After a day in Tokyo, we traveled to Hakone for the volcanic valley and also to catch the view of nearby Mount Fuji. Hakone is a town located near Mount Fuji where you can enjoy hot spring, traditional Japanese inn and the beautiful nature; and it is a very popular destination for a short trip from Tokyo.
First Stop, we went to Lake Ashinoko or Lake Ashi, a crater lake with views of Mount Fuji. Our main activity there was taking a sightseeing boat and cruise around the scenic lake.
Next, we went to Owakudani(大涌谷), a volcanic valley with hot spring, sulphur fumes and some nice views of Mount Fuji. During the winter months, you will have a better view of Mount Fuji as the sky is clearer than the summer months.
Other than all the beautiful natures, most of the visitors come here for the Black Egg (Kuro Tamago). This specialty egg is boiled in the hotspring and the sulphur causes the shells to turn black; and the people there believe that eating 1 black egg will prolong your life by seven years. Therefore never exit Owankudani without trying this miracle egg.
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| on the road to Lake Ashi. |
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| Torii gate of Hakone Shrine in Lake Ashi. |
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| Lake Ashi with Mount Fuji at the background. |
Next, we went to Owakudani(大涌谷), a volcanic valley with hot spring, sulphur fumes and some nice views of Mount Fuji. During the winter months, you will have a better view of Mount Fuji as the sky is clearer than the summer months.
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| Sulphurous fumes around Owakudani. |
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| a view from the higher ground of Owakudani. |
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| A view of Mount Fuji from Owakudani. |
Other than all the beautiful natures, most of the visitors come here for the Black Egg (Kuro Tamago). This specialty egg is boiled in the hotspring and the sulphur causes the shells to turn black; and the people there believe that eating 1 black egg will prolong your life by seven years. Therefore never exit Owankudani without trying this miracle egg.
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| Black eggs are enjoyed by all ages. |
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| The shells of the Black Eggs. |
After we had eaten enough of black egg, we moved on to The Fuji Subaru Line 5th Station, a popular sightseeing spot for the tourists and also a rest point for the climbers who plan to hike to the summit. There are a few restaurants, souvenirs shops and an observatory. The time when we visited 5th station was in the spring season, it was very cold up there and the ground was covered with snow. Do keep yourself warm if you plan to visit anytime other than summer.
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| The ground covered with snows. |
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| The summit of Mount Fuji. |
Lastly, we ended off our day with a night stay in a traditional Japanese inn right beside Lake Kawaguchi. It was really a great experience to sleep in a Japanese style room with Futon and Tatami. I strongly recommend to try this sleeping experience at least once when you travel Japan.
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| Japanese style room. |
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| Interior deco of the Japanese Inn ホテル水明荘. |
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| A view from the Japanese Inn ホテル水明荘. |
We had a great stay with ホテル水明荘. Comfort room, perfect breakfast, very friendly and accommodative owner. I felt really thankful for their great hospitality! Goodbye to this great place!
Next stop, Kyoto . 京都
Onsen (温泉) = Hot Spring
Sora (空) = Sky
Kuro Tamago (黒卵) = Black Egg
Futon (布団) = Fold-able mattress
Tatami (畳) = Straw mat flooring
Ryokan (旅館) = Traditional Japanese Inn
Washitsu (和室) = Japanese-style room
:::::::::: What We Saw ::::::::::
Lake Ashinoko
Address: Hakone, Ashigarashimo District, Kanagawa Prefecture Japan
Location: Click Here for Map
Getting There: Take a sightseeing boat from Hakone-machi or Moto-Hokone
Year visited: 2006
Owakudani . 大涌谷
Address: 〒250-0631 神奈川県足柄下郡箱根町仙石原 1251
Location: Click Here for Map
Getting There: Alight at Gora Station >> cable car >> Sounzan Station >> Hakone Ropeway >> Owakudani Station
Year visited: 2006
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The Fuji Subaru Line 5th Station
Address: 〒401-0301 山梨県南都留郡 鳴沢村
Location: Click Here for Map
Getting There: Kawaguchiko Station >> Bus >> The Fuji Subaru Line 5th Station
Year visited: 2006 ::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Following Trip: 2008 Malaysia (Kuala Lumpur)
Written by: Q.J.
Photography by: Q.J.