Things To Do In Hakone
Enjoy a Hot Spring Bath, Taste a Kaiseki Dinner at a Ryokan, Visit the Open Air Museum, See the Sulfurous Vapors from Owakudani... Speak to Your Japan Travel Expert for more details about what to do or experience in Hakone
Hakone is part of the Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park, this scenic area offers pristine natural beauty and hot spring baths. The Hakone area has been a popular hot spring resort for hundreds of years, and to this day, people travel there to get away from the cities and relax. The various hot springs in Hakone are believed to have healing properties, and the most popular is Yumoto. While the emphasis in Hakone is to enjoy nature and relax in its natural hot spring baths, there are interesting sights to see. Parts of the historical Tokaido highway, which used to be the main route connecting the Shogun’s capital of Edo and the imperial city of Kyoto, are still intact. A checkpoint used during the Edo Period (1600-1868), has been rebuilt. Its buildings and a small museum are open to visitors.
Lake Ashinoko, created by volcanic Mt Hakone thousands of years ago, is popular because of its beauty. Sightseeing boats, including replicas of pirate ships, are available to enjoy from offshore. On very clear days, Mt Fuji can be seen from Lake Ashinoko, but this does not happen often.
The Hakone Art Museum in Gora contains ceramics from the Jomon through the Edo Period. The Haniwa burial statue, which has been classified as an Important Cultural Property, is one of the exhibits. The museum also has a Japanese moss garden on its grounds. Gora Park is a Western-style (mainly French) garden on the slopes above Gora Station.
Togendai has spectacular views, and depending on the weather, visitors might even be able to see Mt Fuji. There is a walkway around the Owakudani area, which is the crater that was formed during the last eruption of Mt Hakone about 3,000 years ago. This area remains an active volcanic zone where steam vents and bubbling pools can be seen.
Riding the scenic Tozan mountain railway is a good way to experience the natural beauty of the region. The Hakone Tozan Railway was Japan’s first mountain railroad. Its small trains run about every 15 minutes between Hakone-Yumoto and Gora.
For a rural experience, try a bike tour in nearby Hida Furukawa.
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Enjoy a Hot Spring Bath, Taste a Kaiseki Dinner at a Ryokan, Visit the Open Air Museum, See the Sulfurous Vapors from Owakudani... Speak to Your Japan Travel Expert for more details about what to do or experience in Hakone
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It was our first trip to Japan. Working with Jeff was a pleasure. His knowledge of the country and local contacts were very helpful. Choice...
Working with Jeff at Rediscover Tours was a wonderful experience. He helped me plan a 10 day trip of a lifetime to Japan with my mother...
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Jeff was born in a south suburb of Chicago named South Holland and lived in Japan for 14 years. He now lives in Commerce Township, Michigan with his wife Yoshimi, son Shota, and daughter Mina. He enjoys playing with his kids, volunteering with his daughter’s marching band, cycling and training and teaching Aikido.
Michiyo was born in Noboribetsu, Hokkaido Prefecture though currently lives in Takarazuka, Hyogo Prefecture. Her main passions in life is traveling all around the world and enjoying their cultures.
Izumi has spent most of her life in the Kansai region, except for the 10 years that she enjoyed in the UK. Living abroad has made her appreciate her own culture and local beauty even more. She currently lives in Osaka with her family, including two cats and two dogs.
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