking out of the Pacific Ocean.

 We have hot springs everywhere.

Everyone on this trip seemed to have trouble with our backs but now we believe

 in the “ONSEN” magic.  We all got better!

Most “ONSEN” places works like a hotel Spa.  You can stay, eat and keep

 going back to the mineral filed hot sprongs all you want.

This place we stayed in has one of the largest hot spring facility we’ve seen,

 and the food was absolutely amazing!

Starting out with a Sashimi boat! On the left is Japanese lobster sashimi!

Everything was fantastic

This historic hotel is built traditionally and for the quality of food,

 service, our rooms and the hot springs it was a great bargain! (￥15,000 each)

Very charming rooms

Here’s the link to the site of where we stayed　↓

 http://homepage2.nifty.com/kanaya/

Found a nice classic place for Ramen and dumplings!

The delicious Ramen