How to Onsen in Japan

2020.01.08

Your guide to using a hot spring in Japan. Learn how to onsen the Japanese way. Rules to enjoy the onsen, the traditional Japanese hot spring and that has been enjoyed for centuries, an truly unique Japanese experience

Winter in Hakone

2019.12.17

During the winter months there is a “Winter Illumination Project” being held throughout the Hakone area. This is the second year this even will be held at different locations throughout the Hakone area. The them for this year`s festivities is “lanterns”. Winter light displays can be found at museums, hotels, parks, and other open spaces in the area until February 29, 2020.

Here is a list of locations to enjoy the wonderful winter lights to add a bit or warmth and brightness to your stay in the Hakone area during the winter months.

The Hakone Ekiden

2019.11.18

Japan`s most watched and beloved sporting event is a race between Tokyo and Hakone. The Hakone Ekiden is a collegiate relay marathon race ran on January 2nd and 3rd.

Hakone Volcano

2019.10.30

Hakone is a place of natural beauty and geological marvels. The majority of Hakone is located with the walls of an ancient volcano with the dormant Owakudani area at the center of the area.

Hakone Daimyo Procession Event 10/3

2019.10.30

The Hakone Daimyo Gyoretsu is one of Hakone’s most popular events re-enacting the lavish processions of fuedal lords making their way to and from the capitol of Edo.

Amazake Chaya

2019.10.08

This warm and historic teahouse serves the traditional amazake drink by the 13th generation of the same family in a wonderfully preserved building. Visit to feel the history and hospitality of Japan.

The Hakone Open Air Museum

2019.09.26

The Hakone Open Air Museum covers over 70,000 square feet and has one of the most impressive collection of sculptures and works of Pablo Picasso in the world with a beautiful backdrop of the Hakone mountains.

Hakone Yumoto

2019.08.18

Yumoto is the gateway to the Hakone area with the main train station and a wide variety of shops, restaurants, and accommodation.

The Komagatake Ropeway

2019.08.15

The Komagatake Ropeway is one of two ropeways in Hakone that takes you up one of Hakone`s highest peaks for views of Fuji, the Pacific Ocean, and a historical mountain top shrine.

Top 10 Things to Do in Hakone

2019.07.05

Hakone is a wonderful place to see and experience different activities. The history and culture of the area is a wonderful setting to discover much of Japan`s beauty. Many of the activities are cultural or take advantage of the natural beauty of the area. These are the best things to do in Hakone while you are here.

Hiking in Hakone

2019.06.06

Hakone has many hiking trails with different lengths and levels of difficulty. Each Hakone trail has a wonderful story and abundant natural sites to see along the way. Hakone has just released an English hiking map available at local stations and information centers.

Lake Ashi in Hakone

2019.03.24

Lake Ashi is at the center of the Hakone area. There are historic site, famous temples, tasty found, and more to be found along the shores. The views of Mt. Fuji over Lake Ashi are famous as well.

Hakone Cherry Blossoms

2019.03.23

It is spring and time for cherry blossoms. Hakone has many wonderful sports to view the beauty of the cherry blossoms in 2019. The various altitudes in the Hakone area give you a longer window of time to see the beautiful flowers. From the traditional roads of Yumoto to the trees around Lake Ashi, Hakone has cherry blossoms throughout the area.

Hakone Yosegi Zaiku

2019.03.01

Hakone`s Hatajuku Yosegi Zaiku ia a traditional local craft dating back to the Edo period of Japan.

Hakone Art Museums

2019.02.13

Hakone is well known throughout Japan as an area with many art museums. The wide collection of museums gives any visitor a choice of wonderful places to learn, feel, and experience the art of Japan and the world.

Hakone Shrine

2019.02.11

Hakone Shrine is one of the most popular destinations in the area. The shrine has a history of more than 1000 years. The shrine has been popular with samurai, celebrities, and travelers for centuries. Come visit and experience the culture and history of Japan.

Hakone Checkpoint, Sekisho

2019.02.06

See and feel the history of the samurai age. The Hakone Sekishou is a reconstructed checkpoint used to control the flow of people and control Japan under the Tokugawa Shogunate.

Mt. Fuji and Hakone

2019.01.29

Hakone is right next to Hakone. Access to the beautiful mountain is easy by car or bus and there are amazing spots to see Fuji from the peaks of Hakone. Visiting Fuji is one of the most popular things to do in Hakone.

Sengokuhara, the Highlands of Hakone

2019.01.14

Sengokuhara is the large highland valley near Lake Ashi. This area is famous for museums, resorts, golfing, and access to the Mt. Fuji area.

What is a Ryokan?

2019.01.10

A Ryokan is a Japanese traditional inn. Sometimes modern and sometimes with a history of hundreds of years. A stay in a ryokan during your time in Japan is an amazing experience

Hakone Attractions

2019.01.04

Discover things to do and activities in the Hakone area. Hakone has attractions for a day visit or an overnight stay to make your visit to Japan a memorable one.

Winter Illumnations in Hakone

2018.12.28

Celebrate the festive time of year with beautiful winter illuminations throughout the Hakone area. There are different museums and locations where you can see the wonderful lights during the winter season.

Hakone Winter Fireworks

2018.12.28

Welcome the New Year in Japan with a visit to Hakone Shrine

Tenzan Hot Springs

2018.12.13

A wonderful day use onsen in Hakone for those looking for a traditional and refined atmosphere.

Hiking Hakone`s Kintoki Mountain

2018.11.26

Hakone Day Trip Part 2

2018.11.25

Continue our exploration of Hakone from Owakudani down to Lake Ashi and back to Yumoto

A Hakone Day Trip Part 1

2018.11.25

A day trip to Hakone is one of the best ways to spend a day outside Tokyo. An overnight trip is the best way to see the area, but you can get all the highlights in one day!

Visiting a Shrine in Japan

2018.11.07

Visiting a Shinto Shrine