Hakone has hot springs, beautiful nature, Lake Ashi, and amazing views of Mount Fuji in the distance.
Hakone is a place famous for its hot springs, beautiful
nature, and breath taking views of Mt. Fuji. It is a popular
tourist attraction amongst Japanese and foreigners. The
area is part of the Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park, which
is located south west from Tokyo in Kanagawa
Prefecture. There are many ryokans (Japanese
traditional inn) with hot spring baths. The most known
place for onsens (hot springs) in Hakone is Yumoto. It is
located near the Odawara and has a long history for
having high quality water. There are public bath houses
available for visitors to enjoy or you can visit different
ryokans at certain times to enter their hot springs for a
nominal fee.
Aside from the hot springs there is the Hakone Ropeway
that goes over Owakudani. It is a thirty-minute ride
starting from Sounzan and ending at Togendai station.
From the ropeway you can see Lake Ashinoko, Mt. Fuji
and the volcanic fume emitting from Owakudani. While
there it is recommended to have the famed kuro tamago
(black egg). It is a hard-boiled egg that was cooked in the
hot springs with sulfuric properties. The black color
comes from the chemical reaction with the sulfur in the
water. It is said that eating one of the eggs will increase
your life expectancy by seven years. They can be found
along the short walking trail from the ropeway station.
There are also hiking trails that lead to the peak of Mount
Kamiyama and Mount Komagatake.
Lake Ashi is a caldera lake that was formed 3000 years
ago from the last volcanic eruption of Mount Hakone. The
natural beauty surrounding the blue lake with Mount Fuji
in the background has become the symbol of Hakone.
There are sightseeing boats you can take to fully enjoy
the scenery. The cruise around Lake Ashi can be taken
not on just any boat, but on a pirate ship. There are three
different ships called Royal II, Victory and Vasa.
Kanto | Kanagawa | Hakone
Gotemba Peace Park
The Gotemba Peace Park has a beautiful view of Mt. Fuji in the distance and is part of Gotemba City.
Kanto | Kanagawa | Hakone
Hydrangea (Ajisai) in Hakone
Hakone has hot springs, beautiful nature, Lake Ashi, and amazing views of Mount Fuji in the distance.
Kanto | Kanagawa | Hakone
Lake Ashi
Lake Ashi is a caldera lake that was formed 3000 years ago from the last volcanic eruption of Mount Hakone.
Kanto | Kanagawa | Hakone
Hakone Onsen
The onsen in Hakone have been known as a popular destination for hot spring resorts for centuries.
Kanto | Kanagawa | Hakone
Hakone Shrine
Hakone Shrine is located along the shores of Lake Ashi hidden in the dense forest of Hakone.
Kanto | Kanagawa | Hakone
Hakone Ropeway
Blessed by its wonderful natural environment, superb scenery and an abundance of natural hot springs, Hakone is one of the leading tourist attractions in Japan.
Kanto | Kanagawa | Hakone
Owakudani
Owakudani is a volcanic valley where you can see sulfur vents releasing fumes and eat kuro tamago (black egg).
Kanto | Kanagawa | Hakone
Hakone Open-Air Museum
Hakone Open Air Museum balances both nature and art as the works are combined with the beautiful surrounding area.
Kanto | Kanagawa | Hakone
Old Tokaido and Hakone Checkpoint
The Old Tokaido Highway and Hakone Checkpoint were vital traveling spots back in the Edo Period (1603-1867).
Kanto | Kanagawa | Hakone
Lake Ashi Cruise
Lake Ashinoko along with Mount Fuji in the background is the proud symbol of Hakone. One of the best views with the lake and Mount Fuji could be seen from one of the many sightseeing boats.
Kanto | Kanagawa | Hakone
Gotemba Premium Outlets
The Gotemba Premium Outlets is one of Japan’s most popular outlet malls and is located not far from Hakone.