While it was clear in Tokyo the now familiar overcast sky reappeared so our only glimpse of Mount Fuji today was from the window of the Shinkansen and very hazy. We'll get another chance to see it tomorrow hopefully.
The Hakone area is very mountainous so the Japanese have ingeniously put together a route around the mountains that takes you on a number of different modes of transport. From trams, trains, ropeways and cable cars the strangest of them all was the Pirate Ship that took us across a lake once we got to the other side of the mountains.
On top of the mountains is a very active sulphur field. Not only does the sulphuric water and gas flow (what a STRONG smell), the specialty food up here is eggs cooked in the pools of sulphuric water. They are so popular there is a special cable car system to send them down to the restaurant below as soon as they're ready.
Our hotel for tonight is one of Japan's oldest, opening in 1878. It hasn't changed a lot since then. The hotel has had a who's who of famous figures stay here over time including Charlie Chaplin, Neil Armstrong, John Lennon and a number of the Japanese Royal Family.
We've seen some very strange things, but as we get deeper into the historical side of Japan the true nature of their culture comes to life.
Tomorrow we head off to Takayama in the very remote mountains to see one of the best remaining traditional Japanese villages. Hopefully a lot more photos to share on the blog and twitter.
Hey guys, the pirate ship looks great. The eggs sound interesting. Did you try them
ReplyDeleteHi Luke, I am enjoying your holiday blog. It is a great break from study.
ReplyDeleteThanks Tanya - hopefully you enjoyed a few Easter Eggs between study sessions.
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