Hakone, Japan. Tours, Hotels and prices. Reviews from tourists. Excursions and attractions. Travel photos and videos

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Hakone

Japan, Honshu Island, Kantō Region, Kanagawa

About Hakone

Hakone is a mountainous town located in Kanagawa Prefecture within Japan's Kanto region on the main island of Honshu. It is situated approximately 80 kilometers southwest of central Tokyo. The town is internationally renowned as a popular hot spring resort area and is a key part of the Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. Its notable geographical features include its location within a volcanic caldera and its views of Mount Fuji, making it a significant destination for both tourism and cultural appreciation.

Basic information

The area's primary geological formation is the Hakone caldera, created by volcanic activity approximately 3000 years ago. The town itself has developed over centuries as a post station on the historic Tokaido road. Key structural features include numerous traditional Japanese inns (ryokan) built in classic architectural styles, often utilizing wood and natural materials. The entire area holds a protected status as part of a national park. Its current primary purpose is tourism, centered around its hot springs, museums, and natural attractions.

Location

Hakone is most commonly accessed from Tokyo, which is approximately 90 minutes away by direct Odakyu Romancecar train or by Shinkansen to Odawara Station with connecting local transport. The area is served by a comprehensive network of mountain roads, railways, cable cars, and ropeways. Tourist infrastructure is highly developed, featuring the Hakone Free Pass for integrated transport, well-maintained walking paths, multiple visitor centers, and numerous viewing areas for scenic spots. Accessibility to some higher elevation areas may be limited during winter months due to potential snow and ice conditions.

Nature

Hakone features a temperate climate with cooler temperatures than the nearby coastal plains due to its elevation. The landscape is dominated by volcanic mountains, dense forests, and Lake Ashi, a crater lake formed in the caldera. The area's vegetation consists primarily of mixed broadleaf and coniferous forests. Notable natural formations include the Owakudani volcanic valley with active sulfur vents and hot springs. While the area is well-preserved as a national park, it has significant human influence through developed resort areas, roads, and tourist infrastructure integrated into the natural environment.

Story

Hakone has been an important transit point since the Edo period (1603-1868), serving as a crucial checkpoint on the Tokaido highway connecting Edo (Tokyo) and Kyoto. The Hakone Checkpoint was established by the Tokugawa shogunate to monitor traffic and prevent the smuggling of weapons. In the late 19th century, Hakone developed as a resort destination after gaining international recognition for its therapeutic hot springs. The area evolved throughout the 20th century with improved transportation access and the development of cultural institutions, transforming from a historical transit point into a major recreational and cultural destination.