We spent our last full day in Tokyo on a day-trip to the Fuji National Park - a region called Hakone. According to the Japanese, the reflection of Mt. Fuji ("Fuji-San") in Lake Ashi is the most beautiful scene in all the world, owing to its symmetry and its grandeur.
Our day was just a conglomerate of transportation, which can be a nightmare for people like us that love walking and hiking. Between the train ride from Tokyo, the tram up to the scenic cablecar, the cablecar to a scenic ropeway, the ropeway down to the scenic boat tour, and the boat tour across Lake Ashi, we hemorrhaged out $80 between us (which is a lot by our standards), and saw Fuji creep over the horizon a mere handful of times.
The one thing that did substantiate our trip was the many Japanese passengers (many of them elderly) that accompanied us on the journey. Each time Fuji fell into view, we heard gasps of excitement and adoration: Ahhhhh! Fuji-San!
It was as if they weren't sure if it would still be present once they passed the tree that obscured their view.
On the ride back, we kinda shrugged at each other, but our fellow Japanese passengers were still reeling from the excitement. We napped on the train home and saw several more market neighborhoods once we returned to Tokyo proper.
Shelling out $80 must be a necessary evil to circumvent the regret of skipping one of Japan's most adored natural treasures - but we got a better Fuji view on the train ride from Kyoto to Tokyo.
And now, we spend the better part of the day in Tokyo, then head to Thailand.
Without further ado, miscellaneous pictures from Hakone and the rest of our Japanese journey. We'll write soon.
4 comments:
I see the lady with Scott is a bit stiff. (I have such a sense of humor.) I found the exact discription of how you viewed Mount Fuji in Frommers and it is 'One of the best ways to see Hakone'. I am wondering if the pot that Sara is working on will make it to the USA? Thanks for the pictures and descriptions, I feel like I am also with you.
Love you tons, MN-Mom
Your photos are outstanding!! Thanks for sharing your adventures with all. The pottery wheel, huh? Envious indeed!!!! Love and miss ya'll!, Ma (MO)
Scott, only you would be able to maintain such an informative, up-to-date and aesthetically pleasing web site from 10,000 miles from home. Regardless, it looks like you guys are seeing some wonderful stuff and having a great time. Keep the pictures coming so us snowed-in Minnesotans can enjoy!
Steve
I suppose once you have to to Lake Louise it is hard to find a more beautiful place. I really do appreciate all of the the commentary and picture.
Love,
Dad
Post a Comment