Japan Travel
Spent a few days in Hakone recently - specifically near Owakudani. Getting away from the hustle n bustle of the metropolis for a while is always nice.
Filling up before we head off by car. Regular now down to 97 yen per liter - used to be nearly double a while ago.
Trains are convenient but you cant really stop half way to get out and explore - unless you are good at jumping off trains.
We always try to travel when others are not - would spend most of our time in traffic if we did. Spent 5 hours in traffic once when driving out of Tokyo on a Saturday. This time we went on a Monday morning.
Arrive at our destination and go to grab some grub.
Mmmmmmmm. Just had brekkie but feel hungry as I write this.
Owakudani [大湧谷] is translated as "Great Boiling Valley" and is located in a volcanic area which experienced eruptions 3000 years ago. The area was once known as Jigokudani [地獄谷] or "Hell Valley" but was renamed to Owakudani just for the Emperors visit in 1876.
Today the area still emits sulfuric fumes and these eggs are boiled in the naturally hot waters turning them black. Consuming one egg is said to extend ones life by 7 years. One can eat up to two eggs but eating 3 is not recommended.
Info sourced from Wikipedia.
Something for dessert.
Some local dumplings.
Kitty-chan gets hard boiled.
There is "Kuro-Tamago" at the time of running out of stock and pardon it, please.
Be knowist that some of the volcanic gas in the area can be dangerous and they recommend that you do not stay in the area for too long. If you notice your skin turning green together with bleeding around your eyes and ears - then get the hell out of there.
You are forbidden to enter the valley if you are:-
- A person who is asthmatic and has delicate bronchitis
- A person who has heart disease
- A person of weak constitution
- A person who doesn't feel well except for the above (?)
- A person who is under the influence of liquor
Despite the warnings, everybody still goes into the valley.
Trekking up the mountain.
Volcanic gasses approaching.
"And this is what the volcanic gasses look like. Never inhale the gasses like this" *inhales deeply* "as it will damage your lungs permanen..." *drops to floor*
Kagami enjoys the scenery.
The black eggs are boiled in this area and carried down to the shops near the parking lot by a cart thingy on a rope way.
The sulfuric gasses smell of a mixture of farts, eggs and smelly cheesy feet.
Many tourists.
Drinking this sacred water will enable you to catch bullets between your buttocks.
Mount Fuji can be seen from the valley on a clear day - on a cloudy day one can see a load of clouds.
After spending a few hours at the valley its back to the hotel.
On the way to the room - some spare Yukata in the corridor.
The rooms are Washiki - the term for traditional Japanese.
Comes with a unit bathroom - a huge sheet of plastic which has been molded to provide the hygiene area. Thought these were incredibly cool when I first came to Japan to experience them.
At most traditional hotels, there is some tea and snacks on placed on the table in your room which are also conveniently sold at the hotel store. Here we have some Shiitake (mushroom) tea and some dumplings.
Traveled with wifey and former colleague Jay from Amazon together with his wife and little boy.
Jay also used to work at Microsoft and currently works on the Payment systems at Amazon - an incredible engineer and Program Manager.
Dinner was a full course of yummy traditional Japanese dishes.
Sashimi.
Chawan Mushi - its egg with some bits of dead animals inside.
Oppai.
Salmon in pastry thingy.
Bits n pieces boiled in hot water.
Huge bowl of something.
Final dish - rice, miso soup and pickles.
Dessert with Kagami.
A stroll outside the hotel after dinner.
The main lobby in the hotel. They had cutie girls running up to you with hot lemon drinks ^^
Gorgeous packaging of foodstuffs at the hotel store.
Picked up a bunch before heading back to Tokyo.
The hotel was the Green Plaza Hotel and cost about 25,000 yen per night.
As with most traditional hotels, when you check in, you are asked what time you want to have dinner. They ask for a few reasons. The first reason is so that they can control how many folks are using the dining hall and the other reason is so that they can go and prepare your bed which is ready for you after eating.
Notice how they moved the tables away to set up the futon which is stored away in the cabinet.
The hotel has its own hot spring onsen both indoors and outdoors.
The process is that you take off all your clothes and walk into the bathing room in your birthday kit. Only after washing off can you head to the hot baths.
We previously had a few folks from the US come over who didn't want to go to an onsen because they didn't like the thought of showing everybody their bouncy dolphin or pururin oppai.
Folks staying at the hotel generally wear the yukata provided - its comfortable and easy to remove as many enjoy the onsen a few times a day.
Back in the room enjoying some Kemeko Deluxe.
The breakfast in the morning is buffet style.
