Dining in Hakone Japanese Style

II'm trying to stay awake right now after an amazing meal at our ryokan (traditional Japanese inn) in Hakone.   I started the evening with a visit to the hot springs (sorry no photos available for that part of the experience).    I made it back to our room just in time to help Wesley and LD put on their yukatas (cotton robes like kimonos).  They had to bring larger robes for L.D. and me.

Then we settled down to be served each of our courses.  For some reason, that really impressed Wesley.  I was very proud of him because he tried everything without complaining and liked it all.  I have to admit that when he asked what the sashimi was, I just said that it was fish and left out the raw part!  Menu and some action shots below.  Tonight I'll remember to take some photos of the food before we devour it

LD

Excellent Traditional Japanese dinner.  I lost track of how many courses we ate.  How do they stay so trim and fit?  Not so sure that I could get use to the public bathing idea.. Perhaps 40 years ago it would been easier while I was in football shape!  We are really enjoying this part of the trip thus far.

Final shot to give you some idea of the dimensions of the room.  L.D. does a lot of ducking.

Dinner #2

Dinner at a Japanese inn is different and good, but I wouldn't want to have it every night.  I liked the food, but I just think that eating all of this food would get boring.  I like that there is a lot of food and that you get to cook your own food sometimes.   I think that's neat!  I like how it's not all just one meal because you get different courses at different times.   My favorite thing tonight - crab.  Overall I think it's a good experience and eventually it may start hurting sitting on the floor.  (Wesley)

Favorite food - sukiyaki.  (Amanda and LD).  It was tender, delicious and tasty - LD

A look at tonight's meal before we devoured it.