Tokyo Day 2

We got up early to go to Hakone which is about 2 hours by train from Tokyo. The attraction in Hakone is Lake Ashi with a view of Mt Fuji. We weren't really sure what to expect besides a scenic tour and we were right - there wasn't much to it! The towns on the way out are pretty dismal and not very impressive. Hakone itself was pretty depressing - I'm sure if it was due to the season (since it's winter everything is brown and dead in a mountain town) or because the town is just pretty run down. we didn't spend much time there before hopping in a bus to head over to the lake.

The area around the lake was charming - small villages that looked to both of us like alpine ski towns. Surrounded by mountains, There was one main street, a couple stores and a dock for the ferry to pull in. 

We walked from Motohakone-ko through the Ancient Cedar Avenue with was lined by huge cedar trees planted in 1618. We marveled at the fact that the trees are 150 years older than the US Constitution! We hopped on the scenic boat tour on the lake and set out to see Mt Fuji. Unfortunately the clouds had rolled in so most of the mountain was covered but the short trip from one end of the lake to the other was beautiful. We decided summertime must be stunning around the area. 

On our way back to Tokyo we stopped in a charming and bustling little town to do a little (unsuccessful) shopping. After a power nap on the train ride home, we met up with a number of David's co-workers for dinner at a wine bar in Tokyo.

To Be Continued...