Tokyo Travel / Things To Do

: Walking the Old Tokaido Road in Hakone: A Complete Guide to Japan's Historic Highway

2026/8/8

What Is the Old Tokaido Road in Hakone? The Old Tokaido Road — known in Japanese as Kyū Tōkaidō (旧東海道) — is one of the most historically significant routes in all of Japan. Established during the Edo period (1603–1868) by the Tokugawa shogunate, the Tōkaidō was the principal highway connecting Edo (modern-day Tokyo) with Kyoto, Japan's imperial capital. Of the fifty-three post stations (shukuba) along this legendary road, the mountain pass through Hakone was widely considered the most arduous and dramatic stretch. Today, remarkably well-preserved sections of the Old Tokaido Road survive in the Hakone area, offering visitors a rare ...

: Is Hakone Worth Visiting? 10 Reasons This Mountain Town Deserves a Spot on Your Japan Itinerary

2026/8/8

Is Hakone Really Worth Visiting in 2026? If you are planning a trip to Japan and debating whether to add Hakone to your itinerary, the short answer is an emphatic yes. Nestled in the mountains of Kanagawa Prefecture, just 80 to 90 minutes from central Tokyo, Hakone offers a remarkably diverse travel experience that few destinations in Japan can match at such close range. From volcanic landscapes and world-class hot springs to stunning views of Mount Fuji and excellent museums, Hakone condenses an extraordinary amount of natural beauty and cultural depth into a compact, highly accessible area. This article examines ...

: Driving Route 99 in Hakone: The Ultimate Guide to Japan's Iconic Mountain Road

2026/8/8

What Is Route 99 in Hakone? Route 99, officially known as Kanagawa Prefectural Route 99 (神奈川県道99号), is one of the most celebrated mountain roads in the Hakone region. Running through the volcanic landscape of the Hakone caldera, this winding road connects the lower elevations near Hakone-Yumoto with the higher terrain around Ashinoko (Lake Ashi) and the surrounding mountain passes. For driving enthusiasts, Route 99 in Hakone represents one of Japan's quintessential touge (mountain pass) experiences — a road that combines technical corners, dramatic elevation changes, and breathtaking scenery in a single stretch. While Route 99 does not carry the mainstream ...

: Hakone in Winter 2026: A Complete Guide to Hot Springs, Snow Views & Seasonal Magic

2026/8/8

Why Visit Hakone in Winter? Hakone in winter is one of Japan's most enchanting seasonal experiences. While this mountainous region near Tokyo draws visitors year-round, the colder months — roughly December through February — transform the landscape into a serene wonderland of misty valleys, snow-dusted peaks, and steaming hot springs. Winter is arguably the best time to see Mount Fuji from Hakone, as the crisp, dry air delivers the clearest panoramic views of Japan's iconic volcano draped in its famous snow cap. The winter season also brings dramatically fewer crowds compared to autumn foliage season or the spring cherry blossom ...

: 15 Best Hotels in Hakone for 2026: Luxury Ryokans, Onsen Retreats & Budget Stays

2026/8/8

Why Hakone Is One of Japan's Top Destinations for Hotel Stays Nestled in the mountains of Kanagawa Prefecture just 90 minutes from Tokyo, Hakone offers a rare combination of volcanic hot springs, stunning views of Mount Fuji, world-class museums, and lush natural scenery. The region's accommodation scene is equally diverse — ranging from centuries-old traditional ryokans with private open-air baths to sleek contemporary resort hotels and affordable guesthouses. Whether you are planning a romantic getaway, a family vacation, or a solo wellness retreat, choosing the right hotel in Hakone can transform a good trip into an unforgettable one. This guide ...

: Yunessun Hakone: The Ultimate Guide to Japan's Wildest Hot Spring Theme Park in 2026

2026/8/8

What Is Yunessun Hakone? Yunessun Hakone is a one-of-a-kind hot spring theme park located in the Kowakidani area of Hakone, Kanagawa Prefecture. Unlike traditional Japanese onsen facilities, Yunessun blends the relaxation of natural thermal waters with a playful, amusement-park-style atmosphere. The facility is famous for its novelty baths — think wine baths, coffee baths, green tea baths, and even sake baths — making it one of the most entertaining and family-friendly attractions in the greater Hakone region. Officially named Hakone Kowakien Yunessun, the park is divided into two distinct zones: a swimsuit-required indoor and outdoor water park area (Yunessun), and ...

: Hakone Where to Stay 2026: 6 Best Areas Compared

2026/8/8

Why Choosing the Right Area in Hakone Matters Hakone is not a single town — it is a sprawling collection of hot spring villages, lakeside retreats, and mountain hamlets spread across the volcanic caldera of the Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. Where you choose to stay in Hakone dramatically shapes your experience, from the convenience of transit access to the style of onsen you will enjoy and the views you will wake up to each morning. Unlike Tokyo, where most hotels cluster around train stations, Hakone's accommodation is scattered across distinct areas, each with its own character. Understanding these neighborhoods is essential ...

: Hakone Car Rental in 2026: The Complete Guide to Driving in Hakone

2026/8/8

Why Renting a Car Is the Best Way to Explore Hakone Hakone is one of Japan's most beloved mountain resort destinations, famous for its hot springs, volcanic scenery, and stunning views of Mount Fuji. While many visitors rely on the Hakone Free Pass and public transport loop, a Hakone car rental gives you unmatched freedom to explore the region at your own pace in 2026. With a car, you can access hidden onsens, scenic toll roads, and quieter areas of the national park that trains and buses simply cannot reach efficiently. Driving in Hakone also means you can easily combine ...

: The Perfect Hakone Itinerary: How to Spend 1 or 2 Days in 2026

2026/8/8

Why You Need a Hakone Itinerary Hakone is one of the most popular day trip and overnight destinations from Tokyo, offering volcanic scenery, traditional onsen hot springs, world-class museums, and iconic views of Mount Fuji. Yet the sheer number of attractions — scattered across mountain valleys, lakeshores, and hilltop plateaus — can make planning overwhelming. A well-structured Hakone itinerary ensures you hit the highlights without wasting time backtracking or waiting in long queues. Whether you have a single day or a relaxing two-day overnight stay, the itineraries below are designed to help you maximize every hour in this stunning Kanagawa ...

: How to Get from Shinjuku to Hakone: Every Route Compared for 2026

2026/8/8

Why Shinjuku Is the Best Starting Point for Hakone Shinjuku is the most convenient gateway from Tokyo to Hakone, regardless of which transport method you choose. The Odakyu Railway operates its flagship Romancecar limited express directly from Shinjuku Station, and the Shinjuku Expressway Bus Terminal (Busta Shinjuku) offers highway bus services to the Hakone area. If you are driving, the on-ramps to the Tomei Expressway and Odawara-Atsugi Road are easily accessible from the Shinjuku vicinity. In short, nearly every route from Shinjuku to Hakone is well-established, frequent, and tourist-friendly. Hakone itself is one of Japan's premier hot spring and sightseeing ...

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