Fujisan 富士山 + Hakone 箱根 = Kimmooochhiii!~

What a crazy-packed weekend! Being touristy takes a lot of work when there's so much to do with such little time! And ALMOST every minute was wonderfully spent doing the typical "tourist in Japan" activities.

Note to self: Plan every minute before going on a trip

Two days is not enough time for trip to Mt. Fuji (Fujisan/富士山) and a one night stay in Hakone (箱根), but that is all I can work with.

So, Sunday morning, I ventured off to the Shinkansen to purchase my ticket to Shinagawa where I hopped onto the Yamanote line to get to Hamamatsucho. That bus terminal was gaijin galore. I felt a little irritated with myself for doing such a touristy venture while I was being herded around following a flag in the air. I am definitely going to take my student's suggestion and wander around Japan on my own the next trip.

While I sat on the bus and getting nauseous out of my mind, my adorably kawaii tour guide told us stories about Japan land. He also taught us how to use a Japanese style toilet aka toire.

We kept getting closer and closer to Fujisan. We were lucky enough to get to the 5th stage and see Fujisan, but FYI, the so-called great 5th stage where you can take GREAT pictures doesn't really have that great of a view of the mountain. I think the best pictures that I took of Fujisan was on our ride to the 5th stage, toire pit stop, and when I was going up the Hakone Komagatake Ropeway.

I definitely feel like this was the perfect time to go to Hakone despite the limited time that I have with work. The infamous autumn leaves that the Japanese keep raving about was definitely worth seeing. The bright autumn colors looked so unreal. It makes me want to rethink my plan of getting married during the cherry blossom season or not. I would want to have my wedding on a boat out in Ashinoko (Lake Ashi/芦ノ湖) and have my reception at a hotel off Ashinoko. The view from my hotel room was breathtaking. When I woke up and opened my eyes, I felt like I was on a movie set. And there are outdoor hot springs!! I'm sure my family and guests would love it! The only problem is... the groom situation. HAH!

Anyways, back to my touristy adventure, the tour bus left the six of use who signed up for the two-day package. The next day was great. We were able to do whatever we wanted and did we! I went on the Hakone Ropeway and Hakone Tozan Cable Car to get from Togendai to Gora. I am still mad at myself for missing the opportunity to try kuro tamago (black egg) in Owakudani!!! I didn't realize the famous kuro tamago was there, and it was too late. I passed up Owakudani and went all the way to Gora. That's okay. I went to wonderful museums in Gora and had a great lunch at a cute Japanese restaurant.

The first museum I went to was the Hakone Museum of Art, which was BEAUTIFUL! I would want to have my wedding shoot here. I want to come back during the season where the moss garden is completely mossy! It looked like some sort of fairy tale in the brochure. The museum also had cute traditional Japanese architecture.

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The second museum I went to was the Hakone Open-Air Museum, which had great art that was very hands-on and interactive. It's a great place for a families. There are several artworks that were created for kids (and sometimes adults) to play in. There is also a hot springs foot bath that is located in an area that comes up at such a convenient time. There is so much walking in that museum, and when you get halfway through, you just want to quit. Well, you can. At the hot springs foot bath, and you can get a souvenir towel to dry your feet for 100 yen.

FOOD TIME!!

So, lunch was included in the tour, and the food was prepared in such an artistic way. I was also able to find special Fujisan special flavored Kit Kats, blueberry cheesecake!! And the lunch I had in Gora was located right before the Hakone Open-Air Museum. I felt like I was in a Japanese anime of some sort! The salmon over rice was delicious.

Lastly, I would like to share with everyone what "omiyage" is. Omiyage is a souvenir. And the best omiyage is something you can eat. Thus, Kitty-chan onsen cookies were the best omiyage choice for my co-workers.

And... Kitty-chan phone straps are the best souvenirs for a Kitty-chan lover like myself. The best way to remember the places I've been to in Japan are these phone straps. Who needs anything else! The reaction I got to my collection every time someone saw it was "SUGOI!" It sure is, and my collection continues.