Trip to Hakone - Mount. Fuji Area
- January 29-30, 2005 (Kanagawa, Japan)
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| The Hakone area can be visited on a day trip from Tokyo, and its most popular sight is of course Mount Fuji. However, there are many other attractions that may draw you to this area, for instance the Fuji Five Lakes that are scattered around the northern side of the mountain. | This time around, Yuka and I went to Hakone using the Odakyu train line, which combination of trains and ropeways can get you pretty far into Hakone. In this picture, I am trying to figure out who or what is pulling the cable car up the mountain. |
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| A random view of Hakone. This area usually is not Switzerland pretty, though it is hard to beat the feeling of seeing Mount Fuji from a nice warm onsen (hot spring) in a Japanese ryokan. | One of the lakes surrounding Mount Fuji, which I had the questionable pleasure of climbing two years ago. |
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| Yet another view of a lake. Thousands of Japanese visit Hakone on the weekends, and recently the area is being invaded by tourists from both Europe and various Asian countrires. | A picture from Owakudani, a stop on the ropeway from Souan-zan to Togendai. Famous for its volcanic hot springs, it is a great location for people interested in bubbling mud and the distinct smell that volcanoes generate. |
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| This view of Owakudani reminded me of the various rice terraces I have seen on my trips around Asia, though I strongly doubt that the Owakudani area is used for rice cultivation. | Fujiya Hotel is located in Hakone, and is without doubt one of the most renowned hotels in Japan. Many famous guests have stayed at the hotel since its founding in 1878, and they all had one thing in common: They all have more money than I do. |
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| Yuka standing in front of a map of Mount Fuji, and the mountain can be seen in the background. I was able to take some great pictures of Mount Fuji on my trip to Enoshima in 2003. | Another picture of Mount Fuji, which at 3,776 meters is a good challenge for anyone wanting to climb it during the summer months. |
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Finally, Yuka looking very happy as she makes her descent with one of the cable cars. I am sure sitting in a cable car will be an interesting place to experience the big earthquake the day it finally hits Tokyo. |
