Japan -03/31/- 04/08/2017

Hakune-Lake Ashi -4/4/2017

Lake Ashi Hakune ropeway Mount View hotel Breakfast/Odawara

To get to Hakune we took Japan Railway from Tokyo station to Odawara (about 1 hour) and then we have to take the bus from Odawara to Hakune (1 hour). 

Hakone is part of the Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park, less than one hundred kilometers from Tokyo. Famous for hot springs, natural beauty and the view across Lake Ashinoko but people usually say Lake Ashi,  and on a clear day Mount Fuji can be seen in the back ground.  Hakone is one of the most popular destinations among Japanese and international tourists looking for a break from Tokyo.

 

Lake Ashi

Lake Ashi also referred to as Hakone Lake or Ashinoko Lake, is a scenic lake in Hakone. The lake is was formed in large volcanic crater of Mount Hakone after the volcano's last eruption 3000 years ago. Today, lake with Mount Fuji in the background is the symbol of Hakone. The lake's shores are mostly undeveloped except for small towns in the east and north and a couple of lakeside resort hotels,

 

Replicas of pirate ships cruise offering panoramic view of the lake and the shore line.

 

 

There are a total of 4 ships (green, red, blue, and yellow) and they are replicas of real historical ships.

 

The volcanic activity that goes on beneath the waters to this day ensures that it never freezes over.   As you can see most of the surrounding of the lake is left at its natural state.

 

 

Really relaxing view!

 

Looking back at from the town we departed from.

 

 

 

 

The lake is actually pretty big.

 

 

 


Looks like some development complex in the distance.

 



 

Another pirate boat cruising pass us....

 

We have reached the north shore.  It took about 30 minutes from shore to shore.

From this view, on a clear day, you can see Mt. Fuji in the distance but not today, there are just too many clouds.

 

 

Once you get off the boat you have about 1 hour to walk around town and have lunch.

 

We found a small restaurant near by with a view of the lake and ordered Ramen...


 

View of the lade from the restaurant. Lots of small boats on the lake....

 

 

 

We are now back on the boat going back to the south shore.

 The red gate "Torii" is Hakone Shrine wit its history going back 1,200 years. The site is clearly marked by a red torii that stands in the lake.

 

The north shore is more develop for sure.

 

We paid an extra fee for first class cabin which is a section of the front of the boat and it is not crowded at all.  There are plenty of sofas, benches to seat and walk freely and also a separate section on the upper deck.

Group picture with a stage captain of the ship.  They take picture and then you can buy a print out.

 

Next... Hakone Ropeway

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