Take the Hakone Ropeway to enjoy stunning views of Mt. Fuji and the volcanic landscape of Owakudani

View Mount Fuji from Owakudani

On the second morning of our 12-day self-driving trip through Hakone, Kawaguchiko, and Hokkaido, we started the day by visiting the Heiwa no Torii (Peace Torii) by Lake Ashi. Then came the main highlight—taking the Hakone Ropeway and Hakone Tozan Cable Car to enjoy the beautiful scenery here. From Hakone Shrine, we drove to the … Read more

Ate pork cutlet and tofu set meal at Tamura Ginkatsu Tei Harune Odawara Ten

Tofu Pork Cutlet Rice at Tamura Ginkatsu Tei Harune Odawara Ten

On the first night of our 12-day self-driving trip through Hakone, Kawaguchiko, and Hokkaido, we had dinner at Tamura Ginkatsu Tei Harune Odawara Ten, located in the underground shopping area of Odawara Station (田むら銀かつ亭 小田原駅地下店). After enjoying hydrangeas in the afternoon by taking the Hakone Tozan Railway, we drove back down the mountain and headed … Read more

While driving on the expressway from Tokyo toward Hakone, we stopped at the EXPASA Ebina rest area to buy some snacks

Parking at the Ebina Service Area and enjoying free green tea

In June 2025, I took 10 days of annual leave to go on a self-driving trip with my family to Hakone, Lake Kawaguchi, and Hokkaido. On the first day, we flew from Taipei Songshan Airport to Tokyo Haneda Airport via Japan Airlines. The flight was slightly delayed during takeoff, but we were in good spirits. … Read more