Ariel lifts are cool, be it a ski lift at your favorite ski resort or a ride at disney. I've been on my share of vertical multipliers but the one that takes the cake, the one that is completely "above and beyond", the one that takes my breathe away is the Hakone ropeway. How is that for being "over the top"? Ok, I'll stop.
The Hakone ropeway is a scenic 4KM long ariel ropeway that spans from Togendai to Sounzan in Hakone, Japan. The highest point on the ropeway is at Owakundani and is 1K meters high. Blessed by its wonderful natural environment, superb scenery and an abundance of natural hot springs, Hakone is one of the leading tourist attractions in Japan. The Hakone Ropeway service operates at approximately one-minute intervals, and the 30-minute journey from Sounzan Station to Togendai Station, which nestles on the shore of Lake Ashi, allows visitors to take in such spectacular views as the crystal-clear blue waters of Lake Ashi, the rising volcanic fumes of Owakudani and the grandeur of Mount Fuji on a fine, sunny day.
Floating over Owakundani, which is an active volcano, is pretty cool. You can see the sulfur pouring out of the top of mountain and smell it from high in the air. The bet part is the view of Mount Fuji from the ropeway car.
Japan is an incredibly wonderful dichotomy of ultra modern technology and superb natural beauty. It has some of the best kept natural treasures that you'll find anywhere in Asia and Hakone is at the top of that list. The ariel ropeway allows you to enjoy Hakone from a vantage point that is second to know. I was blown away by the experience and I know that you will too. When in Tokyo, do yourself a favor and visit Hakone. I couldn't recommend it anymore.
Getting There:
- From Shibuya take the JR Yamanote line to Shinagawa (160 JPY). If you're already at Tokyo station then just take the Shinkansen from there.
- At Shinagawa transfer to the Tokaido Shinkansen to Odawara station (2940 JPY)
- At Odawara station take the Hakone-Tozan Line to Hakone-Yumoto station (300 JPY)
- At Hakone-Yumoto station you can take a bus to the Lake (1150 JPY).
- You can also take a tram to Gora (350 JPY)
- Then transfer to the cable car to Soounzan at the top of the hill (425 JPY)
- Then take the Hakone ropeway, which I highly recommend, from Togendai to the lake (1490 JPY).
Note:
The transfers are time consuming and taking the tram, cable car, and ropeway takes about 2 hours longer than the bus but is totally worth the view from the ropeway - see my other post.
Enjoy!
