Well, I didn't quite expect this...after all, it is cherry blossom season. For the first time in 41 years it snowed in Tokyo in April. Today, where ever we went - there was snow.
We did leave Tokyo at 8 am this morning, heading to Hakone. On the way, we passed Mount Fuji and despite the bad weather, we had an opportunity to take a few nice shots of this spectacular mountain.
During one of our brief "emergency" stops, I saw these instructions for the use of a western style pedestal toilet - make sure you follow these instructions.
Just before we arrived in Hakone, we did enjoy another lunch in which the dishes are artfully arranged. I really do enjoy this Japanese tradition. They spend so much attention to detail when arranging food and sweets - this is one of the things I will always remember. I know that I will have even more appreciation for the work behind the food when I eat Japanese food from now on.
Next, we enjoyed a boat ride on Lake Ashi - it is one of the lakes surrounding Mt. Fuji. Unfortunately, the weather was very cloudy today so we didn't get to see much of the nice scenery.
Before we were heading to our hotel for the night, we stopped by the "Great Boiling Valley" - the only visible evidence of volcanic activity in Hakone. This "Great Boiling Valley" is on a mountain where the aroma of sulfur is in the air and hot springs are coming from the ground. I had a couple of the traditional eggs that are prepared in the sulfur containing hot water - which turns the egg black. Each egg that you eat will add 7 years to your life.
Let's hope that we have more luck with the weather tomorrow when we visit the art of making Sencha. The last thing I'd like to see is snow on the tea plants...