Some Hanjuku Tamago [半熟卵] or half boiled egg.
Cloudy the previous day but gorgeous blue skies the next morning.
park the car half way to enjoy the view. Watching the trees on the mountain rippling in the wind was lovely.
On the road back to Tokyo.
Stopping again to catch some views.
The road seems to wind on forever going down the mountain...
...and our carnavi shows you what it was like.
Gorgeous drive back to the metropolis.
And back in Tokyo - work awaits with some Okonomiyaki for lunch.
Then its out to Shibuya for the night for meetings.
Absolutely love Tokyo but over parts of Japan are lovely too. Have seen some of it but want to spend time this year seeing more. Where do you or would you travel when visiting Japan?
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Student, part-time Haruhi wannabe (that bit about godhood etc)
http://www.aprilius20.com
Aiming for Hokkaido one day^^
Owakudani looks nice too- hope it's not too far out from Tokyo.
JR. College Student
http://npc.talkingincircles.net/
Ditto, would like to see Hokkaido. Maybe take a ferry(?) down to honshu and work my way south.
流浪人
Take the train from Hokkaido to Honshu...it's pretty neat... ^^
JR. College Student
http://npc.talkingincircles.net/
har har
JR. College Student
http://npc.talkingincircles.net/
Oh wait, I guess there actually is one.. I didn't believe you for a second... sorry lol.
流浪人
^^;
teacher
but its so far by train ;_; Flying is faster, cheaper and easier :D
流浪人
You don't get the same experience, though... ^^
A Curiosity
I been to hokkaido once... I gained like 10 pounds over like 2 weeks, eating all the seafood... -_-|||
Poet (not)
Wanna go to Hokkaido too.
As for Owakudani, too bad I went there on a cloudy day ToT
Another reason to visit japan....
Student
http://trixoptics.com
looks nice and quiet
???Confused???
Kinda reminds me of a trip to Yosemite National Park...didn't really enjoy the sulfuric smell..
wow 25.000 yen per night expensive !!! >_<
流浪人
It's a resort, so it's not too bad... ^^;
Student, Motivated Future Hikikomori
I have to agree, these days 25.000 yen for a night at a resort if quite the normal price ^^;
student
http://zephi-san.deviantart.com/
Already planning the next trip to Japan when I get the chance again... probably in the next 2 or 3 years I'll head back there again.. Stay for longer, and explore other parts of Japan. Need to go Hakone next time as well!
If I go winter, I'm going to head up to Hokkaido for some skiing.
Student
That place looks incredible! I like all the mountains and such. That hotel looks great too, and lots of yummy looking food. Seems a bit pricy, but well worth it from what I can see
Student
http://www.lesterho.com
I'm planning to go to Owakudani at the end of this month. will be going there for one day since staying at a hotel there might cost alot than what I can stay in Hokkaido.
No more NEET, enineering student now...g
http://saiseki.blogsome.com/
Went to Fukouka on my first trip to Japan and loved it. Wish to go back someday and explore other places in Japan too ^^ Scenery looks awesome, Lol at Inhaling the gas deeply!
US Navy Sailor
http://punynari.wordpress.com/
Cool pictures. I haven't gone to Hakone yet even though its not far from Yokosuka at all. For wilderness, I wanted to hike in Okutama, and during the fall I highly recommend Mt. Takao on a clear day.
Software Engineer
http://hanifnorman.wordpress.com/
I thought Hakone sounded familiar....even the road to and from Tokyo..
Then I saw the carnavi map....TOKYO DRIFT!
student
http://rinrinne.wordpress.com/
i am probably aiming for tokyo first and maybe okinawa or hokkaido
Otaku
http://general-noodles.mybrute.com
Very relaxing place to visit, love the amount of engrish mistake the Japanese made XD, and ppl say my English was bad. Is picture #24903 mochi cake?
Love the foods as well, I really enjoy fresh raw fish *sashimi* but the portion look small from the pictures.
Also, no picture of indoor and outdoor onsen?
Student
http://miri.textcube.com/
Now I really want to visit there!
Now, I'm gonna thank for whoever put up that KR translation below 'kuro-tamago' - black eggs. I thought people put 'kuro-tamago' on purpose there, and expected the same on the KR translation.
Anyways, nice yukata you're wearing there.
Kagamin's Waifu
http://moorina.deviantart.com/
I really love visiting place like that... something more relating to nature and away from the metro ^^ All the food looks so yummu and something I'd love to eat, minus mysterious egg+dead animal dish o.o but then again I'd love to try anything once!
o-oppai?
