#Hakone Open Air Musuem

[traveling-couch-potato]

Japan Day 6

After nearly a week in Tokyo it was finally time for us to head out to Hakone for a bit of nature. 

The ride into town is so unbelievably gorgeous already.

This was our first more complicated transferring route but we got to Hakone-Yumato station with minimal complications. There’s also a decent bakery inside called Hakone Bakery Cafe if you’re looking for a quick snack.

The black sesame cream bread is a must get if you’re as crazy about black sesame as me.

This town is breathtakingly beautiful. Even around the station you’re greeted with views you can only imagine.

Unfortunately the place I originally intended on eating at was closed but since Hakone is known for their tofu, we ended up Googling a random spot called Shikajaya. We walked along the Sukumo River which was a pleasant stroll despite all our luggage and found the quaint restaurant. They offer several different types of meal sets so of course I had to get the one that allowed me to try the majority of the menu and every last item was phenomenal. It’s hard to describe how it’s so different from your grocery store boxed stuff but it’s an entirely different experience

After filling our bellies we headed to our main attraction of the day at the Hakone Open Air Museum. I was expecting a large sculpture garden but this place is incorporates that with more traditional exhibits, interactive works, and wonderful nature stops. There’s even a hot foot bath if you need to soak your feet and relax for a while.

This place is almost like a giant park for art loving adults. Definitely worth stopping by for a bit.

We covered most of everything at the museum and decided to leave early so we could use the Hakone Freepass-eligible transportation back to our hotel versus taking a bus directly there which would cost us additional money without any of the views. We weren’t planning on it but it’s supposed to rain tomorrow so we decided to take advantage of the nice weather from today. It was totally worth it. We got to stop by Gora for a bit (and collect an exclusive stamp for this anime promotion) and we got to take the ropeway back before it closed (at 5pm). The sky was so clear and we caught wonderful views of Mt. Fuji and the gases rising from Owakudani.

Thanks to the hotel’s free shuttle pickup (you just need to give them a call from the station with the 10 Yen pay phone) we arrived to our lounging at Hotel Green Plaza early and while were basically ready to turn in for the night but the hotel had so many more adventures waiting for us. Our room was a traditional Japanese style room featuring a lovely tea set and a nice balcony view.

Once we dropped everything off, we scurried to the onsen so we could catch the last trails of light illuminating Mt. Fuji in the distance. 

Mt. Fuji is only visible from here on a clear day and tonight was perfect.

After the onsen we felt like glowing happy balls of warmth and we were ready to be fed. We stuffed ourselves to the brim with one of the best buffets (in the hotel restaurant “Hananowa”)  I’ve had in a while. Seriously, the selection was tremendous and my eyes were bigger than my stomach but I sure tried my best to get at least a bit of the most important items.

They have everything from fish to steak to ochazuke to pasta tossed in a wheel of cheese. Literal heaven.

By the time we returned from dinner our beds were made up for us. The room slept the 3 of us perfectly. 

After spending a week in a hostel, I was more than ready for a more luxurious stay. This place has been absolutely fantastic and I wish we could be here longer.

#Hakone #Japan #Japan Travel #Travel Blog #Travel Log #Travel Tips #Travel Blogging #Tumblr Travelers #Food Adventures #Hotel Green Plaza #Vacation #Travel Logs #Japan Vacation #Food Blog #Food Blogger #Food Blogging #Hakone Open Air Musuem #Wanderlust #Gopro #Goprovideo #Goprohero7