Day 3: Hakone + Gotemba

Got up early and were out of the door by 6.30am to beat the morning rush as we had to bring our luggage with us.

On board the shinkansen with a Tokyo Banana. We are off to Odawara!

Snack on board train CBS tart.

After dropping off our luggage at Ichinoyu Honkan, we took the bus using our Hakone freepass to Sengokuhara.

Beautiful pampas grass shining golden in the sunlight.

I like this shot.

View from the top.

There wasn't anyone around when we were at the top so we just stood there for a whole listening to the sound of the grass swishing in the wind. I feel like I should write a poem about it haha.

After a hike up and down to admire the pampas grass, we headed to a nearby cafe for lunch.

Some hot

Pizza with potato and ham.

Then we headed to Gotemba Premium Outlets. We caught a glimpse of Mount Fuji on the way there.

And then again at the outlet!

There wasn't much to shop for there tbh. The only thing I bought was a top from Tsumori Chisato. I did spot some Miu Miu shoes that were quite worth buying though. I think they cost about SGD$400. Really regret not buying now!

One thing that made going to the outlet mall worth it:

This wonderful sight of Mount Fuji lit by the setting sun.

Everyone was snapping pictures!

Truly a sight to behold. The only thing that would make it better? If there was more snow on it!

I think we were quite lucky to catch sight of the mountain. Even the Japanese were excited by the sight, shouting 'Fuji-san!' and taking pictures with their cell phones.

However we missed the bus back to Hakone and had to wait about an hour for the next one. Luckily we made it back to the ryokan in time for dinner.

Shabu shabu!

 

mochi and grilled eggplant IIRC

Fish with a tangy sauce

Peach sorbet.

After dinner we soaked in the private hot spring before going to bed. It was really wonderful to soak in the hot water in the freezing weather!  And it helped to soothe our aching muscles. It allowed us to have a really good night's sleep later. 

Day 4