Lake Ashi, Pirate Ships, Black Eggs, and More

November 17, 2014

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Lake Ashi, Pirate Ships, Black Eggs, and More

Spectacular Lake Ashi

I LOVE coming to Lake Ashi. So much so that I wrote this article Cruising along Lake Ashi, worth checking out!

If you are like me, and wish to enjoy the views and scenery of Japan’s tallest mountain without having to climb it then no destination is more perfect than Lake Ashi, and the small, sleepy town it’s nestled in. Although Mt. Fuji is situated only 80 miles from the center of Tokyo, it is still almost impossible to get a view from the city, not unless the day is perfectly clear.

Tokyo city view and tokyo skytree with Mt Fuji

I arrived to the tourist town from Tokyo, after the official climbing season had ended but that wasn’t going to stop me from enjoying other sights that Hakone has to offer. The picturesque town of Hakone is just a little over an hour outside of Tokyo, and offers every activity that you cannot have imagined from a small town.

The average visitor can spend a day shopping in the many quaint stores scattered throughout, explore museums, and relax after a busy day at one of the many hot spring resorts the town is famous for. I did all three, and enjoyed myself immensely. Especially, relaxing in the hot springs and sampling the local delicacies.

From Tokyo, with Love

I am sure most of you agree that getting to and around a place is half the fun of the whole trip. Finding your own way, in a place where very few people even understand the universal language is a great experience, and one that makes the trip twice as memorable.

I was pressed for time, and therefore could only spare a day to visit the sights of Hakone. Usually, locals who reside in Tokyo often visit Hakone during the weekend, and spend a night there as the distance between is not more than a few hours from the bullet trains.

So, it was on a clear and fine day that I arrived at Shinjuku Station with the intention of boarding a direct train to Hakone, with minimum stopovers.

Hakone, by Romance Express

The most convenient of networks consisting of trains, buses, cable cars, trams, and boats that run to and around the town of Hakone come under the jurisdiction of Odayku Railways. To the first time traveler to Japan, I would highly recommend the Hakone Free Pass that can be easily purchased from the tourism center of Shinjuku station.

I was able to purchase my Free Pass at the last minute, but those who are visiting the town during the peak climbing season should purchase it at least a week before. My pass included a round trip on the Romance express train from Shinjuku Station, to Hakone Yumoto Station from which I boarded a bus and arrived at the town.

Although economical and hassle free, the visit seemed incomplete without a stopover at the town of Odawara. Next time, definitely.

Cruising along Lake Ashi

October 30, 2014

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Cruising along Lake Ashi

Hakone Lake, also known as Lake Ashi, is the hottest tourist destination in Japan. It is a scenic lake that lies in the Hakone area, in the Honshu province. And without question, it was one of the most relaxing, serene, peaceful, places I had ever visited.

I was in Tokyo on business for a few days, intense meetings with some ink suppliers for a job we were about to print in China, and after the meetings were complete, I felt drained and exhausted. A friend of mine who was living there at the said that when he needed to get away from it all, he went to Lake Ashi.

I promise to write about my experience first hand but I wanted to open up about the place first with some amazing sites to see and how to get around. Tourists flock to the lake not only for its scenic beauty, but also because of its numerous hot springs that are scattered throughout the lake and for catching a glimpse of the famous Mount Fuji which is the highest mountain in Japan.

The Hakone Sightseeing Cruise

A number of boats and ferries especially for sightseeing purposes cruise the entirety of the lake and provide breath-taking views for tourists and passengers. Some of the boats that are used in this tourist excursion are exact replicas of famous sailing warships in history, such as the:

The Royal II: Which is a design based on the Royal Louis, a first-class French warship that was constructed in the 18^th century. The Victory: A cruise ship, which was inspired by the design of the 18^th century British warship the HMS Victory. The Vasa: The cruise ship is also known as ‘king of the figureheads’ due to the impressive figurehead that is fixed at the prow. The original warship which was built in the 17^th century goes by the same name.

Warship Replica's in Lake Ashi — Warship Replica’s in Lake Ashi

All the cruise boats are lavishly decorated and fully equipped with the latest comforts and features, and offer un-paralleled views of the majestic lake.

An Amazing Means Of Public Transport

The cruise takes routes that connect to three different ports, with each port having different attractions. Passengers who are not tourists can also use this as an effective means of public transportation, going about their daily business while appreciating the beautiful views. Each port has many unique sights and the scenery that you will come across the routes doesn’t always remain the same.

There is a different scene and view for every season, which is one reason why Lake Ashi is such a popular destination with tourists coming in every season.

The Hokane Ropeway Service

Hokane is one of the most attractive destination points that are found in Japan. The natural environment, paired with the surrounding hot springs is however not the only attraction this area offers. The Hakone ropeway is an aerial lift service that operates from the Sounzan station at a one-minute interval.

It is a beautiful half an hour ride to Togendai station, which is situated on the shore of Lake Ashi. The ropeway consists of two other checkpoints, or stops where tourists can take pictures and enjoy the breathtaking views of the majestic snow-capped Mount Fuji, the rising volcanic fumes of Owakudani, and the dazzling blue waters of Lake Ashi.

Kuro-Tamago

Another attraction that can be accessed through the Hakone Ropeway is the Great Boiling Valley which is home to some of the hottest springs, due to the volcanic activity nearby. Tourists flock to this spot, and bathe in the spa that nature has provided and nibble on Kura-tamago or eggs that are hard-boiled in the hot springs.

Lake Ashi is breathtaking.

I remember like it was yesterday the awesome site of seeing the lake and then Mt. Fuji in the distance from the tour bus. One of the great thing about arriving here was that it is only a 4-5 hour drive from Tokyo.

Yes.. I know.. I said only… but it is well worth the visit and you’ll definitely be spending more than a day there as there is so much to see, do and wonder at. From amazing boat tours, gondola rides, “hell on earth” and amazing tea cafe’s along the wrong creates a serene and peaceful setting to enjoy and relax.

Have a wonderful time! And read about my awesome experience visiting the town of Hakone, which is right on the water of Lake Ashi.