Hakone-Day 2

Hi! -Raeann

Today was day two in Hakone. First on our agenda was the Hakone Ropeway. We took the ropeway, which offered us amazing views of the towns below as well as the mountainside, to Owakudani, "The Immense Simmering Valley." The valley was formed by a volcano and has white steam rising from different pockets along its slope that give the valley a very strong stench of sulfur. While touring the summit, we climbed toward the top to purchase black boiled eggs. Their shells are black due to the minerals present in the sulfur springs in which they are boiled. Legend has it that eating just one egg will add seven years to a person's life. A few in our group took part in the legend; others were not so adventurous, myself included. However, those who did eat said the eggs were good. Our group was very lucky in that we got to see spectacular views of Mt. Fuji while at the summit as well as later, when riding "pirate ships" and traveling back to our starting point by use of the ropeway.

After viewing the summit, we went down the mountain to Lake Ashi where we rode pirate ships that ferried us around the lake. Our destination was Moto-Hakone where we headed to Hakone Shrine. The first Torii gate for this shrine stands in the water. An interesting aspect of this shrine is the dragon at the purification station that has water coming from its mouth. After climbing the many steps to the top of the shrine, we were again lucky enough to view a bride and groom after their wedding. Walking behind the wedding party and front building revealed the area where offerings are made. This shrine even had a bell at the front of the station that is used as part of the offering ritual of clapping and bowing. To the left of this area hung many many wooden plaques. They were tied on a bulletin board-like stand and on them, people had written wishes. Languages from all over the world are represented on these tablets.

Before returning to the guest house, we again got to see Mt. Fuji, even more spectacular than before. The clouds had cleared, and we were all able to get photos of the dormant volcano. Once back at the guest house, we were able to use the onsen, hot spring, to bathe, soak, and relax. The onsen is very peaceful and feels almost like a hot tub. We were even fortunate enough to have both an indoor and outdoor onsen to use.

Tomorrow we leave for Kyoto were we will tour temples and Nijo Castle, and we will even get to meet a maiko, a geisha in training!