Monday, March 26, 2012

Japan 2012 - Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park



Trip to Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park (Mt. Fuji, Hakone and Fuji Five Lakes area). It is about 2 hours by bus from Tokyo. Due to bad weather condition bus could achieve only 4th station (2020 m) – during season bus could go to 5th station (2305m). From 5th station there are routes to the summit (3776m) and from 1 July to 26th August you can climb to the Mt Fuji.
Next step – Lake Ashi and boat trip. Lake Ashi is a volcanic lake formed during volcanic activity 4000 years ago. The lake covers an area of 7km2, has a circumference of 20km and reaches a depth of 43m at its deepest point. The trips took us 40 minutes – from time to time you could see Fuji Mountain.

Our boat

Hakone is very fames and popular place (www.hakoneropeway.co.jp), known as holiday resort, which attracts both Japanese and international visitors due to its proximity to the Tokyo and to Mount Fuji.

Near Hakone is ĹŚwakudani. It is a volcanic valley with active sulphur vents and hot springs. It is a popular tourist site for its scenic views, volcanic activity and especially, Kuro-tamago ("black egg") — a local specialty of eggs hard-boiled in the hot springs. The boiled eggs turn black and smell slightly sulphuric; consuming the eggs is said to increase longevity. Eating one is said to add seven years to your life :)


Return to Tokyo took 2 hours. The dinner was in the marvellous restaurant
Teppanyaki Miyako. The word “teppanyaki” is derived from teppan, which means iron plate, and yaki, which means grilled. During dinner you could watch the skilled maneuvers of the chefs preparing and cooking the food ahead of you. Very good food connected with visual feelings.