Hakone-yama Things to Do

Hakone Open-Air Museum showcases sculptures primarily of the 20th century. Being emotionally immune to sculptures, as I have often found them too abstract, I was concerned that I would be bored during the visit. However, my fears were unfounded, as the sculptures were lavishly placed in an awe-inspiring setting of blue skies, lush grass, and brown mountains. Even if one isn't quite a cultural junkie, I'm certain that s/he would still feel some fondness towards this museum.
Well, I still didn't quite relate to the sculptures, and occasionally, I even found the titles of the sculptures to be more intellectually and emotionally stimulating than the sculptures themselves. Nonetheless, I had a field day trying to capture good photographs of the sculptures juxtaposed with their surroundings. Reflections of the skies on sculpture surfaces. Lady sculptures in provocative positions. Bizarre angles that offer interpretations only I can vaguely conceptualise. Yin-yang combinations of the natural (nature) and the artificial (sculptures). It was cool to have this creative space to just let my imagination run wild and be a trigger-happy tourist.

This museum also has a Picasso Pavilion that contains more than 200 of his works spanning a diverse range, from pastels to ceramics. Personally, I thought his ceramics plates showed rather limited range, as they were simply different permutations of the smiley face. Still, it was rather interesting to see how Picasso had employed vibrant colours for these works.

What appealed more to me was a collection of photographs by David Douglas Duncan, an American photographer who lived with Picasso for 17 years. Fancy that! His photographs clearly show how Picasso laboured over his work. It was touching and humbling to witness the love and devotion captured in this series, exhibited by both Picasso and Duncan.

Check out the official website: http://www.hakone-oam.or.jp/.

Kowakien Yunessun has two spa resorts: YUNESSUN Spa Resort and Mori No Yu Spa Resort.
I believe one would either love or hate Yunessun spa resort with intensity. Some may admire the ingenuity of the Japanese in developing such charismatic, uniquely themed spas in the arms of magnificent Hakone scenery. Others might find these creations tacky and contrived and lament how the authorities engaged in deforestation, leading to the loss of precious biodiversity.

At the risk of sounding like a himbo, I didn't want to conclude how I felt about this admittedly commericalised tourist attraction. I was just there to soak in the hot water and soak up the atmosphere.

I had the most fun with the outdoor spas. It was winter, and it was hilarious watching people hop from spa to spa in an attempt to escape the cold. It was also remarkably easy to succumb to inertia and just chill in one spa. Initially, I had difficulty steeling my courage in search of other pastures (spas in this instance). But eventually, I covered all that was to offer in the outdoor spa area and was reasonably proud of myself.

I also dig the intricately designed Turkey and Hungarian baths. It makes Yunnessun have so many dimensions to offer to the visitor!

Mori No Yu is a conventional spa resort, with both indoor and outdoor baths. As one goes in her/his birthday suit here, there are separate baths for men and women.

The best thing I loved about Mori No Yu was securing a wooden bathtub and just admiring the scenery before me. I couldn't help wondering how glorious this place would look in autumn. I think it's amazing that Japan is a seasonal country, which suggests that one can visit Hakone (and Yunnessun resort) four times to get an intimate feel of all four seasons! Man, this is not good for my wallet.

Check out its official website: http://www.yunessun.com/english/yunessun.html.