Solo Japan Part II: Hakone

Day 3: Getting to Hakone

I woke up early again to catch a train to Hakone. I splurged on the Romance Car which took about 85 minutes and gave me a reserved seat. The area’s famous for its onsens (Japanese hot springs / spas) and views of Mt. Fuji that can be seen on a clear day across from Lake Ashinoko. A lot of tourists come from Tokyo to relax and see the mountain. I was no exception.

The first thing I saw when I stepped off the train at Miyanoshita was a footbath at Naraya Cafe. It was pretty busy and a foot soak with strangers alone didn’t feel worth the wait for me so I continued my journey towards the Hakone Ropeway.

Maybe I’d see Mt. Fuji! ~~~

We glided over the sulfuric gases of Owakudani, a crater created from a volcanic eruption 3000 (!!!) years ago. When we got to the other side, the view of the area was amazing and here, you could eat all the black eggs you want and take photos with all the black egg related things.

Black eggs are regular chicken eggs that are boiled in the hot sulfur springs. Rumor has it, eating one egg will add seven years to your life. Because I was traveling alone and you can only buy them in bags of five I naturally ate them all. That means I’ve got 35 extra years to live.

After going crazy on eggs, I finally saw it.

Mount Fuji.

It was so beautiful. I couldn’t believe, and still can’t believe that people live and work amongst this incredible sight every day (Hi Lily! ^^). It’s so hard not to stare at it.

With a belly full of stinky eggs, I made my way to the pirate cruise tour ship on Lake Ashi with hopes to get a better view of my new favorite thing, Mount Fuji.

Before I went, I stopped in the gift shop and saw the cutest striped wild boar stuffed animals. I hesitated at carrying around this guy all day and thought I’d see it again in another gift shop. I didn’t! I’m so sad that one of these sweeties isn’t living with me now. My heart cries. ㅠㅠ This isn’t the first time I’ve regretted not buying something.

Lake Ashinoko

Sadly, Mount Fuji’s visibility decreased when we boarded. I found myself sailing alone on a very cold and windy pirate ship without a cuddly wild boar to comfort me. I did, however, befriend a mom and daughter from China whose pictures I took. The mom had an acid-washed denim jacket with The Simpsons hand-painted on the back. I hope to this day she and that jacket are getting all the attention they deserve.

On to the Onsen

After really long bus lines filled with confused travelers, I finally got back to the center of Hakone where I took a long walk to my hostel. Others were doing the same but to fancier resorts. This was a relaxation destination after all and I’m sure people were excited to get their onsen soak on and fart out all those eggs.

Even though it was a cloudy, cold day and the walk was long, it was still really peaceful. I got to the top of the hill and picked up some food from the convenience store for dinner and settled into my hostel that surprise, surprise, had its own onsen!

After dinner, I decided to have a go.

I was nervous at first because I had never been to an all nudie spa even after spending years in Korea. It was just something I never got around to. But considering I was in a resort town which is known for it, and the hostel was pretty quiet I decided to have a go.

It was great! I was lucky enough to be in there all alone. By this point, it was night time and it felt magical. I swam a little and floated around. Except for a mother and daughter looking for their grandmother and catchin’ a glimpse of my ta-tas, it was a private and lovely little soak amongst the stars.

I would definitely visit Hakone again to check out the other onsens and buy that stuffed boar. Next time, when it’s a little warmer. ^ ^ Goodbye, Hakone. Thanks for the eggs.