Fuji/Hakone Reviews

16. Park Review: Gora Koen (Hakone)

2010-11-19T00:17:00.000-08:00

Gora Koen is a small English-style garden park located at the end of the Hakone Tozan Train Line. It contains a rose garden, greenhouse, traditional Japanese tea house, cafe, and crafthouse.

Views of the surrounding mountains is quite nice from the inside the park, but I didn't find the park itself to be that impressive.

The Cafe Pic is located right beside a central fountain. This is a really nice place to have lunch, or a dessert, when the weather is nice. Their lunch menu consists of just a couple of items, including a stew, rice pilaf with shrimp, and rice with curry. I recommend the herb tea and cake set (850 yen) or herb tea with cookie set (520 yen). You can choose from 5 different herb teas which come in an individual pot.

The main saving grace of the garden is the 'Crafthouse'. Visitors can participate in glass blowing, sand blasting, pottery, dry flower arranging,... There is also a small gallery space with exhibitions that change each month.

Honestly, unless you are visiting the Crafthouse, or you want to enjoy dessert outside away from the masses, skip Gora Koen. It really isn't worth paying 500 yen to see it.

Phone: 0460-82-2825
http://www.hakone-tozan.co.jp/gorapark/index.html (Japanese only)
The park is open from 9:00am - 5:00pm, last entry at 4:30pm.
Entrance fee: 500 yen, elementary school age and younger are free
*450 yen with a coupon off the website

15. Museum Review: Meissen Garden Museum

2010-08-02T01:24:00.000-07:00

The Meissen Museum is dedicated to Meissen porcelain first produced in Europe in 1710. The porcelain objects were used by rulers and the aristocracy as furnishings to decorate their courts.

The museum has over 300 items on display, with old Meissen porcelain pieces on the first floor and European antique cups & saucers on the second floor. The museum currently owns more than 1,000 pieces, so exhibits are rotated twice a year.

The collection is quite impressive, but one really needs a serious interest in this type of porcelain to spend any real time here. Otherwise, you'll be in and out of the museum in a short period of time.

In back of the museum is a nice garden and the cafe below, which overlooks it. Unfortunately, unless you have a serious interest in Meissen porcelain, this museum is not worth visiting. The 1600 yen entrance fee is way too expensive, especially since there are many other more impressive museums in the area.

Address: 1246-602 Sengokuhara Hakone-machi, Ashigarashimo-gun, Kanagawa Prefecture 250-0631

Phone: 0460-4-2027

Entrance Fees: Adult 1600yen Student 1100yen Child (4yrs to Jr. High School) 800yen
Hours of Operation 9:00 to 17:30 (last entry at 17:00) *Open year round.

Website: http://www.hakone-meissen.com/html/english.html

14. Hiking Review: Houei Crater & the Whole Earth Nature School (Mt. Fuji)

2010-04-14T20:02:00.000-07:00

I've never climbed Mt. Fuji, and maybe I never will (I have no desire to hike in a long line of people!), but I have now climbed ON the famous mountain, and I am very happy that I did!

After visiting the Fujisan Hongu Sengentaisha Shrine (for luck during our hike), we drove out and up Mt. Fuji. At the 5th stage we parked and met our guide for the hike, Mina Hase, a lovely young woman with a passion for nature. With rain suits provided by Mina, we set out on a nature walk.

The pace was very slow because Mina taught us about fauna, flora, and geology (in excellent English) as we followed the path. This would be a wonderful hike for those with children as it was extremely informative and Mina gives you tasks as you walk (ex. find this color, listen for this sound,...).

Our hike was more side-to-side, than up and down. We made our way through a mysterious forest that contantly changed its appearance. This hike is an easy one, but the reward, viewing the Houei Crater, was much more than we deserved!! Absolutely breathtaking!

As we did not have much time, we walked back the same way we came, and due to contantly changing weather, it seemed like a completely different trail. For those who want to make a day of it, other trails branch out along the edges of the crater - all were very inviting!

I would like to recommend Mina Hase and the Whole Earth Nature School to anyone interested in hiking/exploring the Mt. Fuji area. Not only do they walk to the crater, they also hike to the top of Mt. Fuji, explore lava caves, do night time animal tracking, wasabi field walking, river trekking, and more! They can plan an excursion for serious hikers, beginners, families,... any type of group.