University Student
Did you drift along image #24915? The sushi/sashimi dishes look extremely good, though the portions look kinda small =P
Dropping computers, starting all over again at Journalism
http://xspblog.com
Awesome pics Danny!
Yes, onsens... the one thing I liked the most in Japan, and the one thing I miss the most.
Wish I could teleport to one...
I already set as one objective in my life to visit an Onsen once again.
If I got the money, this might be one of my visits. xD
If I'm on a tight budget, I'll just go back to the ones I already visited... they were not too bad, but not this fancy too.
If I'm poor, I'll just dream of them... T_T
Nekophilia
Cool - will be there to grab some HP extending potion. ^^
Ah chawan-mushi.. Finally something I ate before! xD Lurve it. Was it really necessary to state "dead animals inside"...? lol
And um, isn't futon supposed to be one piece of white... bed? Y'know its always like that in anime, without the "hole" O_O
Dance Trooper: DCX-001 O.D.E. (Order of the Dancing Empire)
http://dannychoo.com.my
Very relaxing vacation ^_^
Those Engrish are funny ^_^
The way you introduce the tasty delicacy also interesting ^_^
That "S" roadway is great for drifting~~~~~~~~~~~
Looking forward to visit Hell Valley ^_^
Dirty Gentleman
http://cantstanzya.wordpress.com/
When I head back to Japan someday, I'd like to see some of the less known areas that I didn't get to see my first time around. While an onsen would be nice, I'm not sure I'd wanna head all the way out to Hakone. At this point I tend to like running around seeing stuff rather than relaxing on vacation, and usually come back to my home country more tired then when I left.
Quality Scrutinizer
About 1 USD per liter? That's 3.80 USD -ish per US gallon. People would scream bloody murder for paying that much for gas here in US, and they did last year...
I like that little green car Danny has - small, efficient, and cute. We need more like that here. I really don't get why people feel the need to drive giant vehicles when they have no need for them...
Student / Software Engineer
To answer your question, they think they need them. When I was working as a bag boy at a grocery store, I would ask people who hummers or other big vehicles why they drove them (just small chatter to be friendly with the customer). Most of them said they were convenient and they liked the space even though I could tell, as I was loading their groceries, they didn't need the extra room and they didn't really use it that often.
BioResearch Assistant
True, though Minivans and construction/contractor pickups are rather necessities and don't get that much more gas mileage than say an Escalade.
While size of the vehicle does matter, it's more of the engine. Mustangs are quite prevalent up and down the East Coast and they get a somewhat respectable gas mileage...if you only drive on the highway that is.
Otherwise, they're pretty much guzzlers in the city with less than 20mpg.
sysop
http://www.wowtuga.org/forum/
we're paying about 1€ per liter here in europe, so don't complaint. that's about 1.50usd...
and people earn much more that us in japan, so gas is bloody cheap in comparison.
BioResearch Assistant
True, gas is expensive in Europe. However that's mainly due to taxation and not actual consumption. Britain's the harshest when it comes to taxing, with about 40% of the total cost being tax alone. It's one of their solutions to cutting dependency on oil and being green, make it expensive to drive.
Quite a few European nations rank higher in terms of average income (converting to USD) per capita than the US. With the Euro and even the Yen getting stronger than the Dollar, the US is actually going down in rank.
New media student
You don't know anything about the taxes. Here gas costs about 1,3 €, and tax is 60-75%.
Quality Scrutinizer
Yikes! 60-75% you say??
I guess you guys have a national health care system of some sort? Someone has to pay for that, ya know... lol
New media student
Yes, we do.
BioResearch Assistant
I hazard to guess that's in Finland. The example I provided was for Britain. And your additional example just furthers what I had said initially (>oO)>
I don't understand the flaming here.
BioResearch Assistant
(>^^)> I must make a correction though, mine's quite a bit outdated. Britain's tax is in the mid 60% of total cost.
By chance, what is the exact tax on gas in Finland if you know? 60-75% is too large of a range.
New media student
I can't comment your text below, so I'll write here. There isn't any actual percentage, because there's a fixed fare always included in the price of the gas. Since the price changes anyway, it makes the tax percentage change too. It may sound complicated, but that's the reason, why it's difficult to say, what is the tax percentage.
BioResearch Assistant
I see. I know there's multiple duties and taxes placed on the cost of oil so a range would be more appropriate than an exact percentage.
Doing some research it seems Finland and the Netherlands pay the highest in gas prices, having overtaken Britain within the last year or two.
Nice article Danny, engrish has to be a tourist attraction by itself.
