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Hakone is a city in Kanagawa prefecture simply west of Tokyo. The city is part of the Fuji-Hakone-Izu Nationwide Park and is extremely standard for its pure magnificence and sizzling springs. What it’s possible you’ll not know is that Hakone can be well-known for pirate ships, mountaineering, and even an artwork gallery! Our Hakone space information will let of all of the must-see spots in Hakone.
What you are able to do in Hakone
Listed below are only a few of the issues you could possibly attempt in Hakone:
- Soak in sizzling spring baths overlooking the well-known Lake Ashinoko,
- Journey excessive within the sky throughout a volcanic valley with the Hakone Ropeway,
- Admire the works of internationally famend artists in an open-air museum, and extra!
We’ll go into extra element about these sightseeing spots and extra in Hakone, so make sure you learn on!
Entry
Restricted Specific Romancecar
From Tokyo, Hakone is best reached by prepare through Odakyu’s Romancecar. The Restricted Specific Romancecar runs between Shinjuku station and Hakone Yumoto station. This prepare takes simply 75 minutes to achieve Hakone from Tokyo, making it the quickest technique. The Romancecar is run by Odakyu Electrical Railway, so you will see the platform by means of the Odakyu gates in Shinjuku station.
The entire seats on the Romancecar are reserved seats, so there is no such thing as a want to fret about standing even throughout peak season. Sit again and calm down on this stunning prepare trip and watch exterior because the surroundings adjustments as you method Hakone. You probably have the possibility, attempt to get tickets for the remark deck on the entrance or again automobile of the Odakyu 70000 sequence prepare. These vehicles have very massive home windows on the entrance and sides of the automobile that present glorious viewing of the altering panorama.
Shinkansen
The shinkansen (bullet prepare) is one other technique to get to the Hakone space. Whereas slower than the Restricted Specific Romancecar, the shinkansen is an economical technique to get to Hakone for Japan Rail Move holders. The Japan Rail Move covers the shinkansen journey between Tokyo and Odawara. From Tokyo or Shinagawa station you’ll board the west-bound Kodama or Hikari shinkansen. When you arrive at Odawara station make your technique to the Hakone Tozan Railway and get on the prepare sure for Hakone-Yumoto station, the terminus station.
If there may be one factor to recollect it’s that the Nozomi doesn’t cease at Odawara station. You might find yourself in Nagoya if you happen to take the Nozomi shinkansen as an alternative of the Kodama or Hikari. Moreover, the Japan Rail Move doesn’t cowl the Nozomi trains.
Hakone Freepass
If you wish to discover the Hakone space and plan to make use of the prepare, ropeway, and bus, you must think about using the Hakone Freepass. The Hakone Freepass is a really helpful transportation go supplied by Odakyu. With the go, you get limitless rides on the prepare, bus, ropeway, and even boats within the designated areas. You may select to have a 2-day or 3-day go relying in your journey plans in Hakone. Furthermore, the Hakone Freepass covers your roundtrip prepare trip from Tokyo. You may even use the Romancecar from Tokyo if you happen to simply pay for the restricted specific ticket when utilizing the Hakone Freepass!
The Hakone Freepass can be possible for those who plan on coming to Hakone by bullet prepare or to a vacation spot apart from Tokyo after they go to Hakone. You should purchase the free go at Odawara station at a slight low cost with out the roundtrip prepare from Tokyo.
Transportation in and round Hakone
Hakone Yumoto station is the gateway to the Hakone space. The station is centrally positioned in the principle city space of Hakone and is the final cease of the Romancecar from Tokyo. There’s a memento store, cafe, and Hakone Vacationer Info Middle within the station. You may as well go away the station to discover the world. Varied eating places, retailers, and sizzling spring lodges are inside strolling distance of the station.
