Tourism in Japan is primarily understood in the context of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Unfortunately, many people fail to realize there are other tourist destination spots in Japan with a richer history and high-end amenities for a luxe vacation.Hakone, specifically, is a mountainous town in the outcasts of the Japanese capital, Tokyo, whose vibrant tourism activity is to be admired by all. Here are some awesome things to do in Hakone, Japan, for an eventful vacation.
9 Hakone Shrine Visit
Japan is one of the few Asian countries whose traditional religious beliefs still hold. The perfect spot to experience these religious beliefs firsthand is the Hakone Shrine. Popularly known to be the most sacred place in the region, visiting this shrine is among the many awesome things to do in Hakone, Japan. Locals believe that this shrine is associated with good luck. Adventuring couples are highly encouraged to visit the Hakone Shrine to seek blessings and favors for their marriage life.
8 Okada Museum of Art
Since opening its doors in 2013, the Okada Museum of Art has become a household name, thanks to its increased tourism activity. The purpose of its launch was to create a place where local artists could display their art and market Japan to the rest of the world, an objective that has been met already. Besides the art, vacationers also have a chance to enjoy some free-flowing spring water within the facility, which spices up the whole adventure.
7 Gora Park Tour
Visiting the French-inspired Gora Park is part of the awesome activities to do in Hakone, Japan. The key highlight of this park is the presence of a large fountain in the middle. The mysterious sequence in which water shoots up in the air and down to the park is an incredible experience no adventurer in the Hakone township should miss. Also, the park is surrounded by a variety of flowers, most of which are seasonal.
6 Hakone Ropeway
Cable cars have in recent times become the new trend for parks to showcase their beautiful scenery from up there. Adventurers who have never been to a cable car before now have a chance to do so. Rising above Owakudani, one of Japan’s famous tourist spots, tourists are treated to breathtaking views of some of the region’s treasures.
5 Hakone Tozan Rail Adventure
Dubai has, in recent days, hit the headlines for the massive transformation it has undergone to become a luxury tourist destination. What people tend to forget is how far Japan, too, has come since the 1945 bombings. Although Hakone was not one of the bombing spots, it is still an excellent example to show what resilience can do. While the rest of the world is pulling together huge financial resources to create tourism spots, Hakone is doing the opposite by using the available local resources. That Hakone Tozan train alone is enough for an ordinary adventure to acknowledge what the Hakone neighborhood has to offer.
4 Lake Ashi Boat Ride
Surrounded by thick forest covers, Lake Ashi is one of the key features in the Hakone area worth every adventurer’s attention. The lake is said to be a product of the neighboring mountain’s volcanic activity more than 3,000 years ago. Today, the lake is a beehive of activity, with tourists from across the globe streaming in to grab a boat ride across the lake. The presence of resorts on the lakeside means all the vacationer's needs are well catered for.
3 Chisuji Falls Adventure
Philosophers have argued that sitting beside some naturally flowing water is a form of therapy by itself. Assuming this argument is true, the Chisuji Falls form the perfect spot for that. With a 20-meter width, vacationers have quite a large view of the smoothly slithering water. The area around the falls is covered with maple trees which shows why this adventure is a worthy inclusion in the awesome things to do in Hakone, Japan. Not even the mere three-meter height of the falls can take anything from the fall’s epic sceneries.
2 Mt. Kintoki Hike
Hiking is one of the most intense activities every adventurer needs to engage in. If in the larger Hakone township, Mt. Kintoki is the best choice for an unforgettable hiking experience. The mountain has essential amenities such as washrooms in strategic sections, which shows how much of a worthy hiking trail it can be. Mt. Kintoki also enjoys proximity to other tourist destinations such as the Kintoki Shrine, meaning visitors are given a double treat. Also, there is a tour guide to help visitors in their hiking activities and explain more about the rich history of the area.
1 Try Sushi
Indulging in the local cuisine is one of the best ways to blend naturally with the local community. Japanese cuisine stands out globally because of its obsession with sushi. Eating raw food is not for everyone, but this doesn't mean people cannot attempt even a piece. Seafood sushi and soup are particularly delicious and nutritious enough, and visitors have every reason to try them out. For the vegetarians, Japan and the general Hakone area are known for their love for vegetable stir-fries meaning every vacationer’s needs are met.