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Hakone
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A famous
hot spring resort region, Hakone is set amidst beautiful mountains, which
comprises of the Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. During good weather, Hakone
can make a wonderful trip, as one would be able to enjoy the magnificent
view of Mt Fuji. There are enjoyable cable car rides, open-air museums,
volcanic hot springs, and cruises around Lake Ashino-ko. There are a few
train lines that will bring you to Hakone. Express bus services are available
but the trip is not as interesting as other modes of transportation.
Located
next to Chokoku-no-Mori station, the open-air museum has exhibits on western
and Japanese 19th and 20th Century sculptures. For those who do not like
the outdoors, there is also an indoor exhibit area, which includes collections
from Picasso. From March to October, the museum is open from 9 a.m. to
5 p.m. It closes at 4 p.m. for the rest of the year.
Mt
Soun-Zan is the starting point to a 30 minute (4km) ride to Togendai.
The ride will pass through Owakudani, which is a good place to visit volcanic
hot springs. Owakudani is made up of a volcanic cauldron of steam, bubbling
mud, and mysterious smells. Black, boiled eggs are sold here. These eggs
are cooked in the boiling mud and are said to be good for your health.
Visitors can also view displays relating to the geography and natural
history of Hakone at the Owakudani Natural Science Museum, which is open
daily from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Lake
Ashino-ko is one of Hakone region's primary attractions. This is only
because Mt Fuji is situated across the lake. And with the mountain's snow-clad
slopes and omnipresence, it is no wonder the lake is so popular. Rowing
boats, pedal boats, and even chauffeur-driven motor boats are available
for rental for a ride or two around the lake.
If you
want to get a better view of Mt Fuji and Lake Ashino-ko, then Mt Komaga-take
is the place to visit. To get to the mountain, you need to take a boat
ride to Hakone-en, and a cable car will then bring you up the mountain.
Rock
Carvings - A
group of Buddhas and other figures carved on rocks can be seen between
Mt Komaga-take and Mt Kami Futago. These carvings date back to the Kamakura
era (1192-1333). They still look excellent despite harsh natural elements,
such as wind, rain, or snow. The Niju-go Bosatsu, a rock carved with numerous
Buddha figures, is located on one side of the road. Moto-Hakone Jizo,
which is a rock carved with patron saint travelers and souls of departed
children, occupies the other side of the road. The latter is the largest
in terms of rock carvings. To get to these rock carvings, take the funicular
down from Mt Komaga-take, turn right and follow the road. At a T-junction,
turn left twice. The carvings are located about 400m up the road.
A pleasant
place to visit, Moto-Hakone does have a few interesting sights to see.
Furthermore, they are all located within easy walking distance from the
jetty.
Hakone-jinja
Shrine - The
shrine with its red entrance gate (torii) rising from the lake is almost
impossible to miss! It is located within a wooded grove and huge cedars
line the pathway leading up to the shrine. A treasure hall is also located
within the premises. The shrine is open daily from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Cryptomeria
Ave - Also
known as Sugi-namiki, this avenue is a 2km-long path between Moto-Hakone
and Hakone-machi, another town. This path is lined with Cryptomeria trees,
which were planted more than 360 years ago.
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