Steamy Gora

It would be a pity not to see the volcanoes, so we went to Gora to bathe in hot springs and climb a volcano. Sadly, the volcano of Hakone was shooting ash, so they decided to close the rope way, and no one could see it. I was really looking forward to it, even though I was sad to leave never sleeping Tokyo. Just the thought of having my body soaked in a water gushing from a volcano got me super relaxed. 

Once we got off of the super train (all of the trains in Japan are so fast, clean, organized, that they have my love), we got to a little mountain train that zig-zagged to Gora in Hakone region. You could really smell the ashes in the air once we got off of it. The volcano was waking up. We wanted to see it, but sadly, they closed the rope way because of the risk and offered us the lake visit instead. The boat was pirate like and very fast. The clouds were hiding the Mount Fuji, considered the home by the Japaneese. Nevertheless, the experience was a blast. We went for a quick hike once we got across and entered this bakery that I had to suggest for #thefairtraveller, you can see it on www.thefairtraveller.org. The restaurant on the third floor with that view was accompanied with great dishes (the kings of sandwiches). I think the original Lord of SANDWICH would be proud and stopped that poker game of his (see: Wikipedia). 

Pancake at Bakery and Table Hakona.

Going home to Gora from Moto-Hakone-ko.

By now, I got very well adjusted to the Japaneese ethiquete and respectfulness. Just about when you feel yourself wondering around and looking confused, somebody is there to help you to find your way. Or if you have a question about the rules and how one should behave, you can just look around and find them written all over. So, the sightseeing magazin we were given at the train station with the extravagant places to be visited, also contained different set of rules one is advised to follow while at the hot springs site. It is amazing how everything is detailed in explanation and you can picture everything working perfectly in an almost theatrical, respectful manner. Also, we were given yukatas to be worn around comfortably at the hotel (I ignorantly thought it was kimono at first), also to go downstairs to enjoy hot springs and when using our terrace bathtub (the best part). 

Downstairs, the water was steaming. It was 56 degrees Celsius and I could just enjoy it for 10 minutes, but a perfect experience. Everyone is naked in the joint bath, and I was a bit surprised, but soon enough got over it. What to say, it was a perfect end for a perfect day. I fell asleep at 9 PM, and got up early enough to have the famous Japaneese breakfast including soup, fish, rice, boiled tofu, and more at exactly 8 o'clock in the morning. Ready for yet another fast train, this time to Kyoto favorite. I will make a short YouTube film there, for my dearest friend.