hakone

i had 2 nights at hakone, going over to sounzan to get to togendai, looking at fuji and sailing across ashinoko. it was so cold, but the inn was the quietest life i've ever had. the most peaceful and serene 2 nights ever.

the view of the room when i had just checked in. i was so cold, and had to quickly take this photo and close the glass doors. and turned the room heating all the way up. but my feet remained very cold. so i went for the onsen as soon as possible.

not sure if i wore the robe correctly.

the first night's dinner. a really big spread. it was sumptuous and delicious.

on my way to see mount fuji, i met a group of taiwanese tourists, and quickly made friends with them. they were such nice people. hope i can see them again when they come singapore or when i go to taiwan. the guy gave me his namecard.

a majestic view of mount fuji. i should be so lucky to get a perfectly clear sky, and no steam coming out from the volcano.

taking the pirate ship across ashinoko. having the cold air whipping across my face. this is a caldera lake that is about 700m above sea level.

the view of mount fuji from across ashinoko, at hakonemachi. such a quiet and beautiful little town, but living in the shadow of a sleeping beauty.

at owakudani (great boiling valley), the volcanic activity can be experienced upclose. pools of bubbling hot springs give out so much steam and sulphur that it smells so bad, especially when the wind blows all the fumes towards you.

the nice innkeeper kept the front door unlocked for me to go and take photos of the stars. i went up to the roof of the inn in the cold, cold night to catch some stars.

a final shot before leaving the inn. at that moment, my heart was really heavy. i really didn't want to go. i wondered if i could come back again.