Hakone is a beautiful and scenic town located in the Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park in the Kanagawa Prefecture of Japan. With its hot springs, stunning scenery, and great hiking trails, Hakone is a popular destination for both domestic and international travelers.
Hakone is known for its hot springs, or onsen, which are said to be rich in natural minerals and provide healing effects for the body and mind. The water is also used to create hot spring baths (rotemburo) in the town, where visitors can relax and enjoy the stunning natural scenery.
The town is also home to the Hakone Open-Air Museum, which is a top attraction in the region. Here, visitors can explore the grounds and view sculptures from modern and contemporary artists.
Hakone is surrounded by stunning natural scenery, including Mt. Fuji, Lake Ashi, and the Hakone Ropeway, which are all popular sites for sightseeing. For those looking for something a bit more adventurous, there are plenty of hiking trails that lead to the nearby mountains and offer great views of the surrounding area.
In addition to its natural beauty, Hakone is also home to a number of traditional Japanese shops, restaurants, and cafes. Here, visitors can sample local cuisine, explore the shops, and experience the traditional culture of the area.
For those looking for a relaxing vacation destination, Hakone is the perfect choice. With its hot springs, stunning scenery, and outdoor activities, visitors can enjoy a unique and memorable experience in Hakone.
| Rank | Booking Site | Price Compared to Average | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Cheapest | Booking.com | -4% | |
| 2. Cheap | Hotels.com | -2% | |
| 3. Average | Expedia | -1% | |
| 4. More Expensive | Agoda | 1% | |
| 5. Most Expensive | Trip.com | 3% |
1. Gora: Located in the center of the Hakone region, Gora is home to many of the area's best attractions, including the scenic Lake Ashi and the Hakone Open-Air Museum.
2. Moto-Hakone: Moto-Hakone is a quiet lakeside village surrounded by stunning mountain views. This area is home to a number of traditional Japanese inns and hot spring resorts, as well as the beautiful Hakone Shrine.
3. Yugawara: Yugawara is a quaint seaside town located between Tokyo and Hakone. It offers a range of activities, from hot spring resorts and traditional inns to golf courses and museums.
4. Sengokuhara: Located in the heart of Hakone, Sengokuhara is a popular destination for its breathtaking views of Mount Fuji. This area is also home to the impressive Hakone Ropeway, the Hakone Pirate Ship, and the Hakone Free Pass.
5. Miyanoshita: Located in the shadow of Mount Fuji, Miyanoshita is a popular base for exploring the area's attractions. It offers a range of traditional inns, restaurants, and hot spring resorts, as well as the beautiful Hakone Shrine.
1. Lake Ashi: Located in Hakone, Lake Ashi is an active volcanic crater lake with beautiful views of Mt. Fuji. It’s a popular tourist spot, offering boat cruises, ropeways and cable-cars, as well as a number of hot spring resorts along its shore.
2. Hakone Shrine: Built in 757, this Shinto shrine is one of the most important spiritual sites in Japan. Located on the shores of Lake Ashi, the shrine features a number of impressive Torii gates and a stunning main shrine building.
3. Hakone Open-Air Museum: This outdoor art museum offers a variety of sculptures and artwork, as well as an impressive collection of modern and contemporary art.
4. Owakudani Valley: Located in the shadow of Mt. Hakone, the Owakudani Valley is a popular spot to view volcanic activity. The area is also home to the famous ‘black eggs’, hard-boiled eggs cooked in the steam of the hot springs.
5. Hakone Ropeway: This cable car offers stunning views of the Hakone area from a height of 1,100m. Visitors can enjoy the scenic views from the comfort of the ropeway car, as well as a range of attractions at the summit.
1. Onsen Tamago: This is a traditional egg dish boiled in a hot spring, and is a popular snack in Hakone. The egg is cooked slowly, allowing it to pick up a unique flavor from the hot spring water.
2. Unagi: Unagi, or freshwater eel, is a local Hakone delicacy. It is served grilled and topped with a sweet sauce or glaze.
3. Black Soba Noodles: Black soba noodles are a Hakone specialty, made with buckwheat flour and a unique type of black tea. The noodles are usually served with mushrooms, tempura, and pickles.
4. Miso-Katsu: Miso-Katsu is a dish of deep-fried pork cutlets covered in a miso-based sauce. It is a popular dish in Hakone and can be found in many restaurants.
5. Yuba: Yuba is a type of tofu skin made from the film that forms on top of heated soymilk. It is often served in soups or as a side dish.