#Hakone pirates ship

[nobu11051991]

Mt.Fuji, 5storied pagoda with Wagasa ( Japanese parasol),Lake Kawaguchiko,ice cave, suicide forest, Shiraito waterfall, lunch, Hakone pirates ship, Hakone shrine in 1 day!!

Mt.Fuji, 5storied pagoda with Wagasa ( Japanese parasol),Lake Kawaguchiko,ice cave, suicide forest, Shiraito waterfall, lunch, Hakone pirates ship, Hakone shrine in 1 day!! Hi I’m Nobu, I like traveling overseas and in Japan, visited 26 countries! I’m a National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter of English for 10 years. For the people who are interested in and planning trip to Japan ,I…

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#arakurayama sengen shrine #Hakone pirates ship #Hakone shrine #lake Kawaguchiko #Shiraito waterfall #Tokyo travel tips

[monoatelier]

2023年 11月 25日  Hakone Pirate Ship Fujifilm X-T20 + 35mm

#pirate ship #japan #hakone #fujifilm #fuji #fujifilm xt20 #pirates

[starfleetwitch]

Today we took a cable car up a mountain and over an active volcano so we could cross a lake on a pirate ship <- a sentence even I, having now done it, think sounds fake ⛵🌋

#Japan #Hakone #Volcano #Pirate ship #Holiday

[ultimateaclrecovery]

Japan Day 6 Hakone!

Today we traveled to a mountain town called Hakone.

We got to see mt Fuji on the train and honestly the train ride of just having a full two hours to sit and not do anything was really nice

Then we saw an ad for the Hakone open air muesuem and it was really cool! Highlights including the foot bath, giant fried egg that you could stand on, a stained glass tower, a hilarious interactive display where they put your face on a digital artwork in the museum background and a Picasso room.

We then got to take a gondola up to the mountain top and down to the lake where we got to take a pirate ferry boat across!

And then after some brief chaos with the bus system (it just never came) and taking a taxi (that also went to the wrong place at first) we finally got to check in at the Ryoken and enjoy our private onsen. We also got to enjoy this many courses traditional dinner. There was a lot of sea food and my boyfriend kept trying to get me to keep trying it so I didn’t have the best time. But the non sea food parts were very good and everything was super pretty.

Overly long and tmi travel diary

We get up early to catch a two hour train to Hakone. My tummy is just a little a bit upset this morning. Between travel, stress, being on my period, and lots of new food it’s been through a lot. I also feel like I haven’t been pooping enough. But they could just be not eating enough for how much walking we’ve been doing.

The train is really nice and we get some lovely views of the sun rising over the mountains. I update my travel diary, take a nap and then we get to see a view mt Fuji through the window. It is impressively taller than everything else around it.

We transfer to a smaller train and then a another mountain train. And then it’s a cable car.

5000 yen for Hakone free pass for transit. I am down to 1000 yen in cash. (Really 3000 as I later find another 2000 yen note in my pocket that I didn’t see before)

5000 yen for Hakone free pass for transit. I am down to 1000 yen in cash. (Really 3000 as I later find another 2000 yen note in my pocket that I didn’t see before)

We see an ad for Hakone open air museum and decide to get off a stop early and go see it. (I think I paid by credit card, 1200 yen each including a 200 yen discount from our Hakone passes).

The museum has a couple galleries where you can’t take pictures (although my bf tried) but mostly it’s big outdoor sculptures. There’s a fun star maze and some garden areas, and the whole place is set up with a great view of the surrounding mountains. I love the Picasso room. I hadn’t realized he did so many ceramics. We stop at a foot bath where we get a towel out of a vending machine for 100 yen. It’s small but a surprisingly nice towel and is branded to make it a souvenir. There’s a big tower made of stained glass that’s really fun. And a fried egg sculpture that you can stand on! I deeply love getting to stand on or interact with art.

After the museum we go grab lunch at a little road side restaurant. Ignoring the delightful ninja cafe next door full of authentic delicacies such as spaghetti and ninja ice cream.

Foot bath and a vending machine towel for 100 yen from Anthony

I get pork ginger and rice for lunch in the card.

After lunch we take the ropeway (hanging cable car) to the top of the mountain. On the side of the mountain are a bunch of thermal vents venting steam. You can see the yellow sulfur deposits around it. Supposedly you can get a black egg cooked in the sulfur water that adds seven years to your life, but we don’t get it.

