There are also many thermal springs in the vicinity of Hakone - it's not for nothing that this town near Tokyo has been one of the most popular resorts in Japan since time immemorial. Today, there are more than a dozen hot springs in the region, which feed the hot tubs of many Hakone hotels and ryokans. Everything in order under the cut.
From Tokyo you can get here by high-speed train - shinkansen, but we chose a comfortable bus. Highway passing through National park, divides the Hakone area into two parts: on the one hand, it is the volcano and Lake Ashi, and on the other, Mount Fuji and its foot.
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This winding road, it turns out, is the very cradle of the illegal world drift - the track was reproduced to the smallest detail in many racing computer games.
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Odawara-Hakone track. The driver of our bus refuses to "give a corner" ^)
Timelapse from Gopro:
Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. Quick reference: total area is 1227 sq. km. It was formed in 1936. The main attractions are: the symbol of Japan - Mount Fuji, lakes, hot springs, islands of volcanic origin with tropical vegetation.
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It is also home to the five famous Fuji lakes, surrounded by pine and fir hills. Its proximity to Tokyo, Mount Fuji's scenery, hot springs, Hakone forests and the beaches of the Izu Peninsula have made this park the most popular recreational and spa treatment in Japan.
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These are sculptures at the Hakone Shrine, one of the oldest temples Japan, founded in the 5th century. Hakone Shrine is dedicated to a nine-headed dragon whose spirit dwells in Lake Ashi.
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Part of the Hakone Shrine is dedicated to the deity of the mountains and was added in 757. It also houses a treasury containing such historical relics as weapons belonging to the medieval samurai heroes, the Soga brothers, and private letters from Toyotomi Hideyoshi, the "great minister" who united the fragmented " state ”of Japan under its own command.
Shrine of the nine-headed dragon. According to legend, the Buddhist priest Mangan with his spells caught and chained to the bottom a nine-headed dragon, which devoured the most beautiful girls. For hundreds of years at the bottom, the dragon repented of his bloodthirsty behavior. His tears, which fell into the lake, made them sacred, and the water - healing. The dragon himself became the patron saint of this area, and also ... matchmaking. On the 13th of every month, hundreds of girls gather here for service. They pray for love and early marriage.
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Before praying, you must definitely go through the ritual of ablution.
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In the shop near the temple, you can buy your personal prediction. If it does not bode well for you, then you need to tie it in this way in a special place.
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Cryptomeria planted here to pray for easy labor. The tree is over 1200 years old.
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Of course, there are carps swimming in the pond near the temple. They are very common in Japan.
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Koi, or brocade carp, are decorative domesticated fish that inhabit thousands of Japanese ponds. A koi carp is a fish that has passed six selection selections, after which it is assigned a certain category.
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Currently, there are many varieties of koi in Japan, but only fourteen color forms and patterns are considered to be the standard.
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According to legend, each carp must climb to the Dragon's Gate up the Yellow River, where it will be turned into a dragon.
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Lake Asi, located at an altitude of 723 meters, offers beautiful views of Mount Fuji, but, as you can see, we were out of luck with the weather :))
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Outings of Lake Ashi in Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park.
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The Red Peace Gate (Heiwa Torii), which flaunts in Lake Ashi, is part of the Hakone Shinto shrine - the Nine-Headed Dragon Temple (Kuzu-ryu Jinja or Hakone Jinja).
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Mountain crater lake Ashi (Ashi no ko) is a giant caldera of an extinct volcano that got its current shape after another eruption 3000 years ago. The length of the lake is 21 km. Height above sea level - 723 meters. The maximum depth is 43.5 meters. The lake does not freeze all year round.
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Ferry ride on the lake.
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Now the nine-headed dragon is the heavenly patron of these places, and the red torii are called the "Dragon's Gate". Many lovers come here to pray to the dragon god for love and family.
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Cherry blossom in Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park in Japan
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If you swim in a short circle, you can get off at the pier, next to the lower station of the ski lift to Mount Komagatake. By the way, the cable car can accommodate - no more, no less - 101 people. In good weather, you can see the snow-capped peak of Fuji-san from here, but we were out of luck: the temperature was close to zero, and a dense fog awaited us.
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The cable car lifts us to a height of 1327 meters.
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Length cable car 1800 meters is 7 minutes on the way.
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On Mount Komagatake, there is the Hakone Mototsumiya shrine, which is the second shrine of Lake Ashi. The Motozumiya temple was built quite recently, in 1964. In front of the red gate of the sanctuary is a stone with a sacred straw rope around it. It is called bakou-seki, which means “God came down to the rock in the form of a white horse,” and it seems like you can see the footprints of a horse on the rock.
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Mount Komagatake is a lava dome created by the eruption of the Hakone volcano 40 thousand years ago. Because of the lava, the plants are undersized here, reaching the maximum height of an ordinary bush.
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It was not possible to visit Owakudani due to seismic activity. The Owakudani Valley is famous for its hot spring black eggs. The secret is simple: due to the mineralization of the water, the shell of the eggs acquires a rich black color. The Japanese believe that by eating such an egg, you can extend your life for many years.
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As stated above, Hakone has become one of the most popular resort destinations in Japan due to its hot springs. The most famous hot spring in the region is Yumoto, located near the entrance to Hakone - its waters are believed to be especially curative. Enjoy a hot dip in one of the many hotels in the area crater lake Asi.
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The end point of our route in Hakone was the five-star TEN-YO ryokan. Its new building opened on April 20, just a few days before our arrival.
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This hotel is an onsen, that is, the hotel has its own hot mineral springs.
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If you are the owner of a tattoo, the public onsen is not allowed. But! To do this, each room has an individual bath on the balcony - you can get all the same pleasures, only in a stripped-down format. There are two types of public onsen in this hotel: on the sixth floor in high-tech style and a green corner with a waterfall on the fifth. They change for male and female visits depending on the day of the week: you need to follow the signs at the entrance to get to “your” floor.
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Traditionally, in order to plunge into the spring, you must first completely wash yourself in special showers, and only then go and get heavenly pleasure in natural hot mineral baths.
