Tags
Hakone, Hakone national Park, Hakone-machi, Japan, Lake Ashi, Mt Fuji, Photography, Tokyo, travel
After leaving Tokyo we drove to the national park region of Hakone which is about 97 kilometres from Tokyo. Our drive through the most scenic countryside included several stops along the way.
I can see why for the locals this is such a popular weekend getaway from Tokyo. This onsen town with its great views of Mt Fuji, (on a clear day) and diverse landscape has so much to see, do and offer. Certainly taking the train would be a much better option than driving and far more relaxing. After taking the bullet train while I was in Japan this would definitely be my preferred option.
We stopped at Lake Ashi, which is a scenic lake in the crater of Mount Hakone and is famous for its views of Mt Fuji. However, Mt Fuji was covered in clouds while we were there. In fact it was quite an overcast and rainy day but the weather did not take from the beautiful scenery around the lake. The lake’s shores are mostly undeveloped except for small towns in the east and north and a couple of lakeside resort hotels.
We took a sightseeing cruise on Lake Ashi, and enjoyed the peaceful autumn scenery. Lake Ashi itself is lovely. It is a caldera lake which is surrounded by steep mountains that are thickly wooded. The air was fresh and cool. The water was calm and very clean and the surrounding areas looked fabulous.

Torii Gate to the Hakone Shrine
A number of pleasure boats and ferries traverse the lake, providing scenic views for tourists and passengers. Several of the boats on the lake are inspired by the design of western warships.
The picturesque forested region surrounding Lake Ashi has been popular for hikers and sightseers for centuries.
We had time to spend in the gift shop at the boat and ferry terminal which worked out well as they have a great variety of gifts and goodies, including souvenirs, wooden charms, candies, cookies etc. The packaging of the cookies and candies is exquisite. Many of these items looked like they were exclusive to the Hakone area. I was able to purchase several nice gifts to take back to Australia.
The boats operating the trips are very impressive and the views across the lake, the woodland and the magnificent properties along the lake’s shore made for a great trip.
Looks amazing , well written with breathtaking pics
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Thanks so much. Lyn
Its my pleasure! <3
Lyn this is gorgeous!
Thanks Lisa. There is a lot of gorgeous in Japan. Lyn
Lovely photos Lyn.
Thanks Denise. Not bad for a very overcast day hey
You are providing inspiration for my next visit!
I am pleased , if you go, you will be even more inspired. Fabulous country. Thanks, Lyn
Another inspiring snippet of beautiful Japan to add to the long list.
Thanks Gail. It is certainly worth a trip to Japan
Loving this post. How gorgeous is the scenery. Shame shout not being able to see Mr Fuji from where you were. I really love the packaging in Japan too Lyn. Made me buy lots and lots of small gifts too.
Autumn was a gorgeous time to be in Japan. The packaging grabbed my attention everywhere I went. Thanks Sue, Lyn
Hakone is a great day trip from Tokyo! Mt Fuji is apparently only visible for 1/3 of the year. It makes actually seeing it all the more special though!
It would certainly be special. I was there 12 years ago in spring and it was clouded then also. Still beautiful though. Thanks Celia. Lyn
I was lucky to catch good views of My Fuji in my several visits to the area.
How fabulous. That must have been a nice treat. Lyn
Yea it was. I was told by one Japanese guide that winter is the best time as the weather is usually clear. Summer has lots of clouds.
Makes sense
Such beautiful pictures – I am loving all the sneak peeks of Japan! I would love to see it in person someday but enjoy very much your pictures!
Thanks MB. It is a simply gorgeous country. Lyn
We have been there many years ago – & yes a bit misty but quite surreal.
I believe it is clearer in the winter. Thanks Kay. Lyn x
Looks like a wonderful place. Really enjoyed your photos. Thank you💜
Thanks Leah. Always love hearing from you. I heard that you are not doing so well health wise. I am thinking of you and sending you loving prayers. me and Buddy xxx
The next time, if you come to Japan again, please visit Western part of Japan , not only Hiroshima.
More amazing places, I promise !
Thank you I will. Wonderful country. Lyn
Great post, Lyn. We were just in Hakone in November and loved it- we did take the train from Tokyo which was fun. Enjoyed our Ryokan experience very much but didn’t get to the lake. Next time!
Thanks Jane. I loved everything about Japan and hope to return one day. Lyn
Not that it matters, but you taught me a new word: Caldera. Now I feel like a real smarty pants. :)
I like that. One of the many benefits of blogging is how much we learn along the way and how many nice people we meet. Thanks Lyn
I love places like this one. So tranquil! Thanks and God bless!
Yes so tranquil and beautiful. Thanks. Lyn
Amazing
We have been to Hakone three times since 1982. Always a beautiful spot. Thanks for sharing. Allan
Thanks Allan. It sure is a very pretty area. Lyn