We spend a little time at the top looking at the mountain and then head down the other ropeway to the lake. And then we get to ride a pirate ship!

The pirate ship we get is called queen ashinoko and is gold and red. We take it across the lake. I love all the sights and being on a boat and my bf tolerates it and enjoys the view. It does get a little chilly but is otherwise a delight. I see a lady take a bunch of silly titantic esque photos on one of the interior balconies. Sometimes it’s such a delight to watch other people live their best lives.

After the ferry we try to get on a bus to go to our hotel but it’s super delayed and the lines are insane so we give up and hail a taxi. Anthony impresses the taxi drive with his handful of Japanese and good pronociation and they have a good chat. The taxi ride ends up being just shy of 5000 yen which is more than I thought it would be (and we get a little turned about by the directions. Anthony gave the hotel name but written in English and just said like Japanese so we go to a bit of the wrong place first and then have to give the actual address which gets us to the right place.

We head into the rykone and They take your shoes and give slippers. The ryokan has a very traditional feel. We are shown where our private onsen will be and then to our rooms. Our rooms have yakata (?)robes in them to wear around. Mine is pink and my bfs is blue. They both have blue overcoats. We head down to the onsen before dinner. The sun is starting to set and the view is really pretty. The leaves are mostly either green or fallen but it’s still so peaceful. We shower first in the attached shower and then step into the sulphuric mineral water. It’s so cloudy and so hot but also feels so good. It would be better if it were like five degrees cooler but it’s still lovely. We hang out for a bit stepping in and out to cool off as needed. They’ve also put a thermos jug of cold water which is perfect.

We rinse back off and head back to our room for dinner.

Dinner will be served in our room and is a traditional set meal.

It starts with appetizers and is mostly fish which makes me sad. I knew this was likely that I wouldn’t like a good portion of it but it still makes me sad. The plates and the way everything is presented is so lovely. I try to focus on how fun it is and not how gross all the fish is. I get talked into trying a piece of the raw tuna and it’s awful. I also try a piece of sushi, the first bite is okay but when I take the second bite I realize that the first bite had way less fish in it and I Gag a little and almost throw up. I also try one of the little fish eggs since my bf claims they are mostly salty and not fishy. False. Very false and very gross. Combined with new and questionable vegetables I’m way past my limit of new food. Luckily there are some things that I like too. There’s a beef dish that is so delicious and comes with the cutest little wedge of cheese.

There’s also a hot pot like thing with pork and milk that is so cool and delicious.

We get sweet pudding for dessert.

After dessert we go have more onsen time. It’s fun to be in it at night with it being all dark. Unfortunately it’s too hot to really cuddle in the onsen which bums we out.

We head back up to the room and watch Japanese tv before bed. We get to see some sumo wrestling, a cooking show and some weird childrens tv show. I get a little sad because I had such high expectations for this part of the trip and then I didn’t get to cuddle or do more than cuddle and didn’t like a lot of the food.

It’s a traditional style hotel room so it has two twin beds. We push them together(I push mine into his) but it’s not really what I wanted. I take a moment to cry a little in the bathroom and I feel a bit better. It’s hard when you feel disappointed in something you feel like you should really be enjoying.

#japan day 6 #travel diary #overly long travel diary #japan #this was November #we are all just ignoring how slow I am at this #plus it’s fun to go back and relive

[saikourobyn]

Japan 2020 - Day 2

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Our Hakone adventures continue.

Tuesday 25th February 2020

Hakone

Our second day in Japan we had a traditional breakfast which included lots of new and strange looking foods. Helpfully they have a laminated card at the table telling you what everything is, I had fun trying to remove all the bones from a fish and drinking an egg with something mixed in with it.

We are headed off on the circular trail around Hakone that includes buses, trains, cable cars and boats that look like pirate ships, but first we are headed up Mt. Kintoki. Back into town we went to store our luggage at the station, purchased our Hakone Free Pass, then took a bus up the hill and found the Mt. Kintoki Hiking Trail.

We found a shrine, as it was my first one I wanted to make a donation for a fortune, although I couldn’t read it, google translate showed some good luck in there so I took that to mean it was a good one, Oli got one too which was only minimal luck, if they had been bad luck we supposed to tie them up there.

