Day 11: Hakone and Goodbye Japan


Our final destination is Hakone.  It's about a 2 hour train ride from Kyoto.  Kids say even the train ride sushi makes them think they can never eat Gelson's sushi again.

Sushi Snob

We arrived at the Gora Kadan.  It's a ryokan type hotel in Hakone.  It's up in the lush forest mountain range of Japan.  Beautiful area.  Felt like Costa Rica meets Santa Barbara meets Hot Springs.  Hakone is known for its hot springs.







We found a hot spring just outside the restaurant....

After lunch the kids were tired so they decided to take a nap...
A very short nap
The rooms were family style.  The kids could not wait to spend their last night with their parents.  Just like old times.  Tea time.  Family style.  

One last blog game... Time to play, "Guess the Pearl Foot?"
If you guessed Evan, you lied.
We all got dressed in our Kimonos for dinner.  Max still needs help getting dressed.  
Some things aren't taught in law school
I don't feel that Kimono's are the best style of clothing for me.  I look like a cow in a sheet.  
My Ki-Mooooo- No
The Gora Kadan is amazing.  They setup a private room for all of us to have our final dinner in Japan together.  Really memorable. 




Eating in a Kimono is very comfortable.  You don't have to loosen your belt.  

And the winner is... All of Us
Except for this little guy.  
Smells fishy
Lot's of courses...


Lot's of flip flops....


Lot's of memories....


What an unbelievable ending to an unbelievable trip.  I want to thank Amy for doing much of the heavy lifting to make this happen.  And Wendy for making all of our travel arrangements.  I am so grateful to be able to traveling with my family (love you) and Da' Pearls - you guys are awesome.  

I learned a lot from the Japanese culture.  A trip I will always remember (my reason to blog).  But most of all, it confirmed what I already know.  Happiness is having deep relationships with family and friends.  And I'm grateful to be very, very, happy..... 

Sayonara Bitches









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