Why Stay in Hakone?
Hakone, located just a short train ride from Tokyo, provides the perfect escape into Japan's breathtaking mountainous landscape. Renowned for its natural hot springs (onsen) and spectacular views of Mount Fuji across Lake Ashi, it is a premier destination for relaxation and nature.
The accommodation here is famously defined by high-end ryokans. A typical stay involves soaking in therapeutic geometric baths, putting on a yukata, and enjoying a multi-course kaiseki dinner full of seasonal ingredients.
The best areas to stay include Gora, accessible by the scenic Hakone Tozan Railway, and the areas surrounding Lake Ashi. Sengokuhara offers luxurious retreats amidst pampas grass fields, while Hakone-Yumoto acts as the bustling gateway town with numerous souvenir shops and more affordable lodgings.
To explore the region, the Hakone Round Course takes you on a circuit via train, cable car, ropeway, and pirate ship across the lake. The Hakone Open-Air Museum also offers a fantastic integration of nature and world-class sculpture.