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Hakone
Town in Japan
Travel Tips
Unique Experiences
Wear swimsuits at Yunessun, a hot-springs theme park, and try the kuro-tamago for a unique experience. 1
Try the black egg at Owakudani for a unique experience. Autumn is recommended for its scenic beauty. 2
Sightseeing and Activities
Take a cruise on Lake Ashi and hike to Mount Komagatake for the Shinto shrine. 3
Explore the red leaves on hiking trails and around Gลra Park and the Hakone Open Air Museum. 4
Enjoy a boat ride on Lake Ashi and visit the Owakudani Valley to see boiling sulphur springs. 5
Transportation and Travel Tips
Consider following the Hakone Loop for an efficient tour. Possible as a day trip but better over 2 days. 6
Purchase the Hakone Free Pass for convenient travel around the area. 7
Rent your car here to avoid driving in Tokyo's busy streets. 8
Accommodation and Relaxation
Stay in a ryokan for a traditional experience. Don't miss the pirate ship ride across Lake Ashi. 9
Book ryokans with private onsens that allow children for a relaxing experience. 10
Stay at Gora Kadan for a traditional ryokan experience or Kai Sengokuhara for contemporary suites with outdoor tubs. 11
About
Natural Beauty
- ๐ป Mount Fuji Views: Visitors can enjoy breathtaking views of Mount Fuji from various vantage points in Hakone.
- ๐ Lake Ashi: The picturesque Lake Ashi offers boat cruises and stunning reflections of the surrounding landscape.
- ๐ณ Lush Greenery: Hakone is surrounded by lush forests and gardens, providing a serene and peaceful atmosphere.
- ๐บ Botanical Gardens: The town features beautiful botanical gardens showcasing a variety of plant species.
- ๐๏ธ Scenic Trails: Travelers can explore scenic hiking trails that lead to waterfalls, viewpoints, and natural wonders.
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Hot Springs
- ๐ Onsen Variety: Hakone offers a diverse range of hot springs with different mineral compositions and therapeutic properties.
- ๐๏ธ Outdoor Baths: Visitors can relax in outdoor onsen with scenic views of the surrounding mountains and landscapes.
- ๐ Spa Treatments: Many ryokans and hotels in Hakone offer traditional spa treatments and massages for a complete relaxation experience.
- ๐ฟ Skin Benefits: The mineral-rich waters of Hakone's hot springs are known for their skin-nourishing and rejuvenating effects.
- ๐ Mountaintop Onsen: Some onsen in Hakone are located high in the mountains, providing a unique bathing experience with panoramic views.
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Art and Culture
- ๐ญ Hakone Open-Air Museum: A must-visit for art enthusiasts, showcasing a collection of modern and contemporary sculptures in an outdoor setting.
- ๐ผ๏ธ Okada Museum of Art: Features Japanese, Chinese, and Korean artworks across different periods, offering a deep dive into East Asian art history.
- ๐จ Neon Genesis Evangelion: Anime fans can explore attractions related to the popular series, set in Hakone under the name Tokyo-3.
- ๐๏ธ Historical Sites: Hakone Checkpoint and other historical landmarks provide insights into the town's past and cultural heritage.
- ๐จ Local Crafts: Visitors can discover traditional crafts like Yosegi Wood Art, a unique woodworking technique found in Hakone.
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Historical Attractions
- ๐ฏ Hakone Checkpoint: A preserved checkpoint from the Edo period, offering a glimpse into Japan's historical travel and security measures.
- ๐ Hakone Ekiden: A long-distance collegiate foot race that runs from Tokyo to Hakone and back, commemorating the Tลkaidล road couriers.
- ๐ถ Scenic Routes: Travelers can walk along the stone-paved avenues of Kyukaido and experience the historical charm of the town.
- ๐๏ธ Natural Wonders: Explore the desolate volcanic valley of Owakudani and witness the unique geological features of Hakone.
- ๐ฐ Cultural Festivals: Attend the Hakone Daimyo Procession and other traditional events to immerse in the town's rich cultural heritage.
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Anime Connection
- ๐ Tokyo-3: Hakone serves as the inspiration for Tokyo-3 in the anime series Neon Genesis Evangelion, attracting fans of the franchise.
- ๐ฅ Anime Pilgrimage: The town offers various attractions related to Neon Genesis Evangelion, making it a popular destination for anime enthusiasts.
- ๐ Pop Culture: Visitors can explore locations and landmarks featured in the anime series, creating a unique experience for fans.
- ๐๏ธ Film Decorations: In anticipation of the final film release, Hakone introduced new decorations related to the Rebuild of Evangelion tetralogy.
- ๐ Anime Tourism: Hakone was recognized as one of the anime pilgrimage sites for 2018 by the Anime Tourism Association.
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Seasonal Events
- ๐ฅ Daimonji-yaki: Witness the annual bonfire in the shape of the kanji ๅคง on Mount Meijogatake during the summer festival.
- ๐ Setsubun Matsuri: Experience the traditional ritual at Hakone-jinja shrine to drive away malevolent spirits during the changing seasons.
- ๐ธ Cherry Blossoms: Enjoy the blooming Yoshino cherry blossom trees along the Hayakawa River during the spring cherry blossom festival.
- ๐ Autumn Colors: Embrace the vibrant hues of fall at various locations like Hakone Museum of Art and Horai Park.
- ๐ Fireworks Display: Attend the Kosui Matsuri festival at Lake Ashi for a memorable summer night filled with colorful fireworks.
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Transportation
- ๐ Hakone Tozan Train: Enjoy a scenic train ride with breathtaking views, especially from the Deyama Bridge overlooking the riverbed.
- ๐ก Hakone Ropeway: Experience magnificent scenery from the aerial gondola ride connecting different parts of Hakone.
- ๐ Access from Tokyo: Easily reach Hakone from Tokyo via various transportation options like trains and buses.
- ๐ข Lake Ashi Cruises: Explore the beauty of Lake Ashi with leisurely boat cruises offering stunning views of the surroundings.
- ๐ Public Transport: Hakone has a well-connected public transport system, making it convenient for travelers to navigate the town.
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Education
- ๐ซ Public Schools: Hakone has three public elementary schools and one public middle school operated by the town government.
- ๐ Private Institutions: The town also features private elementary, middle, and high schools, including Kanrei Shirayuri Gakuen Junior/Senior High School.
- ๐ข Seisa University: A private university campus is located in Hakone, offering higher education opportunities in the town.
- ๐ Academic Facilities: Students in Hakone have access to a range of educational institutions catering to different levels of learning.
- ๐ Learning Environment: The educational landscape in Hakone provides a diverse and enriching environment for students of all ages.
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