#hakone
May 26th - Hakone
Lake at Hakone
Today was the first time I woke up to my alarm - but only because it was at 5:30. We had an incredibly early start because we left the city to go to Hakone, a lake and mountain area where many Tokyo natives come to vacation. We met at 6:45, and journeyed until 12:00 to get to our final destination. We started on an express train, which took about an hour. Then, we switched to a train, which is the steepest train tracks in Japan. It was so steep that we had to do switchbacks, where we zig-zagged up the mountain. We were going to go up the gondolas for the last part, but recent volcanic activity meant that we had to use the bus. Once at the lake, we grabbed lunch and went across the water on a large pirate ship-like vessel.
On the other side, we walked to a sekisho, or a small town on the way to Edo. Here, there were models of people doing jobs that would have been necessary here. Some of these included a woman checker, to make sure women entering and leaving were who they said they are, and someone who checked the te=ravel documents of those trying to pass through. We passed through soldiers barracks and guard houses, before hiking on trails around the area. These trails were beautiful, and honestly some of my favorite moments from when we were here. We saw a part of the original Tokkaido road, lined by leaders, and stunning views of Fuji. We also went to the Hakone shrine, which had (many) stairs, but also a beautiful torii in the lake.
We rode back down by bus and train, and then I got pizza because I have been missing American food :(
Academic Reflection
One thing discussed in the reading was that those making pilgrimage for religious meetings had to be allowed to pass through
Additionally, as we walked through the old Tokaido road, it was incredible to me how well it was preserved. The cedar trees, over 400 years old, clearly marked a road paved with small stones. I could see groups of travelers taking the same path many years before, hoping for a better life in Edo. But also, I was left questioning who made the roads. I have the understanding that peasants were made to build these roads, but in such a mountainous area with little space for farming, who was there to make these large roads and guard houses?
Torii at the Hakone shrine
Hiking trail at Hakone
View of Mt. Fuji
“woman checker” at Hakone
Edge of the lake at Hakone
M A N I A
Manami~ The angel boy
Yowamushi Pedal