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And yes, paradise is not on a white sand sea. Paradise is in the onsen of Japan :))
After all the water procedures, it is necessary to put on national clothes - yukata - and, putting on a festive jacket on top, proceed to dinner. The chef is sure to present a true show of Japanese cuisine with eight courses that seem microscopic, but leave behind a complete feeling of satiety. The aesthetic component, as well as the gustatory one, is at full height. After all, this is real Japan, delighting the mind and body.
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The text was prepared by Alexandra Sukhorukova. Thanks a lot to her!
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For the opportunity to visit different corners I express my deepest gratitude to Japan Representative office of the National Office for Tourism of Japan in Vladivostok and S7 Airlines.
More materials from the trip:
Finally, it was time to write reports on the results of the trip to beautiful Japan. The first point of my trip, of course, was the huge metropolis and capital of Japan - Tokyo. Under the cut, I propose to see pictures about my two days in the most modern metropolis in the world.
28 april route network S7 Airlines added a new direction - a direct regular flight connected Vladivostok and the Japanese city of Osaka. I was among the first passengers on this flight.
Flights to Osaka now operate weekly on Wednesdays and Fridays. From Knevichi airport the plane leaves at 13:30, and arrives in Osaka at 14:40 local time, that is, two hours in the air - and you are in Japan. Back to Vladivostok, the plane departs from Osaka Kansai Airport at 15:45, and 19:05 is at its destination. Flights on the new flight are operated on Airbus A320 liners equipped with economy and business class cabins. Under the cut a little about the airport and new flight green grasshopper plane of the airline S7.
Japan for residents Of the Far East for obvious reasons has always been one of the most popular foreign destinations for business and tourist trips... This year, due to the significant facilitation of the visa regime, interest in this country should grow significantly. Well, it's time for me to visit too.
Yes, it turns out there is also a Far East who has not been to Japan :))
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Thanks for attention!
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-The use of photographic material is permitted only with my personal consent.
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-All pictures posted in this magazine are my authorship, unless otherwise stated.
-Text description of objects used from open sources
Even if you already have a rail pass, we advise you to invest in the "Hakone Free Pass" offered by Odakyu Railway. It gives the right to travel from Shinjuku to Gora and back with a transfer to a funicular that takes passengers up the mountains to the cable car. The latter will take you through the volcanic valley of Owaku-dani to Lake Ashi, where you can cruise to Hakone-machi. From there the bus (with the same pass) along the Sumiko River will take you back to Odawara where you can catch a train to Tokyo.
Many attractions along the itinerary include Hakone Open Air Museum (Tokoku-no-mori, or "Forest of Sculptures"; daily 9.00-17.00; www.hakone-oam.or.jp) in Miyanosita. Founded in 1969, the museum is located in a beautifully planned and green area surrounded by mountains. The garden features works by Western sculptors such as Moore, Arp, Calder and Giacometti, as well as Japanese masters, including Shimizu Takashi and Takamura Kotaro. The exhibits are selected for their ability to withstand the elements, and the museum is equally attractive in summer and winter. Founded in the Meiji era, the resort town of Miyanosita is also known as the home of Japan's oldest European-style hotel, Fuji. Stop by for morning coffee or afternoon tea in the wood-paneled Orchid Room overlooking a beautiful Japanese garden.
Visitors stop here on their way to the town of Gora, where they change into cable cars to Sozan, and there - into gondolas of a cable car that take them to the mountains and through the steaming sulfur valley of Owakudani. In the Mountain, hide from the sulfur-scented air in the halls Art Museum Paul (daily 9.00-17.00; www.polamuseum.or.jp) housed in an attractive glass building surrounded by woods. Along with Japanese painting and ceramics, you will encounter works by European artists, including Cezanne, Monet and Van Gogh.
On Lake Asi, excursion boats leave the berths in Togendai and, after 20 minutes, deliver their passengers to Hakone-machi at the opposite end of the lake. Weather permitting, the reflection of Fujiyama in the clear blue waters is breathtaking. In early August, lakeside resorts sponsor the vibrant Torii Matsuri fire and water festival, during which huge wooden gates burst into flames and thousands of lanterns are lowered into the water.
During the Tokugawa period, Hakone-machi was big city in Tokaido, the only road in this mountainous region that connected the imperial court in Kyoto with the capital of the Edo shogunate. The shogunate, always suspicious of movement along the road, maintained a garrison system on it, and no one could walk along it without official permission. The present Hakone Sekisho outpost is a replica of the original with a small museum of costumes and weapons from that period. The area is known for its hotels and thermal springs as well as Hakone-zaiku woodwork with mosaic inlay.
In Hatayaku, artisans have been known for the art of marquetry for over 1200 years - here you can visit a workshop and purchase an interesting box or puzzle.
Relax in one of the Hakone hot springs.
My husband and I were at the station at the beginning of the seventh, and already at 6:30 the train was rushing us, and every minute it was bringing us closer to the town of Odawara. Although it only takes 35 minutes to get here, we decided to book our seats in advance, as we really wanted to see Odawara Castle, the images of which were very often seen in tourist booklets, and were afraid that we would not be able to leave. As it turned out - in vain. There were more than enough places.
Arriving in Odawara, we immediately bought a Hakone Freepass, which fully paid off. It cost us 3900 yen to purchase it, but we saved a lot more on it. A pleasant moment was the opportunity to pay for the travel card by credit card(in Japan, we have already begun to get used to the fact that everywhere you have to pay in cash).
Odawara Castle
Odawara Castle is really worth a visit. It differs from most of its "brothers" in a very rich history. In various eras, fierce and bloody battles took place on its territory. This place was once a serious fortification, which was especially helpful during the period of internecine wars. The castle was destroyed several times, and now it is located here the most interesting museum dedicated to the history of the samurai.
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Entering the hall, we were surprised by the large number of Japanese people who seem to come here with their whole families. There were especially many boys here. The surprise was caused by the fact that in many popular places we had to meet more foreigners than locals.
After visiting the castle, we learned that it was built by Omori Yoriharu back in 1418, and seven decades later, Hojo Nagauji became its owner, whose clan was distinguished by a belligerent disposition, and therefore, his power was growing. When the Kanto region completely came under the control of Hojo, it was Odawara Castle that became its central residence.
