Tokyo Travel / Things To Do

: Best Hakone Hikes in 2026: Trail Guide for Every Fitness Level

2026/8/8

Why Hakone Is One of Japan's Best Hiking Destinations Hakone sits within the dramatic caldera of an ancient volcano, just 80 kilometers southwest of Tokyo. This geological history has gifted the region with a remarkably diverse landscape — steaming volcanic valleys, serene crater lakes, dense cedar forests, and ridgeline trails with panoramic views of Mount Fuji. For hikers, this means an extraordinary variety of terrain compressed into a compact area that can be explored in a single day trip or a leisurely multi-day stay. Unlike many mountain destinations in Japan that require hours of travel, Hakone is accessible from central ...

: Hakone Food Guide 2026: Must-Try Local Dishes, Restaurants & Street Eats

2026/8/8

Why Hakone Is a Must-Visit Destination for Food Lovers Hakone is celebrated worldwide for its hot springs, scenic mountain landscapes, and views of Mount Fuji — but the region's culinary scene deserves equal recognition. Nestled in the mountains of Kanagawa Prefecture, Hakone benefits from pristine volcanic spring water, nutrient-rich soil, and close proximity to Sagami Bay, creating a unique terroir that shapes its cuisine. Whether you are visiting for a day trip or an overnight ryokan stay, exploring Hakone food is one of the most rewarding parts of any itinerary. From sulfur-boiled black eggs at Owakudani to delicate soba noodles ...

: How to Get from Odawara to Hakone: Every Transport Option Explained for 2026

2026/8/8

Why Odawara Is the Gateway to Hakone Odawara is the main transit hub for travelers heading to the Hakone region. Whether you arrive by Shinkansen from Tokyo, Kyoto, or Osaka, Odawara Station is where the onward journey to Hakone begins. Understanding your transport options from Odawara to Hakone is essential for planning an efficient and enjoyable trip to one of Japan's most popular hot spring and nature destinations. The distance from Odawara Station to central Hakone (Hakone-Yumoto) is only about 6 kilometers, but the varied transport options — train, bus, taxi, and car — each offer different advantages depending on ...

: Evangelion Hakone: The Complete Guide to Every Eva Spot in Hakone (2026)

2026/8/8

Why Hakone Is the Unofficial Home of Evangelion For fans of Neon Genesis Evangelion, the connection between the anime and Hakone runs deep. The fictional fortress city of Tokyo-3 — home to NERV headquarters and the backdrop for most of the series' dramatic battles — is directly modeled on the Hakone area in Kanagawa Prefecture. Creator Hideaki Anno chose this region for its dramatic volcanic landscape, mountainous terrain, and proximity to Lake Ashi, all of which are faithfully recreated in the anime. In 2026, Hakone remains one of the most rewarding anime pilgrimage destinations in all of Japan, with permanent ...

: Hakone Best Onsen 2026: 12 Hot Springs by Area & Mineral

2026/8/8

Why Hakone Is Japan's Premier Onsen Destination Hakone sits within the caldera of an ancient volcano, feeding dozens of natural hot spring sources across the region. With over 17 distinct onsen areas — each boasting different mineral compositions, temperatures, and therapeutic properties — Hakone offers the most concentrated and diverse onsen experience accessible from Tokyo. Whether you prefer a rustic outdoor rotenburo overlooking a forested valley or a luxurious private bath inside a world-class ryokan, the best onsen in Hakone deliver an unforgettable Japanese bathing experience. The variety stems from Hakone's complex geology. Different zones tap into different volcanic strata, ...

: The Best Hakone Museums to Visit in 2026: A Complete Guide for Art and Culture Lovers

2026/8/8

Why Hakone Is One of Japan's Top Museum Destinations Hakone is best known for its hot springs, volcanic scenery, and views of Mount Fuji — but what many travelers discover upon arrival is that this mountainous resort town is also one of Japan's richest concentrations of world-class museums. Scattered across the verdant hills and valleys of the Hakone area, more than a dozen museums cover everything from classical Japanese ceramics and Impressionist masterpieces to cutting-edge outdoor sculpture. What makes Hakone museums especially appealing is their integration with the natural environment. Many are architecturally stunning buildings nestled among forests and gardens, ...

: Lake Hakone (Lake Ashi) 2026: Pirate Ship & Mt Fuji View

2026/8/8

What Is Lake Hakone? When travelers refer to "Lake Hakone," they are almost always talking about Lake Ashi (芦ノ湖, Ashinoko) — the magnificent caldera lake that sits at the heart of the Hakone region in Kanagawa Prefecture. Formed approximately 3,000 years ago after a volcanic eruption caused part of the mountain to collapse, this crescent-shaped lake stretches roughly 7 kilometers in length and reaches a maximum depth of about 43 meters. It is by far the largest and most famous body of water in the Hakone area, and it serves as the centerpiece of most itineraries through this popular destination ...

: Hakone Map 2026: All Districts & Attractions (Free PDF)

2026/8/8

Why You Need a Hakone Japan Map Before Your Visit Hakone is not a single town with a neat grid of streets. It is a sprawling mountainous region spread across multiple districts, volcanic valleys, lakeshores, and forested ridges within Kanagawa Prefecture. Without a clear mental map of how these areas connect, visitors frequently underestimate travel times, miss key attractions, or end up backtracking along the same route. Understanding the geography of Hakone before you arrive transforms a potentially confusing day into a smooth, rewarding experience. This guide breaks down the Hakone Japan map district by district, explains how the famous ...

: Best Hakone Mt Fuji View Spots: Where to See Fuji from Hakone in 2026

2026/8/8

Why Hakone Offers Some of the Best Mt Fuji Views in Japan Hakone sits in a privileged geographic position — perched along the southwestern edge of the Fuji Volcanic Belt, roughly 25 kilometers from the summit of Japan's most iconic mountain. This proximity, combined with Hakone's elevated terrain and open lakeside vistas, creates multiple vantage points where Mt Fuji appears strikingly close, often framed by water, torii gates, forests, or volcanic steam. For travelers seeking the quintessential Hakone Mt Fuji view, understanding which spots deliver the best perspectives — and when conditions are most favorable — is essential. Unlike the ...

: Gora Hakone: Complete Guide to Hakone's Mountain Resort Hub in 2026

2026/8/8

What Is Gora and Why Is It Central to Any Hakone Visit? Gora is the geographic and cultural heart of the Hakone mountain resort area, perched at roughly 540 meters above sea level in Kanagawa Prefecture. While Hakone Yumoto serves as the gateway to the region, Gora functions as the true hub — the junction where the Hakone Tozan Railway terminates, the cable car begins its ascent toward Owakudani, and some of the most refined ryokan and museums in the entire Fuji-Hakone-Izu region cluster together. For travelers building a Hakone itinerary, Gora is not merely a transit stop. It is ...