Hakone is so cold in winter that while walking along the hot spring street, I barely wanted to take my hands out. I saw someone grilling fish cakes by the roadside, so I got a hot one on a stick and ate it as I walked. It warmed both my hands and my stomach. The grilled fish cake had a subtle charcoal aroma and was springy with a nice fish flavor. Simple but very tasty.
Later, I also had grilled fish. The skin was fragrant and crispy, while the meat inside was still very tender. Eating freshly grilled hot food in the cold weather suddenly felt like one of those simple pleasures that make traveling so enjoyable.
I took my time strolling along the hot spring street without rushing to the next stop, which made it even easier to appreciate Hakone's laid-back atmosphere.