The trail was made up of many many steps we met quite a few people walking down the mountain, everyone was very friendly a quick “konichiwa” and a bow much like a friendly “mornin’” to your fellow brit it was very welcoming, that is until we heard loud noises sort of like thunder or perhaps something was awakening from below the ground…

Although it was a cloudy day we got a good view of Mt Fuji at the top, we had brought some snacks with us from the 7-11 at the bottom of the trail but we couldn’t resist getting some hot food from the shack at the top, the menu consisted of various noodle based dishes, we ordered our curry noodles from the lovely old lady who seemed to run the place, we ate while friendly locals made small talk “curry noodles” and “chopsticks” perhaps they were impressed by our skills with the utensils, we did our best to respond in Japanese “Hashi” I replied while gesturing with my chopsticks, they asked where we were from so we could break out one of the few phrases we could remember “Watashi wa Igirisu-jin desu” I’m from England.

After they had left the lovely lady who had brought us our food made small talk with us, we expressed our enjoyment of the food “oishi” delicious, and we got given sweets and crackers to take with us on our trek, she informed us it was her birthday so Oli began singing Happy Birthday and I joined in before realising we didn’t know her name, this was swiftly covered up with another line of “Happy Birthday” she seemed to enjoy it anyway and we got some more freebies by way of a postcard.

We thanked her for everything and set back off down the hill by a slightly different route and caught a bus to the next part of our trip, one of the trains was out of action due to a landslide but we got to the end station to get the replacement bus but we discovered that we’d spent too long eating noodles and we would not be able to get back as the last cable car was going or had gone already, as they’re still on their winter schedule it stops earlier than in the summer, reluctantly we get back on the bus toward the station to grab our luggage and head back to Tokyo, The Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park will have to be added to the list for the next visit.

Tokyo

Our first few days in Tokyo we were staying with Hiroshi and Aiko, Hiroshi and Oli are old friends.

We made it back to their place around 8pm where we had dinner. For Hiroshi’s wedding reception he had picked up a Nintendo 64, I was more than happy to help test it out with a bit of Mario Kart and Bomberman.

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#travel #travel blog #japan #japan 2020 #hakone #tokyo

[electricea]

@more-than-a-princess sent - "Happy Birthday, Ryuji-san!" Sonia beamed, handing him the card. Tucked in the envelope, the cutesy card featured a bowl of ramen and the words "I ramen-bered your birthday!" on the front, in English. Inside, she'd written him a message asking if he'd like to visit Hakone with her, alongside two tickets to the Lake Ashi Pirate Ship cruise.

"Well, would you like to spend a day, or a weekend, in Hakone?" She prompted once he'd read the card and saw the tickets. "I thought you might like to sail on a pirate ship, at least for a little while! But there is much to see around Mount Fuji."

( Ryuji's Birthday 2023! )

"Sonia, hi...!" He flushes at both the gift and at her remembering his birthday - though it was normal for friends to keep track of each others' birthdays, something about Sonia knowing his just gave him a warm feeling inside. Shaking his head, he tried to focus his attention on the card, finding himself chuckling at the adorable picture and the pun before flipping the card open to read the message.

"You managed to get these tickets...?!" His eyes widen as he clutches onto the tickets as though they were made of solid gold, gingerly making sure not to crumple them in the slightest. "I...well a weekend might be great, I mean if you could do that, Sonia...! I always wanted to check out Hakone but I just never thought I'd get to..." He trails off, gingerly tucking the tickets into his pocket before leaning in to pull her close and give her a hug, head nestling against his shoulder.

"I'd love to go with you, Sonia. I just know we'll have lots of fun. Thank you."

#more-than-a-princess #( ryuji's birthday 2023. )

[rkhemlani]

June 6th - Hakone Day Trip

Today was a long travel day, but it was exciting because we traveled on train, gondola, bus, and a really really big pirate ship! After a 3 hour train ride, we took a gondola up the mountain that was being excavated for its natural resources. There was not much to do here, but people stopped at the shop for quick treats, black eggs, and coffee. It was cold and rainy day, so I had to buy some yummy hot chocolate. I gave my rain jacket away to Cassie (her name is Casey but I call her Cassie) and in return she is going to buy me ice cream. Afterwards, we took the gondola down to the platform where the pirate ship was located on the lake that I referred to as “The Asian Lake Como”. Once we got there, I was suffering a little bit because we had a half an hour walk in the cold rain, but I felt better after Vishnu and I took some pictures that I will probably post on Instagram later. We journeyed through a traditional Japanese checkpoint, headed up to some shrines, and then waited in line to take pictures at the famous Hakone shrine that was located right on the lake. Unfortunately, we were only allowed to take one group picture, but I did not walk all that way in the cold rain to not get some pictures of myself. After we got back, Nico and I ordered Domino’s pizza and played Uno with Sam, Sebastian, and Jordan. 