Moreover, you possibly can switch to the Hakone Tozan Line sure for Gora station at Hakone Yumoto station. The Hakone Tozan Railway was the primary mountain railway in Japan. It climbs up the steep slopes in a zig-zag sample by switching instructions at 3 stations on the best way to Gora station. When you attain Gora station, you possibly can switch to the cable automobile. The cable automobile takes guests to the Sounzan station the place you possibly can then switch to the Hakone Ropeway.
The Hakone Tozan bus can be helpful for reaching areas that aren’t serviced by the prepare, cable automobile, or ropeway. You may catch the Hakone Tozan buses from many of the Hakone Tozan Line stations, in addition to Odawara station. We suggest utilizing the Hakone Tozan bus and the railway and cable automobile collectively for probably the most environment friendly transportation.
Really useful sightseeing course
If you wish to profit from your time in Hakone, we suggest first taking the prepare from Hakone-Yumoto station to Gora station. From there, you are able to do some sightseeing earlier than taking the cable automobile to Sounzan station. Sounzan station is the primary cease on the ropeway, so get on right here and get off at Owakudani the place you possibly can take a look at some volcanic exercise earlier than taking the ropeway once more to Togendai station. Togendai station is positioned on the northern aspect of Lake Ashinoko. You may take one of many two cruises across the lake from Togendai to Hakone-machi the place you possibly can stroll to Moto-Hakone (previous Hakone). If you completed wanting round Moto-Hakone take the bus again to Hakone-Yumoto station or make a pitstop on the best way again.
This sightseeing course means that you can make the most of the assorted strategies of transportation and is environment friendly for sightseeing. The course is doable in in the future if you happen to go away Tokyo early sufficient, however we’d suggest staying for one evening so you aren’t in a rush. Experiencing the well-known sizzling springs is another excuse why an evening in Hakone is a good suggestion!
Listed below are some maps that can assist you get round Hakone:
- Hakone space map in English to see the higher Hakone space. That is good for visualizing the route you wish to take for sightseeing.
- Lake Ashinoko map in English to see the Lake Ashinoko space. Undoubtedly have a look if you happen to plan on stopping by this stunning lake.
- Hakone-Yumoto map in English to see extra particulars concerning the space round Hakone-Yumoto station. For those who plan on procuring or staying the evening at Hakone-Yumoto station, this map is for you! Lodging, eating places, and memento retailers in Hakone-Yumoto are on the map.
Extra maps in English will be discovered right here.
What to see in Hakone
The Hakone Open-Air Museum（箱根彫刻の森美術館）
The Hakone Open-Air Museum is an open-air artwork gallery positioned about 2 minutes on foot from Chokokunomori station on the Hakone Tozan Railway. Right here you will see numerous sections of contemporary artwork and sculptures scattered all through the within of the museum. On the garden exterior, there are lots of sculptures created by each worldwide and home artists.
Some of the interesting factors of the Hakone Open-Air Museum is which you could stroll round and benefit from the totally different items of art work whereas having fun with the pure fantastic thing about Hakone. Mountains are seen from the museum and create an unbelievable backdrop. Though it’s clear that the items of art work are thoughtfully chosen for the assorted sections of the museum, they handle to suit completely into the panorama. Moreover, the open-air side of the location implies that guests may also take pleasure in a unique ambiance relying on the season they go to the museum. A go to on a snowy winter day will certainly offer you a unique impression than a shiny summer season afternoon.
Calling all artwork fanatics, the Hakone Open-Air Museum has a everlasting exhibition referred to as the Picasso Assortment. Right here you will see the museum’s assortment of over 300 works by the legendary Pablo Picasso! An oblong white constructing with “PICASSO” written in black is the place the Picasso Assortment will be discovered. Inside, there are three most important sections: one with massive work and tapestries, a ceramics space, and a piece with smaller work and sculptures. Moreover, you possibly can be taught all about his private {and professional} life because the museum gives a whole biography of Picasso in each Japanese and English.
