A 90-minute bullet train ride southwest from Tokyo is all it takes to get to this scenic town, full of authentic Japanese character, breathtaking natural beauty, and soothing hot springs
Set among Japan’s beautiful mountainous landscape, Hakone is a perfect overnight destination where you can refresh and revitalize while also immersing yourself in traditional Japanese culture. This area is renowned for its abundance of natural hot springs, known as onsen. Geothermally heated by the volcanically active terrain, the waters of Japan’s onsen contain minerals believed to have several health benefits such as improved blood circulation, skin rejuvenation, and fatigue reduction.
Visiting an onsen is deeply rooted in tradition and reflects the essence of Japanese culture: Connecting with nature, partaking in revered local rituals, and finding harmony within oneself. Hakone is the perfect contrast to Tokyo’s bustling city centers and towering skyscrapers. Both destinations are extraordinary on their own, but together they highlight the broad expanse of what Japan’s rich heritage has to offer. Plus, for weary adventurers, the restoring waters of the onsen are perfect for soothing sore muscles from a lengthy plane ride and can provide an escape from the stressors of travel.
For weary adventurers, the restoring waters of the onsen are perfect for soothing sore muscles from a lengthy plane ride and can provide an escape from the stressors of travel
If you plan to only stop by for an afternoon, you will have plenty of time to visit one of Hakone’s many day-use onsens, venture through the town and admire the stunning views. If you have more time to spare, stay overnight at an onsen ryokan, a traditional Japanese inn. Spend the day soaking in your own private hot spring before donning your yukata (a traditional Japanese robe) and indulging in a meticulously curated kaiseki meal (a multi-course meal composed of small, artfully crafted dishes). Some ryokans may even offer opportunities to experience quintessentially Japanese sleeping arrangements, where instead of a bed, you will retire for the night on a futon placed on a traditional tatami mat floor (constructed from layers of woven rice straw).
While Hakone has become a hub of relaxation for locals and visitors alike, it also offers a wealth of other activities to do and sights to see beyond its famed onsen. Visit the Hakone shrine or explore Owakudani, the volcanic valley responsible for the town’s bounty of hot springs. Hakone also has an unexpectedly flourishing art scene; the Open-Air Museum displays unique sculptures skillfully juxtaposed with the surrounding nature, the Pola Museum offers a variety of both Japanese and Western art, housed within world-class architecture, and the Venetian Glass Museum exhibits meticulously designed glassware from as early as the 15th century.
The next time you find yourself in Tokyo, hop on a bullet train and soak in the heritage, history, and tranquility of Hakone. Not only will you encounter some of Japan’s most vibrant scenery and traditions, but you will leave feeling reinvigorated for the rest of your journey.