Tokyo 2024 - Day 2

In the morning, we started the day by soaking in the stunning view of Tokyo from the hotel's top-floor lounge; 70-something floors up. From that height, the city looked like a miniature model, buildings and streets resembling a perfectly arranged toy set.

Later, we hopped on the SkyHop Bus, a tour bus that let us explore the city in comfort. It was a great way to cover a lot of ground without having to walk, especially since we had all our luggage with us.

As midday approached, it was time to make our way to Shinjuku station for our train to Hakone. We wrapped up our bus tour at the station, found our platform, and boarded the Romancecar -- a sleek express train known for its large windows offering views of Mt. Fuji, perfect for travelers heading to Hakone.

After a full day of bus and train rides, there was still one more stretch ahead: a 40-minute bus ride from Hakone Yumoto station to our hotel. The winding roads and frequent stops made for a slow journey, and by the time we reached our stop, we were all visibly exhausted.

When we stepped off the bus, the pitch darkness startled us. With no streetlights in sight, we could barely make each other out. Thankfully, I had cell service, so we relied on Apple Maps to navigate the short, five-minute walk to our hotel.

Our exhaustion melted away when we arrived. The hotel exceeded our expectations with its excellent service and well-thought-out amenities. Dinner at the buffet was a highlight -- one of the best I've experienced, with an impressive variety of dishes and a wide selection of beverages.

After dinner, we took some time to unwind in the hotel's onsen, letting the warm, mineral rich waters soothe our travel-weary bodies. Feeling relaxed, we turned in early, ready for the adventures that awaited us in Hakone.