For these with kids, don’t fret, the museum is pleasant for guests of all ages! Lots of the sculptures and shows are interactive, so you’re allowed to the touch and climb on them. Moreover, there are a number of child areas together with a zig-zag triangle artwork world that children can play in.
Tel: 0460-82-1161
Hours: 9 AM ~ 5 PM
Hakone Ropeway（箱根ロープウェイ）
Sky excessive among the many mountains is the Hakone Ropeway. The ropeway connects Sounzan station on the Hakone Tozan Railway with Togendai station on the shore of Lake Ashinoko. The journey on the Hakone Ropeway takes about half-hour with a switch at Owakudani station.
We suggest travellers make the most of the switch at Owakudani station and try the lively volcano zone. When you get off at Owakudani station the scent of expired eggs will fill your nostril. That is from the sulfurous mist that fills the air.
There’s a memento store at Owakudani referred to as Kurotama store, which implies “black egg” store in Japanese. Right here you should purchase souvenirs and the well-known black onsen eggs. The eggs are cooked within the sizzling spring swimming pools at Owakudani, which is how their shell turns black. Legend says that consuming one of many black onsen eggs will enhance your lifespan by 7 years!
Please observe that Hakone Ropeway sometimes closes when there may be elevated volcanic exercise within the space. When ropeway service is suspended, bus service is obtainable between Sounzan and Togendai station as an alternative.
Hours: 9 AM ~ 4:15 PM
Hakone Venetian Glass Museum（箱根ガラスの森美術館）
If you’re searching for an authentic expertise in Hakone differing from the standard sightseeing spots, then look no additional than the Hakone Venetian Glass Museum! On the Hakone Venetian Glass Museum, there are Italian-styled buildings and gardens along with the museum.
The Hakone Glass Museum has two sections: The Venetian Glass Museum and the Fashionable Glass Museum. Between the museum’s two sections there are over 100 items of glassware. Along with the museum, there’s a good backyard with glass sculptures.
On the museum, there are two workshops you possibly can participate in. You may attempt sandblasting or create a singular accent. Children are additionally welcome to participate within the workshops. It isn’t each day which you could attempt making your individual glass creation!
Earlier than leaving the museum cease at Cafe and Ristorante La Canzone for a snack or drink. As soon as an hour from 11 AM to 4 PM, you may be serenaded by a reside music efficiency on the cafe’s terrace.
Tel: 0460-86-3111
Hours: 10 AM ~ 5:30 PM (final entry at 5 PM)
Lake Ashinoko
Lake Ashinoko is a good looking lake in the midst of Hakone. The lake was shaped 3000 years in the past after Mount Hakone final erupted, and in the present day stays a logo of Hakone. When the climate is evident, Mount Fuji is seen within the background of Lake Ashinoko from sure components of Hakone. In addition to providing pure magnificence, there are lots of actions to take pleasure in at Lake Ashinoko.
As you method Lake Ashinoko, it’s possible you’ll discover some ships cruising the lake. Two boat corporations that function on Lake Ashinoko: Hakone Sightseeing Boats and Izuhakone Sightseeing Boats. Each cruise corporations transport vacationers between the northern and southern shores of Lake Ashinoko. The Hakone Sightseeing Boats seem like pirate ships and are thrilling for kids. In the meantime, Izuhakone Sightseeing Boats operates the pleasure boat which fits all the best way to Kojiri port on the north shore of Lake Ashinoko.
By the best way, the Hakone Freepass is legitimate to be used on the Hakone Sightseeing Boats however not the Izuhakone Sightseeing Boats.
Hakone Checkpoint（箱根関所）
Hakone Checkpoint was a safety checkpoint between Moto-Hakone and Hakone-machi on the shore of Lake Ashinoko throughout the Edo Interval in Japan. The Tokugawa shogunate, which was the samurai authorities of Japan at the moment, created the Hakone Checkpoint. For those who take a look at an previous map, you will note that Hakone was positioned alongside the Tokaido, the previous freeway that linkedKyoto and Tokyo throughout the Edo Interval. The Tokaido was one of many Edo 5 Routes, which had been important corridors connecting Edo (now Tokyo) to the remainder of Japan. As you possibly can think about, the checkpoint in Hakone was a handy spot to regulate visitors. Moreover, it helped the shogunate forestall any undesirable guests from making their technique to the capital.
