Article Ajiro, Jukoku Pass

The port of Ajiro is located just a short distance south of the city of Atami, from which there is a fast shinkansen connection to, for example, Tokyo.

Ajiro itself has lost most of its younger population to Tokyo, and those who remain are older. However, if you need a break from the fast pace of the city, Ajiro is a nice and quiet stop with a touch of the old days and an easily accessible destination.

We pass through the old port. It is clear that fishing is the main activity of the local population.

Ajiro has prospered as a port city since the Edo period and is famous for its hot springs and seafood. A dried fish festival is also held here, where approximately 3,000 pieces of kranas are grilled and served. Even today, it is possible to taste, for example, grilled clams, salted octopus and various soups made from local ingredients.

We climb above the harbor to enjoy views of the mountains, the coastal town of Atami and Sagami Bay.

Man-made and man-forgotten: this is not the first time we see an abandoned car that is gradually surrounded by vegetation and nature. Such a local artifact …

From Ajiro we first go by train to Atami, from there by bus towards Moto-Hakone/Jukkoku Pass. The short ground ropeway, 316 meters long, overcomes a height difference of 101 meters on rails with a gauge of 1435 mm. We walk up from the bus and enjoy the views.

From Jukoku Pass, there is a panoramic view of the ancient lands: Izu, Suruga, Totomi, Kai, Shinano, Sagami, Musashi, Kazusa, Shimousa and Awa. These are the current prefectures of Shizuoka, Yamanashi, Nagano, Kanagawa, Tokyo and Chiba.

The Manazuru Peninsula and the town of the same name dominate as you look east.

And because of this view towards the north, tourists actually come here. But we are unlucky this time. Although it's actually a nice day, the lower cumulus clouds cover our beloved and iconic Mt. Fuji.

The Shiba is a Japanese breed, the ancestors of today's Shibas came with humans to Japan around 7,000 to 8,000 years BC And we say goodbye together with these pleasant dogs to Jukoku Pass.