Hakone

From Tokyo we made our way to Hakone using our Japan Rail pass.  We caught the bullet train and a few  local trains and a ropeway to get to our 'onsen' accommodation in Hakone. 

These guys and girls in pink are the cleaners and as the train comes into the station they all stand and salute the train. Then on the command of the whistle, each pink person enters the cabin of the train and in less than a couple of minutes they are out again having cleaned the train!  Truly amazed by Japanese efficiency!  We could have also have stayed on the platform all day watching the bullet trains zoom past... very mesmerising! 

Before boarding a bullet train, we noticed that the locals stocked up with bento boxes.  So we got ourselves some onigiri and Brett being desperate for his coffee got a hot coffee in a can from a vending machine!

The hot coffee in a can from a vending machine

After a few more train transfers and a ropeway we finally got to our traditional Japanese inn and it was amazing!  So spacious and comfortable. 

Our tatami room in our Japanese inn

 

After a quick rest we headed out to see how far we could go on the cable-cars as we had a 2 day Hakone freepass which allowed us to use all the different transport .  We managed to get to the first station on the loop, Owakudani.  From our onsen we caught a ropeway up to the top then it was on to the first lot of cable cars. 

The ropeway 

The cable car 

It wasn't long before we were over the sulphur spewing holes. The scene was quite surreal and felt apocalyptic as we went over the crater that was created during the last eruption of Mt Hakone some 3000 years ago.  The area is still an active volcanic zone where the sulphurous fumes are evident.  On clear days you could also get a good view of Mt Fuji on the cable car up to Owakudani but no such luch for us.  

We got as far as Owakudani before it started getting dark and we decided to head back to our onsen. 

Back at our accommodation, the girls found some dress-ups!  Rather they were robes we were to wear when we went to the ryokan's hot spring. The kids were thrilled to find that there were two sets that were their size and we had a ball playing dress-ups!  
 
 

 

As there were no restaurants within walking distance from our accomodation, dinner that night was take-away from 7-11!  Who knew that you could get a very nice meal of udon noodles, teriyaki chicken and chicken oyakodon and fresh sushi from a convenience store.  Each bowl was around $5 AUD or less.

Kids loved the dining set up of the low table but one of the adults had troubles working out what to do with his legs!

The kids also loved the spaciousness of the tatami rooms and how we all sleep on futons in the one room.

The next morning we woke and went to breakfast where we were served a traditional Japanese breakfast of miso soup, rice, pickles, fish, tofu, beans, sweet omelette and vegetables.  All beautifully presented but the kids were not huge fans and were happy with just rice and soya sauce.

After breakfast we still could not get over how nice our room was and spent some time just enjoying it before heading out for the day. 

 

 In Japan, you never wear your shoes pass the front door and all accommodation seems to provide you with slippers to wear inside.  They even have separate toilet slippers that you only wear in the toilet. 

Waiting for our ropeway

Our first stop was Owakudani where we did not get a chance to explore the previous day. Again, unfortunately for us, no view of Mt Fuji from the cable car.  This time we explored Owakudani, walking around the crater rim and ate the volcanic black egg.  Apparently, eating it lengthens your life expectancy by seven years!

 

 
 
 

Peanuts coated in bamboo charcoal powder that is only available in Hakone

After Owakudani, the next cable car took us to Lake Ashinoko where we boarded a 'pirate ship' for a ride across the lake to the other side of Hakone (Moto-Hakone). 

 

 

After getting off at Moto-Hakone, we walked through the cedar forest and tried to find the vantage point for Mt Fuji.

Moto Hakone

 
 
 

 

The lake was formed after the volcano's last eruption 3000 years ago and quite often you will see postcards of the lake with Mt Fuji in the background.  However, again we did not get so much as a glimpse of Mt Fuji!  

So on a clear day this is where you would see Mt Fuji in the background

We ended up getting a little lost in the park that we found ourselves in as all the signs didn't seem to make sense!  After what felt like an eternity we found ourselves in town where we found a 7-11 and got ourselves a little picnic lunch which we ate on the shores of the lake.  Fresh gyozas and sashimi were well received. 

 
 

 

After lunch we headed towards the red tori gates that were on the water and that had been in view all day as we explored Hakone. 

We caught the bus and train back to the other side of the lake and our accommodation. After a long tiring day sightseeing we thought we would try out the onsen at our accommodation.  Luckily for us it was not a communal one and you take turns using it as a family.  The water though was too hot for the kids to stay in. 

Exhausted but still smiling

 

The change area of the onsen

The shower area 

And the HOT tub itself