Mr. Tako Mr. Fuji and Hot springs.

So, with my seminar we went up another mountain- Mt. Takao (Takao-san.) It was a lovely day and the trees were in full autumn colours which was very pretty. I have kept the photos to a minimum on here because it was incredibly touristy so there are loads of people in loads of my photos.

Yesterday was my dorm's winter trip to Hakone, which is a spa town and we were going to an onsen (hot springs) theme park. On the coach we suddenly realised how close we were to Fuji-san and how there is an amazing theme park we need to go to!
Unfortunately I couldn't exactly get off the coach to photograph him so I just had to make do with this. It was really pretty and we drove right round to the other side, or a bit to the south, I'm not sure. The snow line was different anyway.
For 15 pounds I got a coach journey, entry to the park and a buffet lunch. Of course being surrounded by beautiful onsen in the mountains the highlight of the day for Japanese people is the buffet lunch. Out of respect for Japan, the Emperor and the rising sun, I stuffed my face before heading off to onsen bliss. Although the park had themed onsen, like coffee, wine and matcha (all very strong colours which I'm sure would stain your skin) I ended up spending the entire day in the naked section of the park, soaking in lovely hot water outside in the freezing cold, looking at the sky and trees. It was brilliant. Everyone also folds a little towel up on top of their head which is hilarious and is supposed to make you smart (according to legend) but it was nice and cold when the rest of me was really hot. I can't wait to go to an onsen in midwinter in the middle of nowhere and I want it to snow whilst I'm just relaxing.

Unfortunately I looked like a prune for a good 2 hours afterwards but it was so worth it.