Soaring Heights and Sweeping Sights.
We took the Shinkansen bullet train ride from Tokyo to Odawara station. Then we continued on to Hakone to see Mt. Fuji. Mount Fuji (Fuji-san), Japan's 12,400 ft. (3,776-meter) tallest peak, is an iconic active stratovolcano near Tokyo, celebrated for its near-perfect volcanic cone shape and spiritual significance.It offers world-class hiking, stunning "Five Lake" views, and a, long history of artistic and religious inspiration. It's situated on Honshu Island. The pictures below depict our trip to Mt. Fuji and the lakes.
Tokyo train station. Taking the Shinkansen (bullet-train) to Odawara Station.
Inside the Tokyo train statioin.
Taking the Shinkansen (bullet-train) to Odawara Station.
Mt. Fuji is Japan’s highest peak and an iconic active volcano. Famous for its near-perfect symmetrical cone, it serves as a massive cultural and spiritual symbol, offering everything from challenging summit hikes to breathtaking views from the surrounding serene lakes. Getting this picture was the highlight of my day!
We took the Hakone Ropeway and Owakudani cable-car ride for panoramic views of the lake and mountain. The weather did not cooperate but we enjoyed the stunning views.
This stone monument is located in Hakone, Japan and commemorates the famous Hakone Ekiden, a popular university relay race. It features a silhouette of a runner crossing the finish line.
The Fuji Five Lakes (Fujigoko) region, located at the northern base of Mt. Fuji, offers breathtaking, close-up views of Japan's most iconic mountain. Formed by volcanic eruptions, these five scenic lakes - Kawaguchiko, Saiko, Yamanakako, Shojiko, and Motosuko - serve as a premier resort area for hiking, hot springs, camping, and stunning photography as you can see from some of our photos below and on our you-tube channel. We took a cruise on Lake Ashi and it was a feast for the eyes! Lake Ashi (Ashinoko) in Hakone is a premier, 3,000-year-old caldera lake renowned for breathtaking views of Mount Fuji and the iconic, seemingly floating red torii gate of Hakone Shrine.
The iconic "floating" torii gate of Hakone Shrine, officially called the Heiwa no Torii (Torii of Peace), sits on the shores of Lake Ashinoko. Built in 1952, its striking red silhouette frames breathtaking views of the lake and Mount Fuji, making it a highly popular destination
The plaque on the gate reads "Heiwa" (Peace), a dedication to pray for world peace that was inscribed by former Prime Minister Shigeru Yoshida. It serves as the dramatic waterfront entrance to Hakone Shrine, surrounded by cedar forests featuring trees over 800 years old.