Last night’s reading discussed the importance of physical checkpoints as measures to restrict the movement of weapons and women. These checkpoints can be described as more intricate toll booths that included a jail, customs booth, bathrooms, housing for guards, etc. The restriction of weaponry movement allowed the ruler to keep power over his subjects and prevent uprisings from occurring. These checkpoints also allowed the shogun to keep checks over his women and his potential heirs in order to maintain his family and his name. The Hakone checkpoint was one of the larger checkpoints at the time, and it was fully capable of housing prisoners. Hakone is now a tourist destination that attracts many visitors from all around the world for its beautiful shrines, scenic views, and volcanic egg rocks. The physical rendering of the checkpoints was interesting to see, because it offered insight on tactics used by the shogun to maintain power and to prevent the daimyo and samurai from uprising. Furthermore, it can be noted that the level of unrestricted power and system of checks that was held by the Tokugawa allowed for a prosperous two-hundred-and-fifty-year period, marked by political stability and internal peace. As we have learned, this was later followed by the Meiji Restoration, which rushed in an era that modernized the nation. 

[sebastianinjapan]

June 6 - Hakone Mountain

Todays excursion was for sure the longest and furthest taking us all the way into the mountains of Hakone. We took a train, a tram, a cable car and pirate ship to reach our location. The location in question was a reconstructed guard post originally down as a sekisho which acted as inspection gates meant to monitor traffic as individuals travelled through ancient Japan. I expected the gate to be so much bigger than it was in actuality, and I’m genuinely surprised this gate was actually able to properly manage any traffic. In the town of Hakone I had the best Japanese curry yet, cooked up by three elderly Japanese ladies. No one had the foresight to bring warm wear up a mountain so I was the only person with a sweater, and while I’m not sure what the temperature was on the mountain it felt like 40-50. When we got on the water, the breeze and rain hitting dropped the temperature even lower but I really loved the wind against my face. The mountain itself was absolutely gorgeous covered from top to bottom in beautiful trees, except for a single section that had sulfur mining pits :(.

Academic Reflection

In our reading today we learned about the intricate system of sekisho that propagated throughout Japan, with specific focus in the Tokugawa era. The reading itself didn’t really contribute much to our excursion as only a portion of it was the Hakone sekisho but it was enlightening to the way government actually functioned back then. The government continues to become more inept in my eyes through these readings, as the sekisho themselves at times ineffectual at their jobs (sometimes luggages would not even be checked, and the formality of just having them unlocked was enough). However, it’s main function of keeping the daimyos women hostage seemed successful but I would ultimately say it was a futile endeavor as the Tokugawa period was peaceful throughout and this peace was enjoyed by most.

What continues to perplex me is the fact that the bakufu never exploited the merchant class for tax money as they were racking it in. I asked my professor about this who informed me that a system of loan forgiveness (the samurai would take out loans from the merchants) effectively worked as a tax as the samurais loans would eventually be forgotten. The samurais disinterest with understanding the ways of money acquisition continue to allude me, as understanding economics has never been an ignoble endeavor (however applications of that knowledge tend to be ignoble at-least in the West today).

[nhidalgo9]

June 6th Hakone day trip

Today was all about travel travel travel as we make our way to Hakone via a very long and modest two and a half hour train ride where we then transferred to a gondola that would take us all the way to the top of a sulfur valley where a volcano was housed. Hakone also hapoened to be the city or district that they based Tokyo-3 from Evangelion off of so of course they had a ton of merch there. The whole gimmick of this place was that they sold you things that were dyed black because of the sulfur and the reactions that took place in the volcano. Of course there was a Hello Kitty collab with the infamous black egg. Vishnu tried Japanese curry for the first time in a black (of course) bread filled with Japanese curry. A few jokes here and there as the weather progressively got worse and we headed in the gondola again to go to a lower part of the mountain where we had to get on a huge pirate ship to go to the part where the huge red torii was. The pirate ship was huge and at times i thought maybe we were off to find the one piece ourselves. We then went to a life size model of the actual guard checkpoint that everyone entering the capital would’ve had to go through similar to customs here in the US.

