Hakone Travel Guide

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Hakone Travel Overview:

Incorporated as part of Fuji Hakone Izu National Park located in the immediate vicinity of Tokyo, the de facto capital of Japan, and Mount Fuji, the most instantly recognizable symbol of the nation, Hakone is a year-round holiday resort which has received a well earned reputation among the average Tokyoites and domestic holidaymakers, and international travelers to Japan as well.
Comparatively speaking, Hakone is to Japan what Yellowstone is to the United States, both centered around a crstal clear alpine lake within a vast caldera, with vaporous hot springs, sulphurous volcanic valleys, lushly-forested slopes, numerous lovely natural walks, immensely beautiful natural scenery, and incredibly intact ecosystem.
Yet the Japanese version has somehow managed to handle its magnitude of beauty and multitude of resources to the point of somewhat easy manageability instead of overwhelming magnificence, probably due to the milder climate which encourages you to come by at any season of the year, not just during the limited opening dates, probably due to excellent transport links that allow unlimited travel on the area's transport network to get to wherever you want to go within just one day, instead of days of weary trips on the road, or perhaps it's the numerous day spas, health resorts, top-notch modern hotels and traditional ryokans, all capitalizing on the world famous local hot springs, that's most facinating.
Let's not forget its important historical past as a major checkpoint on the ancient Tokaido Road, and the impressive cultural heritage showcased in religious monuments like Hakone Shrine, and in museums large and small, Hakone Open-Air Museum, Venetian Glass Museum, Pola Museum of Art, the Lalique Museum Hakone, and the Narukawa Art Museum among others.
A holiday paradise where all ages choose to escape to, yet an exclusive retreat where no one fails to find his choice of peace and solitude once off the beaten track, Hakone is indeed the place for everyone.

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What To Do in Hakone

1.Art Galleries & Museums
Lalique Museum, Hakone: 186-1 Sengokuhara, Hakone-machi (0460-84-2255);
Hakone Art Museum: 1300 Gora, Hakone-machi (0460-82-2623);
Hakone Ashinoko Museum of Fine Art: 570 Moto-Hakone, Hakone-machi (0460-83-6828);
Hakone Folk Crafts Hall: 698 Yumoto, Hakone (0460-85-5700);
Hakone Mononofu-no-Sato Art Museum: 817-580 Sengokuhara, Hakone-machi (0460-84-8177);
Hakone Museum of Historical Materials: 266 Yumoto, Hakone (0460-85-7601);
Hakone Museum of Old Tokaido Highway: 395 Hatajuku, Hakone (0460-83-6871);
Hakone Open Air Museum: Ninotaira, Hakone-machi (0460-82-1161);
Hakone Toy Museum: 740 Yumoto, Hokonemachi (0460-86-4700);
Hatajuku Yosegi Kaikan (Wooden Craft Hall): 103 Hatajuku, Kakone (0460-85-8170);
Homma Museum of Art: 84 Yumoto, Hakone (0460-85-5646);
Mori-no-Fureaikan Hall: 381-4 Hakone, Hakone-machi (0460-83-6006);
Museum of Saint-Exupery and The Little Prince in Hakone: 909 Sengokuhara, Hakone-machi;
Narukawa Art Museum: 570, Moto-hakone, Hakone-machi (0460-83-6828);
Pola Museum of Art: 1285 Kozukayama, Sengokuhara, Hakone-machi (0460-84-2111);
Venetian Glass Museum: 940-48 Sengokuhara, Hakone-machi (0460-86-3111).

2. Historic Sites & Ruins
Hakone-jinja Shrine: 80-1 Moto-hakone, Hakone-machi (0460-83-7123);
Hakone Checkpoint: 1 Hakone, Hakone (0460-83-6635);
Moto-Hakone Stone Buddhas: At the foot of Mt.Futago (0460-85-7601);
Odawara Castle: 6-1 Jonai, Odawara-shi (0465-23-1373);
Sounji Temple: 405 Yumoto, Hokone-machi (0460-85-5133).

3. Park & Gardens
Hakone Ashinoko Wild Grass Garden: Tonosawa, Hakone-machi (0460-3-7686);
Hakone Ashinoyu Flower Center: 84-55 Ahinoyu, Hakone (0460-83-7350);
Hakone Begonia Garden: 41 Tonosawa, Hakone-machi (0460-85-8383)
Hakone Botanical Garden of Wetlands: 817 Sengokuhara, Hakone-machi (0460-84-7293);
Hakone Detached Palace Garden: 171 Moto-hakone, Hakone-machi (0460-83-7484);
Hakone Gora Park: 1300 Gora, Hakone-machi (0460-82-2825);
Hakone Ishidatami Road: Stone Pavement along Old Highway from Hatajuku to Lake Ashi;
Hakone Suginamiki Road: Rows of ancient cedar trees on shore of Lake Ashi.