University's Slave
Gawd I want to go. Must go talk to Sensei on Monday, as she's apparently the only person on campus who has ANY idea what the exchange programs are like. >.<
COMPENG/SWENG Student
http://ryan2006.deviantart.com
I too thought those one piece of plastic bathrooms were neat and interesting until it was very appparent my 76 inchness wouldn't fit comfortably in it. I really need to go back to Japan; Hakone was beautiful.
I really feel the need to get a Kagami figma.
Programmer
http://injapan.tumblr.com
Actually, I visited Hiroshima Sunday and Monday. Monday I spent the whole day on Miyajima. It's really gorgeous there.
Artist
Miyajima is lovely, and they sell those delicious Momiji Manju cakes there too. It's probably the nicest place in Japan, at least from my experience. Too bad Hiroshima itself, peace park aside, is so lacking in things to see and do.
Otaku / Student in Networking
http://hayasaki-kun.blogspot.com/
Awesome place to visit ^^
Student
http://www.flickr.com/photos/dramacd/
I like the pictures of the small town, very atmospheric.
And is that 20th century boys in the last pic?
三年せいとオタク
Looks like a great place to visit not sure about the 25,000 yen though >>
Student/Part-timer
http://random-euphoria.blogspot.com/
Oh hey I remember going to Owakudani....the sulfur/rotting egg smell was quite nauseating =/
I was going to boil an egg, but I had to go back down =(
And look at those hairpins displayed on the GPS lol!!! I so need to try driving those roads.
流浪人
"The area was once known as Jigokudani [地獄谷]"
Danny, if you want to see the current 地獄谷, you have to head up to Hokkaido. It's near 熊の山. ^_^
Lazyass human
http://nipah.wordpress.com
I like getting out when nobody else is too. Cause I hate getting stuck in the 'peak' traffic orz
CG artist, Sunrise Emotion
http://halcyonrealms.com
Believe I was at the same place during a school visit years back, though we didn't get to stay overnight and enjoy the delights you had. That notice about the eggs selling out was hilarious, but then so are many other notices in Tokyo. :p
College Freshmen
Too much seafood for dinner for a guy who doesn't like seafood. One of the reasons I'm not sure I would want to live in Japan.
studying comp studies, planning to look for part time job
http://bruneian-otaku.blogspot.com
I like this kind of place and the foods looks delicious too
former Emperor of Britannia
http://reflectiarx.wordpress.com/
Wow! japan really has nice tourist spots aside from the ones they keep on advertising for
tourists to visit.
http://akari-nyan.deviantart.com/
That looks like such a nice place to visit >w<''
"Drinking this sacred water will enable you to catch bullets between your buttocks."
That'd make for some hilarious videos ^^;
filmaker
http://bigstick-freshturd-hotday.blogspot.com/
i wouldnt want to catch bullets with my buttocks but id rather shoot bullets from my buttocks...
Japanese Language Student
I'll be coming to Japan for the second time in May and plan to go to Kyoto, Osaka, Nara, and Tokyo. Will also try to go to Hakone again. Last year it was raining and couldn't really enjoy it.
Injured
It may not be unusual to any one there but to me its great to see the rooms there are like the ones in many Anime shows that try to give an image of the characters living in a real house there. I am already aware living spaces are quite small (usually) compared to what I have here. Take Okazaki from Clannad 'AS' room in the apartment building he lives in. It looks like that room by day then by night sleeping on the floor on the futon.
Injured
Oh the mountain pass GPS deal reminds me of trips I took to Arkansas, USA and Missouri, USA back when Dogpatch USA and SilverDollar City were around (1971 like in time). There were some mountain roads up there that were barely wide enough for 1 Ford 1974 Ford Fairline 500 to make the turn around a corner and 1 city that was like mini-Switzerland or something whos entire streets were only 1 small car wide. Don't know if any of those places or conditions remain today as it was about 40 years ago. . . Those mountain roads zigzagged up the mountain and at times the feeling of fear from not being able to see infront of the car or over the top of the road would really send chills over your body that you couldn't breath. Maybe since I was so young then it had a bigger effect on me than it would today but I wonder what the GPS would look like in Arkansas, USA today (if they are technologically advanced enough to have a satellite over their State now).
Really cool trip pictures and descriptions, hope Kagami and your Wife had more fun than your friend you went with from Amazon.
Engineer by weekdays, Hikki by weekends
http://ejump.wordpress.com/
That is one hell of a mountain pass.
Isnt that looks similar to Irohazaka in initial D (or the pass in the movie vs mr2)?
Anyway, i like the out of Town japan. If only i have the time to visit japan.. sigh~
Student Otaku (ITM Student) and ACG NA Staff
http://koiaichaku.com/
I swear....the road of the GPS reminds me of Initial D...