You can also go it alone to the Houei Crater, but be aware that the weather on Mt. Fuji changes radically within minutes. During our hike the fog got so thick we could hardly see. Then, it was gone and we were cooking under the sun. Be very prepared and have some good maps!

Whole Earth Nature School http://wens.gr.jp/

165 Shimoyuno, Shibakawa-cho, Fuji-gun, Shizuoka-ken 419-0305

Phone: 054-466-0152
Mina is currently working on a different project, but she can sometimes guide a tour if requested.
For any English language coorespondence, e-mail: kokusai@wens.gr.jp

13. Ropeway Review: Mt. Komagatake (Hakone)

2009-04-26T21:17:00.000-07:00

For some of Japan's best views, I recommend taking the ropeway from Hakone-en to the top of Mt. Komagatake, Hakone's highest mountain (1357 meters high). On a clear day, the view includes the Izu Islands, Hakone, Lake Ashinoko, the coastline north to Kamakura and south to Shizuoka, and an amazing Mt. Fuji.

Most people purchase the 'Hakone Free Pass', when getting around Hakone. It includes a ride on a different ropeway that takes you up and over the famous 'great boiling hell', Owakudani. The Free Pass is definitely a great bargain, but if you drive to Hakone, or if you want to do something different, the Komagatake Ropeway is a good choice!

In addition to stunning views, there is a small shrine at the top of the mountain, and there are some great hiking trails for those who are more adventurous. Weather is extremely important, however. Don't take the ropeway if the day is not clear. There is nothing on the top but view, so if it is cloudy or you can't see the top of the mountain from the bottom, you'll waste your money and your time.

Ropeway Fees: one way: 620 yen, 320 for children, round trip: 1,050 yen, 530 for children

Hours of Operation: 9:10 - 16:50

Phone: 0460-83-6473

Japanese only website for the Hakone-en Complex, which includes the ropeway:

http://www.princehotels.co.jp/amuse/hakone-en/

12. Hot Springs Review: Kappa Tengoku (Hakone)

2009-01-07T22:03:00.000-08:00

Everytime I passed through Hakone Yumoto Station, I'd look up and see Kappa Tengoku perched on the hillside above. I'd always sat to myself, "I have to check that out someday", but it never happened.

Finally, after a recent excursion, I decided to give it a try. Kappa (a mythical water goblin) and Tengoku (heaven) do make for good invitation afterall.

Kappa Tengoku is actually a small ryokan which opens its hot springs bath to the general public for a small fee. The inn does not seem to have its own English website, but it is advertised on a number of inexpensive lodging booking sites. It is very cheap by Japanese standards, one site stated 6600 yen with breakfast and dinner included! But, I can't comment on the inn itself, only the bath.
I guess it is all up to interpretation. Rustic or run-down? I'm afraid I have to go with the latter. Although I liked the winding 'spooky' staircase leading up the inn, I was very disappointed with the bath itself.

Upon entering Kappa Tengoku, I was greated by a friendly Japanese lady. I paid the bath fee and purchased a small towel. I made my way up to the changing room, which was more like a shed with mirrors. The room dingy and was freezing. There were metal lockers for your clothing and valuables, they were very rusty and had obviously seen better days. The first locker I tried wouldn't even lock.

Anyway, I quickly scampered out the door to the bath. On looks alone, it was really nice. Made of stone, open to the woods behind, I forgot about the changing room. Unfortunately, the water itself is lukewarm, and the rocks under the water were a little slimy.

I've been in hundreds of hot springs baths around the country. Although Kappa Tengoku does have some 'atmosphere', it is the worst bath I've ever been to. Hakone is full of incredible hot spring baths; don't choose this one.

Location: Just behind Hakone Yumoto Station. Follow the lanterns and signs.

Entrance fees: I can't remember, but I believe around 700 yen. Extra for the towel.

11. Museum Review: Hakone Glass Forest (Hakone)

2007-12-06T01:48:00.000-08:00

The 'Gurasu no Mori', or Glass Forest Museum was built to showcase an incredible collection of Venetian glass. Italian-style buildings surround a beautiful garden, and it is all built into the mountainside. It is my absolute favorite museum in Hakone, and that is saying something!

Upon entering the grounds, cross the small bridge into the building on your left. This is the main museum, and it is full of Venetian glass from the 15th to 18th century, displayed in a 'castle-like' interior.

