Starting the day with a good breakfast is great. It keeps you going even though we weren’t walking much today. Today’s all about transport !

The free shuttle to Gora station had us first in line for the cable car. It headed up the hills behind the township of Gora.

Our driver was spic and span wearing white gloves and an important looking hat. It was smooth ride and delightful looking down at the trees. the autumn colours are starting to peek through.

Mt Fuji came into sight. We couldn’t believe the clear view we had when so many see it shrouded in cloud. I was a little disappointed it didn’t have a snowy peak depicted in almost every picture you see of it.

We changed to the rope way after a stop to view the quarry where sulphur mining was sending small clouds of sulphur upwards.

The ropeway took us down to Lake Ashi where we were boarding the curiously named Pirate boat. We paid $7 for first class which gave us a seat while we waited and access to the front of the boat.

Hakone is a pretty little lake side town with a few restaurants and craft shops. One in particular caught our eye.

Full of wood crafted items we all bought something. Steve bought a few bags of little wooden squares. He’s going to make a clock ! I bought the sweetest heart shaped broach.

Following lunch we caught a local bus using our Hakone free pass ( not free but at $71 gave us all the transport rides over 2 days ) Good value.

Back to the hotel on the local bus wound us up through the densely treed forest. Even their buses are efficient, clean and quiet. They signs are polite and observed.

Our loop of attractions was covered easily as we had few queues to hold us up. So lots of time to relax at the hotel.

Another bath in our private onsen on the verandah before a pre dinner cocktail before dinner rounded out a great day.