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The castle is located on a high hill overlooking a stunning view of the extinct volcano Hakone. Although it is in the distance, we were not in the least disappointed, as we still had a trip to this mountain.
Walking through the territory of the castle complex. we took a lot of photos that will certainly take their pride of place in our family album.
Towards Hakone
While traveling in Japan, I caught myself thinking that I was becoming more and more interested in kimono. In general, for me personally, the fact that many Japanese wear national clothes, especially on national holidays, causes real respect.
From Hakone Yumoto Station, we continued our journey, heading towards the picturesque Lake Ashi. We decided to take the classic route, so we took the bus to Moto Hakone. D oroga took us about 40 minutes. If you do not have a pass, the fare will be 930 yen. As a rule, a special monitor is installed above the windshield of the bus, which displays the names of stops in English and Japanese, as well as a table with stop numbers and the corresponding ticket cost for travel between them.
Hakone
Hakone is one of the most popular Japanese spa resorts. It is located between the Izu Peninsula and the famous, southwest of. This place is spread among a mighty company of several mountain peaks, close to the crater of an extinct volcano, the width of which is 13 kilometers from south to north, and 7 kilometers from east to west. In the very center of the crater of the volcano, at an altitude of 1550 meters above sea level, there is the famous Lake Asi. The landscape of Hakone is quite amazing: picturesque valleys, gorges, ravines against the backdrop of the outlines of no less charming mountain peaks.
Oddly enough, upon arrival it was not crowded here, which made me very happy. But nature was not so supportive. The sky was covered with thick clouds, but this did not disappoint us at all, but rather the opposite. They say that locals come here just to admire the amazing union of sky and mountains, whose peaks gently touch, at first glance, gloomy clouds.
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Looking for another beautiful landscape for an unforgettable photo shoot, we stumbled upon the Museum of Art. Once inside, we were amazed by the whole kaleidoscope of paintings. At the gift shop, I bought several hand-painted silk scarves and Japanese tea napkins. Oddly enough, the cost here is quite affordable, which is a rarity in tourist places.
Based on materials from online publications.
Hakone is an extinct volcano in the center of Honshu Island between Sagami Bay and, 1550 m high. It includes 6 peaks and a vast crater 13 km wide from north to south and 7 km from west to east. During the Tokugawa era Mountain road passing through the Hakone gorge was guarded. This ancient road, built between Lake Ashino and the crater edge, has survived to this day.
FUJI-HAKONE-IJU is a national park with an area of 1227 sq. Km, located in the central part of the island of Honshu in the prefectures , Yamanashi, Kanagawa, Shizuoka. The park was founded in 1936 and also includes the Izu Islands. The main attractions are Mount Fuji, lakes, hot springs, and volcanic islands with tropical vegetation. In the park, there are five lakes surrounded by hills with pine and fir trees - the Five Famous Fuji Lakes. Southeast of Fuji is the forest volcanic region of Hakone, famous for resorts with hot springs. Its attractions are an unusual double volcano - Owakudani, the only place in Hakone where you can observe volcanic activity and Lake Ashi.
Yunessun hot spring complex.
Complex "Yunessan" consists of three parts. "Dream land" - hot and cold baths, located on terraces in the open air on the side of the mountain, very organically blended into the natural landscape. "Yunessun" - with pools, Turkish bath, hydrogen sulphide baths and a complex of water slides. The third part of the complex includes Japanese furo baths. All this leaves an indelible impression on the visitors of the complex and is one of the favorite vacation spots of the Japanese.
South of the Hakone region lies the picturesque Izu Peninsula with the Amagisan Mountains and Yugashima Hot Springs. There are also many hot springs on the east coast, such as Ito. Its proximity to Tokyo, Mount Fuji's scenery, hot spring resorts, Hakone forests and the beaches of the Izu Peninsula have made this park the most popular recreational and spa treatment in Japan.
You can make your trip through Fuji-Hakone Park by monorail tram or by the special Tozan train, which goes around all the main attractions of the park; by cable car you will climb to the top of the mountain and to the shores of the picturesque Lake Ashi.
Located in the Japanese National Park, Lake Ashi is one of the area's top attractions. Mount Fuji is reflected in its waters, framed by a pattern of slender pine trees. With a diameter of 20 kilometers, the lake formed in the mountains attracts both Japanese and tourists from other countries, and the abundance of all kinds of fish attracts fishermen. That is why almost all tourists who come to Hakone do not miss the opportunity to ride a boat on this "piece of paradise" in the mountains.
In addition to the lake cruise, most visitors to Hakone come to Owakudani Volcano, which offers a beautiful view of the majestic Mount Fuji. The crater of this volcano was formed during the last vaporous eruption of the Hakone Mountains, when 3000 years ago, the highest mountain Kami ejected hot steam from its depths. This, albeit with less force, continues to the present. Formerly known as Oojigoku ("hell"), this source was renamed "Oowakudani" or "great hell" just before Emperor Meiji visited it in 1876, as it was impossible for such a titled person to visit the place called "hell".
Hakone is often referred to as a museum city. Below we will introduce you to some of them.
Natural History Museum "Owakudani"
The museum will provide you with an excellent history of Hakone. On the ground floor, you can see the history of Mount Hakone and its famous hot springs with models volcanic eruption... Look at the aquariums with fish living in Lake Asi. On the second floor you can watch the breath of volcanoes, the history of the earth. On the third floor, you will see the lifestyle of terrestrial animals and creatures living in the lakes of Japan. The museum contains large visual models and color photographs.
Museum of old roads "Tokaido"
It will help you to imagine the customs associated with the old roads in Japan, in addition, in the museum you can relax in a specially designated room.
Forest Museum "Mori-no-Fureikan"
Visitors have a unique opportunity to see the world of a fantastic forest and understand the mechanism of forest life. A presentation platform is presented to the attention of visitors, where you can observe the vital activity of animals, the role of which is played by special robots. The 15-minute show is accompanied by the sounds of the forest and the songs of birds. There is a special hall in the museum, where works are presented that speak about people's concerns about the current situation with trees and forests.
