The first pirate ship departs Tōgendai Port at 9:00 am
Hakone Kuzuryu no Mori Therapy Road is a short, yet delightful trail located near Lake Ashi in Hakone, Kanagawa, Japan. It is an ideal place to practice Shinrin-yoku (森林浴), the Japanese concept of forest bathing, which involves immersing yourself in the sights, sounds, and scents of the forest to enhance health and well-being.
The trail stretches just 1 kilometer (0.6 miles) with an elevation gain of approximately 21 meters (69 feet). Its gentle incline makes it an easy walk suitable for most fitness levels, including families with children and older adults.
On March 30th, 2024, I embarked on a peaceful journey along the Hakone Forest Therapy Road
Signpost for the Hakone Kuzuryu no Mori Therapy Road (箱根九頭龍の森セラピーロード)
The Hakone Kuzuryu no Mori Therapy Road (YouTube link)
The trail traced the eastern shore of Lake Ashi, unfolding in a harmonious blend of forest immersion and lakeside scenery. At times I walked beneath a canopy of lush greenery, at others I paused to take in the lake’s calm expanse—each moment carrying with it a deep sense of relaxation and peace.
What made the experience even more tranquil was the absence of crowds. I crossed paths with only a handful of people, most of them Japanese locals, which lent the walk an air of secluded serenity. In that quiet space, it felt as though nature itself was inviting me to slow down, breathe deeply, and connect more fully with the world around me.
From Tōgendai Port, the panoramic vista of Lake Ashi stretches out, framed by lush mountains
Fishermen were plentiful on the lake, some even standing in the shallows
Sunlight filters through a dense canopy of leaves, casting dappled light on the forest floor along the Therapy Road
Through breaks in the trees along the Therapy Road, I stole glimpses of the serene Lake Ashi, its peaceful beauty adding to the calming atmosphere
The path was blissfully quiet, with only occasional walkers and cyclists sharing the serene space
A Quiet Day in a Berlin Park, 1933 In the early 1930s, Takehisa Yumeji's studio became a hub for artists, inspiring ventures like the Mt. Haruna Art Research Institute. In 1931, Yumeji began a journey to the United States and Europe, supported by exhibitions of his work. While in the U.S. for 16 months, he continued to paint, creating pieces like Nude on the West Coast. Afterward, Yumeji taught in Berlin until the school was closed by the Nazis. He returned to Japan in 1933, his overseas experiences shaping his final works. His last exhibition was held in Taipei that year. Yumeji passed away from tuberculosis in 1934, leaving behind a legacy of beauty and cultural exchange. Read more: Prints in Collection—Takehisa Yumeji (1884-1934) Kuronosuke 黒の助: a Legacy Little Black Cat (YouTube link ) Photo Gallery The Yumeji Art Museum in Okayama exhibits many black cat paintings because the artist, Yumeji Takehisa , frequently featured them in his work, particularly in his bij...
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