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Hakone Travel Guide

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Hakone sits in the Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park in Kanagawa Prefecture's Ashigarashimo district. The rich waters of the hot springs, Ashinoko Lake, Owakudani valley, Sengokuhara, and the view of Mount Fuji are major sites for tourism. The natural scenic beauty of Hakone, though changing from season to season, can be enjoyed all year round. Other than the scenery, Hakone is rich with options for the tourist, as there are museums, art galleries and many festivities. Easily reached from central Tokyo, Hakone is the most popular getaway and hot springs resort in the Kanto area with nearly 19 million Japanese and overseas tourists visiting the area annually.

Access

By Train

From Shinjuku to Hakone Yumoto: 85 min by Odakyu Romancecar
From Odawara to Hakone Yumoto: 20 min by Hakone Tozan Railway

By Bus

From Shinjuku to Hakone Togendai: 130 min by Odakyu Hakone Highway Bus
From Haneda to Hakone Togendai: 150 min by Odakyu Hakone Highway Bus

HAKONE TRAVEL SPOT GUIDE

Odawara Castle (Odawarajo)
Odawara Castle is a historic landmark situated in the city of Odawara, Kanagawa prefecture. Since 1495 the castle had been the family residence of the feudal lord Hojo, until it was taken over by the Okubo clan in the Edo period. It remained an iconic feature of the city for more than 200 years. ...
Owakudani Tourist Center
Owakudani, which literally means "Great Boiling Valley", has achieved a wide reputation as a scenic spot. At this volcanic valley, estimated at around 400,000 years old, visitors can enjoy the majestic scenery of Mt.Fuji. ...
The Museum of The Little Prince in Hakone
This theme museum was built in honor of the French writer Antoine de Saint-Exupéry and his most famous novella "The Little Prince". Buildings and shops replicate the landscapes of Provence, France in the early 1900's, which influenced and formed the life and works of Saint-Exupéry. ...
SHIKA-JAYA
SHIKA-JAYA is a unique restaurant specializing in tofu and yamaimo (Japanese mountain yam) dishes. The most popular item on the menu is "So-un Dofu", which is a locally-made brand of tofu cooked in a broth of flavorful dashi (kelp stock). ...
Hakone Kowakien Yunessun
Hakone Kowakien Yunessun is a spa resort and water amusement park offering a unique combination of water recreation facilities and conventional Japanese onsen. The park is separated into three major sections, "Yunessun", "Yutopia", and "Mori NO YU", each with distinctive characteristics. ...
Komagatake
Mt.Komagatake is a volcano which belongs to the Hakone mountains range. While riding on the Hakone Komagatake Ropeway, an aerial lift which runs from Hakone-en on the shores of Lake Ashi to the top of the mountain, you can enjoy a scenic view of the mountainside filled with blossoming alpine plants. The observatory at the summit commands a panoramic vista of Hakone and the surrounding areas.
Hakone Shrine
The Hakone Shrine, overlooking Lake Ashi, enshrines the three main deities of the region; Ninigi-no-Mikoto, Konohanasakuya-hime and Hoori-no-Mikoto. Within the shrine premises is a pure forest of Stewartia monadelpha trees, designated as Natural Monument of Kanagawa prefecture. The shrine also has a museum housing displays of historic items registered as National Important Cultural Properties.
Lake Ashi
Lake Ashi is a crater lake formed about 3,000 years ago by the volcanic eruption of Mt.Hakone. The lake, known for its scenic views of Mt. Fuji, is ringed by many attractions and resort facilities, and is one of the major destinations among local and foreign tourists.
Sengokuhara Meadow of Japanese Pampas Grass (Sengokuhara Susuki Kusahara )
Sengokuhara is best known for its vast fields of "Susuki", or Japanese pampas grass. The beautiful view which can be seen during late September to mid-October has earned a well-deserved reputation, making Sengokuhara one of the 50 Scenic Spots of Kanagawa Prefecture. Walking through the autumn field turned to yellow is a rewarding experience never to be encountered elsewhere in the Kanto region.