A great view of lake Ashi (Photo: Mari Kiguchi)

(Writer: Mari Kiguchi)

There are plenty of more enjoyable ways to travel Hakone, perhaps none more surprising than a pleasure boat in the shape of a large pirate ship, which departs regularly for Moto Hakone, the last stop of the Hakone Ropeway from Togendai. Even local buses, running winding mountain roads, can serve some purpose in taking you to some nostalgic tea shops which once were places where travelers rested and enjoyed sweet teas during the Edo era. The primary highway travelers took through the region, the Tokaido, was one of the five major highways leading from Tokyo to Kyoto, and Hakone was among the 53 resting points. Some stone-paved roads that were once walked upon still remain in very good shape, though you might wonder quite how these rough shod and slippery paths were truly useful. But it's now a popular pastime to follow in the footsteps of the Edo era, walking the length of such great old roads, and if you happen to run-into such travelers in Hakone, you'll find they are mostly a friendly and gregarious bunch, many of whom are apt to share their knowledge of the road's history.
 
So get out there and feel the seasons of Hakone through it's trams, trains and cruises; a true and satisfying nature experience for both adults and children.