Cross an outdoor courtyard and next you'll enter a small section of modern Venetian glass and a wonderful (and very tempting) museum shop. The shop has enough of a selection to be a part of the museum exhibition itself.

Although the museum pieces themselves are excellent, the grounds are really special. Built around a slightly circular pond resembling a canal, every season is different as trees change and flowers bloom.

Opposite the main museum is a small water mill which houses a homemade honey, jam, and snack shop. The, there is the Cafe Terrazza'. I love sitting at this open-air cafe overlooking the garden, moutains rising in the background. You can even see a little of the sulfur smoke of Owakudani from here! It gets even better when the live Canzoni (Italian ballad) performances begin.
Admission: Adults: 1,300 yen, Univ/High School students: 1,100 yen, Children 800 yen

*There are 100 yen discount coupons all over Hakone (in restaurants,...). There is also a discount if you have the 'Hakone Free Pass'.

Hours: 9:00 - 17:30, open 365 days a year.

Address: 940-48 Sengokuhara, Hakone-machi, Ashigarashimo-gun, Kanagawa-ken 250-0631
Phone: 0460-6-3111

Website: http://ciao3.com/

10. Garden Review: Hakone Ashinoyu Flower Center

2007-08-23T00:48:00.000-07:00

The Hakone Ashinoyu Flower Center is a small botanical garden whose specialities are begonias and foreign orchids. The attraction has seen better days, but if you are interested in flowers, stop by and have a look. It is a nice, quiet place to wander around and relax, especially if it's a crowded weekend in Hakone.
There are three buildings and an outdoor garden. Building One has a 200 year old gajuramu tree, a large display of begonias, a plant nursery, and a small snack bar. Building Two focuses on foreign orchids. Building Three, tropical plants and fruits. Paths connecting the buildings are lined with cactus, bug-eating plants,... In addition, special rare plant exhibitions are held 4 times a year. Address: 84-55 Ashinoyu, Hakone
Phone: 0460-83-7350

Hours of Operation: 9:00a.m. - 4:30p.m.(Extended hours permitted for groups)
Free parking area for up to 40 cars and 5 buses.

Admission: Adult 600 yen / Children 6 to 12 are 400 yen
Group(over 20 people) Adult 450 yen / High School Student 400 yen / Primary &Jr. High School Student 300 yen /Kindergarten 150 yen.
Individual primary & Jr. High School students are free on Saturday, Sunday, and national holidays.

9. Museum Review: Tamamura Toyoo Life Art Museum (Hakone)

2007-08-23T00:24:00.000-07:00

The Tamamura Toyoo Life Art Museum is a recent addition to Hakone's many museums, and it is a good one. Born in 1945, Toyoo Tamamura paints very simplistic watercolors, mostly clusters of flowers or fruit. Never a big fan of these types of paintings, I found Tamamura's paintings to be quite impressive. We only decided to enter the museum after looking around the gift shop. Everything was lovely so we figured 'Why not?'. Inside, the museum is larger than it looks from the outside. In addition to flowers and fruit, there were paintings of animals, landscapes, and Parisian cityscapes. The museum was quiet, even on a Sunday during the summer Obon holiday, and we were able to spend as long as we liked viewing each piece.
There is a very nice reading room located in the back of the museum. In the same complex is an Italian restaurant, 'Acqua Pazza Terrace', with indoor and outdoor tables, all with views of the lake. The museum is housed in a brand new glass building right on the edge of Lake Ashi, in Moto Hakone.Museum Entrance Fee: 500 yen

Address: Kanagawa-ken, Hakone-machi, Moto-Hakone 61 250-0522

Phone: 0460-83-1071

http://www.tamamura-museum.co.jp/home.html

8. Hotel Review: The Fujiya Hotel - Miyanoshita (Hakone)

2007-08-22T23:58:00.000-07:00

One of the oldest resort hotels in Japan, The Fujiya Hotel in Miyanoshita, Hakone is a treasure. First opened in 1891, the Fujiya was Japan's first 'Western style' hotel. In its heyday, this was 'the' place to stay. General McArthur, Charlie Chaplin, and Helen Keller are just a few famous visitors to the hotel. There are many things to like about the Fujiya, but the top three are:
1) Atmosphere - how often do you get to explore, and then stay in, a hotel over 100 years old?
2) Service - it is absolutely fantastic.
3) Amenities - even if you don't see anything else in Hakone, the Fujiya will keep you occupied.

