Hakone is known for its woodwork and we stopped at a store for a demonstration on this world class marquetry talent. The shop owner is 6th generation in his family to make these gorgeous works of art. Learned some very interesting techniques about how marquetry is made and was suitably impressed with the "secret" boxes so I bought one.
Next stop was the train station to buy lunch and get ready to board the bullet train. All went exceptionally smooth and we settled in to enjoy the one hour super fast travel to the next train station. The bullet train feels like a jumbo airplane ready for take off but never leaving the ground. Awesome! Next station we switch to a "local" train that still travels at amazing speeds in a quiet and relaxing mode. Most of the group took naps but I did a few origami lessons to those who wanted to make a crane, then made more of my own and watched the scenery.
Arrived in Kanazawa for a three night stay in this west coast thriving industrial city. The hotel was just a couple blocks from the station so we walked, feeling good to stretch after 3 hours on the train. The hotel is a bit upscale and huge with a big convention going on with hundreds of suit and tie clad attendees. A few minutes to unpack and back downstairs to leave for dinner. We took a local bus to a quaint Italian restaurant, our first non-Japanese meal! Delicious with a good time had by all as we talked and laughed and shared travel stories. The walk back to the hotel was brisk and a perfect ending to a long day. Very sleepy so time for "fushido"!
The bullet train is rather amazing! Hakone is a beautiful place. I was there in '81... :-)
ReplyDelete