Gingerbread houses and reflections

Today we left Niseko and on the way to Sapporo/Chitose we passed a few of these tiny weeny little houses in the woods.  I can imagine them as hunters lodges or something like that but have no idea what they were.  Such a pretty drive back to Sapporo and snowing most of the way.    We then flew back to Tokyo and have been driven from Haneda airport to Nozawa.  We arrived here about 8 pm and after leaving Niseko at 7.30 am it's been a long day.

Nozawa is a traditional Onsen town with narrow winding streets and not many westerners around.  We have been made to feel very welcome in our Ryokan but there is no wifi in the rooms so I am afraid my commenting is going to be limited for the next 5 days.

I have to say that Tokyo is even bigger and more amazing than I remember.  The system of highways they have here are fabulous.  It was easy driving, if not fairly busy around Tokyo, all the way from the airport to Nozawa.  Two rest stops and like anywhere the toilets are clean and beautifully kept.  The last one had flower arrangements and even a little children's rest room.  And of course, the heated toilet seats.