A day trip out of the city to Lake Hakone for our last day around Tokyo.

First standard trains, well after the morning rush.

Then onto a funicular – the second steepest in the world, it climbs over 200 m in 1.2 kilometres and at times there is three metres difference in height between the ends of the train.

Watching point-and-call in action, as well as the rails.

Three stations between the termini give somewhere for trains to pass.

There were three switchbacks to help the train zig-zag up, and down, the steep hill – the train stops and the driver and conductor walk to the other end of the train.

After all that excitement, it was time for lunch at an excellent gyoza restaurant – which had a large mobile collection.

Replenished,  some pleasant strolling around the edge of Lake Hakone. Some curious oldish boats, interesting trees, no views of Mt Fuji due to cloud and an old customs checkpoint.

Flashbacks to Paparoa Track rides and its goblin forest.

Back home (did finally catch glimpses of Fuji, at dusk from a train), grabbing far too many meals from the supermarket on the way, for dinner and preparing to leave the following day.

Goodbye and thanks to Thomas, Keiko and Leila for the stay in their home, and the many outings.

Excellent little introduction to Tokyo, despite fighting off whatever virus I’d picked up – thankfully I was on the mend and didn’t pass it on to our hosts. Time to head back to Mastumoto and our bikes!

I was unreasonably pleased to get a tea bag coaster.