Author: derekwoods14

Cafe Ryusenkei. (Pt. 1)
So we set out to explore the rail way, to cable car, to rope way, of Hakone to get a peak at Mt. Fuji. We knew it’d be a fun journey, with a high chance of rain, and or clouds, making the trek all for not; but decided to go anyways. As we set out we hear someone mention, one of the very rare times we’ve heard random English in the wild, that the rope way was closed and we’d only get as far as the top of the cable car. After a beautifully slow ride up the mountain, rain tapping against the old train, we find ourselves as far as we can go without boarding a bus. We walk around a bit, take some pictures, and notice there is this beautiful Airstream trailer in this vast parking lot seemingly out of no where. …

Cafe Ryusenkei. (Pt. 2)
(Continued) As it’s raining harder and harder and I notice there is a sign that says “hot drinks” and coffee so our interest was peaked. Even though virtually everyone we’ve met in Japan has been exceedingly friendly, I was still a bit cautions to just step into a persons trailer, not knowing if I should take of my now wet boots, or if they weren’t going to want us there at all; after all this is an Airstream cafe on top of a mountain. Stepping in we are greeted by quite possibly the biggest Japanese smile we’ve yet to see. …

Cafe Ryusenkei. (Pt. 3)
(Continued) The man immediately says “welcome”, in English, and asks us to sit. We join a small family that seems to simply be hiding from the rain, and a man eating some Japanese curry. The owner ask what we’d like, we order coffee, “bitter or light?,” “bitter please,” “three minutes, please wait.” The man goes on to ask us where we are from, letting us know his trailer is a Californian too. We all sit, comfy and welcome, exchanging smiles and sipping coffee; the only shared language we have with the other patrons. As the rain patterned on the top of the trailer and we all made difficult, yet enthusiastic, small talk. After a few cups of coffee, damn good coffee at that, best we’ve had in Japan, and that’s saying a lot because the coffee here is AMAZING, and some Japanese curry and rice we head out. I first wanted to visit Japan after watching Ozu films, google him, because his Japan always seemed so beautiful and welcoming. That little trailer felt like a moment Ozu would have created and for that I will alway love it.

Trying to keep up with all the photos I want to share has been super tricky; so they may come in waves. It’s been raining all day which feels oddly appropriate for this beautiful mountain town. It was great to see a different side of Japan climbing the mountains on a train and exploring through the foggy hills. Hakone, you’re magical.

Staying in semi traditional Ryokan has been an amazing experience. The moment they requested we wear the Japanese robes, Yukata, when in the hotel, we both felt immediately self conscious. We didn’t want to show up to dinner and be the two Americans in a Japanese garment and look like we were playing pretend. But after a reluctant call to the front desk, a super friendly staff coming to talk to us, and told us that wearing the Yukata here is honoring this experience. Although not a fully traditional Ryokan and Onsen, the taste of this older way of life has been truly beautiful. It’s deliberate, meticulous, and very paced. It was a beautiful way to slow things down on our honeymoon and relax together.