4.Natural Getaway
Lake Ashi: known for the picturesque reflection of Mt Fuji on its calm surface;
Owakudani Valley: Known for Sulfurous vapors and warm rivers;
Sengokuhara: known for pampas grass fields and unique marshland ecosystem;
Mt. Komagatake, Kamiyama, Kintoki and Futago: major mountains in Hokone, good for hiking.

5.Spas & Hot Springs
Yumoto Onsen:
Category: Pure Spirings, Alkaline Pure Springs, Sodium Chloride Springs;
Efficacy: Rheumatics, High Blood Pressure, Skin Disease, Women's Sickness;
Highlight: Tenzan Toji-kyo (0460-86-4126); Hakone-no-yu (0460-5-8080); Takasugi (0460-85-6565); Kappa-tengoku (0460-85-6121); Senkei Plaza (0460-85-5500); Yu No Sato Okada (0460-85-3955), Yumoto Fujiya Hotel- Soun (0460-5-6111), etc.
Tonosawa Onsen:
Category: Pure Springs, Alkaline Pure Springs;
Efficacy: Rheumatics, High Blood Pressure, Skin Disease, Women's Sickness;
Highlight: Hakone Begonia Garden Himeshara-no-yu (0460-5-8383); IchnoYu (0460-85-5331); Kansui-ro (0460-85-5511); Yama no Chaya (0460-85-5493); Yoki-ya (0460-85-5741); Fukuzumi-ro (0460-85-5301); Shiun-so (0460-85-8511), etc.
Ohiradai Onsen:
Category: Sodium Chloride Springs;
Efficacy: Rheumatics, High Blood Pressure, Skin Disease, Women's Sickness;
Highlight: Ippeiso (0460-82-3361); Kiharuso (0460-82-2639); Sansuiso (0460-82-2162); Sanrakuso (0460-82-2930); Suzuki (0460-82-3062); Takii (0460-82-3516); Tamakiso (0460-82-1188); Tomogiku (0460-87-6363); Nishimuraryokan (0460-82-2460); Himenoyu (0460-82-2057), etc.
Miyanoshita Onsen:
Category: Sodium Chloride Springs;
Efficacy: Relieves Tiredness, Digestive Problem,Women's Sickness;
Highlight: Rakuyujurin Shizenkan (0460-82-0265); Fujiya Hotel (0460-2-2211); Taisei-kan Hanakajika (0460- 82-2281); Tukino-ya (0460- 82-2401); Myojyo-kan (0460- 82-2741); Musashino Honkan Hakone Ginyu (0460-82-3355); Shiki no Yu-zashiki Musashino Bekkan (0460- 82-4341), etc.
Gora Onsen:
Category: Pure Springs, Alkaline Pure Springs;
Efficacy: Relieves Tiredness, Digestive Problems,Women's Sickness;
Highlight: Cozy Inn Pension Hakone-no-yama (0460-2-1882); Sounkaku (0460-2-3311); Gora Kansui-ro (0460- 82-3141); Gora Kadan (0460- 82-3331); Hakone Kowaki-en (0460- 82-4111); Kiritani Hakone-so (0460-82-2246); Seihoukaku Terumoto (0460-82-3177); Tamaki (0460-82-3103), etc.
Kowakidani Onsen:
Category: Pure Springs, Alkaline Pure Springs, Sodium Chloride Springs;
Efficacy: Relieves Tiredness, Digestive Problem,Women's Sickness;
Highlight: Hakone Kowakien Yunessun (0460-2-4126); Mikawaya Ryokan (0460-82-2231); Chisuji (0460- 82-2205); Mizu no To (0460-85-6000); Hakone Toki no Shizuku (0460- 82-4343), etc.
Ashinoyu Onsen:
Category: Sodium Sulfate Springs, Pure Sulfer Springs (hydrogen sulfate);
Efficacy: Relieves Tiredness, Digestive Problem,Women's Sickness;
Highlight: Kinoyuni-ya (0460- 83-6531); Matsuzaka-ya Honten (0460- 83-6511); Hakone Yunohana Hotel (0460-83-5111); Yamakoshi Ryokan (0460-84-8443); Futaba-so (0460-84-8660), etc.
Ubako Onsen:
Category: Pure Springs, Alkaline Pure Springs;
Efficacy: Relieves Tiredness, Digestive Problem,Women's Sickness;
Hightlight: Ashinoko camp village (0460-84-8279);Hakone Academy House (0460-84-7811);Yamakoshi (0460-4-8443), etc.
Sengokuhara Onsen:
Category: Calcium Sulfate Springs, Calcium Iron Sulfate Springs;
Efficacy: Rheumatics,High Blood Pressure,Skin Disease,Women's Sickness,Digestive Problem;
Highlight: Hakone Lake Hotel Shakunage Hot Springs (0460-84-7611); Hotel kagetsu-en (0460- 84-8621); Shira-tei (0460-84-8656); Shozan-so (0460- 84-8568); Senkyo-ro (0460- 84-8521); Fuji-so (0460- 84-8125); Manju-ya (0450- 84-8057); Mount-view Hakone (0460- 84-6331), etc.
Lake Ashi Onsen:
Category: Sodium Sulfate Springs;
Efficacy: Rheumatics,High Blood Pressure,Skin Disease,Women's Sickness,Digestive Problem;
Highlight: Washintei Hougetsu (0460-83-7788); Harumoto-sou (0460-83-6735); Hakone Hotel (0460- 83-6311); Matsuzaka-ya (0460-83-6315); Yugiri-so (0460- 83-6377); Ryuguden (0460- 83-1121); Yama no Hotel (0460-83-6321); Ashinokoen Hanayura (0460- 83-6341), etc.
Other:
Ninotaira Onsen: Kamenoyu (0460-82-2344);
Sokokura Onsen: Sokokuranoyu Tsutaya (0460-82-2241);
Yunohanazawa Onsen: Hakone Yunohanaonsen Hotel (0460-83-5111).

