Ōwakudani Station — Local services in Hakone

Are you acrophobic? You're gonna hate the Hakone Ropeway, which is all the more reason why you've just gotta experience it!

Start your ascent at the Sounzan Station, climbing above the cloud layer to arrive at Owakudani station, a waypoint where you can purchase such novelties as charcoal ice cream, and tasty, slightly sulfurous eggs whose shells have carbonized to a jet black after being boiled in volcanic hot spring water; they say eating one adds seven years to your life! If you're afraid of heights, you probably need to add back seven years, since the ascent probably shaved a few off, eh?

When you're ready, the ropeway continues on, descending and swaying gently as it makes its way towards its terminus at Togendai station, on the shore of Lake Ashi. Stop, shop, catch your breath, grab some food at one of the many local, world-class restaurants, and when you're ready, you can board a replica pirate ship (of all things!) to continue your journey. Hopefully you're not a limnophobe or thalassoharpaxophobe as well!

Along the way, you'll encounter sweeping, gorgeous views of Mt. Fuji, volcanic pools, ancient forests, picturesque mountain towns, gorgeous bodies of water and, more than likely, other tourists, cowering and squealing with fear and trepidation, snapping skittish selfies while trying to maintain their balance and keep their nauseated stomachs in check. Fun for the...

We did the cable car as part of a wider tour of Hakone which also involved a mountain train and a boat ride across lake Ashi in the tackiest boat I've ever seen. There were quite high winds when we took the cable car which made the ride a little bit disconcerting as we were buffeted about, but in hindsight, more fun! It was also at this point when my friend discovered he was quite scared of heights!

The weather was slightly misty, but thankfully we still got a good view of Mt Fuji, which was part of the reason for doing the tour. The boat tour on the fake pirate ship was...

I was worried the sulphur smell would be a bit much for me to handle but thankfully there was hardly any on the day I went, apart from the occasional whiff of rotten egg smell when the wind blew. I tried the vanilla and egg ice cream as well as a pancake with red bean paste from one of the stalls here which was pretty good. If you're in a rush to explore Hakone, you don't necessarily have to get off here but if you just want to take in the sights, it wont be a complete waste of...