Hakone (箱根) is part of the Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park, less than one hundred kilometers from Tokyo.
Famous for hot springs, natural beauty and the view across Lake Ashinoko of nearby Mount Fuji, Hakone is one of the most popular destinations among Japanese and international tourists looking for a break from Tokyo.
Hakone Sightseeing Loop can be a fun way to spend a few hours taking in a variety of landscapes.
The Hakone loop takes you around the area on various modes of transport including:
+Hakone Tozan Railway, a scenic mountain train
+Hakone Tozan Cable Car, a funicular railway
+Hakone Ropeway, a gondola offering panoramic views
+A touristy but scenic cruise across Lake Ashi (best on clear days)
The Hakone Freepass (mentioned above under Getting to Hakone) makes doing the loop easily, and there are plenty of things to see, do, and eat along the way. Food lovers will be tempted to stop off at Owakudani, a Hakone Ropeway transfer point, to sample the renowned kuro-tamago (black eggs boiled in onsen waters containing sulfur and iron).