Hakone: A Guide to Japan’s Natural Beauty and Cultural Treasures

Top Reasons to Visit Hakone

Hakone is a popular tourist destination known for its natural beauty, hot springs, art museums, and shrines. It’s a great place to experience the best of Japan’s culture and traditions. Here are some of the top reasons to visit Hakone:

• Stunning natural scenery: Hakone is home to beautiful mountains, lakes, and forests. You can enjoy stunning views of the surrounding scenery from the Hakone Ropeway, the Hakone Open-Air Museum, and other vantage points.

• Relaxing hot springs: Hakone is famous for its hot springs, which are said to have therapeutic benefits. You can relax and rejuvenate in one of the many hot spring baths in the area.

• Fascinating art museums: Hakone is home to several world-class art museums, including the Hakone Open-Air Museum and the Pola Museum of Art. These museums feature a variety of works of art, from traditional Japanese paintings to contemporary sculptures.

• Historic shrines and temples: Hakone is home to several historic shrines and temples, including the Hakone Shrine and the Choan-ji Temple. These sites offer a glimpse into Japan’s rich history and culture.

• Delicious local cuisine: Hakone is known for its delicious local cuisine, which includes black eggs, yumochi, and onsen manju. You can enjoy these and other local delicacies at the many restaurants and shops in the area.

Attractions

Owakudani Valley

Specialties:

• Steaming hot springs
• Bubbling mud pots
• Black eggs

Description:

Owakudani Valley is a volcanic valley with stunning views of the surrounding mountains and Lake Ashi. The valley is home to steaming hot springs and bubbling mud pots, which create a surreal and otherworldly landscape. You can take a ropeway to the valley and explore the various hiking trails. Be sure to try the local delicacy, black eggs, which are boiled in the hot springs and said to have health benefits.

Hakone Ropeway

Specialties:

• Breathtaking views of the surrounding scenery
• Comfortable cabins
• Smooth ride

Description:

The Hakone Ropeway is a cable car that takes you up the mountain to Owakudani Valley. The ride offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains, Lake Ashi, and the Sagami Bay. The cabins are comfortable and the ride is smooth, making it a great option for all ages.

Hakone Shrine

Specialties:

• Beautiful lakeside setting
  -朱塗りの鳥居 (bright red torii gates)
• Sacred atmosphere

Description:

Hakone Shrine is a Shinto shrine located on the shores of Lake Ashi. The shrine is dedicated to the goddess of Mount Fuji and is a popular spot for weddings and other ceremonies. The shrine is known for its beautiful lakeside setting and its朱塗りの鳥居, which create a striking contrast to the surrounding greenery.

Hakone Open-Air Museum

Specialties:

• Outdoor setting
• Variety of sculptures and other works of art
• Stunning views of the surrounding mountains and Lake Ashi

Description:

The Hakone Open-Air Museum is an outdoor museum with a collection of sculptures and other works of art. The museum is set in a beautiful natural setting and offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and Lake Ashi. You can wander through the various exhibits at your own pace and enjoy the fresh air and sunshine.

The Pola Museum of Art

Specialties:

• Collection of Western and Japanese art
• Beautiful building designed by Tadao Ando
• Serene atmosphere

Description:

The Pola Museum of Art is an art museum with a collection of Western and Japanese art. The museum is located in a beautiful building designed by renowned Japanese architect Tadao Ando. The building is known for its simple yet elegant design and its use of natural light. You can view a variety of works of art, from classical paintings to contemporary sculptures, in a serene and inspiring setting.

Delicacies

Black Eggs

Description:

Black eggs are a unique local delicacy from Hakone. They are eggs that are boiled in the hot springs of Owakudani Valley. The sulfur in the water turns the eggshells black, and the eggs are said to have health benefits. Black eggs are a popular souvenir from Hakone and can be found at many shops and restaurants in the area.

Yumochi

Description:

Yumochi are steamed rice cakes filled with sweet red bean paste. They are a popular snack in Hakone and can be found at many shops and restaurants. Yumochi are made with glutinous rice flour, which gives them a chewy texture. The sweet red bean paste filling is a classic Japanese flavor combination.

Onsen Manju

Description:

Onsen manju are steamed buns filled with sweet red bean paste. They are a popular souvenir from Hakone and can be found at many shops and restaurants in the area. Onsen manju are made with a soft and fluffy dough, and the sweet red bean paste filling is a classic Japanese flavor combination.

Souvenir Guide

Black Eggs

Description:

Black eggs are a unique souvenir from Hakone. They are eggs that are boiled in the hot springs of Owakudani Valley. The sulfur in the water turns the eggshells black, and the eggs are said to have health benefits. Black eggs are a popular souvenir from Hakone and can be found at many shops and restaurants in the area.

Yumochi

Description:

Yumochi are steamed rice cakes filled with sweet red bean paste. They are a popular snack in Hakone and can be found at many shops and restaurants. Yumochi are made with glutinous rice flour, which gives them a chewy texture. The sweet red bean paste filling is a classic Japanese flavor combination.

Onsen Manju

Description:

Onsen manju are steamed buns filled with sweet red bean paste. They are a popular souvenir from Hakone and can be found at many shops and restaurants in the area. Onsen manju are made with a soft and fluffy dough, and the sweet red bean paste filling is a classic Japanese flavor combination.

Hakone Crafts

Description:

Hakone is known for its traditional crafts, such as wood carving and pottery. You can find a variety of Hakone crafts at shops and galleries throughout the region. Some popular items include wooden boxes,筷子 (chopsticks), and pottery.

Detailed Itinerary