At the Museum of Historical Materials in Hakone, you will see rocks and other Natural resources typical for this region of Japan. The museum has a hall with exhibits that are updated every 2 years, and a hall that displays materials about the Edo period Hakone and the three roads that passed through Hakone: Hakone-hachiri, Yuji no michi, Seikatsu no michi.
Honma museum - Museum of mosaics, where you can see more than 200 samples from the Edo period to the early Showa period.
Open Air Museum "Choukoku-no-Mori" - it is especially popular with sculpture lovers. However, everyone else will also appreciate it - a lot of light, green lawns with perfectly matched flowers and fresh mountain air. For city dwellers tired of the hustle and bustle, a visit to this original museum will undoubtedly be a real pleasure. Even when it rains, visitors can enjoy the beauty and explore the five exhibition halls that are located in the premises.
In addition to all of the above, "Choukoku-no-Mori" houses the "Picasso" museum, restaurant, cafe and shop.
Museum of art and culture "Gora museum"
The museum, which is located in a mountainous area, at an altitude of 630 meters above sea level, shows the art of Japanese gardening. Samples from various periods are presented, such as Jomon, Haniwa-Danshi-Zou, during which significant contributions to the development of this art form in Japan were made, you will see flower pots made in the Seto and Bizen regions, tea sets from the Momoyama and Edo periods. It is impossible not to enjoy the Japanese mossy garden and bamboo garden. You can get to the museum by funicular.
Glass Museum "Garasu no Mori"
The exhibition-museum of Venetian glass, whose production dates are from the 15th to the 19th century, will undoubtedly delight those who visit the exposition.
Hakone Museum "Mononofu no sato"
Here you have the opportunity to see ancient helmets, armor that once protected and adorned Japanese warriors, swords, spears, scrolls and other attributes of the Japanese life in ancient times, as well as a room for a tea ceremony and tea sets.
Hakone Shinto shrine treasury
Visitors to this museum will be able to look at the ancient treasures of Japan: swords, sculptures, images, ancient books, letters and other important historical materials about the city itself and about the Hakone mountains. See the most famous Kanto statue in the area.
Numerous art galleries in Hakone are represented in the following museums - Hakone Ashinoko Narukawa museum, Hakone Ashinoko Nuseum, Mental Image Art museum, Hakone Sounzan museum Chikukyou.
Music Museum "Hakone Little Museum of The Musical Box"
The music box, once so popular in the 19th and 20th centuries as an automatic device designed to enjoy music, became the central idea behind the creation of this museum. More than 50 samples of music boxes, large and small, are presented to the attention of visitors, the history of their creation is clearly depicted. And, of course, tourists can listen to the musical performance of all the exhibits, as well as a special concert that changes depending on the season.
You can visit the Hakone Toy Museum, which contains not only truly Japanese dolls, but also a diverse collection of toys from all over the world. The dates of the toys' production are 1890-1960, the number of items in the museum is about 3000. Even adult visitors have the feeling that they have returned to childhood.
In addition, between and Hakone there is a magnificent Safari Park, which has a lot of fun for both children and adults. It is located at the foot of Japan's highest, most beautiful mountain. As in any safari park, you can drive your car around the territory or use a special bus. Here you can watch giraffes, elephants, bears, lions, tigers, rhinoceroses and many other animals not from behind the cages, like in a zoo. Many of them are tame; they approach tourists and beg for food.
Inspect the most beautiful region Hakone is possible in one day, going from the mountain railway, by funicular and by boat. You can prolong the pleasure by staying at the hot springs. On clear days, a wonderful view of the mountain opens up from here. It is better to build a self-guided tour as follows:
At the station Odakyu, in the Shinjuku area, buy “ Free pass”, Which will allow you to move freely around Hakone in almost any form of transport for 4 days. If you have JR Pass, then you can buy a ticket at the station Odawara... Before Odawars take the train.
How to get there: the fastest way to get to the area Fuji-Hakone if you sit on Tokyo train station by express JR Tokaido shinkansen to st. Odawara; the road will take only 40 minutes.
You need to take the train Kodama shinkansen, not suprexpress (hikari or nozomi). If you do not have a JR unified ticket, use the Odakyu line from the station Shinjuku to Odawara or to Hakone Yumoto... The best train on the lines.
DESCRIPTION OF THE CITY:
The small town of Hakone (13.5 thousand people) is a fairly well-known place not only in Japan, but throughout the world. An hour's drive from Tokyo, this resort is so popular because of its unique natural conditions... It is located in the picturesque Fuji Hakone Izu National Park, and in addition to the wonderful views of Mount Fuji, visitors to Hakone have the opportunity to swim in at least 17 hot springs.
It is hard to imagine that just 100 km from noisy Tokyo, not far from the volcano, there is such a piece of paradise. By the way, Hakone received the status of a city in 1889, and not so long ago UNESCO ranked these places as a Geoparks.
Once in this area, be sure to visit the following attractions: Hot Springs Hakone and Owakudani, Open Air Museum of Art, Lake Ashinoko, Hakone Shrine, Paul Art Museum, Stone Towers in Moto-Hakone, Botanical Garden, Glass Forest Theme Park (* Garasu no Mori) Hakone, Mount Fuji Palace, Hakone Checkpoint, Gora Park, Stone Buddha and a few others. You can get there in different ways, for example, by train, by cable car or by boat.
One of the most famous places in Hakone is Miyanosita, where hot springs are also concentrated. Many rested in this settlement famous people, including John Lennon. Miyanoshita attracts guests not only with its thermal waters, but also with an indescribable atmosphere with a touch of antiquity.
Not far from Kovakudani Station is the Hakone Kovakuen Younessan theme park with public baths. It is divided into two parts: one can be in a swimsuit, the other without. Each visitor can choose the part where he will be more comfortable. In addition to baths filled with water, anyone can also take a tea or wine bath.
An interesting feature is the Open Air Museum of Art, which is located near the Chokoku-no-Mori station. In addition to sculptures by great masters such as Rodin, Milo and Moore, the museum also displays contemporary art. But the most unusual thing is that while enjoying the art, visitors can relax by dipping their feet into a special bath with thermal water. What can I say, a resort is a resort!
In addition to beautiful views, hot springs and museums, Hakone is also good for shopping: the city has a large shopping center where you can buy clothes and souvenirs, among which you should pay attention to the mosaics traditional for this region.
