I'm not sure whether it was the "unlimited" bus pass that only worked
on one line, the hotel only dining options that closed at 8, or the
severe fog - but somehow I felt Hakone is a tourist trap. I'm sure if
it had been clear, and Mt. Fuji had been visable, I would think
otherwise, but as things are I couldn't see my outstretched hand.
Nonetheless, we did eat eggs boiled in a sulfuric hotspring on top of
a volcano (the shell comes out black!) with hundreds of local
tourists. We also found our way to the outdoor museum, which had some
great sculptures and a surprisingly large Picaso collection.
Ultimately, if the weather had been better I would have focused on the
views. With the fog, I will remember a sleepy lake side village, and
struggling to navigate the transport system - a more Japanese
experience.
