[Kanagawa] Strolling around Lake Ashi in Hakone

[Kanagawa] Strolling around Lake Ashi in Hakone

On the third day of the trip around Mount Fuji, we came from Kamakura to Hakone. During the months of June and July each year, the Hakone mountain climbing train is famous for its hydrangea flower tunnels. The train passes through one hydrangea tunnel after another, and we couldn't stop taking pictures.

We took a walk around Hakone and Lake Ashi.

The JR train ride from Yokohama to Hakone took about an hour. We slept comfortably in the train compartment and woke up when we arrived at Odawara Station, where we transferred to the Hakone mountain climbing train.

During rush hour, office workers were hurrying to work.

At Odawara Station, we transferred to the Hakone mountain climbing train. 

Hakone is located at the foot of Mount Fuji and is a popular tourist destination all year round, with different seasonal views in spring, summer, autumn, and winter.

Transferring to the Hakone mountain line at Odawara Station.

The orange-colored carriages of the Hakone mountain climbing train create a joyful atmosphere, especially for Japanese families on holiday trips.

Before we departed, we had read about the Hakone mountain climbing train, which is the only mountain climbing train in Japan and is also sister to the famous Rhaetian Railway in Switzerland. Both are non-rack and pinion adhesion type mountain climbing railways.

Various designs of Hakone mountain trains

The train climbs slowly through winding railways, passing through one forest after another, with beautiful scenery outside the window. We chose to visit in the summer because it's the season when hydrangeas are in full bloom, and the Hakone mountain climbing train is one of the famous hydrangea flower railways. The train passes through several hydrangea forests, and passengers can comfortably sit inside the carriage and enjoy the scenery outside.

Half an hour's journey passed in a flash and arrived at the Dai-Taira（大平台）Station.

Dai-Taira（大平台） Station is located in the mountains, surrounded by hydrangea jungles.

Just after getting off the train, station master cat came to greet us.

We stayed at the Dai-Taira（大平台） Onsen that night

The Dai-Taira Onsen area is a small community in the mountains of Hakone.

After settled, we took the mountain train to the Gora（強羅） Station halfway up the mountain, and then transferred to the cable car to Lake Ashi.

Arriving at Gora Station on the mountainside, the weather didn't seem to be very good.

Climbing up the Mt. Soun（早雲山） by cable car.

The Hakone mountain railway is the sister railway of the famous Rhatischet Bahn railway in Switzerland.

The cable car climbs the steep mountainside.

During volcanic activity, the Hakone Ropeway cannot operate and shuttle buses must be taken instead.

After several twists and turns, we finally arrived at Lake Ashi:

Lake Ashi is a volcanic lake formed by volcanic eruptions. The lake is located at an altitude of 725 meters and covers an area of 6.8 square kilometers, with a maximum depth of 40.6 meters. Mount Fuji can be seen from Lake Ashi, and the reflection of Mount Fuji can also be seen on the lake surface.

Unfortunately, the weather was too bad that day and we could not see Mount Fuji at all. Therefore, we did not take the pirate sightseeing boat and instead walked along the lake to the Hakone Shrine.

On a clear day, its able to see Mt. Fuji at this location.

Heiwa Torii Gate built in the water

The Hakone Shrine is located within this lush forest of towering trees.

Following the pace of nature, we entered into a world of lush greenery.

Built in 757 AD, the Hakone Shrine has a long history.

The water of the Kuzuryu Shrine outside the shrine is sweet and can be consumed directly.

Husband and wife woods inside the Hakone Shrine.

After visiting the Hakone Shrine, we returned to the pier and were attracted by the fragrant aroma of nearby outdoor tea houses. We enjoyed a delicate dessert afternoon tea at the lakeside tea house before continuing our journey.

Had a teatime at the tea house next to the cruise pier.

On the way back, we met elementary school students who were preparing to go home after school.

As the train was about to leave, the students said goodbye to their teacher one by one and went home on their own.

Japanese families have good discipline, and even when a large group of children gather together, they won't be noisy and instead read quietly.

We went back to the Dai-Taira（大平台） train station to see the hydrangea flowers at night.

More information:

Hakone Sightseeing Boat

Address: Hakone 161, Hakone-machi, Ashigarashimo-gun, Kanagawa Prefecture

Access: Take a bus from Hakone Tozan Railway "Hakone-Yumoto Station" and get off at "Hakone-machi Port"

Phone: 0465-32-6830

Hakone Pirate Ship

Website: http://www.hakone-kankosen.co.jp/

Hakone Shrine

Address: 80-1 Motohakone, Hakone-machi, Ashigarashimo-gun, Kanagawa Prefecture

Phone: 0460-83-7123

Admission fee: Free for the shrine, 500 yen for the treasure hall

Website: http://hakonejinja.or.jp/

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[Japan] Round the Mt. Fuji - A Japan summer trip
Round the Mt. Fuji - A Japan summer trip

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