Hakone

Hikari's family took us on a weekend trip.  Our first destination was Hakone, but on the way we stopped at

Odowara castle

This castle belonged to a local lord, but was besieged and then captured by Tokugawa.  This ended the period of warring states, and began the shogunate. 

 

We journeyed on to the resort of

Hakone

which is on the shores of lake Ashi, and has many thermal springs in the area.  We started at the Hakone shrine, which is favored for prayers for fortune, and childbearing.  It's a gorgeous spot, with old mossy cypress trees. 

We stayed the evening at a municipal hotel, with lovely food and a relaxing thermal bath.