Man...I wonder how it feels wearing a yukata and how it differs from real clothes...like jeans and a shirt...
I would go visit Owakudani...if I can figure out how to get there by train...
Graphic Designer, Biker, 501st Heavy Trooper
Visit list: to Owakudani riding a bigass motorcycle...
Sounds like a lot of fun...
Student
http://kokost.deviantart.com/
I'd definitely love to visit Tokyo if I ever go to Japan. Having lived in Toronto for so long, I guess I'm most comfortable in urban environments. That said, Owakudani looks good. Not sure if this will be at the top of the list of other places to visit, but I'd like to get out of the city for more rural and less cluttered locations. Seeing the path on the GPS makes me wonder if you can race along that path... doesn't have to be downhill drifting but just attacking that segment of road as fast as you can... at least thats what I'd want to try ^^;
Student
Awesome views! Would like to visit onsen someday...
Student
http://shockerz.wordpress.com/
A trip to Japan would be nice once awhile or maybe I will move there and live there. It would be a dream come through. Owakudani seem like a cool place to live in but looking at the price for one night can be a pain for the wallet.
I don't like to travel during holidays when you will experience traffic jams. I hope the Berjaya vacation club will have a travel destination in Owakudani, Japan then I won't need to pay that much on the travel.
College Student (Finance)
Been there but did not eat the eggs because boy did they smell bad. It was hard for me to roam around the area with all that sulfur smell. It was like someone constantly throwing stick bombs.
hahahahaha
But we did stay at a hotel and had hot springs too.
Student
Nice pictures :D Last few of the mountain and the GPS reminded me of Initial D :P
Software Developer / Space Marine
Very nice, looks like a great place to visit. A bit strange though, cause those mountains look a lot like some places here in South Africa! The trees & foliage, outlay of the land, etc., looks very similar.
Public service employee
http://stary84.blog.de/
Nice pictures, and nice Report.
Very much Thanks for writing.
The Photo with the GPS Navi reminds me "Fast and Furios Tokio Drift"
Must be great to drive this way with a Cabriolet.
dannychoo.com の読者
gosh u making me miss my trip to japan...
luckily i was able to see Mr Fuji when i visited owakudani
also noticed many ppl bringing their dogs to sacrifice to the venomous fumes
hoping to visit hokkaido next then travel to tokyo on shinkansen..
wow, reading your article is great, i like how the stark contrast from the beginning of your article, where you should pictures of the country side and then end it with shibuya...
thanks
High school student
http://www.animeraku.com
Looks like a really nice place to visit. And the sulphuric gases make it sound like a big adventure XD I just wonder if the kuro-tamago life span increase really works. You know, if you eat two then it is supposed to add fourteen years to your life, but if you eat more, then it can have fatal consequences, right? Is it really healthy then? But probably yes when everyone says so. It may work on the same principle as radiation therapy, right?
High school student
http://www.animeraku.com
Looks like a really nice place to visit. And the sulphuric gases make it sound like a big adventure XD I just wonder if the kuro-tamago life span increase really works. You know, if you eat two then it is supposed to add fourteen years to your life, but if you eat more, then it can have fatal consequences, right? Is it really healthy then? But probably yes when everyone says so. It may work on the same principle as radiation therapy, right?
student- university servant
the only mountains i like are the ones you can snowboard down LOL
Gorgeous scenery~
I'd love to try dipping in an onsen sometime.
And this post had made me, yet again, very hungry, orz.
NEET part-time - Technical Support Officer - Network security engineer
http://burugureibi.blogspot.com/
looking at that route DRIFT DANNY DRIFT!!! - i know you wanted too ^^
i remember my first time in an onsen - i think i talked about it before...
But anyway, the first 4mins were frightenly uneasy, then scrub myself down till i was a little red, then after that i didn't care anymore
bare dolphin = a happy dolphin
Student and full-time otaku
These are the kind of articles that make me wanna go to Japan even more.
Student
would like to go to Nikko again, but this time when it snows =). and when i'm in a better non hungover condition. lots of great temples there and nearby Irohazaka :D definately nice place as a follow up from Hakone
3D artist
http://andyh.cgsociety.org
Looks great there. Im in the early stages of planning a month in japan in october, and need to sort out where to go. This place looks nice. Ive already been to hakone and took the cablecar to the sulphur place. Didnt have any onsentomago though - black eggs just look wrong!
Would be great to drive around japan too. Would i get on ok, or are a lot of road signs in the wilderness in japanese?
yakuza
i'm going soon as well. did you post any pix or commentary on your blog? thanks.