Academic reflection

The reading about todays activity mainly focused on the various techniques that the shogun used to keep his daimyo in check. The main one being keeping his wife and heir to his position trapped hostage in the capital so that if he slipped up he could execute or punish them accordingly. The checkpoint we went to was manned by tons of samurai that helped prevent the sneaking off of a daimyo wife or son exactly for the reason the reading talked about. This checkpoint had an interrogation room and various officials that have to give their seal of approval for anyone to enter or leave the city. It was evident in visiting the location today that escape from the city was not an option.

Another aspect of Japanese culture that we talked about earlier was this idea of “Sabi” or the idea that there is beauty in things that have a hint of age to them. This was very evident in today’s activities as when we went to the shrine a lot of the stone statues had moss on them and they appeared to not have been taken care of for a long time but this is actually done intentionally. Rather than power wash the statues like we would in the states they preserve the statues in this natural state of moss building around them because they believe in the beauty of things that have an age to them

[tokyodailyphoto]

箱根海賊船 桃源台港 Hakone Pirate Ship Tōgendai Port #箱根 #桃源台 #hakone #togendai (at 芦ノ湖 / Lake Ashinoko) https://www.instagram.com/p/CmxwedMhkO3/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

#箱根 #桃源台 #hakone #togendai

[bestentours11]

Explore 8 Top Destinations In Japan Tour Packages From India

Japan, with its blend of ancient traditions and modern marvels, has long captured the imagination of travelers worldwide. For those embarking on a journey from India to Japan, tour packages offer a convenient and immersive way to explore this fascinating country. In this guide, we'll unveil eight must-visit destinations that are often included in Japan tour packages from India, promising unforgettable experiences for every traveler.

1. Tokyo: The Bustling Metropolis

Tokyo, Japan's dynamic capital, is a city where traditional culture intersects with futuristic innovation. Included in many Japan tour packages from India, Tokyo offers a kaleidoscope of experiences, from bustling street markets and serene Shinto shrines to neon-lit skyscrapers and world-class museums. Wander through the historic districts of Asakusa and Shibuya, marvel at the iconic Tokyo Tower, and indulge in mouthwatering Japanese cuisine at local izakayas.

2. Kyoto: Timeless Elegance

Kyoto, with its well-preserved temples, traditional tea houses, and serene gardens, transports visitors to Japan's ancient past. Featured prominently in Japan tour packages from India, Kyoto is a treasure trove of cultural riches, including UNESCO World Heritage sites like Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion) and Kiyomizu-dera Temple. Immerse yourself in the art of the tea ceremony, stroll through bamboo forests in Arashiyama, and witness the breathtaking beauty of cherry blossoms in spring.

3. Osaka: Culinary Delights

Osaka, known as Japan's culinary capital, is a paradise for food lovers seeking authentic Japanese cuisine. Included in Japan tour packages from India, Osaka offers a gastronomic adventure like no other, with its bustling food markets, vibrant street food stalls, and world-renowned restaurants. Indulge in savory okonomiyaki (Japanese pancakes), fresh sushi and sashimi, and melt-in-your-mouth takoyaki (octopus balls), experiencing the diverse flavors of Japan.

4. Hiroshima: Historical Significance

Hiroshima, forever marked by the events of World War II, is a city of resilience and peace. Featured in Japan tour packages from India, Hiroshima's Peace Memorial Park and Atomic Bomb Dome serve as poignant reminders of the devastating impact of nuclear warfare. Pay homage to the victims at the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum, then journey to the nearby island of Miyajima to marvel at the iconic floating torii gate of Itsukushima Shrine.

5. Nara: Cultural Heritage

Nara, Japan's first permanent capital, is a living testament to the country's rich cultural heritage. Included in Japan tour packages from India, Nara is home to some of Japan's oldest and most significant temples, including Todai-ji Temple and Kasuga Taisha Shrine. Encounter friendly deer roaming freely in Nara Park, explore the tranquil beauty of Isuien and Yoshiki-en Gardens, and admire the intricate craftsmanship of Nara's traditional wooden architecture.

6. Hakone: Natural Beauty

Hakone, nestled in the foothills of Mount Fuji, is a picturesque retreat known for its hot springs, lush forests, and panoramic views. Featured in Japan tour packages from India, Hakone offers a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. Relax in rejuvenating onsen baths, cruise across Lake Ashi aboard a traditional pirate ship, and soak up the breathtaking vistas of Japan's iconic mountain, Mount Fuji.