6.Recreation & Entertainment, Other
Golf:
Dai Hakone Country Club: 1246 Sengokuhara, Hakone-machi (0460-84-3111);
Odawara Yumoto Country Club: 390-37 Yumoto, Hokone-machi (0460-85-5743);
Sengoku Golf Course: Fujiya Hotel, Sengokuhara, Hokone-machi (0460-84-8511);
Hakone Kohan Golf Course: 1242 Sengokuhara, Hakone-machi (0460-84-4477);
Hakone Country Club: Sengokuhara, Hakone-machi (0460-84-8571);
Hakone Yunohana Golf Course: 93 Ashinoyu, Hakone-machi (0460-83-5111);
Hakone-En Golf Course: 138 Moto-hakone, Hakone-machi (0460-83-6555);
Hakone Kurakake Golf Course: Hakonetouge, Hakone-machi (0460-83-7555);
Other:
Hakone-en Aquarium: 139 Moto-hakone, Hakone-machi (0460-83-1151);
Lake Ashinoko Cruising: Izu Hakone Railway Ship (0460-83-6351), Hakone Sightseeing Pleasure Boat (0460-83-6325);
Ascending the slopes: Hakone Tozan Cable Car (0460-82-2049), Hakone Ropeway (0460-82-3052), Komagatake Ropeway (0460-83-6473).

What To Wear in Hakone

Geographical/ Meteorological feature:
Hakone is located in the shadow of Mt Fuji in the southwest corner of the Kanagawa Prefecture, an area known as the roof of Kanagawa which is centered around the scenic slender Lake Ashi, dominated by a string of lushly forested mountain peaks and ranges, many of which may rise up to over 1000-meter high above sea level, and made up with lakes, rivers, marshlands, forests, hot-spring resorts, parks and gardens.
Typical of the region along the Pacific Ocean, Hakone can be affected by the Black Currents (warm currents) of the Pacific Ocean and is characterised by a mild climate with high precipitation.
Also, with its high average elevation of about 700 m above sea level, and the dense and diverse vegetation here, it is considerably cooler than Tokyo, and possesses better chance to experience a white snowy Christmas in this part of Honshu, making Hakone the perfect place to escape the smoggy greenhouse that is the sweltering Tokyo in summer and the brumal concrete jungle that is the frosty Tokyo in winter.
What to wear
Rule number one:
No cute high heels, no fancy apparel.
No matter when or where you go in Hakone, a good pair of walking/hiking shoes is imperative, since you're probably doing a lot of walking along the popular circular route through the area by getting on and off the bus, train, cable car, ropeway and boat and passing forests, valleys, Lake Ashi, etc, or using Hakone as a departure point for hiking in Mt. Fuji.
Even if you're here to merely sit back, soak in a hot-spring tub and relax, adding a leisure stoll in its many beautiful parks and shady promenades can be vey much pleasant as well. Besides, the town itselt is extremely hilly.
And for exactly that reason, casual wear is essential. Or you will hate yourself within hours.
Rule number two:
Keep yourself warm and take care not to catch a cold.
Because it's cooler than it is in other parts of Kanagawa, not to mention the lowland Tokyo. And because much of the crowds tend to pour in during winter, when extreme weather conditions are more likely to happen
Besides, public spaces, like department stores, supermarkets, gro cryogen cery stores, trains and buses, etc, tend to be air-conditioned, which means that the indoors can be way too cooled down during hot days in summer and way too heated up during cold days in winter than the outdoors.
To adjust yourself to such drastic temperature fluctuations, you should wear something that's easy to take off, pack something that's easy to put on, and layer up for your winter workout!
A light-weight coat/jacket would come in handy most of the time, for the air-conditioned indoors, the windy water's edge, and the cooler mornings and evenings during spring and autumn.
Rule number three:
Take a raincoat or a small folding umbrella with you, because it might rain or snow. However, if you are unprepared and caught in an unexpected rain or snow, you can buy rain gear practically anywhere in town.

