Located about 80 km southwest of Tokyo, Hakone is an ideal destination for short trips, offering a blend of relaxation, cultural exploration, and natural beauty.
Hakone is considered one of the best hot spring resorts in Japan, often referred to as an "onsen theme park" due to the wide variety of hot springs available.
The area boasts hundreds of baths, each with its own unique qualities, history, and charm.
Hakone is cherished for its tranquil atmosphere and stunning natural scenery, especially in autumn when the landscape transforms into vibrant red foliage.
The Hakone Tozan Train is a must-try experience in Hakone. It runs from Hakone Yumoto Station to Gora Station. The train ride passes through the lush forests, offering wonderful views of mountains and deep ravines.
This is one of Japan's most impressive and historical train routes because of the views and incline of the tracks. The train rides from the base of the Hakone mountains to the Gora area in about 40 minutes and takes 6 stops along the way.
A cable car service called Hakone Ropeway takes visitors up high for panoramic views of Mount Fuji, Lake Ashinoko and the Owakudani Valley.
From Narukawa Art Museum, visitors cam admire Mount Fuji, a symbol of Japan.
Mount Fuji is an active stratovolcano located on the Japanese island of Honshu, with a summit elevation of 3,776.24 m. It is the highest mountain in Japan and seventh-highest peak of an island on Earth.
Owakudani is a volcanic valley with active sulfur vents and hot springs.
This area is one of the most famous tourist attractions in Hakone due to its volcanic activity and striking scenic views.
Hakone is popular not only among tourists but also attracts many Asian celebrities, including Stephen Chow, Andy Lau, Chow Yun-fat, Ruby Lin, Yang Mi, Zhao Wei, Liu Yifei, and Fan Bingbing.
Taiwanese actress Barbie Hsu, 49, and her family visited Hakone on Jan. 29, the same day they arrived in Japan for the Lunar New Year, to enjoy its famous hot springs.
Four days later, she died from influenza-related pneumonia, shocking the Asian entertainment industry and global fans.