Mount
Fuji has always been in my list of natural attractions around the world that I
need (and ought to) personally visit in my lifetime.
But this quest has always been elusive.
Through a promo fare from one of my favorite budget airlines, Cebu Pacific Air, we were set to visit Tokyo for the autumn season. A perfect weather and with a picturesque view on my mind.
The Tokyo Subway Day Pass from Klook has been a great help on directing tourists to
vantage points within the country where Mt. Fuji is visible.
Thus,
the decision to check out the Klook mobile application for the easiest way to
visit the lakes that surround Mt. Fuji, since trekking the mountain was not
(and will never be) an option for the group.
The
Mount Fuji Classic Route Day Tour From Tokyo could have been the most
convenient way for us to explore the lakes that surround Mount Fuji. But it was fully-booked on our intended
trip. The alternative plan was the Hakone Freepass and fortunately, it happened to be the most organized and relaxing day
tour I had.
The
Hakone Freepass allows tourists to get on and off freely within a specified
area, provides discount admission to various attractions, and also
includes return transportation on the Odakyu Line.
We opted for the 2-day pass. With the Hakone Freepass, one can experience
eight types of transport facilities in Hakone Region.
Even
before we reach Lake Ashi for the cruise, we were able to ride the Hakone Tozan
Cable Car and Hakone Ropeway. The large
windows of the Swiss-made cabins of the ropeway should have allowed visitors to fully
appreciate the sweeping panorama of Hakone’s unspoiled natural settings, which
include the calm waters of Lake Ashi, Mount Fuji and the volcanic clouds from
Owakudani.
But all these were nowhere to
be found as the area was covered by fog during our visit. The changing colors of the rainforest to
autumn leaves were visible though at certain points.
There
was a typhoon in Japan. Even though
heavy downpour in Tokyo could have dampen our spirits and changed our itinerary
not to pursue the long day trip to Hakone, we still had the slightest hope that
the weather may change.
Our
highlight for the day is the Hakone Sightseeing Cruise on board a pirate ship. On a fine weather, we could have been treated
to a magnificent view of Mount Fuji and enjoy Hakone’s rich scenery reflected
in the lake’s calm surface. But the
heavy downpour and drizzle on the latter part became a necessary part of our
cruise experience.
As a consolation for the cruise is the sight of a rainbow ending on a red torii gate. The rainbow compensated for the
non-appearance of Mt. Fuji.
HOW TO AVAIL OF
THE HAKONE FREEPASS
Book
through Klook and you will receive an email confirmation instantly upon
booking. The voucher email will be sent within the day. Present the printed voucher for this activity
and show the passport when exchanging for the ticket.
The
ticket is available for pick-up at the Ground Floor of Odakyu Railway Shinjuku
Station West Exit, specifically at the Odakyu Sightseeing Service Center. The Center
is open from 8AM until 6PM. Note that
the Pass shall be collected at the Shinjuku station at the end of its use, so
do not misplace or throw it away.
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