11.04.2008 HAKONE-FUJI NATIONAL PARK

The volcanically active Fuji-Hakone(箱根)-Izu National Park, centered around Lake Ashinoko, is a popular tourist attraction well known for its onsen (hot springs) and its views of Mount Fuji.

Great Boiling Valley
The Great Boiling Valley (大涌谷 Ōwakudani) is a volcanic hot spot full of sulphurous springs.

There is continous smoke coming out and the small craters have liquid that are actually boiling. You can see the water bubbling.
And we’ve finally reached the centre of the peak where black eggs were sold.

The black eggs (黒玉子) at Owakudani are boiled on site, their shells are a mottled black due to a chemical reaction with the sulphurous water, but the inside is quite tasty. According to Japanese legend, every one you eat will add seven years to your life. 6 eggs (and hence 42 years) will set you back just ¥500(=SGD$7).

Erm, I think that is pretty expensive for six eggs…So I did not buy any. Hah.
Of course, when you walk all the way up, you have to make your way down. Haa. The view I saw when walking down…

The Boiling Valley’s Hello Kitty!

Lake Ashi

Lake Ashi (Ashinoko) offers beautiful views of Mount Fuji but only on a clear day. But we only got to take a quick snap at this lake and had to move on to what all girls had been anticipating for, Factory Outlet Shopping