Healing waters of Hakone
We will visit one of the most popular resort areas Japan's hot springs - Hakone. The Hakone area is part of the Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. This is one of the best places to admire famous mountain Fuji, and the landscape of the area itself amazes with amazing valleys, gorges, bizarre outlines of mountains. Hakone has a huge number of attractions.
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THE CITY'S ATTRACTIONS:
There are many thermal springs in the vicinity of Hakone - not without reason this town near Tokyo has been one of the most popular resorts in Japan since time immemorial. Today, there are more than a dozen hot springs in the region, feeding the fonts of many Hakone hotels and ryokans. The most famous hot spring in the region is Yumoto, located near the entrance to Hakone - its waters are considered to be especially healing. If you plan to stay in the resort for a few days, you should book a room in one of the ryokans - usually the use of the baths is already included in the price of your stay. However, the hot tubs of most hotels are also open for one-time visits with a fixed fee - depending on the services provided by the institution, it ranges from 500 to 2000 yen. You can plunge into the waters of Yumoto in the following hotels: TenzanOne of the most famous establishments - the buildings of the complex are made of natural materials in the best traditions of Japanese architecture, which creates a uniquely cozy atmosphere. Most of the fonts are located in the open air, at the foot of the wooded hills. One of the baths is set in a natural rocky cave, the rest are installed right between the trunks of trees and vines, creating a wonderfully harmonious space that allows you to truly merge with nature. Although there are no spectacular panoramic views from the baths themselves, onsen is very popular and can be overcrowded on weekends. In addition to the baths, the complex has tatami lounges, green courtyards, a restaurant and a gift shop. If you forgot to bring a towel, you can purchase one at the entrance. Opening hours: 9: 00-23: 00 (admission until 22:00) Cost: 1,300 yen. How to get there: A few minutes walk from Oku Yumoto Bus Station on Line K. Ryokan Hakone-Kamon Here, visitors can also enjoy the thermal waters in the open-air baths - wood and stone fonts are available for your choice, as well as large ceramic bowls called Tsubo is the highlight of this traditionally ryokan. Guests are offered additional services - renting a kimono and traditional tea drinking after taking a hot bath. Opening hours: 10: 30-17: 00 Cost: one-time visit 1950 yen; Accommodation is 27,000 yen per night per person (includes Japanese lunch and dinner). In total, this mini-hotel has 10 rooms decorated in a traditional style. Rooms are equipped with small individual stone baths in open courtyards. shuttle bus from Yumoto Station (fare 100 yen) Hakone-Yure This onsen is a complex of public baths, divided into female and male parts. The Jure fonts were opened in 2013 on the site of the Hakone begonias garden. There are both outdoor baths for enjoying the scenery and indoor pools. Onsen also offers private hot tubs for families or romantic getaways (available for a fee). Opening hours: 10:00 to 21:00 (weekends until 22:00), admission one hour before closing. Cost: 1400 yen. How to get there: Shuttle bus from Yumoto Hakone Station (free ride) Yunosato Okada Onsen Okada does not have guest rooms and only offers one-time visits. This spa complex features outdoor baths, saunas, jacuzzis, massage parlor and cafeteria. Best view the neighborhood opens from the main building, but from the fonts in the evening, in good weather, the starry sky is perfectly visible, not illuminated by city lights. Opening hours: 6:00 to 9:00 and 11:00 to 23:00, entrance one hour before closing. Cost: 1,000 yen before 9 am and 1,450 yen in the afternoon. How to get there: Shuttle bus from Yumoto Station (fare 100 yen) Kappa Tengoku The wooden fonts of this onsen are located on a wooded hill just outside Yumoto Station. The building of the ryokan, unfortunately, has not been restored for a long time, and surprises some guests by the absence of "western" toilets and common washbasins for all rooms. Nevertheless, the owners try to maintain a traditional atmosphere, and the proximity to the station makes this place attractive for tourists in a hurry. For the night, we still recommend stopping away from the train tracks, as traditional Japanese houses with bamboo partitions do not provide the best protection against noise and drafts. Hours of operation: 9:00 am to 10:00 pm Cost: one-time visit 800 yen, room for overnight stay from 3000 yen. Hotel Yumoto Fuji: Do not confuse this hotel with the Fuji ryokan located in the upper valley - the Yumoto Fuji baths are also open for one-off visits. The interior and fonts of the onsen are made in the traditional style, however, they are not distinguished by excessive luxury. The baths themselves are located in a closed courtyard, and, unfortunately, do not provide an opportunity to admire the local nature. The public baths area is divided into male and female parts - here it is supposed to plunge into the water naked. There is an opportunity to use the private plunge pool for a fee (usually around 1000 yen). There are several cafeterias serving traditional Japanese cuisine. The undoubted plus of this hotel is its convenient location. It is quite close to the station, just beyond a small river. The hotel building is visible from afar and will not let you get lost. In addition, it is very convenient to travel from here on excursions in the surrounding area. Opening hours: from 12:00 to 20:00 Cost: one-time entry 1,800 yen, one night stay from 18,000 yen per person (the price includes lunch and dinner, consisting of traditional Japanese kitchens and kimono rentals) Tenseien This ryokan was recently reopened after extensive renovation. Its complex successfully combines two of the most attractive features of the Hakone resorts - beautiful hot tubs with thermal water and magnificent landscapes. The Shinto shrine of Tamadare is located in the garden adjacent to the territory of the ryokan, and the nearby river forms two picturesque waterfalls. The complex's largest outdoor bath is located on the hotel's rooftop, which also offers beautiful views of the surrounding mountains. Opening hours: Cost: How to get there: 12 minutes walk from Yumoto Station on the Hakone-Tozan line. Miyanoshita Spring The most famous hotel in this region is the legendary Fuji, built over 100 years ago. At one time it was an incredibly fashionable and popular "western" hotel - many celebrities of the 20th century stayed here. Today Fuji is a whole complex of buildings of different styles - five residential buildings, a mini - museum, shops, relaxation areas, a tea room overlooking the inner garden, a banquet hall, a cafeteria and even a chapel. The hotel has a separate summer pool with regular water and hot springs. The hotel does not provide the possibility of a one-time visit to the spa area, as the baths are not designed for a large number of visitors. For a fee, you can use the private bath. In fact, this place is ideal for lovers of the atmosphere of the last century - if you're lucky, you can stay in the same room as Charlie Chaplin once. Cost: from 10,000 yen per day. How to get there: 5 minutes walk from Miyanoshita Station. Rakyujurin Shizenkan This onsen is famous for its Japanese cypress wood baths. The buildings of the complex are surrounded by dense forest, and the fonts are arranged on terraces