Ropeway up Mount Komagatake from Lake Ashi with views of Mount Fuji and the Izu islands; round-trip ticket around 1.800 ¥.
The Komagatake ropeway is one of the best ways to enjoy the panoramic views of Hakone from on high, and a less crowded alternative to the well-known Hakone Ropeway of Owakudani. It departs from Hakone-en, on the shore of Lake Ashi, and climbs about 950 metres of vertical to the summit of Mount Komagatake in about seven minutes. At the top, on clear days, you take in a spectacular panorama that spans Mount Fuji, Lake Ashi itself, the Izu islands and the coastline, plus a small shrine at the summit and trails through the alpine flora that changes with the seasons. The round-trip ticket is around 1.800 ¥. Hakone-en is reached by bus or by combining it with the Lake Ashi cruise. Bring warm clothing because at the summit it is windy and cool even in summer. It is a simple and very rewarding trip for lovers of the views, perfect to round off a day in the lake area alongside the Hakone shrine and its floating torii.
