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Published: June 24th 2011
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Tokyo. Mega Metropolis. High-rise buildings, neon lights, palace and shrine. Loud Japanese workers drinking off their daily stress, these images filled my dream in a continuous loop. Images and sounds haunted me all night long. In my dreamlike stage I forced my subconscious end these spiral images, after what it seem to be a long struggle I finally opened my eyes. And realized its 4am; thank you jetlag! I decided to Watch TV for 2 hours. But instead of CNN I mesmerized myself with Power ranger and Baseball Highlights (thumbs up!). After the hearty breakfast at Keio Plaza hotel in Shinjuku, we head south toward Mt Fuji/Hakone Hot Spring area, located 1 hour outside of Tokyo. We were quite fortunate that day, mostly sunny with some cloud. The Majestic Mount Fuji was at view before we even cleared the city limit.
First Stop off the day is at the Hakkone National Park, it offers a best view of Mount Fuji. The bus took us to the Owakudani Valley (Valley of the Great Boiling). The Air was stinking of sulfur and steam rising from the hill sides. The entire area had various natural spring pools. Situated at the higher elevation, the
area was particularly windy. And there are many signs showing the area delicacy, the Black boiled eggs, Eggs that are boiled in the nearby steamed pool. It is said eating 1 of these black egg will add 7 years to life, however eating 5 at a time will shorten your life. I shared an egg with my roommate so that means instead of 7 years I’ll get 3.5 years. At the local gift shop they offer many different Japanese treats. For example Boiled Egg flavor frozen yogurt, mochi (rice dumpling), cakes and cookies. There was a group of males crowding by one cake display. They laughed as they point at it, none of them bought any. After they moved away curiously I stepped in to take a look. To my surprise the cake was shape of the woman breast. I wanted to buy one but my roommate dragged me away (bummer).
We boarded the tram on the Hakone Ropeway that will take us toward the Lake Atami. The tram provided us with the panoramic view of the entire valley. What a breath taking landscape, crystal clear lake, clear blue sky with the infamous symbol of Japan, Mount Fuji. If
only the tram could stop for a bit so I can enjoy the gorgeous view, but then come to think about it if tram did stop whole lot of people would be screaming their head off. The trams are hanging about 200 feet above ground. Once we got off the tram we board a pirate ship (Arrrgh me matey). My Roommate was ready to push me off the boat when I refused to stop call her Limey. The Pirate ship cruised around the large lake. The trip takes about 40 minutes one way. We notice several shrines in the water and near the shoreline, as well as temples and various Hot Spring Resorts. Once we came to our stop, we walked over to Hakone Hot Spring Hotel for their Japanese French fusion buffet. The restaurant has these floors to ceiling window which gives the clear view of Lake Ashi and the Mount Fuji.
After lunch we headed toward the Pacific Ocean to a hot spring/beach resort town named Atami (Hot Ocean). Atami is renowned for its manmade sandy white beaches and hot spring resorts. It’s a favorite weekend getaway destination for the people of Tokyo. We stayed at one
of the most renowned hotel of Atami, Hotel New Akao. The Hotel is built along the face of the cliff. The lobby of the hotel is actually on the Top floor. Dining room and onsen pool was on the bottom floor at sea level. We were assigned to Japanese style room, Tatami Mats and Futon beds. Upon entering the room I notice a long rectangular table with 4 seating mats. No futon no nothing. Our guide explains to us during dinner time, the house keeping staff will enter our room and set up the Futon bedding. Since we arrive at the hotel in the mid-afternoon, it gives us plenty of time to walk around the area and also use the hotel onsen bath.
Hot Spring is therapeutic and relaxing, minerals in the water also have some medicinal properties. Perfect for stress, back aches, muscle pain, and nerve damage. Japanese young and old enjoy spending time bathing in these pools. Unlike North American Jacuzzi, bathing suit is not permitted. That’s right people. Birthday suit all the way! If you strip down quickly and jump straight into the water, you will notice all the Japanese people climbing out of the pool
at speed of light. Proper Hot spring etiquettes are these simple in 3 steps; First Strip down to your birthday suit, Second take a shower and then third go into the water. But don’t stay in the water too long. Medical guideline states one should not stay in the way for more than 15 minutes at a time. Also for the men, here is a little warning for you to know ahead of time. In the hot spring resort they hired little old ladies to come in and clean the facility. If they find you worth looking, you will notice they tend to linger around and scrub the wall very slowly. If you are ugly, they will do a quick walk around and leave the area fast. For the Japanese male they are used to this, but for non-Japanese male … well you get the picture. At the hotel room, we were given a yukata (Japanese bath robe) and a small white towel. The tower is not big enough to wrap around the body, but since I am very shy, I thought the best way to use the towel to cover my face and spare me from embarrassment. However since
I can’t see where I am going with a towel on my face. I did nearly trip and bumped in the wall and shower stall a few times.
The evening mean was a blast. We all met up at the large private party room at the bottom floor of the hotel. And as suggested by the tour guide, we all wore our yukata to dinner. The party room was Japanese style with seating mats and low table. Two rows 4 feet apart facing each other. We all sit crossed leg on the mats. And here’s a quick note to you men and women out there, when wearing your yukata… Please I beg you … PLEASE wear your underwear. Nothing ruins dinner faster than seeing the dude sitting across from you going full commando. For dinner we dine on the best Japan has to offer, the Kaiseki Dinner. Kaiseki dinner is a traditional multi-course meal served in either banquets or in a fancy setting. Kaiseki consist of both cooked and raw fish, salads, stew and soup, totaling to over 15 courses. Once dinner gone under way, our tour guide Akira, had another surprise for us, Karaoke (pronounce Ka-la-o-kay not Ka-ri-oh-key).
At first no one was volunteering to sing, so Akira sang the first song. Once the Beers and sakes started flowing, we were fighting for the microphone.
Staggering back to my room, I notice my room changed. The table is moved aside and the futon beds are out. I made some tea and sat by the window with my roommate and listen to the gentle sound of wave crashing on shore. The night was clear and moon was out. I can’t think of any better way to end the day except in this serene setting.
To be continue....
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