Mt. Fuji and Hakone

We decided to pay for a tour to see Mt. Fuji because it seemed a little complicated to get there on our own. During our time in Japan, we have found it quite difficult to find specific locations - especially after getting directions online. So, a tour it was. 

Our first stop to see Mt. Fuji...yes, blocked by clouds

It really is there

As we drove towards the 5th station, I got a better view

We made it to the 5th Station!

And this is the view of Mt. Fuji that we got

At least this little girl entertained me

After this quick visit to Mt. Fuji, we headed towards Hakone for a cruise on Lake Ashi. This crater filled lake was created from a volcanic eruption nearly 3,000 years ago. It promised postcard views of Mt. Fuji from various angles but with our luck with the weather, we didn't see much. We still really enjoyed the short cruise on the lake though. 

Our boat for the cruise on Lake Ashi

Waiting to board the boat

Paul and his Asian pose

The fog made it look mystical

It appears to be...a pirate ship!

Torii in the water

There's the aerial cableway we are to take for the great views

Really pretty

Hakone-en Lake Side Park

Boats waiting for tourists

Here we are in the aerial cable car

And here's the view

Reminded us of when we went to see the Cliffs of Mohr - this happens to us all the time

So, we headed back down

The fog was pretty crazy

You really couldn't see anything

Look at how the cable just disappears

It cleared up once we got a bit lower

We then had some time to kill so we browsed the shops.

Paul always makes me laugh

Not good for Paul's back but he insisted I take this picture

We then headed to the train station and took yet another bullet train back to Tokyo. Click here to check out how fast these trains go!

Here's my favorite souvenir from the day:

Since we really didn't see Mt. Fuji, we got this made