Hakone

Hakone is known for its natural beauty and hot springs. A must-see attraction is the Hakone Open-Air Museum, which features a large collection of contemporary sculptures. The Hakone Shrine is also a popular attraction, as it is located on the shore of Lake Ashi and offers stunning views of Mount Fuji. Other notable attractions include the Hakone Ropeway, the Owakudani volcanic valley, and the Yunessun hot springs resort.

Hakone offers a range of outdoor activities, including hiking, boating, and cycling. The Hakone Ropeway provides stunning views of the surrounding area, including Lake Ashi and Mount Fuji. The Hakone Checkpoint Museum is a great place to learn about the history of the region and take a walk along the old Tokaido road. The Hakone Komagatake Ropeway offers incredible views of the surrounding mountains and Lake Ashi. The Hakone Open-Air Museum is a great place to explore art and nature at the same time.

If you're looking for indoor activities, the Hakone Open-Air Museum is a great place to explore art and nature at the same time. The Hakone Checkpoint Museum is a great place to learn about the history of the region and take a walk along the old Tokaido road. The Hakone Art Museum is another great place to explore art, with a collection of Japanese ceramics and paintings. The Pola Museum of Art features a large collection of Western art, including works by Monet, Renoir, and Picasso.

Hakone is known for its hot springs, or onsen, and there are many to choose from. Some of the most recommended hot springs include Tenzan, which features a large outdoor bath and a variety of indoor baths, and Yunessun, which offers a range of different baths, including a coffee bath, a wine bath, and a green tea bath. Yuryo is another popular hot spring, with a variety of indoor and outdoor baths as well as a sauna and a restaurant.

Hakone is known for its traditional Japanese cuisine, including soba noodles and kaiseki ryori, a multi-course meal. Some recommended restaurants in Hakone include Tenseian, which serves traditional Japanese cuisine in a beautiful setting, and Gyoza no Osho Hakone, which serves delicious dumplings. Manatei Hakone is another great restaurant, known for its soba noodles and beautiful views of Lake Ashi. For a unique experience, try the black eggs at Owakudani, which are boiled in the hot springs and said to add seven years to your life.

Hakone has a range of accommodations, from traditional ryokans to modern hotels. Some recommended accommodations include Gora Kadan, a luxurious ryokan with private hot spring baths and a garden, and Hakone Ginyu, another luxurious ryokan with stunning views of the surrounding mountains. The Hyatt Regency Hakone Resort and Spa is a modern hotel with spacious rooms and a range of amenities, including a spa and a restaurant. The Hakone Kowakien Tenyu is another modern hotel with a range of amenities, including hot springs and a restaurant.

Hakone is beautiful year-round, but the best time to visit depends on your preferences. Spring is a great time to visit, as the cherry blossoms are in bloom and the weather is mild. Summer is a popular time to visit, as the weather is warm and there are many outdoor activities to enjoy. Fall is another great time to visit, as the autumn foliage is beautiful. Winter is the best time to visit if you want to see snow and enjoy winter sports.

When traveling to Hakone, it's a good idea to bring comfortable shoes and clothing, as there is a lot of walking and outdoor activities. It's also a good idea to bring a swimsuit if you plan to visit a hot spring. If you're planning to take the Hakone Ropeway, it's a good idea to check the weather conditions, as the ropeway may be closed in bad weather. Finally, be sure to bring a camera to capture the stunning views of Mount Fuji and the surrounding area.

Hakone is located about 80 kilometers southwest of Tokyo. The easiest way to get there is by train, either on the Odakyu Line from Shinjuku Station in Tokyo to Hakone-Yumoto Station, or on the Tokaido Shinkansen from Tokyo Station to Odawara Station, followed by a transfer to the Hakone Tozan Line to Hakone-Yumoto Station. From there, you can take a bus or a taxi to your destination.

The currency used in Japan is the Japanese yen (JPY). It's a good idea to exchange your currency for yen before you arrive in Japan, as not all places accept foreign currency. You can exchange currency at banks, post offices, and some hotels and airports. Many ATMs in Japan do not accept foreign cards, so it's a good idea to bring cash or a credit card that works internationally.