Student, Performer
http://kesenaitsumi89.wordpress.com/
Wow...You seemed to be liking that Kagami a lots... you bring her out often... (Konata is angry now she will be lonely a lots) ^.^
http://www.alternatesam.com
just wondering danny, was your asthma affected by the sulphur gas when you went up the mountain?
大学生
http://justaskeikaku.net23.net
lol the carnavi is showing me an Initial D map!!
Student
you seem to like the term dead animal lately...
初音ミク命
Looks really pretty there.
I live in a pretty rural area so the whole idea of 'getting away from it all' doesn't really register for me since I do that each time I get home but I understand how it would be nice for people who live in urban areas.
Does the egg have a sulfer smell/taste to it, or does it just taste like any other hard-boiled egg? Also, does your wife ever have to tell you to stop playing with your figures and eat your dinner? ;P
great trip :)
Civil Servant
http://kyokohunter.net/
Great to see pics of Owakudani again. Took many photos when I went there last year, although I might give it a miss this year so I can go out and see other sukoshi things. Looks like a bit more snow than when I went, perhaps some of it came from the UK? ^^
Mechanical Engineering student
http://sabekujikaneda.multiply.com/
Jigokudani... I like the name! XD
security/3d graphic artist
http://www.kennethleishman.com/
excellent Danny! seems a bit to rich for 1 night.. but i guess it depends on the season
don't be afraid to show your dolphin or oppai.. everyone has them.. just get naked, let the other people laugh at your expense, then continue with your vacation! (j/k) he he
Student, Uncle & hopfully a good husband..
So that's how it looks like in winter...I loved the traditional hotels there...although was not asked when we were having dinner...
U.S. Navy
http://twitter.com/palm9x
Your gps display looks like initial-D hidden stageor something - so many curves and turns!
Student during the day, otaku at night, and amateur musician ^_^
http://www.thebanzaieffect.com/
Man, I thought I couldn't possibly love Japan more than I did before, but this article proved me wrong.
This place is on my travel list for sure (that is, if I travel to Japan someday, hopefully)
And now I know the difference between a crappy camera and a high-end one ^_^
studying Japanese and Computer Science
definitely a must-see for me, thanks for the tip danny ^_^
中学生
http://thezhukeeper.blogspot.com
lying down on the bed while reading manga is bad for the eyes!
studying comp studies, planning to look for part time job
http://bruneian-otaku.blogspot.com
agree with you I forgot to mention that :D
Navy Recruit
http://www.facebook.com/home.php?ref=home#/profile.php?id=519499924&ref=profile
most definitely must visit. like you side its always good to get away to the countryside and explore. some great pics as always danny.
IT, Programmer, Otaku, ...
http://blog.jpopdb.org/
Looks great, I'm going to go to Hakone on my next trip too. But I'm going to do the Hakone round course using train,boat,ropeway, cablecar and on foot. And which also comes by Owakudani, still need to make up a schedule of how much I have at each stop, cause doing it one day is a tight schedule.
Every time I go to Japan, I try to visit other stuff that I haven't been to before (but if someone is joining me, I have to do the big ones again as they haven't seen it yet, but I don't mind that, I like showing people around :p) But I'm going alone this year, I'll be going to Nagano, Kawagoe, Kanazawa, Takayama, Koyasan (try to do an overnight stay at a buddhist temple), Kumano and Kamakura. Haven't been to any of these places before. And in Kyoto I will probably do the Walk of Philosophy and Ginkakuji (the silver pavilion).
teacher
I did the round course!! :) It's fantastic :3 we did it over 2 days though... but its definitely doable in one day :)
Medical student
http://www.protocolsnow.com
The car in the third photo is a Lexus, right? So Lexus cars in Japan use the Toyota emblem? Interesting.
New media student
Before those models, which were/are sold in other parts of the world as Lexus, were sold as Toyota in Japan. IS was Altezza, GS was Aristo, LS was Celsior, SC was Soarer and RX was Harrier. But now they're called Lexuses in Japan too. Lexus brand has been sold there since 2005.
Looking for Work
One place I'd like to visit when in Japan?
The gorgeous and most impressive... Mirai Inc Offices! =P
But I'd really like to visit the quiet village areas depicted in a lot of Anime's.
Polytechnic Junior, Bronze Lifesaving Trainee, Mech Designer In-training.
http://thehangerbay.wordpress.com/
I hope there's nothing wrong with me paying more attention to the food aspect of this post than anything else. XD
Student
Wow! Okonomayaki! That's by far my favorite food in the world period. When I went to Osaka a few years ago, I think I had it almost every day. It really is delicious stuff. ^_^
Otaku
http://imperiomoe.wordpress.com
Those sulfuric fumes affect your writing. LOL
Is the food or dinner in the hotel a little less in portion??? looks so little to me.
