Coach, boat, aerial ropeway and the bullet train

Back blip

Another perfect weather day as we left Atami to head to Hakone for a cruise on Lake Ashi. Unusual looking pirate boats took us across the lake to the ropeway which transports visitors to the top of Mount Hakone. The lake was formed 3000 years ago when the mount erupted. In 1910 there was an extensive landside causing a major disaster. 
 
Today’s blip shows the erosion control work and lining of the mountainside. There are several eating places at the top of the mountain, so visitors can spend time and learn about Hakone Geopark.
 
We joined our coach for the trip to Odawara Station to catch the Bullet Train to Kyoto. I don’t think that I was the only one in our party to be excited at the prospect of travelling at such speed on land. I hadn’t realised that extent of this rail network and volume of trains. I wasn’t able to get a clear shot of our train arriving, but got one of an earlier train leaving. The seat  and leg room was generous, even for 6ft + travellers. It was a fast, smooth and comfortable ride, which gave a good opportunity so see development along the route.
 
We checked into a hotel across the road from the station ay Kyoto. Our tour guide suggested places to eat other than  the hotel. We went back to the station which had lots of small restaurants and were very busy. We quickly got a table in a Chinese restaurant, travellers eat pay and move on so a fast turnover. We had a most enjoyable meal of some of our favourite dishes.