HAKONE TOURISM

Hakone’s geographical proximity to Mount Fuji offers a number of amazing vantage points from which to see the country’s tallest mountain. One must-see vista is from a sailing ship on the caldera Lake Ashi. On the Hakone Sightseeing Cruise, visitors aboard the “pirate ship” that departs from Motohakone Port can encounter a stunning view of the mountain. This, along with the striking red Heiwa-no Torii of the historical Hakone Shrine, makes for unforgettable memories. For further information on the cruise, see https://www.hakone-kankosen.co.jp/foreign/en/ .

From the lakeshore, people might be able to observe sakasa Fuji, a reflection of the mountain upside down on the lake. Activities such as canoeing and kayaking can also be enjoyed here.

An excursion to Lake Ashi would not be complete without visiting Hakone Shrine. Dating back about 1,260 years, the sacred site is worshipped by many figures in Japanese history. Visitors are sure to be immersed in the solemn atmosphere around the shrine. The shrine is surrounded by greenery; its front approach is lined with cedar trees that are said to be 600 to 800 years old.

Hakone is also an ideal location to visit for those seeking relaxation and to refresh their body and mind. It is home to many hot spring sites around Mount Hakone.

Because various types of hot springs are available, Hakone has earned itself the nicknames “onsen theme park” and “department store of onsen.” There are about 20 hot springs today, with the oldest one — Yumoto Onsen — dating back to the 700s.

Each onsen has unique characteristics, including varied scenery and surroundings. The springs can be found at various kinds of hotels and traditional ryokan (Japanese-style inns).

Those who want to try Hakone’s high-quality hot springs more casually should seek out single-day facilities.

Hakone Yuryo (https://www.hakoneyuryo.jp/english/) offers public baths and private open-air baths and is easily accessed from Hakone-Yumoto Station on the Odakyu Line. A free shuttle bus also runs to and from the station.

Another aspect of Hakone is that it hosts around 20 museums including some specializing in art and history.

One of the most acclaimed facilities is The Hakone Open-Air Museum (https://www.hakone-oam.or.jp/), which celebrated its 50th anniversary in August. Japan’s first outdoor, open-air museum of art, about 120 masterpieces by contemporary sculptors call the museum’s 70,000-square-meter garden home. The indoor Picasso Pavilion boasts 319 pieces by the world-renowned artist on rotation.