Man, what a day! Seriously, I’m still reeling from all the craziness that went down in Hakone. Like, where do I even start?
So, I woke up in my little ryokan, right? The tatami mats were all cozy, but I was like, “Get up, dude!” I had plans. I mean, who wouldn’t wanna explore Hakone? It’s like this magical place with hot springs, mountains, and views that’ll make your heart skip a beat.
First stop: the Hakone Open-Air Museum. OMG, it’s like art and nature had a baby. I’m strolling through, and there’s this giant sculpture that looks like a twisted pretzel. I’m like, “What even is this?” But then I see a kid climbing on it, and I’m like, “Okay, that’s kinda cool.” Kids have this way of making everything seem fun, ya know?
Then I hit up the Picasso Pavilion. I mean, Picasso? In Hakone? Mind blown! I’m standing there, staring at this painting, and I’m like, “Dude, what were you on when you made this?” But it’s all good. Art is subjective, right?
After that, I decided to take a stroll down the streets. I hit up Yumoto Street. It’s packed with shops and food stalls. I’m talking about the best street food ever! I grab some onigiri, and it’s like a flavor explosion in my mouth. I’m munching away, feeling like a king, when suddenly, I see this old lady selling these cute little trinkets. I’m like, “Aww, I gotta get one!”
But then, outta nowhere, this pigeon swoops down and tries to steal my onigiri! I’m flailing my arms like a madman, yelling, “Get away, you feathered thief!” People are staring, and I’m just like, “Yeah, this is my life now.”
Next, I decided to check out the Hakone Shrine. It’s nestled by the lake, and the torii gate is just stunning. I’m standing there, taking pics, when this random dude walks up and starts chatting me up about the history. I’m like, “Bro, I’m just here for the ‘gram.” But he’s super passionate, and I can’t help but get sucked into his stories.
Then, I took a boat ride on Lake Ashi. The views? Unreal. I’m talking about Mount Fuji peeking through the clouds like, “Hey there!” I’m snapping pics like a tourist on steroids. But then, the boat starts rocking, and I’m like, “Oh no, not today!” I’m gripping the railing, praying I don’t end up in the water.
After that, I hit up the Hakone Ropeway. I mean, who doesn’t love a good cable car ride? I’m up in the air, and it’s like, “Wow, this is life!” But then, I see this guy next to me, and he’s got this crazy fear of heights. He’s sweating bullets, and I’m just trying not to laugh. I mean, c’mon, dude, it’s just a little height!
Finally, I ended my day at an onsen. I’m soaking in the hot springs, and it’s like all my worries just melt away. I’m chilling there, thinking about how wild the day was. I mean, from art to food to nature, Hakone is a vibe.
But then, I overhear this couple arguing in the next pool. I’m like, “Really? You’re gonna ruin my zen?” I mean, can’t people just chill?
Anyway, I left feeling all kinds of emotions. Happy, surprised, a little angry at that pigeon, but mostly just grateful. Hakone, you’ve got my heart. Can’t wait to come back and do it all over again!