Fujiya Hotel accommodates a maximum of 300 guests in 146 western style guest rooms in 5 different hotel buildings: Main Building (1891), Comfy Lodge (1906), Restful Cottage (1906), Flower Palace (1936) and Forest Lodge(1960); and in 3 Japanese rooms at Kikka-so Inn, a former imperial villa (1895). The Fujiya's Restaurant House (1930) and all of the buildings mentioned above (except the Forest Lodge) have been designated 'Cultural Assets' by Japan's Cultural Properties Protection Commission.

The Fujiya Hotel is a vast complex. Hidden within are two small 'shopping salons', a hotel museum, chapel, indoor hot springs swimming pool, hot springs bath, relaxation corner, tea lounge overlooking the garden, banquet room, party room, the bar 'Victoria', an outdoor pool (open only in summer), traditional Japanese garden, and a green house. They also have their own bakery shop, 'Picot', just in front of the hotel.
Having lunch or dinner in the main 'Fujiya' dining room is an experience, but a costly one (4500 for lunch, from 11,550 for dinner - no drinks included). If you have the money to spend, I recommend it. I especially like that everyone dresses up for the traditional french cuisine dinner!

I would also recommend having some tea in the lounge, or just hang out in the lobby and watch the parade of guests. Live piano often sets the tone. The bar 'Victoria' also occasionally has live music performances. This is a REAL bar, not to be missed! For the best deal, hit their happy hour from 5 to 7 pm, where drinks are 20% off and there in no cover charge. Normally the cover charge is 525 per person. When I was there, they were running an interesting special. It was called 'Cocktail Paradise' and it was all you can drink + snack foods + no service charge, for two people - 7,777 yen. Not bad if you consider that most drinks are about 1000 yen.

In the summer months there is also an outdoor bar during the daytime. It is 'Tiki' style and occasionally you might witness a wedding pass by as you enjoy your drinks!
One of my favorite things to do in the Fujiya is swim. The indoor pool is fed by natural hot springs and is open from 9am to 9pm. Don't forget your swimsuit, though, or you'll have to rent one that resembles what your grandmother used to wear. You'll need a swimming cap as well (they can also be rented). The outdoor pool is also great, but the water is really cold. It has to be a really hot summer day in order to enjoy it.

In the 'relaxation corner, sign up for a foot therapy massage (1,050 per 10 minutes). Regular massages are also available (40 minutes for 4,200 yen, 4 pm to 11:20 pm). For families or couples who want to enjoy a naked hot springs bath together, the 'Mermaid Bath' can be rented. The cost is 2,100 yen for 45 minutes.

You can make a regular reservation at the Fujiya, or there are a number of plans to choose from. The best value is the '129 Year' Anniversary Plan. It is only available to holders of foreign passports and is 129 US dollars + 10% service charge, for a twin room (1 or 2 people), no meals included. This plan is not available from August 5 to August 25, or over the New Year's holidays. For a Saturday night stay, add $50.
There is a 'Basic Plan' that includes breakfast that is also reasonable. From 10,700 yen per person, based on double occupancy. Saturdays are from 14,900 yen.

All rooms are spacious and full of character, and the water for your private bathtub is also from a hot spring.

The entire Fujiya Hotel complex is fascinating. It is as if you have truly taken a step back in time. The service is also some of the best I've ever seen in Japan, and that is saying something! The Fujiya truly is in a class by itself, I recommend it as the absolute best place to stay in Hakone.

Check their website for details, in English:
http://www.fujiyahotel.jp/english/index.html

The Fujiya Hotel

Kanagawa-ken, Ashigarashimo-gun, Hakone-machi, Miyanoshita 359 250-0404

0460-82-2211 *There is English speaking staff, so English phone inquiries are not a problem.

