We returned to Tokyo for the last leg of our Japan trip. Miura san made a booking for us to tour Mt.Fuji and Hakone, the most popular day trip tour in Tokyo. As we were to leave early in the morning, we had "room service" for breakfast to avoid the rush in the coffee house of the hotel. 
Just before 6.30AM, breakfast was wheeled in by a cheerful waitress to our room - a combination of American and Continental. 
It was the morning rush hour when we left the hotel. It took us about 30 minutes to get to Hamamatsu Station (浜松駅, Hamamatsu-eki) to join the tour.
.
Just before 6.30AM, breakfast was wheeled in by a cheerful waitress to our room - a combination of American and Continental. 
It was the morning rush hour when we left the hotel. It took us about 30 minutes to get to Hamamatsu Station (浜松駅, Hamamatsu-eki) to join the tour.The tour bus departed at 09:00 sharp from Hamamatsucho Bus Terminal heading for the countryside going through the heavy city traffic. 
On our way, we passed the Tokyo Tower - the icon of Tokyo City. 
There was less traffic as we entered the highway. Our guide who spoke fluent English was well trained. She was absolutely fantastic, providing comprehensive information about the Japanese culture, history and details of the places on our route. She even gave us an "origami" (The traditional Japanese folk art in paper folding) lesson on-board. According to her, as it was a cloudy day, we might not be able to see Mount Fuji at all. 
On our way, we passed the Tokyo Tower - the icon of Tokyo City. 
There was less traffic as we entered the highway. Our guide who spoke fluent English was well trained. She was absolutely fantastic, providing comprehensive information about the Japanese culture, history and details of the places on our route. She even gave us an "origami" (The traditional Japanese folk art in paper folding) lesson on-board. According to her, as it was a cloudy day, we might not be able to see Mount Fuji at all. However, it was otherwise. The Magnificent view of Mount Fuji was in front of our bus as we reached the mountain area. 
Our first stop was the Fuji Visitor Center. There were the display and history of the mountain and off course souvenir shops. 
The breathtaking picture of Mount Fuji taken from the Observation deck at the Center.
Our first stop was the Fuji Visitor Center. There were the display and history of the mountain and off course souvenir shops. 
The breathtaking picture of Mount Fuji taken from the Observation deck at the Center.
My wife and daughter were happily posing for photos.
.
Our tour continued to the first station of Mount Fuji - going through the winding and narrow road.
Stopping at the first station.
Stopping at the first station. .
Normally the bus would drive up to the fifth station but unfortunately the road was closed because of the slippery condition due to heavy snow. 
A traditional Japanese lunch was included in the tour package - simple lunch but it was good enough.
.
Fascinating Mount Fuji view all the way as we continued on to Hakone National Park.
Arriving at Lake Ashi jetty and boarded the ferry for a cruise to the Hakone lake Side Park. It was a comfortable 20 minutes scenic ride. 
Approaching the jetty of the Hakone Lake Side Park
The main attraction was the cable car ride to Mount Kumagakate for an aerial view of the Hakone National Park. 
The sweeping views of the lake and surrounding as we were on the way up. 
Unfortunately, when we arrived there, the mountain was covered with thick mist and we could not see anything! 
The return trip was a scary experience as the cable car "zoomed" into the thick mist on the way down. 
Proceeding to our last stop via the narrow countryside road.
The last stop was the Odawara Station where we took the "Shinkansen" (Bullet train) back to Tokyo - arriving there just in time for dinner.
A traditional Japanese lunch was included in the tour package - simple lunch but it was good enough. .
Fascinating Mount Fuji view all the way as we continued on to Hakone National Park.
Arriving at Lake Ashi jetty and boarded the ferry for a cruise to the Hakone lake Side Park. It was a comfortable 20 minutes scenic ride. 
Approaching the jetty of the Hakone Lake Side Park The main attraction was the cable car ride to Mount Kumagakate for an aerial view of the Hakone National Park. The sweeping views of the lake and surrounding as we were on the way up. 
Unfortunately, when we arrived there, the mountain was covered with thick mist and we could not see anything! The return trip was a scary experience as the cable car "zoomed" into the thick mist on the way down. Back to our bus.
Proceeding to our last stop via the narrow countryside road. 
The last stop was the Odawara Station where we took the "Shinkansen" (Bullet train) back to Tokyo - arriving there just in time for dinner..
Overall, it was a well organised trip from start to finish. We had a great time as the tour guide was friendly, polite and caring. She is a real professional. Thanks to Miura san and Yoneda san for the tour arrangement.
No comments:
Post a Comment