HAKONE
Calm, peaceful, with a touch of cats
One of the most wondrous places we stayed, layered with incredible scenery, was the beautiful country-side destination of Hakone. We took the hour and a half long voyage by train out of Tokyo to experience the Miyasaki-aesthetics of this beautiful city. From the initial pirate ship boat ride, to the ropeway cars, and the thick forest trails, having a taste of the quieter side of Japan was such a treat.
Hakone is seen as a city-goers getaway with multiple modes of transportation (cable car, ropeway, bus & train) to traverse the mountainous terrain and explore the various activities offered. Most famous being the Japanese volcanic bath houses or “onsen”. A naked number that had me a bit frazzled and uncomfortable, but an experience that I am glad I met with openness. Our voyage was focused on seeing and tasting the sights and food Hakone had to offer, as well as getting a little lost in the trails and pathways tunneling through the greenery. Shopping was always a constant, but the unique item offered here was plenty of “Manju” (a soft pastry with sweet bean paste inside). Every block we went you were sure to see manju salespeople offering free samples, or open windows showing their unique production methods. A treat not for all palates, but I thoroughly enjoyed ~
Our “Pirates of the Caribbean” transport arriving to dock
View from the ropeway
Hakone Ropeway Car
Stumbled upon the saddest (yet cutest) looking cat outside the first Hakone Ropeway Station
At our Airbnb, we were greeted by a white-haired, blue-eyed cat who begged for hours to come inside.
We nicknamed him/her “Snowball”
Down a trail towards a Japanese historical tomb site, some of the most enchanting scenes were here
Children’s hospital
Concrete slabs and equipment for the nearby train track
Closed down karaoke bar, converted to a mechanic and gas station…
…the arrow points to the station
Shot looking downhill near our Airbnb
Bath house “Onsen”
Back window of the train leaving Hakone. A look at the layering of landscape, hills and houses. The balance between nature and urbanized areas, both in Hakone and even Tokyo, is much smoother than I’ve seen anywhere else. The buildings and structures flow throughout the landscape without feeling overbearing or entitled. Surely intentional and designed thoughtfully with the work of some talented urban planners, but can go easily unnoticed. The sign of great design.
