CLIMB EVERY MOUNTAIN

Monday, October 06, 2014
Hakone, Kanto, Japan
Just about 3 hours outside of Tokyo, we found our idyllic escape. The guidebook description alone was mouth-watering. 

Hakone is a region popular among Tokyites (is this a word? If not, it should be) looking to escape the rat race for a day or more . Well up into the mountains, it boasts clean crisp air, lush forests, and a gorgeous alpine lake. Just what we were looking for.

As if that wasn't enough, one part of the area is a virtual hotbed of seismic activity, which meant sulphuric emissions, resulting in huge flumes of rising steam clouds. It is quite dramatic to watch and it seemed that the whole thing could blow at any time. This felt a bit threatening, particularly given the recent volcano eruption a few hundred kilometers away. But seeing the busloads of school kids and tourists was somehow reassuring. 

We spent 2 fun days, cruising on the lake, riding scenic cable cars up and over the mountains, buses shuttling us around from point to point, and a tramway taking us up to our mountainside hotel. Even the train ride there was a unique experience, a small train chugging up the mountain, with a few switchbacks along the way to overcome the steep climb. I could swear I heard it saying: I think I can, I think I can ....
 
Topping it all off were the onsens. You see, all that geothermal activity means that hot springs are abundant here. All hotels have them. An onsen is a natural hot spring bath that is like a jacuzzi without the jets. The Japanese have a finely-honed set of rituals and social behaviours they observe in using an onsen. Extreme cleanliness before use is mandatory, for instance, as are the kimonos to be worn upon entry. The reward for users, however, are numerous. After a day of touring, it just felt so good to be soaking in the buff in a pool of hot mineral water with a bunch of equally nude men. Perhaps I should rephrase that. 

Each night, Bonnie went to the ladies' onsen, I to the gents. An hour later, we met at the massage chairs (did I mention that they had body and foot massage chairs?), spent some time there, and then oozed our way back to our cozy room and melted into bed, like butter on toast. 
 
On our last day in Hakone , and indeed, Japan, we were graced with a crystal clear day, and this meant an excellent view of majestic Mt. Fuji, a fitting end to our stay. We returned to Tokyo refreshed, relaxed, and ready for our flight to Delhi the next day.

Comments

cissie.retired
2014-10-06

Your trip to Hakone (sounds Hebrew to me) seems to have been timed perfectly. Amazing that the Japanese have a great get-a-way for themselves so close to Tokyo's turmoil. So glad you were able to take advantage of it. Love your kimonos and you both look very elegant! Love the description of melting into bed like butter on toast..which is what every massage should end with! I look forward to the next blog with taste buds ready.

The Sunnies
2014-10-06

This trip certainly seems as if it incredibly wonderful, as is always the case with you family travelers! For whatever reasons, this trip seems to be the very best of all of your other holidays...am I right? Your appreciation for all you are experiencing is SO obvious in all of your blogs...truly wonderful to read and enjoy through your eyes! Please continue to share your journey, as I look forward to reading about all of your experiences! Warren and I are just beginning to discuss retirement, so perhaps when this finally happens, you will have two cousins trailing (far) behind you in the traveling department!!
Love you and safe travels!

Hope Springman
2014-10-06

Loved your tales from Japan - your vivid descriptions of all your experiences are marvellous. I especially loved visualizing buffy David in the hot mineral water pool. Your descriptions do full justice to this exotic country. Wishing you safe travels to India, and looking forward to reading about your adventures there! High Holidays were wonderful, and you were missed! Love, Hope

rita
2014-10-06

wonderful

2025-02-07

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