A Trip to Hakone

Time to share some photos from the past!

Back in 2016, I went on a magical tour across Japan. One of the best parts of traveling on a tour is the chance to explore places off the beaten path—and this trip was full of those moments.

We spent time in the wonderful region of Hakone, just a short train ride from Tokyo. While it’s famous for its views of Mount Fuji, Hakone is also home to several beautiful lakes scattered throughout the area. On our tour, we had the chance to visit two of them.

Our first stop was Lake Ashi, known for its iconic pirate ship cruises. Yes—an actual golden pirate-style boat takes you across the lake! We hopped on board and glided across the still waters, soaking in the serene views with Mount Fuji looming majestically in the background.

Once across, we boarded the Hakone Ropeway—a cable car that stretches across the region, offering breathtaking panoramic views. From the top, we saw it all: the lakes, the forests, and a perfectly clear view of Fuji on a crisp autumn afternoon.

That night, we traveled by bus to Lake Kawaguchiko, where we stayed in a charming retro hotel. It was a far cry from the sleek luxury of Tokyo hotels, but that was part of its charm. The whole place had an ‘80s vibe—quirky, nostalgic, and surprisingly cozy. Situated right on the lake’s edge, the hotel gave us front-row seats to the stunning sight of Mount Fuji at sunrise. Simply amazing.

The town itself was peaceful—almost too peaceful compared to Tokyo’s nonstop buzz. There’s a certain calmness in the countryside, a slow pace that really lets you take everything in. It felt like time moved differently there. Walking the streets at night, it was eerie how quite it was!

We left the next morning, just as a layer of fog settled over the lakes and the autumn foliage. It was the perfect farewell—quiet, mysterious, and beautiful.

One thing’s for sure: I’ll definitely be going back there one day.