Mount Fuji and Lake Ashi

Mount Fuji overlooking Lake Ashi. Photo by Brett Homenick.

I've been to Lake Ashi in Hakone several times over the last few years, but last Sunday was the first time I was able to see Mount Fuji from the lake. On previous visits, it had always been obscured behind cloud cover. Of course, it was partially obscured by clouds this time, too, but at least I could actually see the mountain this time.

Lake Ashi is where Biollante makes her first appearance in Godzilla vs. Biollante (1989), and I think we're all familiar with Mount Fuji's role in various monster movies (such as King Kong vs. Godzilla). So there's quite a bit of kaiju history on display in just one shot!

Scenes from Hakone-Yumoto Station

I always enjoy taking shots of the area around Hakone-Yumoto Station whenever I'm in the area. So, with that said, here's what I took when I was there on Sunday. Enjoy!

Celebrating 50 Years of Greatness

With actress Mie Hama. 

Today, I had the privilege of attending a special event with actress Mie Hama, the retired Toho star who appeared in the films King Kong vs. Godzilla (1962) and King Kong Escapes (1967), which is currently celebrating its 50th anniversary. Of course, Hama-san's other international hit film, You Only Live Twice, is also celebrating 50 years.

The event itself was quite enjoyable. There was a rakugo performance followed by a lunch made with local cuisine. The highlight, of course, was meeting Hama-san again, who is always incredibly friendly.

RETURNING TO LAKE ASHI! But Where Was Biollante?

Lake Ashi on a rainy (and windy) fall morning. Photo by Brett Homenick.

I also paid another visit to Lake Ashi in Hakone this morning. While this isn't the exact spot seen in the film, Lake Ashi is where Biollante first appears in Godzilla vs. Biollante (1989). Thankfully, I didn't see any rose pedals anywhere in the vicinity. Anyway, given the lousy weather, I couldn't see Mount Fuji in the background. Oh, well. Anyway, here's the view from this morning.

REVISITING HAKONE-YUMOTO STATION! On Another Rainy Day, No Less!

The view from just outside Hakone-Yumoto Station. Photo by Brett Homenick.

This morning, my travels brought me back to Hakone-Yumoto Station, which is surrounded by stunning natural beauty. I wish I had the time (not to mention cooperative weather) to go exploring, but hopefully I'll get around to that someday. Until then, here are the pictures I took. 

LAKE ASHI! Hakone's Gorgeous Tourist Destination!

Among my stops in Hakone was Lake Ashi, which I also visited last year. The weather was dreary, and it rained off and on the entire time I was there. Still, it was a lot of fun to look at the scenery, and the overcast sky added some character to the photos I snapped. Enjoy!

A RETURN TO HAKONE! Taking in the Sights of This Beautiful Area!

Hakone-Yumoto Station. Photo by Brett Homenick. 

On Saturday, November 19, my travels took me to Hakone, and one of my stops was at Hakone-Yumoto Station, which is surrounded by many beautiful sights. Here is a sample of what I saw.

SCENES FROM HAKONE! Out and About in One of Japan's Most Beautiful Areas!

The scenery just outside of Hakone-Yumoto Station is absolutely stunning. Photo by Brett Homenick.

On October 24, I got up early to attend a special event in Hakone. The ride from Tokyo to my final destination took quite a long time, but it was well worth it. It was my first time in the area in two years, but this time I was actually able to enjoy the scenery and take some photos.

As soon as you leave Hakone-Yumoto Station, you are immediately treated to some beautiful scenes that any shutterbug will be compelled to photograph. But this is only the beginning.

A nearby tourist destination is Lake Ashi, which I would highly recommend. I got to spend a bit of time out there, but I hope someday to take the cruise on the pirate ship!

In a shop's window, some familiar faces (Ultraman Taro, Baltan Seijin, Super Sentai, and Kamen Rider Ryuki) were seen.

Lake Ashi in Hakone is gorgeous, but my guess is that there's only one way to experience it.

Who wouldn't love to see Lake Ashi from a pirate ship? If you're interested in checking this tour out, the official Hakone Sightseeing Cruise Web site has your hookup.

SAVE THE DRAMA FOR MIE HAMA! Meeting a True Toho Legend!

One of the highlights of my time in Japan was getting the privilege of meeting retired actress Mie Hama.

During my first foray into Hakone, I was lucky enough to meet Mie Hama (King Kong vs. Godzilla, King Kong Escapes, numerous Crazy Cats comedies) at a public event. Readers of this blog know Hama-san's various Toho credits, but internationally she is best known as Kissy Suzuki in the James Bond actioner You Only Live Twice (1967), in which she stars opposite Sean Connery. Though it was limited to 30 people, I made arrangements early enough before the event sold out.

Although autographs weren't part of the event, photo opportunities were, which of course was very cool. The talk show itself was rather brief, but the experience of meeting Hama-san made it well worth it. She was very warm and kind, and I hope for the chance to meet her again.