Weddingbee

Popular side trip destinations from Tokyo include Mount Fuji and Hakone.

Mr. Ant and I were incredibly lucky to catch such a glorious view of the majestic Mount Fuji, since it is, unfortunately, almost always cloaked in clouds. Mt. Fuji’s exceptionally symmetrical cone is probably the most photographed symbol of Japan. (click on images to enlarge for detail)

Nearby, there’s Hakone, a town famous for its “onsen” (hot springs). By definition, onsen use naturally hot water from geothermally heated springs. Onsen water is believed to have healing power from its mineral content and provides various medical benefits. Traditionally, onsen were located outdoors, but a number of inns have built indoor bathing facilities as well.

Important Onsen Etiquette

• The onsen are for soaking only, not cleaning
• Guests must wash their bodies and rinse themselves thoroughly before entering the onsen
• All onsen have a separate area for washing and rinsing
• Small towels can be used as washcloths and to provide a little modesty when walking between the washing area and the onsen baths
• Soakers are usually not allowed to wear swimsuits or towels in the onsen
• Test the water before going in! If it’s extremely hot, ease yourself in and keep your body still
• If you feel light-headed, get out and take a break. Know your limit and physical condition
• Since onsen are relaxing environments, soakers are usually fairly quiet

Was it embarassing to visit a public onsen and be naked in front of other people? Not at all. I thoroughly enjoyed soaking in the onsens and the therapeutic hot springs. The atmosphere was very relaxing and the other soakers were quiet and respectful.

Another highlight of our side trip was the Hakone Open Air Museum, which features dozens of sculptures exhibited outdoors against the stunning backdrop of the valleys and mountains of the Hakone national park. In addition to the outdoor masterpieces, the museum also has numerous indoor galleries, including a sizable Picasso collection.

Armed with our audio guides, we spent several hours exploring the grounds and learning about all the various sculptures and the artists behind them. One interesting piece was the Yumi Katsura Lover’s Sanctuary, which was declared to “impart the joy and the magic of encounters, blissful marriages, and raising a happy home.”

Previously in this series: * Traditional Tokyo and * Modern Tokyo
Coming up next: * Tokyo Food: Honorable Mentions and * Top 4 Tokyo Meals

• Notes On A Great Love
• Snow, Snow, Go Away!