7. Museum Review: The Little Prince Museum (Hakone)

2007-08-06T19:56:00.000-07:00

The book 'The Little Prince' was published in 1943, and has been translated into more than 140 languages. It was written by Antoine de Saint-Exupery, who was born on July 29, 1900 in Lyon, France. He grew up and lived in the castle of Saint-Maurice-de-Remens, and he participated in the war both as an aviator and as an author. Upon entering this museum, you are transported into France, early 1900's. The alleyways and gardens are really lovely. There is also a small chapel which is a reproduction of one neighboring the castle that Saint-Exupery grew up in. Look for the rose and fox motifs hidden in the stained glass.Inside the buildings are the museum, photos and letters tell the story of Saint-Exupery's life, with re-creations of rooms he worked in, city streets in Paris,... Almost everything is in Japanese, but it is still interesting, especially if you are a fan of the book.

There is also a small theater (decorated as a desert), that documents the story of The Little Prince and the life of its author. It is only in Japanese.

There is a nice restaurant on site, the 'Restaurant Le Petit Prince'. Enjoy casual French style cooking from Monsieur Okabe, who defeated Iron Chef Sakai in a lamb battle on the Japanese TV program Iron Chef. The menu includes fresh organic vegetables purchased from contracted farmers, pork and chicken raised in the vicinity of Hakone, and fresh fish shipped direct from Odawara's fishing port.

Indoors there is seating for about 70, outside there is a garden side terrace with 40 seats, and there is also a parking lot side terrace with 44 seats.

Cafe time = 10:00AM to 11:00AM

Lunchtime = 11:00AM to 6:00PM (Final orders 5:00PM)

Dinner time (6:00PM to 9:00PM) - offered only during: Golden Week(April 28 to May 5)Summertime (from August 5 to August 20), and Christmas (December 23 to 25)

There is also a small terrace cafe, the 'Cafe Le Saint Germain des Pres'. It is modeled after the 'Brasserie Lipp', a cafe that Saint-Exupery would frequent when in Paris. The menu includes beverages (coffee, tea, soft drinks), as well as hotdogs and cakes. There are 9 indoor seats and 34 terrace seats.

I was not really familiar with the book or the author, but I enjoyed wandering around France for a couple of hours. That said, I wouldn't recommend this museum for visitors to Japan - go and visit something more Japanese! But, if you live in Japan, it is an interesting spot to visit. The only negative is the lack of English explanations, it is best to become familiar with the author and book before visiting.

Address: 909 Sengokuhara, Hakone-machi, Ashigarashimo-gun, Kanagawa-ken
Phone: 0460-86-3700

Hours of Operation: 9:00 - 18:00 (last entry at 17:00)

Directions:

*Train and bus - Approximately 30 minutes by Hakone Tozan Bus from the Hakone Yumoto station on the Odakyu line. Get off at the Kawamukai Museum of The Little Prince bus stop. *By Car - Approximately 20 minutes from the Tomei Expressway Gotenba Interchange. There are 112 parking spaces, free on weekdays, weekends and holidays 300 yen.

*Express buses run through Shinjuku and Ikejiri. Get off at the Kawamukai bus stop (in front of the museum). For details, see the Odakyu Hakone Highway Bus home page.

Admission:

Adult 1,500 yen (purchased in advance: 1,300)
Senior (60+) 1,100 yen (purchased in advance: 900)
Univ. or High School Student 1,100 yen (purchased in advance: 900)

Junior (6 - 15) 700 yen (purchased in advance: 600)

*Student prices apply only if a student ID card or similar is presented.

*They do not sell advance tickets at student and senior prices. Present student ID or similar on the day of your visit, and you will be refunded 400 yen.

6. Museum Review: Pola Art Museum (Hakone)

2007-03-16T00:07:00.000-07:00

The Pola Museum of Art in Hakone opened with much fan fair in September of 2002. The designers took great care to blend with the natural landscape, most of the museum is actually underground. They are also working to regenerate the natural forest of Hakone by planting local deciduous trees in place of the Japanese cypress plantation trees that once existed in its location (and all over Hakone and most of Japan).The museum collection has over 9,500 works that were collected over 40 years by Tsuneshi Suzuki, the late owner of the Pola Group. The collection is quite diverse and features 400 European paintings, Japanese Western-style paintings, traditional Japanese-style paintings, Asian and Japanese ceramics, glass works, and cosmetic utensils.

We visited in March 2007. On display was a special exhibition, "Ballet in Art: Degas, Dali, Chagall, and other artists from the collection." In the permanent collection display - works by Bernard Buffet, Combs from around the world, Chinese ceramics beloved of Japanese painters, and a large selection of European and Japanese paintings.

With so many works in the collection, there are changes every few months.

