Just 2 hours out of Tokio one will find Hakone, a rather picturesque part of Japan where there is a lot to see and do. Historically, this part of Japan used to be a thoroughfare for trade and along the old routes one will find a lot of infrastructure that would have supported businesses back in the days. Tour guides will typically explain all that, including the issue with stations being set up to control the movement of weapons into Tokyo (Should have paid more attention to the details I guess).
A must-see is the Lake Ashi, which is a caldera lake and resort area with boat tours, hot springs, accommodation and with a bit of luck views of Mt Fuji. Around the lake one will find a number of interesting activities: cable cars, hot springs, shopping, local food stuffs and shrines. If your everyday ferry is too boring, you can try a swan-shaped pedal boat or you join Jack Sparrow over there.
A quick ride on a cable car will deposit holidaymakers and scientists at the visitors center perched on the rim of the still "active" volcano. Sulphur smoke is billowing out from the soil and one can only hope for strong winds to blow the stinky clouds away. A surreal landscape, invites creativity with your toys you bring along...
Then you have an egg-flavoured soft ice cream and head back to Tokyo for some more delicious food!
