Tokyo | Kyoto | Nara | Nihon | Mt Fuji | Hakone | Nikko
Hakone is known for its scenic beauty throughout four seasons. Due to its pleasant weather, one could travel to this place at any time.
It is one of the most popular destinations traveled due to its proximity to Tokyo and stunning views of Mt. Fuji. Hot Springs, Lake Ashi, and Mt Komagatake ropeway are other big attractions for foreign travelers.
Hakone tour was scheduled in the second half of the day, post lunch. The itinerary didn’t excite me much. After witnessing Mt Fuji in the morning, I was thinking there would be nothing new or unique experience this city is gonna give me. It would be just another boat cruise and gondola ride, which I have taken many times earlier in different places. But I was dumbfounded by the experience it offered me.
The first thing I saw while going to Hakone from Mt Fuji was Pampas Grass Field. The Grass field is unique. When it is burned, it changes its color from green to yellow to golden yellow to brown. It is also routinely burned to prevent another plant from growing in the field.
The other exciting thing which I saw on the way was Hot Sulphurous spring. There is also a cable ride which goes to the top if one wants to see. But it was closed at that time when I went due to some volcanic activity happening. And one may also face breathing problems because of the presence of sulphur.
Lake Ashi
Finally, the bus stopped at the first tourist spot, which was Lake Ashi Boat Cruise. The views were really good from the Lake. The only thing I felt was the duration of the cruise was very less. By the time people settled on the boat, the cruise came to an end. It should have been atleast for 30 mins instead of 15 mins.
Mt. Komagatake
The next destination was Mt Komagatake via ropeway. The gondola ride offered a stunning view of Lake Ashi, breathtaking surrounding mountains, and a magnificent view of Mt Fuji. The ride was unique in itself, as it only took 7 minutes to carry 100 pax together. I have never seen such a big-capacity gondola.
The high point for me came when I reached the top. Huge space to move around which one could not have even imagined from bottom. The place was so mesmerizing. I could have spent hours sitting there. It was so beautiful. Honestly, I liked this spot more than Mt Fuji.
