Introduction to Hakone

Mountainous hot spring resort

Destinations

Introduction to Hakone

The Hakone area, which is surrounded by nature that includes Ashinoko Lake and and Mt. Komagatake is one of Japan's premier hot spring resorts.

There are 20 hot springs around the Hakone area, such as Yumoto Onsen, Gora Onsen, and Miyanogashi Onsen, and you can experience ryokan inns, which are a concentration of Japanese culture. There are also plenty of destinations where you can feel the power of nature and the earth and outdoor areas, such as Owakudani which is famous for black eggs, Sengokuhara Plateau where marsh plants grow in clumps, and the pleasure boats going back and forth across Ashinoko Lake.

In addition, there are numerous unique museums, and it is famous as a cultural area too. Mt. Fuji, which can be viewed close up, presents a variety of appearances from season to season. Enjoy the magnificent and beautiful Mt. Fuji to your heart's content.

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Western Area

Hakone's Sengokuhara pampas grass and relaxing visits to art museums

Duration: 6h45m

Western Area

The lovely flowers which color the wetlands - Hakone Botanical Garden of Wetlands

Duration: 4h

Western Area

Hakone Art Museum Tour

Duration: 5h30m

Western Area

Film Locations of Takeshi Kitano's A Scene at the Sea - 2 Days, 1 Night - Tour of Yugawawra and Yokosuka (Car Rental Plan)

Duration: 14h15m

Western Area

Explore all Hakone has to offer

Duration: 9h

Western Area

Owakudani-Mount Kisokoma walking course (Hakone Geopark)

Duration: 6h30m

Western Area

Hakone-Gotemba-Yamanashi round-trip course (round-trip excursion course) 2days

Duration: 10h

Western Area

The Choukouzan Shoutaiji Temple and weeping cherry blossom trees

Duration: 3h30m

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Ōwakudani

【CAUTION! Volcanic gases are hazardous to your health. Do not enter this area if you have asthma, bronchial disease, respiratory disease, heart disease, etc.】 Ōwakudani is a popular tourist spot that attests to the past volcanic activity of Hakone. Actually a crater on Mt. Kamiyama formed by the last volcanic eruption of Hakone around 3,000 years ago, Ōwakudani still actively emits a white “smoke” of sulfuric volcanic fumes. The desolate sight traces back to the time when the place was called “Grand Inferno,” which was later renamed when the Meiji Emperor and Empress visited Hakone in 1873 because people hesitated to invite the Emperor and Empress to a place with such a name. It almost seems a shame to have lost such an evocative name. Now, a tourist center has been established with souvenir stores and a restaurant/café. “Kuro-tamago” (black eggs) have gained popularity as a local specialty of eggs hard-boiled in the hot springs.

Kuzuryū Shrine

The Kuzuryū Shrine is an outer precinct shrine of the Hakone Shrine, worshipping the guardian deity of Lake Ashinoko and Kuzuryū Shrine. This shrine, located in the forest of Lake Ashinoko, has a small Torii(shrine gate) in the lake and is known for its dragon deity (Ryujin-sama) who is said to have strong powers in bringing fortune, business prosperity and love. During the Tsukinami Festival (festival of the months) held on the 13th of every month, many people come to visit via boats departing from the Moto-Hakone Port. Near the main Kuzuryū Shrine is the Benzaiten Shrine which worships Benzaiten (Goddess of Fortune), one of the Seven Lucky Gods of Japan. Please feel free to also visit the Benzaiten Shrine when visiting the Kuzuryū Shrine.

Taikanzan Mountain

This mountain is located on the border of Yugawara and Hakone, allowing a magnificent view of Mount Fuji and Lake Ashinoko. It is named after the famous Japanese painter of pre-World War II Japanese art, Taikan Yokoyama, who was said to love painting Mount Fuji.

Matsuda Cherry Blossom Festival

From Nishihirabatake Park you can see an astounding view of Mount Fuji, which is even recognized by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism as being one of the best as it made it onto their Fujimi-byakkei List.

Hakone Venetian Glass Museums

This museum showcases the Venetian Glass which enchanted the royalty and nobility of Europe in the middle ages. Besides the exhibition, there are many interesting things in the museum, including a hands-on workshop, a museum shop selling glass items imported from around the world, and a restaurant well-known for its authentic live canzone (an Italian ballad) performance by an Italian singer.

Soga Plum grove

The Odawara Plum Festival is held from early February through early march each year. The Soga Plum Forest is the primary venue, and that is made up of three areas: Bessho, Hara, and Nakagawara. Each is operated primarily by the farmhouses that are located there. Bessho is the largest of the three, and features a citrus and vegetable stands, souvenirs, eateries, and more.

Lusca Odawara (View of Odawara Castle from the roof)

From the rooftop garden of Lusca Odawara, enjoy the view of the Odawara Castle. It's a must-see in the garden abundant with seasonal trees and flowers. This scenic photo spot is only known to those who are familiar with the area.

Old Highway Cedar-lined Road

The old cedar-lined road along the Old Tokaido Highway stretches for 300 meters from Hakoneshisho bus stop near Hakone Check Point to Onshi Koen Park. This is one of the iconic scenes of Hakone that is reminiscent of the Tokaido Highway in ages past.

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