7. Sapporo: Winter Wonderland

Sapporo, located on the northern island of Hokkaido, transforms into a winter wonderland during the snowy months. Included in Japan tour packages from India, Sapporo hosts the famous Sapporo Snow Festival, where intricately carved ice sculptures and illuminated snow statues dazzle visitors from around the world. Sample piping hot bowls of miso ramen, glide down snow-covered slopes at nearby ski resorts, and experience the magic of Hokkaido's winter landscapes.

8. Nikko: Scenic Splendor

Nikko, nestled amidst lush mountains and dense forests, is a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its natural beauty and cultural significance. Featured prominently in Japan tour packages from India, Nikko is home to Toshogu Shrine, a lavishly decorated mausoleum dedicated to the Tokugawa shogun. Marvel at the intricate carvings and vibrant colors of the shrine, hike through pristine wilderness trails, and soak in the tranquil atmosphere of this sacred mountain retreat.

Conclusion

Japan tour packages from India offer travelers a gateway to a land of ancient traditions, modern innovation, and natural splendor. From the bustling streets of Tokyo to the serene temples of Kyoto and the snowy landscapes of Hokkaido, Japan promises unforgettable experiences at every turn. Whether you're seeking cultural immersion, culinary delights, or scenic beauty, Japan's diverse attractions cater to every traveler's interests, making it the perfect destination for your next adventure.

#japan tour packages from india #japan packages #Japan tour packages #japan travel packages

[nobu11051991]

[dingo-california]

Pirate ship in Lake Ashinoko, Hakone

#pentaxq #japan #hakone #2023

[el-pollo-gigantes]

Ashi Lake / Japan "EXPLORE" by Việt Nam và Nhật Bản / 日本とベトナ Lake Ashi , also referred to as Hakone Lake or Ashinoko Lake, is a scenic lake in the Hakone area of Kanagawa Prefecture in Honshū, Japan. It is a crater lake that lies along the southwest wall of the caldera of Mount Hakone, a complex volcano that last erupted in 1170 CE at Ōwakudani. The lake is known for its views of Mount Fuji, its numerous hot springs, historical sites, and ryokan. The lake is located on the Tōkaidō road, the main link between Kyoto and Tokyo. A number of pleasure boats and ferries traverse the lake, providing scenic views for tourists and passengers. Several of the boats are inspired by the design of sailing warships. Most visitors to Lake Ashi stay in one of the hotels or ryokan located in the area to visit some of the local attractions. There is also a campsite at the north end of the lake. Hakone Shrine is a shrine that has been visited by shōgun, samurai, and many travelers over the centuries. Large sections of the Old Tōkaidō road are preserved here. Onshi Park was the summer retreat for the imperial family that is now a public park. Taking the aerial tram Hakone Ropeway to The Great Boiling Valley. From Togendai on Lake Ashi, the Hakone Ropeway aerial tram connects to Sounzan, the upper terminus of the Hakone Tozan Cable Car funicular railway. This in turn connects to the Hakone Tozan Line mountain railway for the descent to Odawara and a connection to Tokyo by the Tōkaidō Shinkansen. Visitors can also take the Hakone Sightseeing Cruise with its pirate ships from Togendai to Moto-Hakone Port and Hakone-Machi Port on opposite ends of the lake. The cruise line began in 1950. The name means "lake of reeds" in Japanese: 芦 (ashi) is "reed", and 湖 (ko) is "lake". The abundance of nature makes it popular with hikers. There are many trails with different levels of challenge. Lake Ashi is emptied by the Fukara Aqueduct toward Susono, Shizuoka since its completion in 1670, not by the Haya River toward Odawara, Kanagawa. https://flic.kr/p/2ozURGN

#IFTTT #Flickr

[aulorawright]

