Hakone Travel Guide | Onsen, Art, & Volcanoes Near Tokyo
Hey everyone, and welcome back to the channel.
I want you to close your eyes for a second. Imagine the endless energy, the neon glow, the
constant, beautiful chaos of Tokyo. Now… imagine escaping it. Imagine trading the world’s
busiest intersection for a serene lake, swapping skyscrapers for a majestic, snow-capped
volcano, and replacing the buzz of the city with the gentle hiss of volcanic steam
and the quiet appreciation of art. That place isn’t a fantasy. It’s real,
it’s just a short train ride away, and its name is Hakone. I recently
took what I can only describe as one of the most rejuvenating trips of my life to this
incredible onsen town in the Kanagawa Prefecture, and I’m taking you with me. This isn’t just
a travel guide; this is your ticket to a place where nature, art, and relaxation
collide in the most spectacular way. Our adventure begins with the journey
itself, which is part of the magic. The “Hakone Loop Course” is a famous route that
lets you experience the region using five different types of transportation—trains, a
cable car, a ropeway, a boat, and a bus. It sounds complex, but it’s a genius way to see
everything without the stress of planning. The absolute crown jewel of the loop,
for me, was stepping aboard a massive, almost fantastical pirate ship to cruise across
Lake Ashi. The air was crisp, the water a deep, shimmering blue, and then… it appeared. Peeking
out from behind the mountains, perfectly symmetrical and awe-inspiring, was the iconic
Mount Fuji view. Seeing it reflected on the water, with the iconic red Torii gate of the Hakone
Shrine standing proudly at the water’s edge, is a core memory I’ll cherish forever. It’s
one of those moments that makes you feel small in the best way possible, humbled
by the sheer scale and beauty of nature. But the sensory journey was just getting
started. From the shores of the lake, we began our ascent into the sky on the
Hakone Ropeway. As the gondola climbs higher and higher, the landscape
transforms. You glide over deep, forested valleys until you reach the main
event: Ōwakudani, the “Great Boiling Valley.” Let me tell you, you smell it before you
see it. The air fills with the distinct, potent smell of sulphur. It’s the Earth
breathing. Peering down from the ropeway, you see a landscape straight out of a sci-fi
movie—barren rock stained yellow and white, with massive plumes of volcanic steam billowing
up from fissures in the ground. We even got to try the famous kuro-tamago, black eggs boiled
in the natural hot springs. Legend says that eating one adds seven years to your life. I ate
two, just in case! It’s a bizarre, thrilling, and utterly unique experience that reminds you of
the raw power simmering just beneath your feet. After coming down from that otherworldly high,
it was time for a completely different kind of wonder at the Hakone Open Air Museum.
Now, I’ve been to a lot of museums, but I have never seen anything like this. This
isn’t a stuffy building with paintings on a wall. It’s a sprawling park where giant, magnificent
sculptures live and breathe amongst the mountains. You can walk through a towering stained-glass
kaleidoscope called the “Symphonic Sculpture,” watch kids play on a giant, climbable
net creation, and see works by masters like Picasso and Henry Moore, all set against
the stunning backdrop of Hakone’s mountains. It’s a conversation between human creativity
and natural beauty, and it works perfectly. The feeling of discovering a new sculpture
around every corner, with the green landscape as its canvas, is pure joy. It’s interactive,
it’s beautiful, and it’s an absolute must-do. Finally, after a day packed with breathtaking
views and incredible art, we embraced the true spirit of a Japanese onsen town. Hakone
is famous for its natural hot springs, and there is no better way
to end a day of exploration. We checked into a traditional ryokan,
or inn, and made our way to the onsen. Sinking into that volcanically heated,
mineral-rich water is a feeling of pure bliss. You can feel the tension from all that walking
(and from city life in general) just melt away. Whether you choose an indoor bath or an outdoor
one (a rotenburo) with a view of the stars, the onsen experience is the ultimate form of
Japanese relaxation. It’s not just a bath; it’s a ritual of cleansing and
rejuvenation for both body and soul. From the majestic Mount Fuji view over
Lake Ashi to the thrilling sulphur clouds on the Hakone Ropeway and the creative
wonderland of the Hakone Open Air Museum, Hakone gave me everything I needed. It’s
the perfect, powerful antidote to the pace of modern life. It’s proof that in Kanagawa
Prefecture, just a stone’s throw from Tokyo, you can find a world of peace,
art, and adventure waiting for you. So, if you’re planning a trip to
Japan, I can’t urge you enough: put Hakone at the very top of your
list. It’s more than a day trip; it’s an experience that will stay
with you long after you leave. What do you think? Which part of Hakone would you
visit first? Let me know down in the comments, and don’t forget to like and
subscribe for more adventures!
Are you looking for the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of Tokyo? Your search ends here! Join me on an unforgettable journey to Hakone, an incredible onsen town in Kanagawa Prefecture that offers the ultimate blend of nature, art, and adventure.
In this Hakone travel guide, we’ll explore the famous “Hakone Loop Course,” starting with a breathtaking pirate ship cruise across Lake Ashi to find the most iconic Mount Fuji view in Japan. Then, we’ll ascend into a volcanic valley on the Hakone Ropeway, experience the sulphur clouds of Ōwakudani, and even try the legendary black eggs (kuro-tamago) that are said to extend your life!
Finally, we’ll wander through the magnificent Hakone Open-Air Museum, where world-class art meets stunning natural landscapes, before unwinding in a traditional Japanese onsen. This is the ultimate day trip from Tokyo you won’t want to miss!
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