Hakone

I really should have written this before the last one - but you know how it is, sometimes there is a gap in inspiration and action!

At half term in October we got away from the city for a few days.  I was busy with a course so could not leave town for very long but we decided to make the best of it - and we did!  We stayed in the Hyatt in Hakone - a beautiful, small, exclusive hotel set in the mountains and foothills of Fuji- san.  We had the most fabulous suite with a view of Fuji san right outside the big picture windows - when the clouds weren't there!  The weather was OK - not too wet and quite chilly so we enjoyed the smell of woods and rain and crisp, clean mountain air.  The hotel itself resembled a Swiss ski lodge - all natural woods and pale colours - stunning.  The added bonus was an onsen (bath) that drew water from the volcanic ground underneath at a temperature of 40C.  There is a ritual around Japanese onsen (more on that at another time) but suffice to say it is a hugely relaxing experience and one that became quite addictive!

On our first day we took a short walk form the hotel to a little train to catch a cable car to catch a boat!  It was amazing.  The cable car dangles over sulphurous springs and volcanic landscape with a fine view of Lake Ashi as you approach your destination, Togendai.  The silence of a cable car and the eerieness of floating above a primordial landscape was unbelievably relaxing and totally absorbing. The arrival at Lake Ashi was something of surprise - we were greeted by the sight of pirate ships that plough their way across the lake!  Hmm, we thought, but we did it anyway!  To be greeted by a pirate on board demanding to have a photo taken was an interesting start to the cruise but I think Dave's short, but courteous, "No thank you" did the job - he didn't bother us again!  (She fails to mention that she did actually agree to it but felt very silly!)

Waiting to board the boat was an interesting experience.  There were many Japanese there, doing what we were doing.  This is an area of outstanding natural beauty and the Japanese are big into nature - they love it and find it very spiritual (well, if you live in Tokyo, it is the perfect antedote).  So, queuing then.  Dave, at 6 feet 2 inches, was quite literally, head and shoulders taller than all of those around us. They could not help but stare at him;  and stare they did.  We do not get this in Tokyo but it did remind us of our time in China - we were very used to being the centre of attention there!

Day two of our short trip was equally fascinating.  In the wilds of the Hakone area we found the most amazing open air art museum with the biggest collection of Picasso I have ever seen.  We had intended to pop in, do the tour and then push off to Odawara for the rest of the day.  No way!  We were there all day and could so easily return.  The photos say it all.

Sulphurous Springs

Pirate Ship - "Ahoy, me 'arties!!"

View from Lake Ashi

Fuji san himself

Art Museum - fabulous place