Pentax K-1 II + DFA 28-105mm F3.5-5.6 + CP
80 mm ISO 100 for 1/60 sec. at ƒ/8.0
Driving the Ashinoko Skyline: History, Views, and Melodies
Location: Ashinoko Skyline, Shizuoka, Japan
Timestamps: 16:11 on February 14, 2024
Nestled at an elevation of 723 m (2,372 ft), Ashinoko, also known as Lake Ashi, stands as the largest lake in Kanagawa Prefecture. Formed around 3,000 years ago along the southwestern wall of the Mt. Hakone caldera, this crater lake has been a destination for worship and travel, steeped in centuries of history. Hakone, once a major checkpoint on the Tokaido Road—a stone-paved artery linking Kyoto with Edo (modern-day Tokyo), continues to captivate visitors with its cultural heritage and breathtaking views.
Today, this resort area not only preserves its shrines and historical sites but has evolved into a haven for contemporary art museums, hotels, ryokans (Japanese style inns), and hot spring resorts. Among the scenic routes available, the Ashinoko Skyline is a destination that provides a dynamic highland drive that winds along the western outer rim of the Hakone caldera, approximately 300 meters above Ashinoko Lake.
As you traverse the Ashinoko Skyline, a toll road connecting various tourist spots, you'll encounter a series of sweeping curves that offer an exhilarating drive with captivating views of Mt. Fuji. A small rest area along the road, marking the Shakushi-toge Pass at 996 m (3,267.72 ft), treats visitors to an unobstructed panoramic view of Mt. Fuji and the valley below.
(While the Shakushi-toge Pass marker states an elevation of 1,030 m, the accurate elevation for this point is approximately 996 m. The 1,030 m elevation actually corresponds to the small peak situated just east of the rest area, marking the original pass location before the era of automobiles.)
For a unique auditory experience, drive northwest from Shakushi-toge Pass at around 40 kph and the grooves in the road will produce two distinct songs. The first melody is of a Japanese folk song, "Fuji-no-Yama," followed by the tune of "A Cruel Angel's Thesis" from the anime series "Neon Genesis Evangelion." Be sure to roll up your car windows so that you can better hear the vibrations as they resonate from your tires to the car’s interior.
When planning your visit to the Ashinoko Skyline, keep in mind that the dry winter air offers the clearest views of Mt. Fuji. In contrast, summer brings morning fog and afternoon clouds, limiting the number of days when the iconic peak is visible. Plan accordingly for an unforgettable journey along this scenic route and nearby attractions near the lake, where history, culture, and natural beauty converge.
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