The current exhibitions were not of particular interest to me, but it was educational and enjoyable just the same. I was very impressed with the museum itself, even the parking lot was 'stylish'.

Hours of Operation: 9:00 - 17:00 (last entry at 16:30). It is open daily, but occasionally closes for exhibition changes.

Admission:

Adults 1800, Seniors 1600, University and High School 1300, Jr. High and Elem. 700 (free on Saturdays), and 1000 yen for the disabled and their assistant. There are also discounts for groups over 15.

The main parking lot has 163 spaces and costs 500 yen per day. A second lot with 158 spaces costs 200 yen per day, and is linked to the museum by shuttle bus. The second lot only opens when the first is full.

Although the admission fee is high, I was impressed by the care taken by this museum in its architectural design and care for the surrounding environment. I did not mind helping to pay for this.

The web site for the Pola Museum is excellent.

http://www.polamuseum.or.jp/english/index.php

5. Amusement Review: Yunessun (Hakone)

2007-03-15T19:25:00.000-07:00

Yunessun is a 'Hot Springs Amusement Park and Spa Resort in Hakone. My husband and I visited Yunessun in combination with a one night stay at the Hotel Kowakien (see previous blog).
There are two 'zones': The Yunessun Spa Resort zone and the 'Mori no Yu' zone.

The Yunessun Spa Resort is a swimsuit zone. Men, women, and children can all enjoy the facilities together. This zone is then divided into two area, 'Yunessun' and 'Yutopia'.
The Yunessun area is mostly indoors, with a ceiling painted like the sky and it is supposed to be the 'European' area. The main pool is 'The God's Aegean Sea', filled with massage jets,... Surrounding it are: 'Green Terrace', 'Ancient Roman Bath', 'Turkish Haman, 'Mist Sauna', 'Heat/Cold Water Bath', and more. I really enjoyed floating in the 'Dead Sea Bath'. There is also a pool within the 'Turkish Haman' that is full of tiny fish that eat dead skin cells off your feet and lower legs. I wanted to try this, but there was a really long line.

The outside part of the Yunessun area contains hot spring water slides, a cave with a waterfall, and a children's 'Jungle Gym'. This is definitely the most popular area for kids.

My husband and I spent almost all of our time in the Yutopia area. Except for an indoor lap pool, everything is outdoors. A collection of 10 different hot springs pools are set into a mountain slope. Each pool has a theme: coffee, waterfall, wine, Japanese sake, green tea, charcoal, rock-lined, cold water, a goemonburo, and a therapeutic walking bath. If you are there at the right time, you can watch them dump in the coffee, wine,...

I didn't taste the baths, of course, but the smells were fantastic! The mountain air was cold and crisp. We would exit one bath, and quickly make our way to another. I have never been more relaxed in my whole life.

It would be easy to spend an entire day here. There are about 10 restaurants/cafes, resting rooms, an arcade, a shopping zone, and a number of massage/treatment facilities. This photo is of some additional restaurants located just outside the facilities.The Yunessun admission system is very high-tech. Everyone is given a wristband that is used as a key to your locker and as a 'charge card'. Anything you want to purchase, just use the wristband and pay the total on your way out.

If you don't bring your own bathing suit, they will supply you with one, free of charge. Towels and 'loungewear' are also supplied. The locker room is equipped with showers (with soap, shampoo, and conditioner), hair dryers,...

The 'Mori no Yu', or 'Forest spring' zone has a completely separate entrance fee. It is a traditional Japanese style hot springs set of baths, divided by gender, and sans bathing suit. These baths are both indoor and outdoor. They were very, very nice.

My husband and I bought a Hotel Kowakien - Yunessun 1 night package (see previous blog). We enjoyed the 'Mori no Yu' in the evening before dinner, and then Yunessun the next morning. It was perfect!

There is only one real draw back to Yunessun is the crowds. At about 11am, the tour buses start arriving. I don't know if weekdays are the same, but a lot of people come on the weekends. We were lucky, on the evening we arrived, everyone had already left by the time we entered. The next morning, we entered right at 9am and had Yutopia to ourselves for an hour, and the Yunessun area wasn't bad either. When I was changing back into my clothes (around 11am), a bus load of children arrived, and so did a bus load of Chinese ladies. The locker room was out of control. My husband and I are not good with crowds, so a couple of private hours were perfect for us.

