Sky High Over Hakone: A Summer Ride on the Kamagatake Ropeway

#summervacay **Why Summer is Magical?** Glide above **emerald valleys** and **steaming volcanic vents** as Mt. Fuji plays peek-a-boo through the mist. Morning rides offer crisp views, while late afternoons transform the landscape into a golden dreamscape. --- ### **🚡 Your Perfect Ropeway Adventure** #### **Dawn Patrol (Best for Fuji Views)** - **6:30 AM Departure:** First gondola from **Togendai Station** (beats crowds + heat) - **Summit Secrets:** At **Kamagatake Station (1,325m)**: - **Fuji View Deck:** Morning light reveals the mountain’s snowless summer profile - **Volcanic Trails:** Walk the **Owakudani Sulphur Fields** before the smell intensifies #### **Midday Alternatives** - **11:00 AM - Cloud Forest Walk:** Descend to **Hakone-en Station** for the **Botanical Garden of Wetlands** (shaded + cool) - **1:00 PM - Lake Ashinoko Cruise:** Transfer to the **pirate ship** for water-level views #### **Golden Hour Special** - **4:30 PM Ride:** Last uphill trip catches the **"floating torii"** at Hakone Shrine glowing in sunset light --- ### **💰 Budget Breakdown** - **Ropeway Ticket:** ¥2,300 (roundtrip, valid 2 days) - **Combined Deal:** ¥5,800 Hakone Free Pass (includes trains/buses/ships) - **Must-Try:** **Kuro-tamago** (black eggs) at Owakudani ¥500/5 eggs --- ### **⚠️ Summer-Smart Tips** - **Layer Up:** Summit temps are **10°C cooler** than base - **Gondola Strategy:** **Right side** going up for Fuji views - **Sulphur Sensitivity:** Morning visits minimize odor impact **Why Skip the Crowds?** ✅ **6-8 AM rides** = private gondola feels ✅ **Summer weekdays** = no queues ✅ **Hidden stop:** Get off at **Ubako Station** for secret forest trails **Tag your flight #hakoneabovetheclouds** ☁️🗻 *(Afternoon idea: **Open-air museum** with mist-cooled art!)*