For our 14th wedding anniversary, our ivory anniversary, we headed to Izu Nagaoka Onsen, a hot spring resort in Izu, Shizuoka, long renowned for its excellent hot springs. Our first choice for the trip was a meal to nourish our bodies from within. We visited a restaurant specializing in a dietary style centered around brown rice...
...Hakone's Sengokuhara "Owakudani": One of Hakone's most spectacular scenic spots where you can feel the pulse of the earth in a volcanic area.
To conclude our winter trip to Hakone, we visited Owakudani, a volcanic area formed by the eruptions of Mount Hakone. This area, created by a massive eruption approximately 3,000 years ago, still sees white steam rising from the ground, and the scent of sulfur envelops the entire area...
...Hakone Sengokuhara "Tempura Minori" - Freshly fried tempura from a famous food truck in the Sengokuhara pampas grass field.
Near the golden, swaying pampas grass fields of Sengokuhara in Hakone, there's a little-known but popular food truck. It's called "Tempura Minori," and it specializes in freshly fried tempura. It's located in the paid parking lot in front of the Tokiwa Shoten Sengokuhara branch liquor store...
...Hakone Miyagino "nol hakone myojindai -7-": An outdoor dog run where you can play with your dog and enjoy a relaxing time.
Nestled amidst the tranquil nature of Hakone-Miyagino, "nol hakone myojindai" offers a relaxing atmosphere in its lounge, bathed in the gentle winter sunlight—a perfect setting for the end of your journey. Located in the courtyard...
...Hakone Miyagino "nol hakone myojindai -6-" Morning Buffet to nourish your body
Nestled in the tranquil Miyagino area of Hakone during winter, "nol hakone myojindai" offers a peaceful start to the day. Miyagino, surrounded by mountains, is enveloped in crisp, clear air, and the day begins quietly. Stepping into the courtyard, you'll be greeted by the gentle glow of the rising sun from the mountains...
...Relaxing time spent in the hotel lounge at "nol hakone myojindai -5-" in Miyagino, Hakone.
Nestled in the exceptionally quiet Miyagino area of Hakone is "nol hakone myojindai." After enjoying a leisurely dinner at the hotel, we went to our room to pick up our beloved dog, Chocolat, and then headed to the lobby lounge with its free-flowing drinks...
...Hakone Miyagino "nol hakone myojindai -4-" A blissful dinner course to soothe mind and body.
During my recent winter trip to Hakone, I visited "nol hakone myojindai." In the evening, as the clear winter sky slowly transitioned to a deep blue, the entrance was illuminated with warm, inviting lights that seemed to gently embrace the blue sky...
...Hakone Miyagino "nol hakone myojindai -3-" A thermal pool that can be enjoyed all year round and the Hakone Seventeen Hot Springs' beauty-enhancing baths.
On this winter trip to Hakone, I visited "nol hakone myojindai." One of the biggest attractions of this inn is its indoor thermal pool with a water temperature of 30℃, which can be enjoyed regardless of the season, as well as its hot springs drawn from Miyagino Onsen, one of the seventeen hot springs of Hakone...
...Hakone Miyagino "nol hakone myojindai -2-" Relaxing pet-friendly rooms for you and your dog
For this winter trip to Hakone, I chose to stay at "nol hakone myojindai," a retreat hotel located in the Miyagino area that reopened in May 2024 after renovations. Of its 39 rooms and 6 room types, only 4 are available...
...Hakone Miyagino "nol hakone myojindai -1-" A retreat hotel where you can be healed by the tranquil forest and Miyagino Onsen.
For this winter trip to Hakone, I stayed at "nol hakone myojindai," a retreat hotel nestled in the Miyagino area, known for its exceptionally tranquil atmosphere. This hotel, which reopened in May 2024 after renovations...
...Hakone/Lake Ashi: Hakone Shrine - Pray for victory and good fortune at this shrine for peace and prosperity! A pure and refreshing first shrine visit of 2026.
For my first shrine visit of the year, I went to Hakone Shrine, which I also visited last autumn. The shores of Lake Ashi, welcoming the new year, were enveloped in the crisp, clear air unique to winter, and a serene stillness permeated the air. The aromas of buttered potatoes and yakisoba greeted the visitors...
...Enjoy a Lake Ashi lunch with your dog at "Hakone Karaage KARATTO" in Hakone/Lake Ashi.
After enjoying the magnificent views of Lake Ashi and the majestic Mount Fuji while enveloped in the crisp winter air, it was time for another highlight of the trip: lunch. We headed to "Hakone Karaage KARATTO," located right in front of Lake Ashi. They allow dogs and cats inside, making it a pet-friendly option even in the middle of winter...
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