Travel for Life

Video 1.  Yokohama Waterfront ―From Minato Mirai to Osanbashi Pier (YouTube link ) Yokohama (横浜⭐⭐) is Japan's second largest city. It is located less than half an hour south of Tokyo by train. Towards the end of the Edo Period (1603-1867), during which Japan maintained a policy of self-isolation, Yokohama's port was one of the first to be opened to foreign trade in 1859. Consequently, Yokohama quickly grew from a small fishing village into one of Japan's major cities. Until today, Yokohama remains popular among expats, has one of the world's largest Chinatowns and preserves some former Western residences in the Yamate district. Osanbashi Pier From Minatomirai to Osanbashi Pier On 11/23/2018, it was my last day in Hakone . In the early morning, I had taken T-Line from Sengoku (仙石) to Odawara (小田原).  Because my flight back to United States was 18:50 in the evening.  I still had more than half day free.  So, I had decided to stop by Yo...

Hakone Travel―Taking Old Tokaido Road to Hakone-jinja Shrine (YouTube link ) Nestled at the base of Mount Hakone, along the shores of Lake Ashi, lies the  Hakone-Jinja Shrine  (箱根神社⭐). While the shrine buildings themselves are hidden within the dense forest, a colossal torii gate standing proudly in the lake acts as a beacon, drawing visitors in. Reaching the shrine is a peaceful journey. From Hakonemachi-ko port, a leisurely 10-minute walk along the lakeshore leads you to the iconic lakefront torii gate. Ascend through the forest on a path flanked by trees, passing a series of steps that lead to the shrine's main building.  Here, amidst the towering trees, tranquility reigns. The shrine offers year-round beauty, but it's especially enchanting when veiled in mist. Photo Gallery These photos were taken on 11/21/2018, a rare sunny day. View from Hakone Detached Palace Garden View from Moto-Hakone Port View of Mt Fuji Dense forest over ...

箱根 天山湯治郷 (YouTube link ) SHINFURO：Synchronized Swimming in Hot Springs (YouTube link ) Hakone Onsen Hakone (箱根) is one of the most popular onsen (hot spring) towns and has a history of 1200 years. Visitors can enjoy a hot spring bath in public bath houses or ryokan . Many ryokan open their baths not only to staying guests but also to daytime visitors. While staying guests can use the baths for free, daytime visitors pay an admission fee of typically between ¥500 and ¥2000. Waiting area ( まちあい /  待合) View from the waiting area Personal Experience On 11/19/2018, I have decided to spend the day on a hot spring bath at Tenzan (天山⭐⭐) because it was raining.  As usual, you are not supposed to take pictures or video inside the bath.  I'll just refer you to Tenzan's official  web page to see what to expect at the bath.  The pictures on their web site are exactly you would experience if you were there. My impression at the bath was speechless...

Hakone is noted for its hot spring resorts, which attract both Japanese and international visitors due to its proximity to the greater Tokyo metropolis and to Mount Fuji . Hakone-Yumoto (箱根湯本), a gateway to the Hakone area, is Hakone's most famous hot spring with a particularly long history, high quality water and numerous baths and inns. Photo Gallery Below photos were taken on 11/19/2018, a rainy day and a good time for a hot spring bath: A Pedestrian Bridge Connecting Hakone Fujiya Hotel and Yumoto Station Pedestrian Bridge View from the  Hakone Fujiya Hotel  side View from the  Hakone Fujiya Hotel  side Souvenir Shops Souvenir Shops Soba Restaurant Souvenir Shops Souvenir Shops Hakone-Yumoto Station References Japan Travel―Visiting Hakone for Onsen Experience Hakone Travel  (Total 16 articles on this blogger )

Gōra Station (強羅駅 Gōra-eki) [1] is a terminal railway station on the Hakone Tozan Line as well as the Hakone Tozan Cable Car , and is located in Hakone , Kanagawa, Japan. It is the transportation hub of Hakone, from where you can reach various resort towns in Hakone. Once you arrive at  Gōra Station , you might want to plan a one-hour trip to the Gora Park (強羅公園, Gōra Kōen). Video 1.  Hakone Gora Park (YouTube link ) Gora Park Gora Park (強羅公園, Gōra Kōen) is a western style landscape park located on the steep slope above Gora Station. It is a relaxing place to unwind and enjoy the scenery and views of Hakone . [2] Gora Park  is primarily a French styled landscape park featuring a large fountain and a rose garden. The park also has two greenhouses, one housing a tropical botanical garden while the other contains a flower garden. Additionally, there is a restaurant overlooking the main fountain, as well as the Hakuun-do Chaen teahouse . Photo Gallery...

Pirate Cruise on Lake Ashinoko (YouTube link ) Lake Ashinoko ⭐(芦ノ湖, Ashinoko) was formed in the caldera of Mount Hakone after the volcano's last eruption 3000 years ago. Today, the lake with Mount Fuji in the background is the symbol of Hakone . The lake's shores are mostly undeveloped except for small towns in the east and north and a couple of lakeside resort hotels. Photo Gallery On 11/21/2018, I have taken the Hakone pirate ship from Togendai Port to Hakone-machi Port .  Below photos were taken on that route in the same order of cruise: References Hakone Travel: Lake Ashinoko Hakone Hiking Trail―Hakone-jinja Shrine and Old Tokaido (東海道) Hakone Travel―Morning Stroll along Lake Ashinoko Izu Hakone Bus map  (pdf in Japanese) Izu Hakone Bus timetable  (pdf in Japanese) 伊豆箱根バス　経路・時刻・運賃案内  (in Japanese)