Visitors to Japan love going first to Tokyo because of the endless attractions and unique activities this city offers. However, people miss most of the time the beautiful mountain forest region, Hakone, which is located to the south of Tokyo, dotted with spa hotels, quaint villages, and waterfalls. Hakone provides a good escape from the hustle and bustle of hectic Tokyo. The city is close to the world-famous Mount Fuji and can be visited as a stopover when going from Tokyo to Kyoto. Hakone needs around 90 minutes by train to reach Tokyo.
While it’s possible to make a day trip to Hakone from Japan’s capital, it is better to explore the beautiful city over two days or more to get the most out of the attractions offered there. Many Japanese and international tourists head to Hakone every year to enjoy its unique hot springs.
This Is The Easiest Way To Get To Hakone In Japan
People think that it’s not easy to reach Hakone in Japan. However, it is much easier than they have ever felt. For instance, trains in Japan are highly developed and run on time, while navigating them is also easy. Moreover, signs are displayed in both English and Japanese. Additionally, it is very economical to take the Shinkansen train from Tokyo to Hakone if one already has a JR Rail Pass. The latter also allows people to board the Shinagawa stations to Odawara and then head to the Hakone Tozan Railway line from there. The last option is the fastest to reach Hakone. The Romance Car is another option to reach Hakone. This can be taken from Shinjuku station on the Odakyu line to Hakone-Yumoto station. The last option is used when not having a JR Rail Pass.
Moreover, people can purchase the Free Pass when using the Romance Car, where they will be eligible for a discount.
- Recommended: People are advised to enjoy the unique breathtaking vistas of mountains, waterfalls, and valleys when heading to the city on the Hakone Tozan train that stops at several stations while zig-zagging up the hill. Moreover, people are encouraged to buy a Hakone Free Pass for two consecutive days at the very least, depending on the length of stay in the city. This pass covers the costs of several public transport options in Hakone, including the Tozan Railway from Odawara and the Hakone-Yumoto stations, the ropeway, cable car, Tozan Buses, and Lake Ashi cruise. Furthermore, when purchasing this pass, people will get discounts at various restaurants, museums, and other attractions in Hakone.
Those Are The Best Things To Do When Spending A Vacation In Hakone
When visiting Hakone during the fall, people must first experience the Japanese Onsen, consisting of a natural hot spring bath. The volcanic regions of Japan are home to thousands of Onsen. For instance, the latter has therapeutic qualities which help people feel relaxed, refreshed, and rejuvenated after a great soaking. Hakone is famous mainly for its unique Onsen, and this is what most people must start by doing when visiting this splendid city in Japan. People can go to a public Onsen or enjoy the experience in their hotel.
- Recommended: It would be a great idea to experience the Onsen at Yunessun Hot Springs Resort and Spa in the town of Gora in Hakone. The resort offers a hot spring theme park which can be visited with a day pass.
Another thing worth doing when visiting Hakone is to stay in a traditional Ryokan or Japanese Inn. Most of those in Hakone were built on the natural hot springs. Thus, they offer exclusively for their guests unique bathing facilities.
- Recommended: People are advised to book a room at Hotel Hakone Gora Byakudan, where they can soak in a private-open air Onsen bath in their room.
Moreover, it is worth trying a traditional Kaiseki meal when staying at a Ryokan.
Other attractions that people enjoy visiting and trying when going on a trip to Hakone in Japan include the Hakone Open Air Museum, Hakone Tozen Cable Car and Ropeway, Owakudani Geothermal Valley, Lake Ashi cruise, Hakone Jinja and Torii Gate, and the Hakone Yumoto. Moreover, it is worth chasing waterfalls in the city.
This Is The Best Time Of The Year To Visit Hakone
For people to make the most out of their time in Hakone and enjoy the various experiences in the city, they must visit during the fall when the weather is excellent, and the colors are stunning. November, for instance, is a great month to spend a couple of days in Hakone. People must ensure to snap the best shots of the beautiful scenery when the area is less crowded during the fall season.
Moreover, it is best to visit Hakone during the middle of the week instead of on the weekends. This is because the city gets busy at the end of the week, given that many residents visit Hakone during that time. Another reason it gets crowded on weekends is that the city is close to Tokyo.