Hakone

Ted. From Matsumoto, we traveled to the community of Hakone, a area surrounded by the Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. Beautiful, and near Tokyo, this is the most visited park in Japan. 

Following the advice of several folks, we booked a ryokan for three nights. These traditional inns are known for their onsens (public baths) which are often fed by hot springs. As a rule, they provide breakfast and dinner. Ours included liquor in the price and our room had a private outdoor onsen. 

Shinanoki Ichinoyu (our inn)

We purchased three day passes to take advantage of the dizzying array of transportation options - getting around via buses, boats, trains, funiculars and cable cars.

Lake Ashi cruise boat

Another Torii

We visited the Takaido Road which, like the Nakasendo, connected Kyoto and Edo. 

All 16th cent. travelers stopped at this check point before entering Edo 

We had great views from a cable car. 

Volcanic steam vents

We finally saw Mt Fuji (know here as Fuji-San)

We also spent time at an exquisite open-air museum.

A work by a Swedish sculptor we like

Inside the "Symphonic Sculpture"

The best part, for me, was hanging out at our ryokan. I will never forget eating too much food, drinking sake, beer and Japanese whisky and nearly falling asleep in our steaming onsen. 

Breakfast!

Ahhh - heaven!