.jpg "hakone japan 01")
After staying one night at a cozy guesthouse in Hakone, I had an early morning start to visiting some of the top attractions, including Owakudani, which is known for its steaming sulfur vents at Mount Hakone’s base. I was happy to see Mount Fuij again, thanks to another clear day. Several modes of transportation were taken this day, including a cable car, ropeway, and a pirate ship. I especially enjoyed a peaceful time of reflection at Lake Ashi. Then I took a local bus back to Gora Station and walked toward my ryokan (traditional Japanese inn) in Hakone, which was about 15 minutes of a difficult trek up a hilly road! I was rewarded with a quick stop at Hakone Gora Park (shown below with a self-portrait), which wasn’t in my itinerary but it was one of the most beautiful gardens I have ever encountered! The ryokan was comfortable and I loved the experience of kaiseki, which is a traditional multi-course Japanese dinner.
.jpg "hakone japan 02")
.jpg "hakone japan 03")
.jpg "hakone japan 04")
.jpg "hakone japan 05")
.jpg "hakone japan 06")
.jpg "hakone japan 07")
.jpg "hakone japan 08")
.jpg "hakone japan 09")
.jpg "hakone japan 10")
.jpg "hakone japan 11")
.jpg "hakone japan 12")
.jpg "hakone japan 13")
.jpg "hakone japan 14")
.jpg "hakone japan 15")
.jpg "hakone japan 16")
.jpg "hakone japan 17")
.jpg "hakone japan 18")
.jpg "hakone japan 19")
.jpg "hakone japan 20")
.jpg "hakone japan 21")
.jpg "hakone japan 22")
.jpg "hakone japan 23")