The drive down the mountain.....so many turns, making me dizzy
Student
LOL Hokkaido Drift
However, I Loved the Mountain ^_^
武器職人
Two summers ago, I stayed at that same onsen place as you Danny! ホテルグリーンプラザ箱根 right?
大学生徒
http://ichinichijuu.blogspot.com/
I like how they made a mistake with "delicate" (they spelled it "dedicate") on the sign but were able to insert "conjunctivitis" correctly. ^^; I have yet to see one place in Japan either in person or through photos, that I've found ugly or offputting. Even people who post haikyo/ruins spelunking they do, it all just looks either very pretty or interesting or both.
http://flickr.com/photos/sklyanchuk/
Damn, I got hungry looking at Kaga... at all that food! :S
Actor, Moviemaker and Blogger.
http://sitedofonseca.blogspot.com
What a beautiful country. Someday I'll know it!! :)
Danny, I wish you had taken pictures of the cute girls in the hotel!! LoL
Student
lol @ the japanglish
houkouonchi
http://www.flickr.com/photos/red_mango/
I really need to get out and about especially to Japan. The parents have been urging me to take a Philippine trip with them maybe be a few days in Japan will convince me to go on their next trip
Future Pioneer and a Dreamer
!!! former touge drifter spot!
University Student
http://twitter.com/shikinami
lol at "A person who doesn't feel well except for the above"
Great tip Danny. Astonishing place.
Mad scientist
If I had seen that warning about SO2, then I would have taken it very seriously. The reason is that SO2 can easily change into H2SO4, which is sulfuric acid (main source of acid rain). I don't know about you, but I prefer to keep my lungs acid free.
I find it weird that they place a warning like that and then everybody ignores it and it would appear that nobody get any health issues. Sounds a bit like the tale of "Peter and the wolf".
Producer
If the gas density builds up too much they close the valley.
director marketing
http://www.burton.com
shikinejima island in the south. take the ferry, check in minshuku. rent bike, you can go round the island in no-time. not a lot of action there, but nice to chill out, sit in onsen and go swimming..
Pokemon master
http://thecococafe.wordpress.com/
This place looks so relaxing! Makes me want to go and take a break...
Student
http://asianmoviereviews.wordpress.com
the pictures turned out really nice. It seems like its higher quality than previous pictures....could it be a new (or different than usual) camera being used?
lol, almost looks like the out of focus boy in the desert picture recognizes danny, i had to do a quick double take to make sure.
Software Programmer
http://mfjunk.blogspot.com/
Surprise to see the Chinese translation is pretty good compare to English
teacher
http://img3.imageshack.us/img3/3392/10289979.jpg
Went last summer and got a small glimpse of fujisan.
Hakone is gorgeous! I've gone back for a day of just hotsprings too :3
University Student
Whoah that road on the first photo looks so clean NEW! Compared to the roads I have to use to get to classes, they can't compare with these, have so many potholes and other crap laying around.
Student
HOW COME WE NEVER SEE DANNY with his lady ?
Student
http://anime.tedfox.com/
oh yea WHY
Pseudo-Graphic Designer, 触手 wrangler, H-Man
http://lightningsabre.blogspot.com/
Wow lookit at those hairpins in the GPS system. Initial D would have a lot of fun with that... err... anyway it looks fun, but from the way of what I want to do in Japan, I may not have the time for it. I love eggs btw, so I wanna try that kuro-tamago. I wonder if I dare to eat 3 of them :P
I got a really good laugh out of all your comments on the photo XD
Especially this one: "And this is what the volcanic gasses look like. Never inhale the gasses like this" *inhales deeply* "as it will damage your lungs permanen..." *drops to floor*
Student
http://anime.tedfox.com/
haha initial d was the first thing that came to mind too.
looks like travelling has become some sorta regular thing for you now huh.. me jealous... ^^
Web Admin
http://hhanyu.com
Your pictures reminds of a family trip to Noboribetsu onsen. I went to Noboribetu with my family in 2006, and it was the last family trip with my father.
Student in Internet-based Systems
The serpentine mountain pass remembered me to Initial D instantly.^^;
For my first trip I want to explore Tokyo as much as possible but later I'm very interested to leave the usual tourist ways.
