HAKONE

Hakone is located in the Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park, less than 2 hours south-west of Tokyo at the base of Mt. Fuji. The proximity to the capital and the abundance of hot springs have made it a popular resort destination among locals and tourists alike. After a long onsen soak and prime Fuji viewing at Lake Ashinoko, visitors can soak up the culture and history of the area at the various museums, galleries, temples and shrines.

During the Edo period, Hakone was one of the largest checkpoints controlling traffic along the Tokaido road which connected Kyoto to the capital, Edo (Tokyo). Travellers were inspected for incoming guns and outgoing fugitives in an effort to keep the Tokugawa shogunate in control. These days, visitors have the chance to walk in the footsteps of those feudal lords along what still remains of the Tokaido road. Being a mountainous region, Hakone is home to various other hiking trails winding through the spectacular scenery.