Hakone: More Than Just a Torii, a Summer Escape! Hakone Hakone 🏞️

#summervacay Hakone, for me, was a town that initially seemed to lack a distinct "memory point." However, its lush, humid summer greenery and the ever-changing weather within its mountains became its unique charm. My biggest regret on the first day was the sudden downpour that halted the aerial ropeway, but the endless hydrangeas lining the mountain railway tracks were a delightful surprise! Catching a glimpse of the hazy Mount Fuji after the rain cleared made the trip truly worthwhile. Culinary Delights & Local Finds At Owakudani (大涌谷), I tried the famous black eggs – 4 for 500 yen. They say eating one adds seven years to your life, haha! Honestly, once peeled, they tasted just like regular eggs, no strange flavors. The small street near Hakone-Yumoto Station also offered many tasty treats. The sesame-flavored kashi (sweet dumplings) were incredibly fragrant, sweet, and chewy after being grilled. Odawara: A Hidden Gem for Foodies In the evening, I returned to Odawara for my transfer. Following the stream of commuters into the Lusca supermarket next to the station instantly brought me back to a vibrant, local atmosphere. Fresh sashimi and the small in-store dining area became my top choice for dinner. I also picked up some plum wine, Ichiban Shibori beer, yogurt, and discounted sashimi before hopping on the Odakyu Line back to Shinjuku. Honestly, Odawara shouldn't just be a transit point. Located by the sea, it's a paradise for sashimi lovers! #hakone #japantravel #owakudani #blackeggs #hakoneyumoto #odawara