Local attractions

About 10 years ago there was a Japanese television drama called, "Sekaino chushinde Ai wo Sakebu" that was filmed in Obachan chi's town. The storyline follows the lives of two young high school sweet hearts with the backdrop of Izu and its beaches. The climax of the story has the girlfriend diagnosed with a terminal illness. Yes, it was young love and yes it was also sad. The boyfriend travels to Australia (my homeland!) as a last wish to his girlfriend to scatter her ashes in the Northern Territory. Interestingly, the funeral parlor used in the drama was the same used for dear Obachan. The original story was also translated into English which is called, "Socrates in Love".

The lookout overlooking the town below as shown in the tv drama

Obachan chi's town is not only famous for this particular drama, but is also featured in the current Pasco bread advertisement showing this same lookout. 

Another popular attraction with both the passing tourists and locals is the local onsen (hot spring). It is always a welcome treat for us too at the end of our day to relax and recharge our tired muscles. The onsen is open to the public 7 days a week. As we are part-time locals (meaning we pay for the utility bills) we can  also enjoy this local attraction for ¥300 per visit and for non-locals ¥500. It's a bargain in my opinion as there are both indoor and outdoor onsens with a blossoming sakura tree overhanging and mountains to set the scene......so now you know where we head too!