Art, History and Lake Ashi

Up too early to finish posts but still behind on email---be patient. Breakfast was another challenge so I'm sticking to salad and a new item each day. Today was "scrambled eggs" pressed and cut into squares.

Off on the bus to the most amazing outdoor sculpture display, The Hakone Open-Air Museum. The 90 minutes I spent there were inspiring. Famous sculptors, not so famous, big, small, interactive, colorful, metal, plastic, glass---and all in a spectacular mountain setting. A few photos won't do it justice but at least give you a taste. My favorite was the round stained glass building that you could climb up on the inside. Stunning with the light flowing through all the shapes and colors. If I ever come back I will return here!

Hakone, where we are spending the day, is the resort area south of Mt. Fuji, famous for its beautiful scenery, its culture and its history. High mountains surround Lake Ashi (yes, like the beer), a volcanic crater formed 4,000 years ago and filled with cold, pure water. Surrounding the lake are many small towns catering to a wide range of visitors, from the very wealthy to foreign tourists to Tokyo families. Many Japanese companies own resort properties in the area so their employees can vacation at reasonable rates close to the city. There are also children's summer camps, Shinto shrines, parks, and, of course, hot springs. I must commend the bus driver for his safe driving as all the roads are narrow, twisty, up and down, and truly confusing.

Historically, this area was important as a gateway from Kyoto, the original capital, to Tokyo. The famous Tokaido Road ran through this part of the country, lined with cypress trees which are now over 400 years old. There are still portions of the ancient roadway existing so we were able to a walk a mile on the same path as a samurai warrior! Learned much history about how the Imperial family and the samurai warrior class kept power and kept out foreigners for centuries.

Having put lots of steps on my Fitbit I didn't feel guilty about eating another buffet lunch with delicious food and tasty desserts. And, having a little extra time, I gave origami crane folding lessons to Mark and Hettie which were successful.

The Narukawa Art Museum was next with a balcony view for amazing photos, although Fuji was hidden by clouds. This museum seemed more like an art cooperative because much of what was displayed was for sale. This didn't stop me from purchasing, from the local artist who was there, a small painted treasure of Mt. Fuji. Having anticipated more traditional Japanese art it was delightful to see modern interpretations and techniques.

With extra time before our boat ride, we got to go to the Hakone Shinto Shrine, unusual because the entrance to its tori gate is in the lake. The shrine is up a steep hill and we all were a bit breathless at the top. Fun to see families, small children and even somber teens ringing the bell and bowing at the shrine. Met some American college students traveling in Japan and we each took photos of the others. Delightful.

Cruising on the lake to return to our hotel was not nearly as exciting as I had anticipated. Nice scenery and a big boat but not that cool. Was tired and thinking about another visit to the hot baths, which happened as soon as we returned. Relaxed and comfy in the yukata, had dinner and now ready for bed. Another fun and memorable day.