running down the hillside. The old buildings create a cozy atmosphere and visitors can enjoy the peace and quiet while relaxing in the baths under the canopy of age-old trees. It is especially beautiful in the vicinity of the onsen in autumn, when the wilting foliage lights up with bright colors. Opening hours: 10:00 to 19:00 (closed on Wednesdays) Cost: 2,500 yen How to get there: A few minutes walk from the hotel bus station - May. Source of Kovakudani. Hotel Kowaiken Younessan. A renowned amusement park with many water attractions and an extensive spa area. The actual complex of baths with thermal waters is called "Mori no Yu" - it is traditionally divided into female and male parts. It is customary to plunge into the font without any clothes, in contrast to the pools of the public part, where bathing suits are required. The hotel building with living rooms is located across the street from the park. Guests are provided with many additional services- massage parlor, restaurants and souvenir shops. Opening hours: part of Yunessan rides from 9:00 to 19:00 (November to February until 18:00) Mori no Yu from 11:00 to 21:00 Cost: 2900 yen Younessan1900 yen Mori no Yen4100 both parts Sengoku sourceHakone Green Hotel Plaza This modern spa complex is located on the shores of Lake Ashi and is especially famous for its outdoor baths, from which visitors enjoy stunning views of Mount Fuji. The silhouette of a dormant volcano, in good weather, looming against the background of the evening sky, has become a kind of "brand" of the hotel. Oddly enough, few Hakone onsens can boast such panoramic views from the hot tubs. Green Plaza offers its guests both Western-style rooms with European beds, and wasitsu - rooms with tatami flooring, in which it is customary to sleep on traditional futons. Hours of operation: 12:00 noon to 3:00 pm Cost: one-time visit 1,600 yen. Day stay in hotel room from 15,000 yen (the price includes lunch and dinner from traditional Japanese cuisine) How to get there: 5-10 minutes walk from Ubako station along the Hakone cable car.
Lake Asi Lake Asi was formed in the calderra of the ancient volcano Hakone, which exploded more than 3000 years ago. Today, its calm surface, reflecting the snow-white cap of Fuji-Yama, has become one of the main symbols of the region. The best views of the famous volcano are from the village of Moto-Hakone, the former imperial villa and from the cruise ship. Unfortunately, the top of the mountain is often obscured by clouds - the best visibility is in the morning as well as at sunset. By the way, in winter, the air contains less moisture and the air is more transparent, so this is the best season for photography enthusiasts. Literally, the name Ashi-no-ko can be translated from Japanese as "Lake among the reeds." The water is cold enough here, but it never freezes. Of particular interest to Asi is for fishing lovers - on the shores of the reservoir in any weather you can see a man with a fishing rod. It is best to enjoy the panoramas from the board of a cruise ship - several small boats belonging to various companies... They can be used to travel from Moto-Hakone to Hakone-machi, or from Togndai Station to Koijiri at the northern end of the reservoir. The Hakone Free Pass is valid on all Hakone Sightseeing Boats routes, and many of the ships are pirate-themed to enhance your travel experience. The journey from Moto-Hakone to Hakone-machi takes only about 10 minutes. But in order to fully enjoy the picturesque landscape, it is worth choosing more long route to the station of the Togndai cable car. You will spend about 30-40 minutes on board and see the famous gates of the Hakone and Kuzuryu temples on the lakeside.
Hakone Ropeway The Hakone Ropeway is famous for its magnificent panoramas that open to the passengers of the suspended gondolas. Weather permitting, this is one of the best places to admire Fuji-yama, and the rising sulfur fumes from Owakudani's "great hell" create an unforgettable atmosphere. 18-seater gondolas leave almost every minute - follow the directions of the staff when boarding. The doors open automatically upon arrival after the cab has come to a complete stop, so be patient. Fares vary depending on the route, no pre-reservation is required - there is a fixed number of passengers in the gondola, so all tourists have a free seat. It is best to use the cable car to climb from Lake Hakone to Owakudani - it is in this direction that the most impressive views of Mount Fuji, smoothly rising from the ridges surrounding the lake, open up. In the morning, the sun rises behind the cockpit, and the volcano's snow cap shines brightly in a stream of light.
Valley of Geysers Owakudani The Japanese archipelago belongs to a system of island arcs located at the junction of lithospheric plates - in this zone, the sections of the earth's crust are most mobile, which explains the high seismicity and volcanic activity region. On the main island of Honshu alone, there are more than 20 operating and extinct volcanoes The famous Fuji-Yama and Hakone are among them. The Hakone volcano last erupted about 3000 years ago, leaving behind a vast crater more than 13 km wide. Now in the center of its calderra is Lake Asi, but the turbulent geological past still makes itself felt - younger volcanoes are still smoking in the surrounding mountains. One of them is Owakudani - the "great hell". Once it was called simply hell, but for the visit of Emperor Meiji, a more sonorous name was chosen for the volcano. Puffs of hot steam with the smell of sulfur erupt from the ground, and the area around is replete with thermal springs heated by underground fire. The boiling springs of Owakudani can be reached by cable car - from the gondolas there is a beautiful view of the slopes shrouded in volcanic vapors. And on the opposite side, the snow cap of Fuji-Yama is brightly white - Owakudani is considered one of the best points for admiring the main symbol of Japan. A rocky path leads up to the springs from the cable car station - take 15 minutes of your time to get to the boiling lakes, in which Chicken eggs have been boiled for a long time. The sulfur-rich water turns the shell black - but the taste of the protein remains unchanged. It is believed that such a delicacy is extremely healthy and adds 7 years to your life - but the Japanese strongly recommend not eating more than three at a time. Not far away, on the slopes of Kami-Yama, there is a sulfur processing plant. By the way, local waters are used to make popular cosmetics - soaps, shampoos, bath salts, creams and others. By the way, the Japanese have found useful use not only of thermal water and sulfur - stone has been mined for a long time in the Hakone area - and to this day in the surrounding Shinto temples there are statues carved from lava. At the beginning of the ascent to the Owakudani springs, there is a small Buddhist sanctuary of Enmei Bosatsu. According to legend, it was founded 1000 years ago by a wandering monk. Seeing the clouds of smoke bursting from the ground, he was amazed at the views that opened to him and offered up a prayer for the salvation of those suffering in hell. For hikers, several routes have been laid through the surrounding mountains. For example, from Owakudani station, you can climb to the top of Kami-yama, and then reach the slopes of Komagatake. There you can change to another cable car line and go down to Lake Asi. The whole journey will take at least two hours, and can be quite difficult for an unprepared person. The simpler route leads from the peak of Kami-Yama to Asi directly - the road will take about half an hour.
