Weekend in Hakone

Hakone is affectionately known as "Tokyo's Playground".  It is about an hour outside the big city, and Tokyoites flock here to relax in the onsen (hot springs) and enjoy breathtaking views of Mt. Fuji.

This is one of the busiest travel periods of the year, and Tarynn and I waited a little too long (like the night before) to book our train to Hakone, so the only seats left were in the Green Car (first class). 

Here we are riding in style!

KG has arrived in Hakone and is ready to see the sights!

River in Hakone

Exhibit #...  well, I've lost count, but Japan still needs swimming pools so people aren't forced to cool off in rivers and streams.

We have arrived at Lake Ashi for a sightseeing cruise, but this port is closed because of low-lying clouds and rough water.

The water is a little high, too!

Ancient Cedar Avenue, which was planted in 1618, along the Tokaido highway in order to provide comfort for the foot travelers from the hot sun of summer and the snow of winter.

KG certainly enjoys the shade on this hot summer day :)

Path less traveled... Tarynn and Kerri found a small portion of the Avenue without cars passing constantly.

Hakone Sekisho

Checkpoint for all travelers in Japan back in the Tokugawa era (since 1618).  The Tokaido highway was the main passage and it was nearly impossible for someone to get from Tokyo to Kyoto with passing through this area.  It was known as the biggest and most important checkpoint in Japan.

The main purpose was to control weapons entering Edo area and women attempting to leave Edo!!  LOL.  Hakone Sekisho was notorious for its strictness and primary responsibility of keeping women from escaping!  Can you imagine?!

Special Arms Room:

Filled with guns and bows with the main purpose of intimidating travelers!

Arresting Implements:

Tools used to catch criminals!

Hakone area is also known for its special "black eggs".  They are regular chicken eggs, but cooked in one of the numerous volcano geysers (which also produce the hot springs) in order to turn them black.

You can bet I wasn't eating one of those black eggs, but I did buy a souvenirs plastic black egg from a kid's toy machine!

We moved on to the next port of Lake Ashi, but by the time we got there that tour was also cancelled due to the low clouds and poor visibility. 

I was upset because I wanted to ride this sweet boat!

See the rolling clouds... this pic was taken right after I walked off the dock. 

The visibility was unbelievably poor.

Since the boats were shut down, everyone had to leave by bus!!

After a couple of buses and trains, we finally made it to our hotel.  Since we were a little late planning this trip, we booked the only hotel room (2 days before we left) that we could find available.  As it turned out it was a "Single" with a twin bed...

That's all part of the adventure, right?!  Since the town (including restaurants, bars, and gift shops) closed at 7pm, I read a novel and then went bathing in the hotel onsen before trying to get snug and cozy in our tiny bed ;)

Hopefully tomorrow brings clear skies and calm weather!