What To Eat in Hakone

1.What to eat
Local Specialties:
Black eggs hard boiled in hot spring water at Owakudani;
Ashigara Tea renowned for its superlative flavor and fragrance;
Wild Yam dishes: Parched,... More>>>

1.What to eat
Local Specialties:
Black eggs hard boiled in hot spring water at Owakudani;
Ashigara Tea renowned for its superlative flavor and fragrance;
Wild Yam dishes: Parched, grated and fried, boiled in soup, or used in sashimi.
Regional Dishes:
White-bait Rice Bowl in Enoshima and other parts of the Shonan region;
Kamaboko (white fish paste formed into blocks and boiled) from Odawara;
Tanzawa soba noodles using high-quality water, known for the firm texture;
Pork dish (pork cutlet/pork rice bowl/pork with beanpaste) using Koza or Yamayuri pork;
Oyama Tofu dishes (Fried tofu with special sauce, Vegetable Tofu Soup, sushi skin, etc);
Misaki Maguro (Tuna), mainly used in sashimi, and kabuto yaki (whole grilled tuna head);
Japanese rice wine Nihon-shu using high quality water and rice from Fuji &Tanzawa regions;
Japanese Cuisine:
Donburi: a bowl of rice topped with various other optional materials;
Bento: takeout or home-packed box meal consisting of rice, fish or meat, etc.
Ramen: Japanese noodles cooked in a stock with flavors unique to each locale;
Tempura: Seafood and vegetables deep-fried in a batter made from flour and egg;
Nabemono: various kinds of one-pot dishes, such as Oden, Sukiyaki, Shabu-Shabu, etc;
Gyoza: Japanese version of dumplings with thinner skin, lighter salt &soy, strongger garlic;
Wasabi: Japanese horseradish, known for its strong flavor, used as a spice in many dishes;
Oden: hodgepodge of boiled egg, daikon radish, konnyaku, fish cakes, etc, in a dashi broth;
Yakitori: skewered chicken grilled on an open flame and eaten with special sauces and salts;
Soba/ Udon: Noodles made from buckwheat, served hot in soup or cold with a dipping sauce;
Sushi: sliced raw fish or other ingredients placed on top of vinegared rice, eaten with soy sauce;
Sukiyaki/Shabu-Shabu: sliced beef &vegetables boiled/quick cooked at your table on an iron pan.

