After leaving Tokyo, the next stop on my list was Hakone. Famous for its views of Fuji, hot springs and natural beauty, Hakone is a must stop on any Japan itinerary.

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See Fuji (富士山)

For the best views of the infamous mountain (and my first Hakone secret), head to Hakone Ashinoko Narukawa Art Museum. For a fairly cheap price (tickets on arrival) you can get entrance to this museum and this ultimately is the best view you can get of Mount Fuji. Fuji is an active volcano on the island of Honshu with elevation of 3,776m. A symmetrical cone shape that is covered in snow for around 5 months per year, Fuji encourages sightseers, mountain climbers, and hikers alike.

Hakone Ropeway (箱根ロープウェイ)

Running between Sōunzan Station (at the terminus of the Hakone Tozan Cablecar) and Tōgendai Station (at the shore of Lake Ashinoko), the ropeway also has stops at Ōwakudani and Ubako stations.

Riding on 13-passenger gondolas, you glide over Jigokudani (The Valley of Hell) which is an active volcanic valley famous for its black eggs which are boiled in the sulfurous waters to give the egg shells their distinctive black colour.

This ropeway offers you alternative views of Fuji and is an ideal addition to your trip to Hakone.

Lake Ashinoko (芦ノ湖)

Created 3,000 years ago by a volcanic eruption, Lake Ashinoko was formed. These days, the lake is a great place to cruise around by boat and admire the views of Mount Fuji.

Hakone Hot Springs (箱根温泉)

More than a dozen hot springs provide water to bathhouses and ryokans. Hakone Kamon, Yuryo, and Yunosata Okada offer great bathing experiences for tourists.

Tenzan Onsen is great for people (like me) who have tattoos (irizumi in Japanese), as not all Onsens/baths will let individuals with tattoos in (due to the history with Yakuza's).

Odawara Castle (小田原城)

Odawara castle was built mid 15th century and then fell into the Hojo Clan (one of the most powerful clans during the Warring States Era). When Toyotomi Hideyoshi attacked the castle in 1590 and defeated the Hojo Clan, Japan was reunited.

These days when visiting the castle, you can experience attractions like Ninja museum, Samarui museum, and the armory.

If travelling to Hakone, get ahead of the game and book your attraction tickets in advance. I've curated a selection of bookings you may want to make!

And that's my secrets for exploring Hakone

Hakone is an absolute welcome break from the hustle and bustle of Tokyo and other Japanese cities. In Hakone, you can start to experience the more laid-back pace of Japan!

Keep your eyes peeled for the next blog: Unlocking the Secrets of Japan - Nara.

You can reach out to me directly if you have any questions or would like a no-obligation travel quote!

Cal a.k.a. The Gallivanting Scot