If you can, you really should spend a night in Kamikochi. Once the crowds leave in the evening, you can truly experience the peaceful and sacred beauty of the place.
Kamikochi | Review by Michael Xu
Other Reviews by Michael Xu
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Kenninji Temple
Kyoto’s oldest Zen temple and the head temple of the Kenninji school of Rinzai Zen Buddhism. It was founded in Kennin 2 (1202), when Minamoto no Yoriie, the second shogun of the Kamakura shogunate, donated the temple grounds and appointed Zen master Eisai as its founding priest. The temple flourished as the third-ranked temple of the Kyoto Gozan, but wars and fires later left it in ruins. Its restoration began during the Keicho era when Ankokuji Ekei relocated the Abbot’s Quarters to the site, and its buildings were subsequently rebuilt under the protection of the Tokugawa shogunate.
It's pretty rare for temples to allow photography inside.
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Hakone Sightseeing Cruise
A sightseeing ship that operates on Lake Ashinoko, a scenic spot in Hakone. The three ships, Royale II, Victory, and Queen Ashinoko, are characterized by their colorful and luxurious decorations. Each of them has a capacity of about 500 passengers and takes 25 to 35 minutes each way between Togendai Port, Hakone-machi Port, and Moto-Hakone Port. On a sunny day, the open deck is a great place to enjoy the scenery. Enjoy the pleasant breeze and the seasonal views of nature and mountains.
The weather was bad and it was freezing cold. I couldn't stay on the deck for even five minutes—almost everyone ran back inside the cabin.
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Hakone Shrine
Hakone Shrine sits just steps from Lake Ashi, a spot dotted with coveted Hakone destinations like Owakudani and Togen-dai. The shrine heralds the Hakone Ookami god, and remains one of the most renowned shrines in Kanto.
You absolutely can't miss the stunning torii gate on the water when you visit Hakone Shrine.