2.Where to eat
Acqua Pazza Terrace: 61 Moto-hakone, Hakone-machi (0460-83-1074);
Ashinoko-iseya: 74 Moto-hakone, Hakone-machi (0460-83-6122);
Drive-in Noah: 159 Hakone, Hakone-machi (0460-83-6711);
Family Restaurant Troaut: 81 Hakone, Hakone-machi (0460-83-6223);
Florist & Tearoom Paseo: 1320-634 Gora, Hakone-machi (0460-82-6100);
Ginkatsutei: 1300-739 Gora, Hakone-machi (0460-82-1440);
Grain: 817-159 Sengokuhara, Hakone-machi (0460-86-3735);
Hakone Dosanko: 110-27 Moto-hakone, Hakone-machi (0460-83-6715);
Hakone Gyoza Center: 1300-537 Gora, Hakone-machi (0460-82-3457);
Hakone Iori: 492 Yumoto, Hakone-machi (0460-85-5388);
Hakone Kohanso: 78 Moto-hakone, Hakone-machi (0460-83-6541);
Hakone Sekishoato Restaurant: 10 Hakone, Hakone-machi (0460-83-6355);
Hatsuhana: 635 Yumoto, Hakone-machi (0460-85-8287);
Il Miraggio: Hakone Hotel, 65 Hakone Hakone-machi (0460-83-6311)
Juraku Tenpura: 310 Miyanoshita, Hakone-machi (0460-82-2318);
Kinoyakata: 164-1 Moto-hakone, Hakone-machi (0460-84-5545);
Kirakusou: 1300 Gora, Hakone-machi (0460-82-4465);
Lucky��s Cafe: 226 Sengokuhara, Hakone-machi (0460-84-4480);
LYS Cafe Restaurant: Lalique Museum, 186-1 Sengokuhara, Hakone-machi (0460-84-2255);
Micky no Ie: 1320-691 Gora, Hakone-machi (0460-82-2688);
Miyafuji Sushi: 310 Miyanoshita, Hakone-machi (0460-82-2139);
Nakamuraya Sushi: 691 Yumoto, Hokone-machi (0460-85-7351);
Naokichi: 701 Yumoto, Hakone-machi (0460-85-5148);
Oshokujidokoro Ueno: 162 Moto-hakone, Hakone-machi (0460-84-8471);
Restaurant Bright: 560-1 Hakone, Hakone-machi (0460-83-6845);
Restaurant Fujimiya: 81-18 Hakone, Hakone-machi (0460-83-6172);
Restaurant Hakoneya: 45 Moto-hakone, Hakone-machi (0460-83-6107);
Restaurant La Foret: Hakone Highland Hotel, 940 Sengokuhara, Hakone-machi (0460-84-8541);
Restaurant Ran: 42 Moto-hakone, Hakone-machi (0460-84-8163);
Restaurant Roi: 520 Kowakidani, Hakone-machi (0460-82-4720);
Restaurant Rupas: 637-1 Miyagino, Hakone-machi (0460-87-6133);
Hotel Senkei: 592 Yumoto, Hakone (0460-85-5500);
Sabo Uchida: 640 Yumoto, Hokone-machi (0460-85-5785);
Scott: 694-20 Yumoto, Hakone-machi (0460-85-7744);
Shikajaya: 640 Yumoto, Hakone (0460-85-5751);
Shizuku-tei: 1246 Sengokuhara, Hakone-machi (0460-84-2248);
Soba naka Mura: 1204, Ninotaira, Hakone-machi (0460-82-1643);
Teppen: 617 Miyagino, Hakone-machi (0460-82-0881);
Teuchisoba-gen: 183 Yumoto Chaya, Hakone-machi (0460-85-3939);
The Fujiya Main Dining Room: Fujiya Hotel, 359 Miyanoshita, Hakone-machi (0460-82-2211);
Togendai View Restaurant: 164 Moto-hakone, Hakonemachi (0460-84-8887);
Tsutsuji no Chaya: Hotel Hatsuhana, 20-1 Sukumogawa, Hakone-machi (460-85-7321);
Yoshiike Ryokan: 597 Yumoto, Hakone (0460-85-5711).

