Japan Day 12: Hakone, Nobu & Tonosawa Restroom Emergency

Date: 22/11/23 🇯🇵
Day twelve in Japan brought us to the scenic area of Hakone, starting early but with only half our group as Aaron opted to catch up on some sleep. Daljit, Parm, and I embarked on our journey, catching the train to Hakone-Yumoto Station, our laughter about Aaron's absence filling the morning air.
Our first stop was Box Burger, where we refueled while soaking in the stunning surroundings of Hakone. With energy replenished, we used our Hakone day pass to hop on a local bus, making our way to the traditional Hakone Amasake Chaya Teahouse. While Daljit enjoyed a local tea, I stayed on the cautious side, still wary from our mixed culinary experiences.
Next on our itinerary was the Hakone sightseeing cruise, followed by a cable car ride from Togendai Odakyu Hakone, offering breathtaking views of the legendary Mt. Fuji. The awe-inspiring scenery continued as we reached Owakudani, notable for its striking volcanic activity and the pungent scent of methane and sulfur filling the air.
Our adventure took an unexpected turn when we descended the mountain via a tram-like cart, leading to a sudden and urgent detour for Daljit at Tonosawa Station due to a restroom emergency. This spontaneous stop turned out to be a hidden gem, with its eerily quiet and beautifully haunting atmosphere at night.
Finally, we indulged in a meal at Itoh Dining by Nobu in Hakone. The set menu was among the better meals we had in Japan, offering a satisfying end to our day's adventures. Unfortunately, Parm felt unwell and journeyed back alone, while Daljit and I navigated the return to Shinjuku with a mix of humor and haste.
🎶 Soundtrack: "Plastic Love" by Mariya Takeuchi