It is very easy to make Yunessan a day trip from Tokyo - by train, bus, or car.

There are a number of choices for admission.

Yunessun only: Adults 3,500 yen, children 1,700
'Mori no Yu' only: Adults 1,800 yen, children 900
Yunessun Passport (both): Adults 4000 yen, children 2000

Don't pay full price, though. The website is always posting discounts, and lesser discount coupons can be found all over the Hakone area (restaurants, info center,...).

Right now there is a 400 yen off discount on the website.
Even better, check the Japanese web site. There is a day package plan for Yunessun Passport + buffet lunch for 4000 (adults), 2000 (children). Or Yunnesun + buffet dinner for 5000 (adults), 3500 (children). More packages include round trip train tickets, combination tickets with other attractions in Hakone, Family passes,...

Hours of Operation:
Yunessun & Yutopia (March to October) 9:00 - 19:00; (November to February) 9:00 - 18:00.
'Mori no Yu' 9:00 - 21:00

*One thing to be aware of... people with tattoos are not permitted to enter. If you do anyway, and you have a tattoo, you will probably be asked to leave. If the tattoo is not too large, cover it with a bandage.

To see lots of great photos, and for more info - check this website:
http://www.yunessun.com/english/index.html

4. Hotel Review: Hotel Kowakien (Hakone)

2007-03-15T18:44:00.000-07:00

The reason we chose the Hotel Kowakien is because we were interested in visiting the famous hot springs spa resort and water amusement park, Yunessun (see next blog). Both are part of Fujita Kanko Inc. Group.

The Hotel Kowakien has 220 rooms, and overlooks a lovely Japanese garden that was once part of a villa owned by the Mitsui (zaibatsu) family. It is set into a mountain hillside, just across the street from Yunessun.

In March, when we traveled there, their English website was advertising two specials:

1) 11,000 per person (room, buffet breakfast, 1 day entrance tickets to Yunessun, and 1 visit to 'Mori no Yu' - a more traditional style hot springs bath area).

2) 16,250 per person (same as above + dinner - choice of Japanese, Italian, or buffet (Japanese, Western, and Chinese).

We chose #1, but we ended up paying more for dinner than if we had chosen #2. The dinner was excellent, but probably similar to what was offered in plan #2.

The Hotel Kowakien has a number of restaurants on site, but dinner in all of them is quite expensive. However, there are also a number of reasonably priced restaurants over at Yunessun. The restaurants are just outside the park itself.

The choice of plans is dependant on whether you want to save some money, or whether you want the convenience of eating in the hotel. View of the Hotel Kowakien from Yunnesun. The outside of the hotel could use a paint job, but the inside was modern and well kept. Service was very good, and our room was simple, but spacious. The reason for staying here is simple, Yunessan. As I do plan to visit Yunessan again, I will stay at the Hotel Kowakien again as well.

The Hotel Kowakien is accessible by car (there is free parking for guests staying at the hotel) and by bus from Hakone Yumoto. You can also walk from Kowakudani Station (20 minutes).

Hakone Hotel Kowakien
Kanagawa-ken, Ashigarashimo-gun, Hakone-machi, 1297 Ninotaira 250-0407.
0460-82-4111

The website is a good one:
http://www.hakoneho-kowakien.com/english/

I also e-mailed the hotel directly for information; the answer was prompt, and was written in excellent English.

3. Museum Review: Fujiyama Museum (Fuji 5 Lakes)

2007-02-06T23:30:00.000-08:00

The Fujiyama Museum is a part of Fujikyu Highland and the Hotel Highland Resort. It was built in 2003 to commemorate the 75th anniversary of Fujikyuko Co., and to exhibit paintings of Mt. Fuji collected over several decades. It is not a large museum, but it is spacious, and inviting. The paintings of Mt. Fuji were all very different, and it was quite interesting to see so many interpretations of one special mountain. They also occasionally show 10 minute films on the 'Beauty of Mt. Fuji' and 'Painting Mt. Fuji'. I wouldn't come to this museum on its own, but it makes a nice combination with lunch at 'Top of Zipangu' (see previous review).

Hours of operation: Weekdays 10:00-17:30, Saturday 10:00-20:30, Sunday/Holiday/Summer 9:00-20:30.