Where To Stay in Hakone

1.Ashinoko Camp Mura
Tel: +81-(0)460-84-8279
Location: 164 Hakone-machi
For those of you who might be inclined to stay closer to Nature at its best, share your backpacking trip with a group of 4 or more, or have kids in tow, you might also want to rough it yet enjoy yourself in Ashinoko Camp Mura, a camp site well-situated in Togendai right, from where getting out and around is a breeze since it has Lake Ashi and a hiking trail rihgt at its doorstep and is just a 10-minute walk from the sightseeing boat to Hakone-machi, the the ropeway to Sounzan and the bus stop to Gotemba, and a well-appointed one, operated by Kanagawa Prefecture, tent camping available, optional row and detached cabins, each unit of which has 2 bedrooms each with a double deck bed and a single bed and sleeps up to 6 person, and comes with heater, bathroom, and living room with tableware and kitchen equipment, plus restaurant, barbecue grills and bike rentals on site.
2.Daihakone Hotel
Tel: +81-(0)460-84-3111
Location: 1246 Sengokuhara, Hakone-machi
Part of the Sengokuhara Resort which is blessed with the beautiful scenery of Lake Ashi, and lush greenery of forested slopes of the Hakone mountains and luscious vegetation of the grand Sengokuhara Plateau, the tranquil and genteel Daihakone Hotel oozes an atmosphere full of grace and dignity, with a variety of recreational facilities such as a 18-hole Daihakone Country Club where the New Caterpillar Mitsubishi Lady tournament has been held, outdoor hot springs that capitalize on the legendary source of Ubako Onsen and the breathtaking natural beauty of the surroundings, 6 tennis courts, plenty of classical luxuries in all its 106 guestrooms that are decked out with Spanish furniture and views overlooking the Daihakone Country Club and Hakone Gairinzan, plus the perfection of flavors exotic or indigenous, to be savored in the its restaurants and bars.
3.Fuji Hakone Guest House
Tel: +81-(0)460-84-6577
Location: 912 Sengokuhara, Hakone-machi
Although it's a bit isolated in a tranquil corner of the resort town of Sengokuhara, you can still walk to the Museum of Saint-Exupery and The Little Prince in Hakone, Venetian Glass Museum and Lalique Museum, Hakone in less than 10 minutes, enjoy the indoor and outdoor hot-spring baths with beautiful view, comfortable Japanese style tatami rooms which are inexpensive, spotlessly clean, and all nonsmoking, and take advantage of the free wireless internet access, and the communal lounge with English newspaper, bilingual TV, microwave, toaster oven, piano and guitar, besides, the staff speak very good English and are willing to offer sightseeing advice as well as English maps of the Fuji Hakone Izu National Park and of the area with local restaurants, which is a rarity in family style Japanese inns and one of the reasons why Fuji Hakone Guest House has welcomed travelers from more than 50 different countries since its openning less than 25 years ago.
4.Fujiya Hotel
Tel: +81-(0)460-82-2211
Location: 359 Miyanoshita, Hakone-machi
An atmospheric mountain resort built in 1878, designed in traditional Japanese architectural style, and set amid breathtaking natural beauty of Fuji Hakone Izu National Park, Fujiya Hotel is simply the grande dame western-style hotel in Hakone and possibly the most endearing historic hotels in all of Japan, which has already spellbound such a diversity of honored guests, from Einstein to Eisenhower, with its exquisite landscaped garden with a waterfall, greenhouse, koi pond, swimming pool and spectacular views over the volcanic valley, its comfortably old-fashioned rooms with high-ceilings, antique furnishings, and bathroom piped in hot-spring water, the indoor hot spring water swimming pool, natural hot spring in the Japanese-style public spas, the award-winning restaurants and bars, and its meticulous management and incomparable hospitality to retain its precious historic heritage, while at same time to welcome dignitaries and celebrities of the day from all over the world.
5.Gora Kadan
Tel: +81-(0)460-82-3331
Location: 1300 Gora, Hakone-machi
One of the traditional Japanese style inn located in Fuji Hakone Izu National Park, and the former summer residence of the imperial clan Kaninnomiya, Gora Kadan is one of the more exclusive hot spring resorts in one of the closest and most happening oncen town near Tokyo, which promises nostalgic and romantic atmosphere in another class altogether, with a glass-walled lobby and gallery where priceless ceramics and scrolls are displayed, the Japanese style tatami rooms with custom-built onsen tub and downy comforter on the soft futon bed, hot-spring open-air baths, lounges, and alcoves with postcard perfect views of a valley dotted with cherry and pine trees, and the hearty seasonal Kaiseki treats served up poetically with the interplay of rare ingredients of the food itself, ornate place settings of the table and flawless ceremonial performance of the housemaid.
6.Hyatt Regency Hakone Resort and Spa
Tel: +81-(0)460-82 2000
Location: 1320 Gora, Hakone-machi
Located in the hot spring resort town of Gora in the green foothills of the Fuji Hakone Izu National Park, Hyatt Regency Hakone Resort and Spa has everything you ever dreamed of, for a secluded natural retreat, a weekend holiday for the family, or a romantic getaway for just the two of you in an area known internationally for holistic natural hot springs and majestic natural beauty, delivered with the Hyatt touch, such as the Spa Izumi and Onsen comes with natural hot spring baths using thermal water from Owakudani Onsen as well as a series of signature treatments performed by professional therapists, high speed Internet access in both its 60 square meter meeting space, as well as its 56-60 square meter contemporary guestrooms with air-conditioning and large marble bathrooms which contain separate wet areas and Yukata cotton bathrobes, the Living Room lounge which opens onto an outdoor courtyard and offers afternoon tea, light meal, snacks and cocktails, the Dining Room where you can enjoy hearty french brasserie-style and Japanese cuisine, 24-hour concierge service, multilingual staff, foreign currency exchange, etc.
7.Ichinoyu
Tel: +81-(0)460-85-5331
Location: 90 Tounosawa, Hakone-machi
Allegedly the oldest ryokan in the area that has been continuously operated by the same clan since 1630 and was once honored by the visit of a shogun during the Edo Period, and a rambling wooden structure set back on a tree-shaded winding track that parallels the old Tokaido Highway, whose picturesque enviroment has been dipicted by the famous ukiyoe painter Ando Hiroshige, Ichinoyu is the place to stay for tatami rooms with styles of the Edo era and Meiji Period, which are furnished with wooden furniture, original artwork, exquisite wall hangings, traditional ink paintings, for relaxing hot spring experience in the in-room river-facing open-air baths or the cummunal tubs, both using hot water from a natural Onsen, for a series of selective seasonal Japanese cuisine, and much more.
8.Kappa-tengoku Minshuku
Tel: +81-(0)460-85-6121
Location: 777 Yumoto, Hakone-machi
Strategically positioned in Hakone-Yumoto resort town, right opposite National Road 1 (the main thoroughfare in town) across Hakone Tozan Tetsudo Line and only 3 min walk from Odakyu Hakone-Yumoto Station and the Hakone Yumoto Bus Stop, Kappa-tengoku Minshuku is a conveniently located, if slightly noisy and crumbling cheap, travelers inn, featuring accommodation of Japanese and Western style combo type, off-site restaurant and souvenir shop just across the street, and indoor onsen (available to be chartered for private use) and Ashiyu (foot onsen bath) in addition to its more reputable outdoor baths that are set amid trees and against a cliff.
9.The Prince Hakone
Tel: +81-(0)460-83-1111
Location: 144 Moto-hakone, Hakone-machi
Designed for the well-heeled vacationers who are in need of an easy yet exclusive escape from the maddening smog and sweltering heat of Tokyo in summer and depressing boredom and brumal weather of Tokyo in winter, The Prince Hakone has a privileged location on shore of Lake Ashi in the depth of the lush greenery of Kamiyama, Komagatake and other lusciously forested mountain peaks and ranges in the Fuji Hakone Izu National Park, and a multitide of facilities, including the spacious guest rooms in the main building and picturesque cottages scattered around the sweeping greenery surrounding the resort complex, the open-air hot spa baths with beautiful views of Lake Ashi and Mt. Fuji, a variety of dining and drinking outlets for a taste of authentic Japan as well as exotic flavors, comprehensive conference facilities and services for international conventions, business meetings, banquets and exhibitions, abundant recreational and entertainment opportunities readily available at the Hakone-en Aquarium, Hakone-en Virtual Theater, Hakone-en Golf course, etc.

