Owaku-dani

Owaku-dani is a volcanic valley with active sulfur vents and hot springs in Hakone

Walking up to the volcanic zone

 

Hot Spring

An egg boiled in the hot spring. The shell turned black and the egg has a  sulfuric smell

 

Eating one is said to add seven years to your life. We had one each. As such, we  shall  have  an additional seven  years together.

1050 m above sea level

 

Lake Ashi

Lake Ashi is a scenic lake in the Hakone area

In clear weather there are stunning views of Mount Fuji

 

A cruise across the lake

 

Onsen

Communal bathing is a Japanese custom. Obviously, I wanted to experience it.

Just change into the yukata provided in your room. Wash and rinse yourself thoroughly at the showers provided outside the bath before going into the bath. The small towel provided can be used as a washcloth or cover the strategic part of your body and place it on your head while in the bath

Shop 99

We went to this shop near our hotel. Everything at 9,900 yen

Shinkansen: The Bullet Train

The train began service on 1st October 1964 in time for the Tokyo Olympics. Although it is no longer the world's fastest train, it can travel up to 300 km/h. The punctuality of this train is superb; the average arrival time is within 6 seconds of the scheduled time.

We took the train from Maibara to Gifu-Hashima. The 3-2 seating was very comfortable and there is no vibration or noise: you will not realise you are in the train if you do not look outside the window

Heian-jingu

This vermilion shrine was erected in 1895 to commemorate Kyoto's 1,100th anniversary and displays the architecture of the Heian period.

Kimono fashion show and lunch

We watched a kimono fashion show before having our lunch

Geisha

A geisha is a traditional entertainer who sings, dances and chats with her high paying clients.

Kiyomizu Temple

This Buddhist Temple was built during the Heian period  in 798. Kiyomizu literally means "pure water"

The Deva Gate

Purification fountain

These fountains can be found in all temples or shrines in Japan. Visitors are required to purify themselves by washing their hands and rinsing their mouths before praying.

 

This temple is also noted for its beautiful background scenery which changes with the four seasons.

Rubbing the Buddha for luck!

Statues of  Jizo, the guardian of  the souls of the stillborn, miscarried and aborted babies. They sometimes can be seen wearing bibs

Otowa Waterfall where visitors can drink the water from 3 different streams

Osaka Castle

A picture stop at the Osaka Castle

Dotonbori

Dotonbori is located in the area along the Dotonbori Canal. It is famous for its shops and restaurants and its many neon signs  and signboards.

A Giant Crab

 

Shinsaibashi

Shinsaibashi is Osaka's main shopping area

Universal Studios Japan

This theme park was opened in 2001 as the first Universal Studio outside the US.

Winnie Woodpecker

Bert and Ernie

Shrek!

The Amazing Adventures of Spiderman - The Ride

This is the most interesting ride I have experienced. We sat  in the high-tech vehicle called "Scoupe" which crashed through the streets, being flung into the air, scaled  the skyscrapers and eventually plummeting to the ground in a simulated 400 feet free fall.

We had Ramen for lunch at this restaurant next to Universal Studio