Wage Slave
I went and saw those springs when I was in Japan last April ... very good, although the hotel we stayed in was nowhere near as nice as the one Danny was in :(
Programmer
http://xnnc.wordpress.com
I went there in 2005, great moments..
It's different with snow.... I want to come back to Japan, who pay me the air plane ticket ? :D
Health Care
Great post Danny, Love this type of post. Since you have great pictures with great commentary. Everything seems so genuine, and love the fact that it seems like you enjoy everything you do.
Jack of all Trades
http://tsf.sonicstrike.net
Wow... what a great post. I now know where I'm also going when I go to Japan next year.
Network Technician
http://www.myyaruki.com
Looks a really nice please deffinatly added to my visit list when I go to Japan especially love the sign so many warnings but nobody cares lol
Great pictures of your trip to Owakudani. I enjoy personal interest pictures of everyday life. I wondered what kind of camera you are using, your photos are so sharp. And they are so large and clear on your site. You must have lots of memory for all the stuff you have on your website. Great site! Keep traveling and sending more pix.
System Administrator and full-time Otaku
Owakudani and Kowakidani (next valley across) are great places to visit on a one or two-day trip. I used to go there every fortnight when I lived in Tokyo. The Yunessun spa in Kowakidani is absolutely wonderful for soaking away the stress of IT work. :) (And you don't need a car, there's train lines up into the mountains and buses, too.)
Slacker
Is there a way to get there without switching trains in Odawara and the end of the Hakone Tozan Line? (Switching trains 3+ times each way sounds like it might cancel out the relaxation ^^;)
大学一年生
http://jp.youtube.com/user/aznfatalflip
yay for hakone! XD
IT specialist for application development, Business Process Manager
http://www.lukisblog.de
Thanks Danny for that super nice Article with its superb pictures. I'm going to Japan in April and will visit Hakone too... The Hotel is already booked ^^... I'm sooooo looking forward to it.
http://www.alternatesam.com
really nice place.
manga collector....
http://www.myspace.com/fasyahime
japan..japan..japan...let's go to japan..yosh..save lot's of money and go japan(but need to learn language first..huhu)don't want me like talking with duck..kuku..
Guitar Teacher, Musician
http://www.youtube.com/user/roskotroff
All looks gorgeous, great pictures, I liked it a lot. I think Kagami must be really happy XD.
English Teacher
http://iwantmorejapan.blogspot.com
I still need to get to Hakone. Probably on my next trip to Japan this August. Looks beautiful...
Hikikomori in the making
http://supermariabros.deviantart.com/
Man, I would so love to go there some day... Singapore's too small a country to travel and I don't have a car... LOL
"Drinking this sacred water will enable you to catch bullets between your buttocks."
What a useless and perverted skill^^;... I see no use of this skill at all...
I wish I had a car... Or atleast a motorcycle... Oh wait, I wish I was over 18 first so that I could get a license...
graphic designer, dog groomer
http://www.kilmerhansen.com
Loved the pictures of the traditional style room in the hotel. It looks like most people went to the buffet breakfast in their Yukata. Very relaxed.
When I traveled to Yellowstone National Park there were a couple areas that had that sulfur smell. Pretty nasty.
videographer / photographer
http://tune-in-tokyo.com
Great pictures and write-up. Makes me want to take a trip out of Tokyo. I need some fresh air!
Student
Even though I'm Japanese,I haven't visited Hokkaido.
There are so many places in Japan that I've never been. It would be a nice idea to travel around Japan during summer vacation this year.
Come on! Please somebody take me to the park!
Student
http://johndiew0107.wordpress.com/
Owakudani is seems to be a good place to relax. In my list of visit!
Student at Univ
http://animetland.blogspot.com
Sure Owakudani is on my list, but have to wait 2years before going anywhere ^^!
Otaku
I'm planning a holiday to Kyoto at the end of the year, I heard it was a nice place to see the traditional Japan.
Undergrad
Goddammit I hsould stop reading your articles! Japan looks so frigging AWESOME! Or maybe beauty is all in the eye of the beholder.... And the dude who has an expensive camera and knows how to use it xD.
Web programmer
http://www.micky2be.com
aaaah! I love Hakone
I think I went to the same hotel once
Student
http://mattmac.vox.com/
Your post was awesome!! Love the pictures that you took of the food you ate and places you went. See these pictures makes it more easier to see what Japan looks and feels. Keep up the great work Danny! I look forward to see your iPhone app.
Ciao!
Graphic Design student/Pest-ridden Jackal of the Earth
http://kriegtherion.deveiantart.com
is onsen the only option in that hotel for a bath? (very sensitive bout this sort of thing) o_0
Software Tester
i need some of those eggs.