Though there is no such thing as a want for such a safety checkpoint now, the spot stays a reminder of what Japan was like throughout the Edo interval. In recent times, the Hakone Checkpoint was renovated to resemble its authentic type. For those who go to in the present day, you will note gates, housing for officers, a jail chamber, and even a lookout tower – identical to the way it was 400 years in the past!
Kyu-Kaido Path
Between Moto-Hakone and Hakone-Yumoto stays a part of the previous Tokaido, also called Kyu-Kaido. Even in the present day you possibly can stroll alongside the previous path that folks travelled 400 years in the past. In some components, the unique stone pavement even stays in the present day! It isn’t each day which you could stroll on the exact same stones {that a} villager or possibly even a samurai walked alongside within the Edo interval. One of the best-preserved components of the Kyu-Kaido path are between Moto-Hakone and Hatajuku.
Alongside the best way is a small tea home referred to as Amazake Chaya. Right here they serve amazake, which is a candy rice wine with little to no alcohol content material. Historically, amazake is a summer season drink. Through the Edo Interval, folks would chilly drink amazake to chill off on sizzling summer season days. Nonetheless, the drink can be very fashionable throughout the winter months when it’s served heat. Amazake Chaya serves each cold and hot amazake relying on the season. You may as well attempt totally different sorts of Japanese snacks right here similar to mochi, konjac balls, and tokoroten. Why don’t you cease right here and replenish on some snacks earlier than departing to your subsequent vacation spot?
Close by is the Kyu-Kaido Relaxation Space which has a small museum with shows of dioramas depicting life throughout the Edo Interval. The museum is correct subsequent door to Amazake Chaya. We suggest this spot if you wish to see shows of Japan’s attention-grabbing historical past. Plus, entry to the museum is free!
Tel: 0460-83-6635
Hours: 9 AM ~ 5 PM
Hakone Shrine（箱根神社）
Hakone Shrine is a Japanese Shinto shrine standing on the foot of Mount Hakone on the shore of Lake Ashinoko. The shrine is claimed to be house to the Nice Deities of Hakone. Hakone Shrine was initially based on the highest of the Komagatake peak within the yr 757. Nonetheless, the shrine was later relocated to its present location by Lake Ashinoko in 1667. The shrine has been extremely standard all through historical past and stays one of the notable sights within the Hakone space.
The shrine itself is deep within the forest, however you possibly can simply discover it by following the large torii gates on the road. Two torii gates stand alongside the principle avenue in Moto-Hakone, the small city space on the fringe of Lake Ashinoko. The third and most notable torii gate stands on the sting of the lake. As it’s possible you’ll anticipate, the third torii gate is extremely standard for all guests to Hakone and makes for an important selfie spot. We suggest taking a photograph right here up shut with the shrine, in addition to on the shores from Moto-Hakone. You may seize the intense pink torii gates with Mount Fuji within the background together with your digicam.
Kuzuryu Shrine Hongu（九頭龍神社 本宮）
One other shrine referred to as Kuzuryu Shrine Hongu is positioned about 3.5 km north of Hakone on the shore of Lake Ashinoko. This shrine is deeply linked to Hakone Shrine and even has an annex referred to as Kuzuryu Shrine Shingu inside the Hakone Shrine advanced. The water popping out of this fountain is a well-liked memento with many guests taking a few of the water in a plastic bottle.
