I was not in the mood to go abroad nor to go too far in Japan, because still worried about the infection. So I decided to go to nearby Hakone district this summer for a relaxing summer vacation.
I used to go to Hakone often, but it has been a long time since I took a trip there.
As long as you are careful about traffic jams on Route 1, a car is by far the most convenient way to stay in and around Hakone. However, as a self-confessed light railfan, I could not resist the idea of leaving my car at the inn and enjoying a quick stroll on foot along the Hakone Tozan Railway for a ride and photo.
Under a pleasant blue sky, I started with a picture taken at the Ohiradai railroad crossing.
Ohiradai Station. The train to Hakone-Yumoto just left and is now moving away. I will take the opposite train bound for Gora, which is waiting for departure at the platform.
A view of the upper and lower lines from the Kami-Ohiradai signal station, one of the three switchbacks, a feature unique to a mountain railroad that goes up and down steep hills. The train stops temporarily here to change direction.
You cannot get off the train here, but can take a good look at the track as it climbs up and down if you settle in front of top window of the first car.
To prevent wear and tear on the tracks, water is poured between the wheels and the rails as they run. In the tunnel, you can clearly see the wet area around the rails.
A series of sharp curves typical of a railroad running between mountains. This can also be seen clearly from the driver’s seat.
In early August, the best of the hydrangeas along the route had long passed, but I was surprised to see some flowers still just barely remaining without decay. Thank you!
The interior of the newest train is quite sophisticated. But some of the passengers are a bit ill-mannered.
Soon after, we arrived at Miyanoshita station.
I would have liked to ride to the end of the line, but at this point I got off here.
The station sign board is quite stylish, don’t you think?
As the design of the station building shows, Miyanoshita town is promoting tourism development with a distinctly retro flavor.
From the station, it is down a steep hill to the hot spring resort, but that story is for another time.
The last image in this entry is a view of the incoming Hakone-Yumoto bound train at Miyanoshita Station.
It was a short ride of only two stations, but there was plenty to photograph and see on the Hakone Tozan Railway. It was fun!
So, here are a few more photos I took during my summer vacation in Hakone.
Equipment used: Lumix G99, Leica DG12-60mm
