Rain Forest

　　Japan is rich in hot springs and this tiny island also has several. We went to the farthest south of the island to use a footbath, which was run by local government and was free. While I soaked my feet in the hot water under the subtropical strong sunshine looking over the horizon, sweat came out of my body.
　　Next, we took a walk in the midst of the rain forest. A waterfall behind which we could step was the main feature of this area. It was comfortable for a heated body. I came across a ruined shrine on the way, whose approach was so steep that my wife didn't climb up for fear of losing her balance. Though it was simply constructed only by round stones, its stability was amazing. Japan is an earthquake country!
　　We took a type of hotel called minshuku, which provides room and board at low prices, and has a good reputation, due to the warm family hospitality provided. I asked for local cuisine for dinner in advance and "shima sushi" was served for the first dinner. In shima sushi, not the raw fish but marinated pieces of fish were topped on the handful shaped rice. Their color didn't work up an appetite, but they were really delicious.

(Vocabulary)
marinate ~ in a mixture of …を混ぜ合わせたものに～を漬け込む
give sb an appetite ＜人＞の食欲を刺激する
work up an appetite 食欲をわかせる