The title “Kuzuryu” refers to an historical nine-headed dragon that used to hang-out the villagers of Hakone till a monk with the powers granted by the Nice Deities of Hakone was capable of change the dragon’s coronary heart. At Hakone Shrine you possibly can see a fountain with water popping out of the 9 heads of the dragon. Kuzuryu Shrine Hongu is standard for these searching for luck with their romantic lives. All you singletons on the market, make sure you take the quick hike to the shrine to get a lift of luck in your love life!
Tel: 0460-83-7123
Hours: 8:30 AM ~ 5 PM
Hakone-en Resort Complicated（箱根園）
Hakone-en is a resort advanced on the japanese shore of Lake Ashi on the base of Mount Hakone. Hakone-en is house to the Hakone-en Aquarium, Komagatake Ropeway, in addition to a wide range of eating places, retailers, and actions. Though the park itself is affiliated with The Prince Hakone Ashinoko, anybody is allowed to enter Hakone-en. It’s a one-stop store for your entire leisure wants in Hakone and is ideal for these visiting Japan with their household!
Actions
Hakone-en Aquarium is likely one of the most important sights of the advanced. Do you know that the aquarium is the very best standing aquarium in Japan by way of altitude? Right here you possibly can see each recent and saltwater fish. In addition to wanting on the tanks of fish, guests ought to keep for the seal present exterior. Animal lovers would additionally wish to attempt the otter handshake expertise or make a go to to the petting zoo.
One other attraction at Hakone-en is the Ninja-bus! This huge black bus takes passengers round Hakone-en. Beginning on the road beside the aquarium, the Ninja-bus runs straight towards the shore of Lake Ashinoko and goes into the lake! The Ninja-bus turns into a ship and takes passengers on a brief cruise across the lake earlier than heading again to shore.
If you wish to expertise Japanese tradition, why not head inside for some workshops? You may attempt to rakuyaki pottery, which is usually used for making tea wares. Make a one-of-a-kind plate or cup with particular paints! Alternatively, you can also make a wood coaster on the Yosegi Nook.
Sizzling springs
Since you’re already in Hakone, why not take a dip within the world-class sizzling springs? Ryuguden ryokan is a standard Japanese inn inside the Hakone-en park. You may come right here for day use of the recent springs. The ryokan is legendary for its baths which provide panoramic views of Lake Ashinoko. If the skies are clear, it’s possible you’ll even get to see Mount Fuji behind the mountains that encompass Hakone. If you’re feeling worn out from a day of sightseeing, you can too keep in a single day at Ryuguden.
Tel: 0460-83-1151
Hours: 9 AM ~ 4:30 PM
Hakone Kowakien Yunessun（箱根小涌園ユネッサン）
Hakone Kowakien Yunessun is an excellent enjoyable sizzling spring theme park positioned close to Kowakidani station on the Hakone Tozan Railway. There are a selection of issues to take pleasure in throughout a go to to the park, together with spas, sizzling spring baths, eating places, and massages. Guests come right here to benefit from the attention-grabbing and uncommon sizzling spring baths combined with numerous meals you may be conversant in, in addition to the normal Japanese-style baths. Take a while to refresh your self whereas having fun with the pure fantastic thing about Hakone that surrounds the resort.
Yunessun Space
At Hakone Kowakien Yunessun, there are a complete of 23 baths each indoors and open air. You may be anticipating your typical indoor pool-type scenario, however that will be too boring! Right here at Yunessun, there are lots of attention-grabbing baths similar to a espresso tub made with actual espresso beans, a wine tub (no ingesting allowed, in case you had been questioning), and extra. There may be even a shower referred to as the Dr. Fish foot tub. You may dip your toes within the water for probably the most distinctive spa expertise ever. Tiny tropical fish within the water will nibble at your toes, consuming away the useless pores and skin and leaving your toes feeling tremendous clean!
Mori no Yu
The Mori no Yu space is the recent spring space that represents conventional Japanese sizzling spring baths. A stupendous open-air tub means that you can calm down within the sizzling spring baths whereas relishing Hakone’s pure magnificence. There are some indoor sizzling spring baths too, similar to a shower made from cypress (for girls solely) and a few outside tubs made out of Japanese pottery.
