Hakone is a mountain town located in the Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park, southwest of Tokyo. It's a popular destination for tourists who want to enjoy natural hot springs and views of Mount Fuji. Here are some of the top things to see and do in Hakone:
Enjoy the hot springs - Hakone is famous for its hot springs, known as onsen. There are many onsen resorts and ryokans (traditional Japanese inns) where you can relax in the hot water and enjoy the beautiful natural scenery.
Take a boat cruise on Lake Ashi - Lake Ashi is a scenic lake surrounded by mountains and forests. You can take a boat cruise on the lake and enjoy views of Mount Fuji and the surrounding landscape.
Ride the Hakone Ropeway - The Hakone Ropeway is a cable car that takes you up to the top of Mount Owakudani, where you can see volcanic steam vents and enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
Visit the Hakone Open-Air Museum - The Hakone Open-Air Museum is a unique museum featuring sculptures and art installations in a beautiful outdoor setting. There's also a hot spring foot bath and a Picasso Pavilion.
Walk the Old Tokaido Road - The Old Tokaido Road is a historic road that connects Tokyo and Kyoto. You can walk a section of the road in Hakone and see traditional Japanese houses and shops.
Visit the Hakone Shrine - The Hakone Shrine is a beautiful Shinto shrine located on the shores of Lake Ashi. It's known for its red torii gate that stands in the water.
Explore the Hakone Botanical Garden - The Hakone Botanical Garden is a beautiful garden featuring a wide variety of plants and flowers, including many rare and exotic species.
These are just a few examples of the many things to see and do in Hakone. Whether you're looking to relax in the hot springs or explore the natural beauty of the area, Hakone is a wonderful destination to visit.