Atami and Hakone Travel Guide: Ropeways, Lake Ashi and Mount Fuji Views
- The Anonymous Hungry Hippopotamus
- Mar 30
- 4 min read
Sagami Bay
I began to describe the seaside city of Atami in my last post. As I mentioned, my aim for visiting Atami was to stay at Furuyu Ryokan. Furuyu is a traditional ryokan that provides a luxury experience, complete with a private onsen and exquisite kaiseki meals, served in the privacy of your room. That said, if you don't have time or interest in visiting a ryokan, Atami is still a wonderful place to stay.
Nestled along the coast of Shizuoka Prefecture, Atami has long been a beloved retreat for those seeking relaxation. The city is known for its scenic coastline, mild climate, and historic hot springs. Atami blends the charm of a traditional resort town with sweeping ocean views.
Atami Ropeway
Atami Ropeway
One of the most memorable ways to experience Atami’s landscape is by taking the Atami Ropeway, a cable car that carries visitors up the hillside overlooking the city and coastline.
The ropeway has been operating since 1958, making it a long-standing attraction that has introduced generations of visitors to some of the best views in the region.
The ride itself is short—just a few minutes—but it offers a steady ascent above the city, with the scenery unfolding below as rooftops give way to open sea.
Umisora Terrace
At the top of the ropeway you'll find Umisora Terrace, an observation deck that lives up to its name, “sea and sky.”
Sagami Bay at Sunset
From here, you are greeted with panoramic views over Sagami Bay, where the deep blue water stretches toward the horizon and meets the sky in a seamless line. On clear days, the visibility is remarkable, with distant coastlines, birds and passing boats adding movement to the otherwise calm expanse.
A charming feature of Umisora Terrace is the collection of love locks attached to railings and designated structures around the viewing area.
Couples visit the terrace to secure a lock as a sign of lasting commitment. In many cases, the key is kept as a memento or, in some traditions, discarded to represent an unbreakable bond.
This custom, seen in various forms around the world, has taken on a particularly romantic atmosphere at Umisora Terrace due to its sweeping ocean views and peaceful setting. The locks, accumulating over time, create a visual reminder of countless personal stories and shared moments, adding a human element to the natural beauty surrounding the site.
A short 30-45 minutes from Atami, you'll find the city of Hakone, a famous, mountain resort town with stunning views of Mount Fuji. In fact, even before I reached Hakone, I started to catch glimpses of the magnificent mountain during the drive.
Mount Fuji Panorama
Seeing my awe, my Uber driver offered to pull over so I could properly take in the view.
I didn't argue. Even though I had already seen various views of the mountain during my Japan visit, seeing Mount Fuji again made me catch my breath.
Hakone
Lake Ashi
Before I knew it, we were in Hakone, on the shore of Lake Ashi.
Though Hakone is not situated on the Izu Peninsula, like the Izu Peninsula, it is also located in the Izu National Park. So, although distinct locations, they are often visited together due to their close proximity and inclusion in the same national park
One of the most memorable experiences I had in this region was boarding one of the iconic “pirate ships” that depart from Togendai Port and sail across Lake Ashi.
These elaborately designed vessels evoke the grandeur of old European sailing ships, complete with ornate detailing, wooden decks, decorative railings, and gilded accents.
While the pirate theme added a sense of fun and spectacle, the ship itself was surprisingly refined, offering spacious interiors, comfortable seating, and a wide viewing deck where I could fully take in the surrounding scenery.
As the ship glided across the calm waters of Lake Ashi, the views gradually opened up to reveal the surrounding mountains.
Then suddenly, I saw the distant silhouette of Mount Fuji. The contrast between the still lake, forested hills, and the snow-capped peak of Fuji creates one of the most iconic landscapes in Japan.
The experience was both relaxing and visually striking, with the slow pace of the cruise allowing me to appreciate the natural beauty from multiple angles.
If you embark on this pirate, sightseeing adventure, spring for a first class ticket so you will have access to the upper decks where you will get unobstructed, open-air views.
Hakone Glass Forest
After arriving back at the Togendai Port, I took a local bus through the winding mountain roads of Hakone, enjoying views of forests and small villages along the way.
The short but scenic journey transitioned me from the open lakeside environment to a more intimate, wooded setting where The Hakone Glass Forest is located.
Venetian Glass Museum
The Hakone Glass Forest is within the Venetian Glass Museum where you will find a unique blend of art, craftsmanship, and natural beauty.
Upon entering, I saw a very familiar sight. It was an intricate, glass replica of the pirate ship I had just disembarked.
Inside the museum galleries, I had a chance to explore glassworks inspired by Venetian traditions. The indoor exhibits had vividly colored glass pieces that reflected centuries of decorative artistry.
Other rooms featured clear, finely detailed glass, where the emphasis was on precision, light, and delicate form. The contrast between the styles highlighted the versatility of glass as a medium, from bold expression to subtle elegance.
Outside, I found the experience even more enchanting.
The museum’s gardens are filled with sparkling crystal installations that catch and reflect sunlight, creating a shimmering effect that changes throughout the day.
Running through the grounds is a peaceful stream, which adds to the tranquil atmosphere.
The water flows quietly beneath small bridges and alongside pathways, reflecting both the surrounding greenery and the glittering glass sculptures.
These outdoor displays often resemble fields of light, with thousands of small glass elements swaying gently in the breeze and producing a soft, almost musical sound.
Photographs capture the ice-like, glass and the sudden pops of color when sunlight hits the crystals.
That said, video captures the magic more accurately. The combination of moving water, natural light, and reflective materials creates a setting that feels almost dreamlike.
That concludes my time on the Izu Peninsula. I'll take a break from writing about my Japan travels for now and will return after writing about some destinations closer to home.
Comments