How To Go Hakone

1. From Tokyo:
By Bus:
Shinjuku Bus Terminal (Odakyu Express Bus, 97min)-Gotemba Sta. (33min)-Togendai;
By Rail:
Tokyo Sta.(JR Tokaido Shinkansen, 35min)-Odawara Sta.;
Tok... More>>>

What to be noted in Hakone

1.Annual Events & Festivals
New Year's Day: Hakone Shrine/ Moto-Hakone, Lake Ashi vicinity and others;
January 2nd, 3rd: Hakone Ekiden Race, along Route 1 between Tokyo-Hakone;
January 5th: Lake Ashi Open Day, Moto-Hakone;
Feburuary 3rd: Hakone "Setsubun" Bean-throwing Festival, Hakone Shrine;
March 27th: "Yudate Shishimai" (Lion Dance), Sengokuhara Shine;
April 12th: Kaempfer and Birnie Festival, Moto-Hakone;
April 16th -17th: Ohiradai Hot Spring Festival, Ohiradai;
May 5th: Kintoki Festival, Sengokuhara Kintoki Shrine;
2nd Sunday of May: Kowakudani Azalea Festival, Kowakudani;
1st Sunday & Monday of June: Shogi(Japanese Chess) Championship, Gym LakeArena;
June 13th: Kuzuryu Shrine Festival, Kojiri;
June 15th: "Yudate Shishimai" (Lion Dance), Miyagino Shrine;
July 31th: "Kosui Matsuri" Lake Festival, Moto-Hakone
August 2nd: "Gojinkou sai" Festival, Lake Ashi
August 2nd, 3rd: Hakone-En Summer Night Festival, Hakone-En;
August 3rd: "Hideyoshi Hyotan Matsuri" Calabash Festival, Miyanoshita
August 4th: Kojiri Ryujin God Festival, Kojiri;
August 5th: "Tori-Yaki" Torii Gate Burning and Lantern Floating Festival, Hakone;
August 11th: Ohiradai Spa Summer Festival, Ohiradai;
August 15th: Miyagino Summer Festival, Miyagino;
August 16th: "Daimonji Yaki"; Great Bon Fire Festival, Gora;
August 25th: "Susuki Matsuri" Festival, Grand Singing Show, Sengokuhara;
September 9th: Yumoto Kumano Shrine Festival, Yumoto;
September 21st: Shogenji Temple Jizo Flea Market, Yumoto;
Mid-October: "Ashikari" Festival, Ahinoyu;
October 24th: "Motomiya Reisati" Fastival, Mount Komagatake;
November 3rd: Hakone Daimyo Gyoretsu; Feudal Lord's Parade, Yumoto;
Mid-November: Hakone Autumn Music Festival, Sengokuhara;
November 17th: Tonosawa Hibuse Kannon Bosatsu Festival, Tonosawa.

2.Onsen Bathing Tips
Leave your clothes in the dressing room;
Take a shower and wash yourself slightly before entering the bathtub;
Take a face towel and nothing else into the bath area;
For sanitation reasons, do not dip your towel into the water;
Wash yourself thoroughly (including your hair) again in the shower area;
Rinse yourself off well and go back and submerge yourself again into the bath;
Dry yourself off with the face towel and get dressed, on yukata if provided, in the dressing room.

