After a thoroughly enjoyable time in Kyoto, we took the train toward our next stop: Hakone.
Hakone is a small town in the mountains that border Mt. Fuji and is known for its natural hot springs. We’ve done a lot of walking the past few days, so I thought that this would be the perfect place for Bel to take a moment and relax and enjoy the hot springs.
Day 7: Hakone
Before leaving on the train to Hakone, we bought some food items in Kyoto to enjoy on the train ride.
We are still amazed how beautiful the box lunches were prepared every time we see this photo.
We got off the main JR train at Odawara station and transferred to a smaller local train (Hakone Tozan Railway) that would take us up the mountain towards our hotel. It was cloudy that day with a slight drizzle.
The local dress code in Hakone
We checked into our hotel: Hakone Ginyu.
The hotel is built into the side of the mountain and on sunny days you can see Mt. Fuji in the distance. The lobby area and views from the balcony were breathtaking. Bel enjoyed the refreshing drink that was offered during the check-in process.
We reserved a traditional Japanese style room for the night.
The room had everything from tatami mats, to our own private hot spring outside on the deck overlooking a garden.
We changed into our robes for the evening and got ready for our traditional multi-course kaiseki dinner to follow.
Our kaiseki dinner was served inside our room by a personal server.
Each dish that came out was absolutely perfect – a perfectly detailed work of art. Bel and I were enjoying every moment of it. It’s hard to describe, other than it was one of the most memorable meals we’ve had on this trip so far.
After dinner, we got a little champagne at the bar to wash everything down.
Relaxing in our hot spring after a long day felt really good.
Our futons were laid out over the tatami mats, and we’re getting ready to settle in for the night.
I have to say that we’ve been fortunate to stay in many nice hotels, but the whole experience from start to finish at Hakone Ginyu was truly one of the best.
We’re definitely going to miss this place!
