Nestled between mountains and forests and home to the infamous volcano of the same name, here are 5 awesome things to do in Hakone!
1. See The Volcanic Fumes Of Mt. Hakone
The core of Hakone is really Mt. Hakone, an active volcano that is constantly steaming its volcanic fumes.
More so than Mt. Fuji or any other mountain I’ve been to in Japan, Mt. Hakone has the most “volcanic” feel to it.
For those who love a good thrill, coming to Mt. Hakone gives you a sense of impending doom that the volcano could erupt at any moment (don’t worry, it won’t happen without warning).
As such, the city of Hakone has become a hub for natural hot spring resorts and the infamous black eggs made using boiling sulfuric spring waters.
2. Enjoy Unique Views Of Mt. Fuji
One of the cool things about visiting Hakone is that you can actually see Mt. Fuji from a distant view.
Unlike the standard shots of Mt. Fuji you often see from Lake Kawaguchi, the view from Hakone makes it look like part of a family of mountain ranges.
In winter, the snowy top of Mt. Fuji can be seen in all of its pure white glory, making it a unique and awesome photo opportunity
3. Ride The Hakone Ropeway
One of the best parts about visiting Mt. Hakone is the journey to the top, in this case, via cable car!
Not all cable car trips are made equal, and it is certainly the case that going up mountain ranges in this manner is far more exhilarating than the average cable car trip.
The Hakone Ropeway offers stunning views on the way to the top, featuring endless forests and hills that truly give you a sense of being out in nature.
4. Set Sail On The Pirate Ship
Perhaps not the first thing that comes to mind when visiting an active volcano site (hence why I put it 4th), but Hakone is well-known for its iconic pirate ship cruise that takes you all around Lake Ashi.
Offering a real-life pirate vibe, you can enjoy the feeling of a true scallywag as you walk around the decks admiring the sails, helm, and canons of this amazing vessel.
5. Take Amazing Photos!
Hakone is a paradise of mountainous backdrops for amazing photos, so take full advantage of where you are and beef up that Japan photo album!
There is one particular spot I highly recommend for taking cool photos, and that’s the mini bridge where the pirate ship will drop you off.
Here, you get the sea, mountains, bridge, and if your timing is right, the pirate ship sailing off in the background of your photo!
Of course, if you are planning to visit Japan, you’ll need a way to get around the country as efficiently and affordably as possible. Japan Rail provides an abundance of travel passes to suit your travel needs. So whether you are traveling individually or as a group, the JR Pass is every traveler’s go-to for getting around and making the most of your time in Japan!