3. Other Travel Tips
Hikers essential gear: Work gloves, warm clothes flashlight, water (500-1,000 ml/person);
Hakone and the surrounding areas are very hilly, so pack light and wear casual clothes;
If you do have very large baggage, leave it at the hotel/ train station of your departure city;
Some of the innkeepers and taxi drivers speak Japanese only, so you should either travel with a Japanese friend or have a mini-dictionary handy;
Hakone can be very crowded on weekends and holidays, so you should either book your accommodaion well in advance or come during the week.

4.More information:
Emergency Numebr:
Police: 110;
Fire and Ambulance:119.
Police Stations:
Gora Police Station: 1300 Gora, Hakone-machi (0460-82-2544);
Yumoto Police Station: 706 Yumoto, Hakone-machi (0460-85-5071);
Odawara district Police Station: 1-7 Honcho, Odawara city (0465-22-0110);
Miyagino Police substation: 626-5 Miyagino, Hakone-machi (0460-82-2544);
Miyanoshita Police Station: 108 Miyanoshita, Hakone-machi (0460-82-2772);
Kowakudani Police substation: 493 Kowakudani, Hakone-machi (0460-82-3033);
Sengokuhara Police substation: 16 Sengokuhara, Hakone-machi (0460-84-8048);
Kogen Police substation: 1246 Sengokuhara, Hakone-machi (0460-84-8042);
Motohakone Police Station: 63 Motohakone, Hakone-machi (0460-83-6271);
Hakone Police substation: 160 Hakone, Hakone-machi (0460-83-6248).
Tourist/Sightseeing Information:
Hakone Pass Tourist Infomation Counter: 381-22 Hakone (0460-83-7310);
Hakone Free Pass: Odakyu Sightseeing Service Center, Shinjuku Sta. 1F (03-5321-7887);
Hakone Town Tourist Office: 256 Yumoto, Hakone-machi (0460-85-5443);
Hakone Town Tourist Association: 256 Yumoto, Hakone-machi (0460-85-7410);
Hakone Town Tourist Infomation Counter: 706-35 Yumoto, Hakone-machi (0460-85-5700);
Foreign Tourist Infomation Service Counter: 706-35 Yumoto, Hakone-machi (0460-85-8911);
Hakone Gora Tourist Office: Gora Station (0460-82-2300);
Hakone Yumoto Tourist Office: Hakone-Yumoto Station (0460-85-7751);
Hakone Town Miyanoshitai Tourist Infomation Counter: 113-1 Miyanoshita (0460-82-1311);
Hakone Town Sengokuhara Tourist Infomation Counter: 1236-27 Sengokuhara (0460-84-3500);
Hakone Sengokuhara Ryokan Cooperative Infomation Counter: Sengoku Bus Stop (0460-84-9615);
Hospitals & Medical Facilities:
Hakone Hospital: 81 Yumoto, Hakone-machi (0460-85-5200);
Oizumi Hospital: 622 Miyagino, Hakone-machi (0460-82-2423);
Tsuchiya Hospital: 613 Yumoto, Hakone-machi (0460-85-5034);
Oohiradai Clinic: 419 Oohiradai, Hakone-machi (0460-82-2173);
Takeda Hospital: 275 Miyanoshita, Hakone-machi (0460-82-2776);
Ishiguro Orthopidics: 63 Motohakone, Hakone-machi (0460-83-6246);
Tsuchiya Dental Office: 828 Miyagino, Hakone-machi (0460-87-2003);
Yumoto Dental Clinic: 691-10 Yumoto, Hakone-machi(0460-85-6755);
Hakone Gora Clinic: 1300-1257 Gora, Hakone-machi (0460-82-1531);
Hakone Dental Office: 706-16 Yumoto, Hakone-machi (0460-85-6355);
Tsujiuchi Dental Office: 17 Sengokuhara, Hakone-machi (0460-84-8979);
Yu Dental Hakone Clinic: 397 Miyanoshita, Hakone-machi (0460-87-6888);
Hakone-Onsen Orthopedic Clinic: 1300 Gora, Hakone-machi (0460-82-3586);
Hakone Miyagino Dental Clinic: 622-4 Miyagino, Hakone-machi (0460-82-4582);
Sengokuhara Nagai Hospital: 984 Sengokuhara, Hakone-machi (0460-84-8295);
Gou Hospital Hakone-Kowakien Clinic: 1297 Ninodaira, Hakone-machi (0460-82-2672);
Hakone Sengakohara Onsen Hospital: 1285 Sengokuhara, Hakone-machi (0460-84-9111).

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Hakone Travel Guide