Hakone

Hakone is an area about a 90 minute train ride outside of Tokyo renowned for its natural beauty, including hot springs fed by the volcanic activity in the area.  Like much of Japan, it isn't really set up for tourists, but we managed to find our way around without getting into too much trouble!

On the Romance car to Hakone.

Visiting the Chirijii falls.

That's Mt. Fuji in the background.

Cruising on Lake Ashi

Smoke from the side of the volcano in Hakone

Riding the Hakone-Tonzun Railway

At the Hakone Open-Air Museum

Ryokan Fukuzumiro

Part of the Japan experience has to be a stay in a traditional Japanese inn or ryokan.  Fukuzumiro is definitely the most traditional one that I have stayed in (even though it has wifi which as Wesley noted, is not very traditional) and it has been a delightful stay.  These rooms have none of the western style creature comforts (although there is TV).  Floors are covered in tatami mats, yukata cotton robes to wear in your room and around the ryokan, no shoes anywhere in the ryokan, sleeping on mats on the floor (comfortable enough but it does make me appreciate the water bed).

 The hot springs are very relaxing once you get over the fact that you're sitting in a pool with total strangers and no clothes on.  The experience reminds of going to the hammam in Tunisia.  I would go in tired and dirty, and leave feeling incredibly clean and refreshed.  The tubs of the hot springs (separate ones for men and women) are carved out of a cypress tree.  One is designed as a rock grotto.  The other is more pedestrian, but still very relaxing. (As an aside, the men get to use the nicer one for a longer period of time than the women do!).  It's great to be able enjoy the hot springs in the hotel.

L.D. on the hot springs:  Hot springs were nice. Very soothing and relaxing.  I didn't think twice about the fact that I was in there with a group of strangers.  I was surprised that the Japanese were so self-conscious.  when we would come in, the Japanese would immediately cover up their private parts while Wesley and I were walking around with everything hanging out.

Wesley on the hot springs:  It was hot.  I started sweating.  I wish that you could turn down the temperature a bit then it would be okay.  I thought it was weird not to wear any clothes.  Shouldn't you put on a swimsuit?

This is also where you shower (not in the springs it before you enter) because there are no bathrooms or toilets in the room.  The toilet is unisex and quite charming, except for the fact that the urinals are out in the open.  I always make LD or Wesley go with me to act as my scout to make sure that I am not surprised in my way in or out. I'm pretty open-minded, but there are some things that I don't need to experience.

It's been a lovely stay.   The photos below will give you a taste of the experience.

The river that runs by Ryokan Fukuzimoro.  We could hear it in the room.

 I think that this was our fire escape!

Wesley is in there somewhere!

East meets west and traditional meets the wired world of iPads.

Japan was not made for people LD's size.  He's wearing a traditional wool jacket to get warm.

The unisex bathroom has its charms (the basin for washing your hands) and even boasts a western style toilet with a heated seat.

Ryokan version of a western breakfast.

Japanese breakfast at the ryokan.

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.

Tokyo Time

DArrived on time and were met by our friends the Matsushitas who got safely on the Narita express and on a taxi to Sue's apartment.

Views from Sue's apartment

Hong Kong

True to Newby form for this trip we arrived with a typhoon -- Typhoon Mijigae, although it was just sitting to the south of Hong Kong.  It brought plenty of rain and causes us to get to Hong Kong about an hour late.  The only time that has happened this trip.  No touring today, but we had a great visit with Holly and her son, plus Holly has great views of the city from her apartment!

On the airport express train to Hong Kong station - very easy to use and fast!

Views from the apartment 

And a last shot