Hakone Park, Japan

I have little in the way of photographic evidence of how quirky Hakone is, however, here go my impressions.

To get there you have to take the romance train from Tokyo. Luckily, I remembered just enough Katakana letters to sound out “romance.” The train seating booths swivel around so you can face each other. This was shown to us by two very elderly Japanese women who sat across the aisle and gave us awful tasting candy.

You then transfer to a train that zig-zags up the mountain, side to side, like a large walk- up apartment.

The sky ride is like most at first but then suddenly it veers over a large smelling sulfur pit. On this particular day the ride stopped due to windy conditions. From this vantage point you have a great view of Mt. Fuji. That is if you are not scared and crouching near the floor in fear, like myself.

At the end of your delightful sulfur pit ride you go on the next logical excursion, a trip on a pirate-like ship across a lake. It’s as if Zippy The Pin Head designed this park.

The best part is the Fujiya Hotel, which reminds me of a great camp of the Adirondacks except this one comes equiped with a volcanic spring swing pool and bath. Plus a French restaurant run obviously one of Japan's Tin Chiefs