3 Part Miniseries – Part 2

Part 2 followed on bitches. That long ride back from Mt Fuji broke me, so it took me a couple days to get back into the swing of things. It was also a crazy work week, days went by too quickly. Too busy to think. But let’s get down to the important shit. Thursday approached and celebrations were in order. I had to make a speech in Japanese to introduce myself to the team. My effort was appalling because I had sunk a few tins before they asked me to speak. Made a note, time to improve on my Japanese. After dinner and bottomless drinks, about 10 of us hit an Izikaya. The beers were flowing but then some brave soul brought out Sake we started putting it back. It was like nectar from the gods. I’m loving this. An FYI, is like a pub but in Japan it has small eats, lots of alcohol, a warm atmosphere and is pretty laid back. Highly recommend this to everyone.

Woke up Friday in pieces. Face cloth on head. Got to office late. Coffee and hide for a while. Lunch had deep fried fish. Was pretty good and needed something after last nights activities. In the evening, its Kobes farewell beers. The big dog is heading to London for a few months. We have a few tins, laugh at Maxs butcheries and line up a few things when I am back. If you are in London, look after the legend. Absolute world class cat, gonna miss him in Tokyo and having him be a great host and showing me so many places! In a bit my bru!

Saturday hit a new coffee spot and then in the afternoon… Tokyo Fc vs Nagoya FC. I went with the two youngens from work. Fancy a scrap? Nah well calm. Shout out to the boys Shinya-san and Raita-san, was sick! Tokyo Fc with the win 4-1. 56,000 people. Few pics below. Also in my Japanese National shirt. Tight fit, your boy has been gyming. Calm down.

Sunday I am heading to Hakone. Hakone is a picturesque town located in the Kanagawa Prefecture of Japan, known for its stunning natural beauty and hot springs (onsen). Nestled in the foothills of the Hakone mountain range, it offers breathtaking views of Mount Fuji. I depart Shinagawa, 09:00 to leave from Shinjuku. My actual fuck. Got down to Hakone around 13:00. No coffee or food. I get the bus and cruise to my first port of call. A small cafe in the mountains. Arrive well parched, line up some food. Cash only. Fuck sakes. Order the traditional stuff, some rice cakes and a rice drink. At first it was delicious because I was hungry, but in the end it was too sweet. Finish up. Start my hike.

My hike was just over an hour from the small cafe to Hakone Shrine and sightseeing cruise. (Check my Strava for the details)I have never seen so many tourists in my life taking photos. I cruise around, taking the odd snap. Pure photographer I am. Make my way to an old temple where people are paying respects. I pay mine. It’s pretty moving. Hearing the gong, the smells, it’s like the spirits are there with you. I make my way back. Get on a pirate ship across Lake Ashi. End up cruising on a rope way all the way up into the Hakone mountains. It’s now 16:00. Get to Odakwani. Famous for hot springs, black eggs and charcoal ice cream. As I get off the car they say. Strong winds, last ride in 30 min. Queues are absolutely horrific. The spirits aren’t on my side. Back in the car, head to Gora. On arrival, another train and a a bus back to Hakone Yumoto. On entry into the bus, the driver says “traffic, 1h30 delay”. Get back to my hostel for the night. 7pm. Beer, gyoza and I’m out again. Cruising the streets and seeing what’s going on. Back in the hostel for 10pm. Traveling solo has its pros and cons. I kinda get to do whatever I want and at my own pace and shit however sometimes it can be tough being alone. For a day you might not speak to a soul besides yourself or when you have those conversations with yourself in the shower haha. I know Lombard does that shit the snake! You do wanna experience this shit with someone. But I got this blog so when my Alzheimer’s kicks in one day I can read about my adventures. 

Now, I had to wake up early today for one reason. As mentioned earlier, Hakone is known for its hot springs. In Japan these are called Onsen. A traditional bath for males or females. I have to go to one, people at my current work and back home recommended this. My hostel advises which one I should go to because of my tattoo, so I get on the bus again and make my way there. A bit of background on the Onsen haha. It’s a traditional Japanese hot spring, renowned for its therapeutic properties and serene surroundings. Typically located in scenic areas, Onsens are filled with naturally heated mineral water that comes from geothermal sources. The water is believed to have various health benefits, making them popular for relaxation and rejuvenation. The atmosphere at an Onsen is tranquil, often surrounded by nature, such as mountains, forests, or rivers. Many offer outdoor bathing areas that allow bathers to soak while enjoying beautiful views. Also, you gotta be completely naked haha.

I arrive at 09:00 to buy my ticket and queue. The gong goes and we slowly make our way in. I am completely shitting it. Get to the front desk, the gentleman asks me if I bought two towels. I nod. I showed him two. I didn’t realize one towel was for drying and the other for covering your “parts” in the Onsen. Your boy got two big towels uh uuuuuh. Calm down. I get guided to a locker and I put my shoes in there and head downstairs. My heart rate is through the roof as I enter the change room.I went to boarding school when I was young so I ain’t shy or anything, mans got that confidence but damn, it’s been ages since I was naked in front of someone haha now it’s in front of like 50 Asian dudes. Heart rate is climbing. All walks of life are here. I’m like damn, shits about to get real. The kit comes off. Everything in the locker but my “big” towel. I walked through the area, I believe you are supposed to wash off before entering the hot spring. I did it wrong, basically couldn’t wait to get into the water. Possibly belly flopped in there just to get in. Shit was poes hot. Burnt my ballatjies. I find a step and sit there. Its fucking roasting.I am tryna get comfortable, but not sure where to look. Never seen so many penises in my life in a given area. I moved around in a diameter of 30cm. As I am sitting there, I feel a brush of wind behind me, I turn, some cat walking past me, full view of everything. Haha. His Asian willy could have knocked me on the ear. Turn around, there is now two fellas sitting half meter from me. The walls are closing in and the amount if knobs surrounf me are growing. There isnt much I can do but just embrace it all. When the fuck am I ever gonna do this shit again? Just live pal. I am minding my own business when I notice an older gentleman walk into the Onsen. Most people didn’t wanna look, but I couldn’t help myself. An elderly man covered in tattoos. Then and there I realised, it was a Yakuza member. This has made my day! Eventually the heat was too much for this gaijin. Now fucking hell, I gotta get out. Man’s pasty bruv, I need to work on my tan. I walk across, get to the shower bit. Clean off. Grab my towel and dart for the change rooms, nah didnt dart, walked with that cockiness that only I have. A whopping 25 min the Onsen haha. What a fucking experience. I don’t think I have ever been so dehydrated in my life. Unfortunately no naked pics.

I went back to the hostel. Hakone has reminded me of Yosemite. Great for adventures but so touristy. Get back to the hostel, check out and get numerous trains back to Shinagawa. I enjoyed my little solo adventure haha Made it back after 14:00. I had dinner with a work colleague tonight. Ramen, just so good. My chopstick skills are deteriorating at a rapid speed. Got another busy week and a guest arrives this week, so stay tuned for the next blog. Will be good to have someone to try some more food with and possibly hit more bars and shit. On a side note, if anyone is judging my English or saying I don’t speak with such sophisticated words, please let me know, you obviously don’t know me very well because my vocabulary is very comprehensive. Until next time you mugs. Holla at your boy!

Tune below for the week, get in the spirit!