Admission: Adults: 1000 yen, College: 800, Senior High: 600, Jr. High: 500.
*Admission is free for elementary school children and younger.
*Admission is free for Jr. high students on Saturdays.
*Admission is free for visitors with a Fujikyu Highland Free Pass.
*Admission is free for those staying at the Hotel Highland Resort and Hotel Mt. Fuji.
*There are discounts for groups of 15 or more, and for visitors to Fujikyu Highland.

Address: 5-5597-103, Shin-Nishihara, Fujiyoshida-shi, Yamanashi-ken 403-0017. Phone: 0555-22-8223

Website: http://www.fujiyama-museum.com/eng/

2. Museum Review: Itchiku Kubota Art Museum (Fuji 5 Lakes)

2007-02-06T23:19:00.000-08:00

The Itchiku Kubota Art Museum is located near Lake Kawaguchi, of the Fuji 5 Lakes. When the artist was young, he saw an example of 'Tsujigahana' at the Tokyo National Museum. 'Tsujigahana' was a technique used in dying kimonos during the 15th and 16th century, and later it became a lost art. Kubota-san duplicated the art and created a series of Kimono decorated with mountain landscapes in all four seasons and Mt. Fuji.

The kimono are on display in a setting that will take your breath away. The main building is a pyramid-shaped structure supported by 16 Hiba (cypress) wooden beams more than 1,000 years old. Other parts of the museum are built with Ryukyu limestone, where an antique glass bead collection is on display. The unique architecture is set among a lovely garden and red pine forest. When the weather is nice, there is an open air cafe overlooking the grounds and Mt. Fuji itself.

I was extremely impressed with this museum. I had never heard of it, but I definitely plan to visit here again. The museum is hidden, unless you were heading there, it is not a place you would stop. The Kimono were like none I had ever seen before. The buildings themselves were works of art, and a lot of care was also put into the garden. We were there in winter, so the garden was not so spectacular, but photos on display of spring and fall looked incredible. The Kimono are changed with the season, so I plan to visit this museum 3 more times!

2255 Fuji-Kawaguchiko-machi, Yamanashi-ken 401-0304
Tel: 0555-76-8811
Hours of operation:
December-March 10:00-17:00 (last entry at 16:30)
April-November 9:30-17:30 (last entry at 17:00)

The museum is closed every Wednesday from December to March (except for Wednesdays that fall on a national holiday, and the first Wednesday in January). It is also closed Dec. 26-28.

Admission: Adults 1300, College Students 1100, High School Students 900, Children 500
*100 yen discount per person for groups over 15.

To reach the museum by car:
*From the Chuo Expressway, exit at Kawaguchi-ko I.C., route 139 to route 137. The museum is about 15 minutes from the I.C.
*From the Higashi-Fujigoko Road, exit at Fujiyoshida I.C., route 139 to route 137 (also 15 min.).

The museum can also be reached by train and bus, from Shinjuku.

For more information, check their website (only in Japanese):http://www.itchiku-tsujigahana.co.jp/bijutsukan09.html

Pamphlets for the museum are in English, French, and Japanese.

1. Restaurant Review: Top of Zipangu (Fuji 5 Lakes)

2007-02-06T23:14:00.000-08:00

'Top of Zipangu - N's Dining' is a french restaurant located on the 12th floor of the Highland Resort Hotel. Floor to ceiling windows give a breathtaking view of Mt. Fuji. The atmosphere is bright and airy; with light blue, light yellow, and crisp white coloring.

We had a lunch set which included one alcoholic beverage (beer or wine). I had a glass of red which was served as it was supposed to be, at room temperature. The set started with a marinated salmon salad. It was very tasty. Next we had basil flavored vegetable soup, followed by roasted tenderloin in a Japanese sauce. Excellent. After lunch, a plate of mini-portion desserts (gelato, cake,...) with coffee or tea.

The pace of the lunch was slow and leisurely. We were there for two hours, but I never felt that I was waiting for food. Service was excellent, and the staff worked extra hard to take care of our group (40 mostly American ladies). I am not sure how much the set was, but I believe it was around 4200 yen.

Lunch is from 11:30 to 14:00, dinner is from 17:30 - 21:00. The restaurant is closed every Tuesday. There is enough seating for 95 people, but children under the age of 12 are not permitted.

For information on how to get there, check this English website:
http://www.highlandresort.co.jp/english/restaurant/index.html