June 6th - Hakone Day Trip

Today was a long day, very long. We left the hotel around 8:20 this morning and didnt get there until around 1:30. We took this train, supposedly the steepest train, up the mountain. It had to zig zag all the way up, and the last train that just went straight up. We walked into the station and outside into an amazing view of the mountains. It was outside on this patio with a glass window railing. We then took this lift further up the mountain to where the volcano was, the view was amazing. At the volcano, they are known for their special black hard boiled eggs. They are boiled in the volcanic ash to get their cool color. It was actually freezing up there and super windy so we were all dying because we were all under dressed. So after exploring the gift shop and taking a group picture next to the egg, we all ran for the lift station. We took another lift down, where we then borded a pirate ship that sailed us across the water. This was also a cool experience, and we could see the Hakone shrine sitting in the water. When we got off the boat we walked to this Daimyo exhibit, and it started raining so most of us bought an umbrella at the little shop at the entrance. Mine lasted 20 minutes because a gust of wind got it and flipped it insideout and bent all the wires, but I kind of fixed it! And then Nico broke it again, and then I fixed it again and didnt let Nico touch it and it lasted until I left it at a train station to go back to the hotel. After the daimyo exhibit, we took a bus close to the Hakone shrine area. It was beautiful, but there were a lot of stairs. We finally made it down to the Hakone shrine but there was a huge line to take pictures, which took forever to get to and we ended up spending the rest of our time here. We took one group picture and then booked it to the bus stop where our class got separated becaus there was not enough room on the bus. We eventually regrouped and got on the trains to get back home. We ended up getting back home at around 9:30 pm. I started feeling ill earlier in the day but it was manageable until about the train ride home. I got to my room and went straight to sleep.

Academic reflection

Visiting Hakone was a cool experience because there was a lot to see in one day. The reading, A Curious Institution by Vaporis, talked about the daimyo and how the passage of women was heavily regulated by the sekisho. We got to see a representation of this at the daimyo exhibit. There were plenty of sculptures of people doing different tasks and carrying out a normal day. One of the sculptures showed the a person inspecting a woman to check if they were a wife or daughter of a daimyo. They were positioned on the walkway outside the house, and the person was behind her checking her hair or her neck. They also kept the women as hostages to have control over the daimyo.

Another part of this exhibit had the passage gates that Vaporis talked about, blocking off parts of the city that were liked gaurded by soldiers. One of the employees at the exhibit explained to us that at these gate some people would try to hop over and sneak though. Likely to also smuggle things in or out, or to get the the wifes and daughters. It was cool seeing this in a life size depiction after reading about it, it puts it into perspective and actually lets me accurately visualize it.

[chelseainjapan-blog]

June 6- Hakone day trip

Today, we went to Hakone! I actually really loved today, except for the weather but some things can’t be controlled. We started the day taking multiple trains (which I took a great nap in) and then doing a variety of things. For example, we took the steepest track slope of train up the mountain in Japan. I really enjoyed how the tracks would change and noticed that the advertisements inside the vehicle were advertisements for Switzerland. Similarly, I took a very very similar train in Switzerland and have suspicions that they’re from the same company. After, we went up cable cars to the top of the mountains, where we saw sulfur deposits and the volcano part of Japan. The place was super cold but the views were worth enjoying. Addedly, I got to eat a very yummy curry bread and enjoyed the range of chocolate egg souvenirs. Then, we went to the museum that recreated the security system from the readings. Seeing the shrine, the great architecture, and also the pirate ship cruise, all added towards an unforgettable experience. The shrine itself was so beautiful, probably one of the prettiest I’ve seen yet. It was impressive that it’s still vetted by the Imperial powers, as shown by the seal and the donations left. My favorite view of the day has to be from the cable car, though, as the view of the landscape was awe-inspiring.

Academic Reflection

I couldn't help but draw comparisons between my entrance into Hakone Shrine and Vaporis's examination of conventional Japanese organizations in Chapter 3 of "A Curious Institution." The peaceful atmosphere and meticulous preservation of the shrine's architecture were reminiscent of Vaporis' concern on continuity and legacy. I arrived at the main hall via the winding stone pathways, which were flanked by tall cedar trees. There, I watched locals and guests partake in the long-standing custom of purification rituals before entering the sacred area. It was evidence of the religious institutions' enduring significance and role in Japanese society, which has persisted despite modernization and changes in the country's cultural landscape.

After my spiritual journey, I set out on the picturesque trip on the Hakone Tozan Railway, which further highlighted the themes touched upon in Vaporis's writings. The rhythmic chugging of the engine echoed the steady march of time as the train climbed through the verdant hills of Hakone. The railway, which was built more than a century ago, served as a testament to the robustness and adaptability of conventional Japanese transportation networks. The railway appeared to bridge the gap between Japan's extensive history and its aspirations for the future with its winding tracks, tunnels, and breathtaking vistas. It stood as a testament to the harmony between technological progress and the preservation of cultural heritage, a delicate balance that Vaporis examines in her study of Japanese institutions.