Gora Park Gore Park, located near the Hakone Art Museum, is designed in the style of French palace parks. Its layout is almost symmetrical, which is typical for regular gardens, but the plants are more loosely arranged and create a natural scenic silhouette. A round pool in a marble frame is the center of the landscape composition - in its center, streams of fountains are gushing at a height of several meters. The park is divided into several zones, among which a rose garden and two greenhouses stand out. In one of them, various tropical plants are collected, and in the second - flowers. In addition, there is a European-style restaurant with an outdoor terrace near the main fountain, and tea house Hakuun-do: Ceramics and dried flower bouquets are taught in the House of Crafts. The cost of such master classes ranges from 1,000 to 3,500 yen, and their duration ranges from 30 minutes to an hour. Where, When, How Much Nearest Station Gora Station (Hakone Tozan Railway), 5 minutes walk Hours 9:00 am - 5:00 pm (entrance by 4:30 pm) Weekends No Entrance fee550 yen
Hakone Tozan Mountain Railway The Hakone Tozan Railway is Japan's only mountain railway. The train departs from Hakone-Yumoto station (108 meters above sea level) and follows to the destination of Gora (553 meters above sea level). One way trip takes about 40 minutes. On the way, the driver makes stops at which the train's direction of movement changes. The train travels over narrow bridges, through wooded valleys and mountain tunnels, offering truly magnificent views from the windows of the train in fine weather. The railway is framed by lush bushes of hydrangeas - they are specially planted all along the way. In June, plants bloom at the level of the lower station, and gradually the flower corridor stretches to the final point of the route. In the evenings, hydrangeas are spectacularly illuminated, which creates an incredibly fabulous and romantic atmosphere on this little trip. In the summer, additional "Flower Compositions" appear on the line - in the evenings they slowly follow through the mountains, allowing you to enjoy the seasonal beauties of nature. These trains need to be booked in advance. Regular trains leave from Hakone Yumoto Station every 10-20 minutes, and the fare is 400 yen.
Gotemba Premium Outlet Gotemba Premium Outlets is Japan's largest and undoubtedly the most popular outlet. It is a real town located in a picturesque corner of Shizuoka Prefecture, away from noisy megacities. The shopping complex houses more than two hundred stores of famous brands. In addition, Gotemba Outlets has several cafeterias and a food court serving both European and traditional Japanese cuisine. The shopping town is divided into two districts by a small river, which is crossed by a walking bridge. This is where Fuji Yama's majestic snow cap is best seen - well, if you're lucky with the weather. The mall itself is surrounded by wooded hills, and looks more like a resort town or park. Once upon a time there really was an amusement park on this place, which is reminiscent of a 50-meter Ferris wheel, clearly visible from anywhere in the complex. In addition, there is a fairly large children's play area not far from the bridge, and on the opposite side there is the Rose Garden. A trip to this mall will most likely take you a whole day, so try to plan your time in advance. Of course, outlets are of the greatest interest to young people, but there is something interesting for people of all ages in Gotemba. The parking lot is located a little to the side of the entrances, so the owners of private cars and their passengers will have to walk about 10 minutes. There is a bus stop in front of the main gate, where you can get a map of the complex showing all the shops and other useful information ... For example, boutiques are marked with special badges, where you can make a purchase with the return of income tax - the so-called tax free. Special discount coupons are also offered to foreign visitors. You can get them at the Information Center by presenting your passport. The concept of outlets assumes an initial discount of 25 to 65% - the goods are delivered directly from the manufacturer, bypassing intermediaries and their margins. The best part is that the discount indicated in the coupon is added to the total. Seasonal sales are held periodically, and various prizes are raffled among visitors. Gotemba Outlet presents world famous brands - manufacturers of clothing, sports equipment, household items and electronics. Here you can find both luxury goods and more economical items. Prices in boutiques are usually much lower than retail prices in other stores in Japan, but they cannot be called junk - check the assortment and price lists of manufacturers' online stores before buying. As practice shows, the most favorable conditions can be found in sportswear stores - Puma, Nike and Adidas. Also, as always, interesting boutiques and funny showcases from toy manufacturers Lego and Sanryo. The boutiques accept Visa, Mastercard, American Express and Diners cards. By the way, most cafeterias and food courts close before shops, so it would be wiser to have a snack in advance. One of the most popular places is Numazu Uogashi Zushi - a sushi bar with a conveyor belt that delivers ordered meals to you.Some of the brands represented in Gotemba Premium Outlets: Armani, Balenciaga, Bally, Bottega Veneta, Burberry, Coach, Ferragamo, Gucci, Hugo Boss, Kate Spade, Jimmy Choo, Prada, Tod's, GAP, Banana Republic, Ralph Lauren Factory Store, Reebok, Dunhill and many more. How to get to the mall can be reached in a variety of ways: From JR Gotemba Station, a free shuttle leaves every 20 minutes If you are in Hakone, JR Gotemba Station can be reached by the Odakyu Hakone Highway Bus (lines V and W) - departs every half hour. From Hakone Yumoto you can take the Togendai bound Hakone Tozan Bus (line T) to Sengoku, where You will be able to change to the aforementioned Odakyu Hakone Highway Bus. In addition, there is an hourly Hakone Tozan Bus - a direct route from Younessan Park to Gotemba Premium Outlets (lines S, L and M , 45 minutes, 990 yen) From Tokyo, take the Gotemba Premium Outlet Liner from Tokyo Station (Yaesu South Exit) and Shinjuku Station (New South Exit). Buses run once a day - in the morning to the shopping complex, and back in the evening. On weekends, their number doubles. A one way trip takes about 90 minutes and costs 1,650 yen. The