Hakone [Kanagawa]

Q. I heard Hakone is a world-class resort. How is it famous and superior to other sightseeing spots?

A. It is famous both inside and outside of Japan as a resort area brimming with natural hot springs of the highest quality, and for its stunning views of Mt Fuji.

Q. Please tell me about hot springs in Hakone.

A. There are 17 hot springs in Hakone, boasting 20 different types of spring water

The area is located at the base of the Mt. Hakone volcano

Another popular destination in Hakone is Hakone Kowakien Yunessun , a kind of hot spring theme park. Here, you can bathe in a host of hot spring baths-some somewhat unusual such as the coffee, red wine and green tea tubs. 

Q.Is Hakone accessible from Tokyo? 

A. Located in western Kanagawa Prefecture, Hakone is easily accessible from Tokyo by train and bus.Take the Odakyu Line from Shinjuku Station to Hakone-Yumoto Station (90 minutes)

Q.Which part of the area do you recommend me to go to see beautiful sceneries?

A. The most iconic view in the area is arguably that of Mt Fuji from the southeastern shore of Lake Ashinoko . For views from the water and to explore more of the lake, take one of the sightseeing boat tours. The pirate ship-shaped boats operated by Hakone Sightseeing Boats add a little extra fun to the experience. Alternatively, ride the Hakone Tozan Railway through the area. Trains pass through dense forests and across bridges high up over picturesque gorges.

Q.What’s around the volcanic area?

A. Spare some time to visit Owakudani, a volcanic valley with active hot springs and sulfur vents. The scenery is surreal with volcanic gas and steam billowing up from all around.

If you can stomach the strong smell of sulfur and feel like a snack, you may want to try one of the black eggs sold in the valley. They are boiled in the hot springs and colored black by the sulfur. Eating one is said to prolong your life by several years.

Q. Any museum around?

A. Just a short walk from Chokoku-no-Mori Station is the Hakone Open-Air Museum . Spread over 70,000 square meters, this museum features over 100 sculptures by Japanese and international artists.

Word Focus:

brimming 〜で旺盛である

boasting 自慢の

alternatively 代替え案として

dense 密集した

picturesque gorges 絵画のように美しい

sulfur 硫黄