Lake Ashinoko

We arose and packed our bags to depart Tokyo for Hakone and Mt Fuji. Once again a very wet day. Had to drag our bags down the street again to the bus and set off. First stop the Gotemba Peace Park. This is renowned for fabulous views of Mt Fuji on a good day. Alas it was not one of those and Phil had to compromise to show where Mt Fuji should be spotted in the photo. 

The park itself is delightful and full of topiary trees and cherry blossoms, camellias and Magnolias. Plus Buddhist statues and temple. 






You may be wondering about the sweets, it’s sukura season so everything is coloured pink and special desserts are created to celebrate the season. Strawberries are also popular. However strawberry and cream sandwiches are another story and we felt we had to give them a go. We were surprised by how good they tasted - a bit like a Victoria sponge cake.



After a buffet lunch with lots of interesting Japanese food we headed to Lake Ashi for a cruise on a Pirate ship. Once again Mt Fuji was no where it sight. However it the rain made it very atmospheric and the Tori gates stood out. Also some interesting fishing styles/ boats were spotted. 

Next it was up the Hakone ropeway to get to a thermal area. It was a white out. We decided not to walk around in the rain viewing the thermal activity in the cold wet weather at 1,000m. We all headed to our salmon pink bus and our guide gave us all a black egg cooked in the thermal water 1 hour then 20 mins of steaming. The eggs  are said to add 7 years to your life if you eat them.






Followed by a short drive to our hotel for two nights The Prince Hotel Hakone. Much flasher than our tiny cramped, run down Tokyo hotel in Ginza 9. 

It is set on lake Ashinoko and we have lovely views from our spacious hotel rooms.

It also has an Onsen, so Phil and I got brave and tried it out Japanese style bathing only allowed.

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