A Day Trip on a Pirate Ship in Hakone - Japan Vlog Day 3

This is the third vlog of our trip to Japan in September 2015 and features Hakone, Motohakone, Hakone Shrine, Lake Ashi, Owakudani, Sounzan, Gora Park, the Tozan Railway and Ryokan Tenzan. Hakone (箱根) located 100 kilometres North of Tokyo, is part of the Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. It is particularly famous for it’s hot springs, natural beauty and the potential to catch a glimpse of nearby Mount Fuji. Hakone makes for a great one or two-day side trip, if you are looking for a break from Tokyo and want to be surrounded by nature. My advice is to purchase the Hakone Free Pass, which includes a return ticket from Tokyo to Hakone-Yumoto and unlimited use of selected trains, cablecars, ropeways, boats and buses in the Hakone Area. LAKE ASHINOKO AND HAKONE SHRINE From Hakone Yumoto board a local bus and head Lake Ashinoko (芦ノ湖). this lake was formed in the caldera of Mount Hakone after the Volcano’s last eruption over 3000 years ago. Today Lake Ashinoko with Mount Fuji in the background is the symbol of Hakone. Hakone Shrine (箱根神社) sits at the foot of Mount Hakone, along the shores of Lake Ashinoko. Although the shrine is hidden in the dense forest, its location is marked by a Huge Torii Gate that stands proudly in the Lake. Once you have had your fill of the Hakone Shrine, board a Hakone Sightseeing Boat to cross the lake to Togendai. OWAKUDANI OR SOUNZAN From Togendai board the Hakone Ropeway and head to Owakudani. Owakudani (大涌谷) is an active volcanic zone where you can experience the sulphurous fumes, hot springs and hot rivers of Mount Hakone. A ten-minute walking trail leads from the ropeway station to a number of steam vents and bubbling pools. The more adventurous can follow a two-hour hiking trail to reach the peak of Mount Kamiyama. GORA PARK In Sounzan board the Tozan Cable Car to Gora. Gora (強羅公園) is a western style landscape park built into the steep slope of Gora. Inspired by French landscape gardens, Gora Park features a large fountain, rose garden and two Greenhouses. If you purchased the Hakone Free Pass admission is free. HAKONE TOZAN RAILWAY From Gora head back to Hakone-Yumoto on the Hakone Tozan Railway (箱根登山電車), Japan’s oldest mountain railway. The 35-minute journey winds itself through a narrow and densely wooded valley, over bridges and through tunnels, stopping at several stations on the way. HAKONE HOT SPRINGS End your day trip in Hakone-Yumoto with a meal and a dip at one of Hakone’s popular Ryokans. Hakone’s multiple hot springs heat the numerous bathhouses and Ryokan’s of the area. Many Ryokan open their baths not only to residential guests but also to daytime visitors. Personally, I would recommend Ryokan Tenzan, a beautiful traditional Japanese bathhouse with a collection of various outdoor hot spring pools. _________________ The video was filmed in September 2015 _________________ CATCH-UP On the other vlogs of this series