Along with the quite a few baths are the Finnish sauna, aroma room, and heat stone room. You may as well organize to get a therapeutic massage at Oriental Therapeutic massage Salon Herb. Please observe that the massages are solely accessible to Mori no Yu visitors.
Some overseas guests may really feel a bit shy once they hear that they must enter a Japanese sizzling spring tub bare. This isn’t an issue at Yunessun, because the resort requires guests to put on a showering swimsuit within the Yunessun space. For those who forgot to pack your bathing swimsuit you possibly can lease or purchase one at ukiuki on the 4th flooring of the constructing. Please observe that the Mori no Yu space requires all patrons to take away all clothes, which can be appropriate for the extra adventurous. If you wish to attempt the genuine Japanese sizzling spring expertise with out the concern of strangers, there are additionally personal rooms with sizzling spring baths which you could take pleasure in with your loved ones or buddies. Tattooed visitors are additionally welcome to make use of the reservable personal rooms with baths.
For these coming to Hakone Kowakien Yunessun as a household, there are a couple of sights which might be certain to entertain the youngsters within the outside space. The Rodeo Mountain Slide has 3 waterslides. Attempt sliding down each to match the twists and turns. As a household, you can too play collectively at BOXAPPY’s Jungle Health club.
Outdoors of the baths
After enjoyable within the baths, full your day with a go to to one of many many eating places positioned on-site. For those who really feel like making an attempt some genuine Japanese delicacies, fill your abdomen up with some teppanyaki! Get pleasure from watching the freshest meat and greens being cooked in entrance of your eyes by knowledgeable chef. Alternatively, head to Hakone Kowakien Daimonji Terrace for Hawaiian-inspired one-plate meals.
For individuals who wish to make the journey to Hakone Kowakien Yunessun an in a single day journey, think about staying at one of many 4 official lodges within the space.
Tel: 0460-82-4126
Hours: 10 AM ~ 6 PM on weekdays, 9 AM ~ 7 PM on weekends
Lodging
Hakone has many lodging. You have got the choice to remain in a resort or expertise true Japanese hospitality at a ryokan. Learn on for our suggestions!
Hanaori
Overlooking Lake Ashinoko is Hanaori, a contemporary sizzling spring resort. The rooms are geared up with snug twin beds and have a clear fashionable inside. If sleeping on the ground turns you off, think about Hanaori the reply to your issues! Moreover, a good looking lounge space on the terrace is the right place to calm down. The lounge seats are surrounded by water and overlook Lake Ashinoko.
Hanaori has superb sizzling spring baths. Separated by gender, these baths have stunning views of Hakone’s panorama. There are two outside baths: one with a view of the backyard, and one with a view of Lake Ashinoko.
Each breakfast and dinner are supplied on a buffet foundation, so you possibly can select to eat what you want. For dinner, take pleasure in Japanese and French dishes made with recent seasonal substances. Additionally, there are each Japanese and Western choices for breakfast.
Tel: 0460-83-1151
The Prince Lake Ashinoko
An alternative choice for lodging is The Prince Lake Ashinoko. The Prince Lake Ashinoko is beside Hakone-en; tremendous handy for anybody spending the day on the park. When the climate is evident, you possibly can even see Hakone from the resort gardens.
Some rooms have views of Lake Ashinoko or Mount Fuji. Think about waking as much as see the superb snow-capped peak of Mount Fuji! Additionally, the rooms are all geared up with Western-style beds and are fairly massive, that are appropriate for overseas guests.
Tel: 0460-83-8739
Now that all about Hakone, it’s time to make a plan to go to! Discuss to us right here at Tokyo Journey Help about how you intend to go to the gorgeous sizzling spring city. Tokyo Journey Help may also enable you to get round Hakone.
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