round trip ticket is slightly cheaper at 2,880 yen, plus the accompanying coupon brochure and a souvenir. From Shinjuku Station (West Exit) there is a Gotemba Premium Outlets Shopping Tour Bus from another operator - ticket prices are similar to those above. All tickets must be booked in advance, and it may be cheaper to connect with connections in the Tomei-Gotemba Interchange area - this option also gives you more flexibility in the timing of your visit. There is a free shuttle bus from Tomei to the outlet. It is a little longer and more expensive by train - you need to take the Asagiri Limited Express line from Odakyu Shinjuku Station (2,800 yen), and then change to the free bus at Gotemba station. If you are going to use only the JR lines, then the road will take about 150 minutes. From Tokyo or Shinjuku Station, trains depart on the JR Tokaido Line or JR Shonan Shinjuku Line, respectively, you need to get to Kozu Station and change to the JR Gotenba Line to Gotemba Station - in this case, the cost will be 1940 yen, or you can use Pre-purchased Japan Rail Pass Alternatively, take the Odakyu Main Line from Shinjuku Station to Shin-Matsuda Station, walk to JR Matsuda Station (located nearby), and then transfer to the JR Gotemba Line to Gotemba Station. The journey will take around 2 hours and cost 1,280 yen. There is also a shuttle bus from Narita and Kansai airports, which can be booked on the website in advance. Hours: October: 10:00 ―20: 00 November: 10: 00a ― 20: 00 ※ November 2 (Sun) and 23 (Sun) 9: 30―21: 00 December: 10: 00―19: 00 ※ December 31 (Wed) 10:00 ―18: 00
Hakone Roads with views of Fuji If you travel around Japan by car, then do not miss the opportunity to drive along the Skyline highway - these roads offer stunning views of the main symbol of the Country. rising sun- the dormant volcano Fuji. Several highways run through the Fuji-Izu National Park are run by private companies. These usually cost up to 1,000 yen to enter, but you won't regret the money you spend. The roads wind up the mountain slopes, and with every turn, the passengers of the car open up enchanting landscapes - you will see the Fuji snow cap and Lake Asinoko framed by ancient cryptomerias.These landscape roads are very popular with local fans of luxury and vintage cars, as well as with various racing teams - photo shoots for pages of automobile magazines are regularly held by the roadside. In addition, the perfectly flat road bed is quite difficult route, the lack of traffic lights and busy traffic make these highways the best place to test the power of your four- or two-wheeled pet. So don't be surprised when you come across exclusive models of Ferraris, Lamborghinis and American retro cars. The most famous is Asinoko Skyline - leading almost from nowhere to nowhere, this road was built only for the sake of the surrounding landscapes. The highway entrance costs 600 yen, and its length is only about 10 km. Not far from the southern entrance to the Asionco Skyline, another private road begins - Hakone Turnpike, which stretches to Odawara. It recently changed ownership and is now under the auspices of Toyo Tire. The highway entrance costs 700 yen, and this road is no less beautiful than the Ashinoko Skyline. In the 50s, when Japanese cars were not very powerful, cross mountain ranges in the Hakone area it was an extremely long and difficult undertaking. Now you can enjoy a comfortable trip to the fullest by renting a modern car. The wooded slopes of the mountains are especially beautiful in November, in the momiji season - red leaves. Fuji Skyline and Subaru Line roads lead to stations on the slopes of the volcano. Usually tourists start their ascent from the fifth station of the route, so in the warm season these highways are loaded with regular buses. However, the stations also offer beautiful views of the surrounding valleys, and the tourist pavilions offer many different souvenirs. By the way, such private highways periodically appear on the pages of automobile and travel publications, and are even mentioned in the popular manga about Japanese street racers called "Circuit no Okami".
Kyu-Tokaido and Cryptomeria Alley In the 17th century, the famous Tokaido tract connected the old capital of Kyoto, in which the imperial court remained, with the shogun's headquarters in Edo, present-day Tokyo. Fragments of this path are still preserved in some regions of Japan - memorial steles mark the preserved sections, and many of the hotels for travelers are now museums. Old roads in Japan are called Kyu-kaido, and attract many tourists who want to feel like medieval pilgrims. Kyu-Tokaido is a section of ishidats, preserved between Moto-Hakone and Hakone-Yumoto, which means "paved with stones" - the cobblestones under your feet will soon turn three hundred years old. Around the tract, Japanese cryptomeria grow - once the shogun ordered trees to be planted along the road to make it easier for travelers to endure the summer heat. Kyu-tokaido passes near the village of Hatazuku, famous for its woodcarving masters. A little further along the road, there is a teahouse, founded in the Edo period. It still remains popular with tourists, offering traditional sweets, green tea and sake. Walking along the cobbled road will take you about an hour and a half - do not forget to visit the Tokaido Museum, located next to the teahouse. Here you can learn more about the structure of the tract by examining a full-size reconstruction of its fragments. The museum of the Hakone Outpost, a checkpoint established by the shogunate, is also worth noting.
Private Hakone Palace
Once on the shores of Lake Asi there was an imperial villa, where members of the ruling family spent the summer. After most of the buildings on the territory of the complex were destroyed by the earthquake of 1923, the palace was abandoned. However, one of the houses was subsequently restored, and the vast adjacent park was opened to the public. The former imperial garden is located in the very scenic location on the coast of Ashi-no-ko, on a small peninsula between Moto-Hakone and Hakone-Machi. Despite the fact that only one building remains of the complex of buildings, the Separate Palace is worth a visit precisely because of the breathtaking views from the terraces of the surrounding park called Onsi. In winter, the air over the mountains is more transparent, and the majestic Fuji-Yama volcano appears before the guests of the villa in all its glory.
