Hakone, Fuji, Onsen

In Hakone, we had planned to relax before the stressful Tokyo, and that can only go well with the wonderful onsens fed by the hot springs here.

On the second day, the weather was so hazy that we chose an onsen, the Tenzen, and walked there.

However, I hadn't checked the elevation beforehand, and it turned more into a hike.

It was definitely worth it, though, as it was very beautiful there, with five different hot pools and one cold pool.

After we had cooked ourselves in the water (you can only bathe separately by gender), we also had lunch at the restaurant there. For our return, we decided to take the bus.

For dinner, we were at the hotel in one of the restaurants/bars because there wasn't much choice in the city and we didn't want to move anymore.

On the departure day, we checked out, locked our suitcases at the hotel, and set off in the sunshine towards Fuji.

We first took the small mountain railway up and down the mountain, then transferred to a cable car to get to the gondola.

The gondola was built by a Swiss manufacturer, and when we got out, we had a look at the thick cables and motors that pull the train.

The ride had already been wonderful up to that point, filled with mountains, nature, and exciting travel.

Then we headed to the gondola. It was super empty; without any lines, we got our tickets from the friendly machine, and then we were off in the cabin.

We passed sulfur fields and there was a faint smell of rotten eggs in the cabin. Two of the other passengers were coughing and making awful noises.

We were simply thrilled by the colors and the pillars of smoke.

Then we stopped at a viewing platform and could take a closer look. At that point, we could spot Fuji with the moon on one side. During the journey, we had a wonderful view of the distant mountain, which does not show up well in photos.

We then arrived at Lake Ashi and first strengthened and relaxed with a small snack while looking out at the lake before the return by bus.

The bus ride also allowed us a glimpse of Fujiyama, but then it was wild switchbacks back to the hotel.

The bus driver knows the most beautiful route in the world; he really must be good with curves.

Grab the suitcase and off to Tokyo.