箱根　Hakone!

Long weekend so I went to Hakone for the 大名行列　Daimyo Gyoretsu (Feudal Lord's procession). This tradition dates back to the Edo Period (1603-1867). About 170 locals take part in it. There were several "squads" in the procession, each wearing different costumes and playing different roles.

Here's a movie of the procession (it appears a bit disjointed cos I've actually merged 4 short video clips to show the entire procession...what to do, old camera cannot take long movies). If you can't view the movie, use this link instead http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YhE9CsV-_B0

Hakone is a very touristy town. In the Edo period, it flourished as a rest stop along the highway between Kyoto (former capital) and Tokyo. It is well-known for being an onsen town and a possible viewing spot of Mt. Fuji on a clear day (alas, I was not that lucky). I did the recommended round circuit which everyone does. Since it was a long weekend, plus there was a festival, there were tons of people everywhere which wasn't very pleasant.

There's a toy train (well, that's what they call it) that covers part of the Hakone area. Squeeze into a packed train? Forget it, I'll wait for the next one.

First stop, the Hakone open-air museum, which was really good! I highly recommend it! (I wavered a little because of the rather high entrance fee but didn't regret it). It is spread over a vast area and the surrounding mountains form a nice backdrop to the modern art pieces displayed. There was even a Picasso area.




The arched leg

Pegasus

Sunny side up

Boxing rabbits


Then, I took a cable car up the mountain to Owakudani, which was a smelly volcano. Enjoyed pretty views of autumn foliage on the way (but photos of that did not turn out well cos of reflection from the glass windows).

The smelly volcano

Cable cars over the volcano

Then you take an awfully touristy pirate ship across Lake Ashi. But before that, make sure you understand the sign or you'll have to walk the plank!

Shiver me timbers! The pirate ship!

People enjoyed taking photos with the "pirates" on board

Leaves starting to change colours around the lake

Another pirate ship

The famous floating torii gate at Moto-Hakone

I stayed overnight at Hakone-Yumoto, a thriving onsen town which also serves as a major gateway in and out of the Hakone area. Stayed in a cheap inn which is actually more of an onsen place than an inn really (only 5 rooms but the outdoor baths are big!). My inn was up the mountain behind the train tracks.

The inn I stayed at - かっぱ天国 Kappa Tengoku

The outdoor bath was great!

My cheap little room