Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi left his official residence Friday morning for a hot spring resort in Hakone, Kanagawa Prefecture, where he will spend a week of his 16-day summer vacation.

Koizumi, who was dressed casually without a tie, waved to cameras before setting off for the two-hour drive to the resort.

Government officials said Koizumi will spend time with his family in Hakone. Koizumi has told reporters he plans to sleep and maybe read some books.

Upon arriving at the resort, Koizumi told reporters he hopes to "tend to his wounds" during the holiday, adding that he was "scarred all over" and cannot escape criticism in his role as prime minister.

Although Koizumi has been on vacation since Saturday, he has made several public appearances since then, including a controversial visit to Tokyo's Yasukuni Shrine on Monday.

Foreign Minister Makiko Tanaka will take an unofficial holiday starting Monday afternoon through the end of next week.

While Tanaka is scheduled to stay in her Tokyo home, she may visit her office from time to time, the official said.