Hakone and Gala Yuzawa

I am the most adventurous member of the family when it comes to travelling. Perhaps because after seeing lots of places, I've come to realize that people are more helpful than harmful in general, specifically when tourists ask for help.

My mother and relatives were usually amazed how I managed to get to a place alone whenever I recount my travel diary.

I went to Gala Yuzawa Ski Resort on my own because a day before that, my friend Eva and I had a bit of heated argument after getting lost finding our way to Hakone from Mejiro station in Tokyo. I blamed her long make-up routines and waking-up late, thus the reason for the delay in getting to Hakone and she lashed out on me for being carefree and being too reliable on her for not doing any research on how to properly go to Hakone. We boarded the wrong trains and the ending, we arrived in Hakone very late, left with nothing to do but board the train again back to Tokyo. It was sort of a wasted day because we did not maximize the short sunlight during the winter and it was only 4PM then and it was dark in Hakone.

Back in the Richmond hotel in Mejiro, I did some Google search about our journey to Hakone and realized we rode the world's slowest train in Japan. My goodness! Now, we just laugh whenever we recall such event.

Anyway, during the argument, she insisted on skipping the planned trip to Nikko and for us to just continue exploring Tokyo. However, the stubborn in me stated that we will have separate itineraries on that day and she will be left in Tokyo and I will push through going to Nikko.

I woke up early that day and went to Tokyo station, instead of going to Nikko, I was convinced by a Japanese local to try going to Gala Yuzawa Resort instead, since the trip to Nikko can be slippery and dangerous, based on the current weather.

Since I do have the JR( Japan Rail) Pass, my trip to Gala Yuzawa was fully-covered by the pass and I only need to pay around $12 for the rental of ski equipment.

Smiling snow man at Gala Yuzawa Ski Resort

Friendly kid with super rosy cheeks, having fun in the snow.

Gondola station to the resort. 

I saw some Pinoys who thought I was Japanese and asked them to take my photo.

If you love skiing or snowboarding, then you'll probably want to hit the slopes right away. Take the lift to the summit, search for the route of your choice and enjoy the snow!

These boots were rented as well. Gala Yuzawa employs lots of foreigners who can speak both Japanese and English.

 

I stopped by at the Echigo Yuzawa station to buy some refreshments.

 

Many say, Japan's snow is the most powdery and softest in the world. 

Another kid playmate, in a snow hole!

The gondola ride to the ski mountain.

Shinkansen bullet train ride.

My small meal near Cheers to curb my hunger after playing in the snow.

 

 our meal at Hakone

Convenient vending machines, selling hot sodas during the winter.

We managed to still take some photos during our short stay in Hakone.

Eva and I agreed to meet at the convenient Apple Store in Ginza so we both have access to free Wi-Fi to message each other after a long day. I was very happy to see her face as we're both safe and sound even after fighting and separating for a day. I think that's how most friendships should be, there are petty disagreements but all parties should still be supportive and understanding of the choices and differences.