3 trains to Hakone, which is south west around the bay from Kamakura. Still on East coast of Japan.
Separate lines on the platform for different trains!
We used the Fuji-Hakone Travel Pass to use the bus, trains and ropeway in Hakone.
Hakone is part of the Fuji-Hakone Izu National Park. The volcanic activity in the area means that there is a lot of onsen (Japanese hot springs) and sulphur vents. We had this at the lovely traditional Japanese Guesthouse we stayed at.
We then took a short bus ride and hiked along the Old Tokaido highway to Lake Ashi. From here we took a pirate ship across the lake. We got on a ropeway to reach the peak of Mt Owakudani for fabulous view of Mt Fuji. Mt Fuji last erupted in 1707, but is still considered an active volanoe!
Trying a black egg (blackened by the sulphuric spring water): shall I tell the secret?...It tasted exactly like a normal egg. Well, it's said to prolong one's life by 7 years!
I had a tasty dinner consisting of fried tempura prawns, chicken,sweetcorn- fritter things, wedges, miso soup and sticky rice. The only shock was when I started eating the pot of custard. It tasted fishy but I assumed the taste was lingering from what I'd just eaten....turns out there was a random prawn it it! Euuugh! That was gross. Haha. Together with plum wine & soda it came to 2920 yen (£20).
Noodles in a bun anyone?!
I have already got very used to bowing my head at all the vendors, security guard's etc. I remember when Holly was telling me how after spending a year in Korea she came back to Wales bowing to everyone and they just gave her funny looks!
I've noticed in England some people don't even think twice about wearing shoes in the house- whereas in Russia that's just rude. I've inherited this pet hate. In Japan we often have to take off our shoes completely if walking on tatami mats for example, and in a lot of restaurants. We even had to take them off in the Samurai musuem in Tokyo.
Designated toilet slippers! For me this particular custom is not that hygieneic, the Russian in me thinks it's more dirty to share other people's shoes than enter the bathroom in my own. Apparently one of the greatest embarrassments for a person is to walk out still wearing them!
This featured blog entry was written by 2018-19Nicola22 from the blog JAPAN & AUSTRALIA.
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