Kanto · central Japan
Hakone & Mount Fuji
Hot springs, a lake, and the mountain that decides each morning whether you get to see it.
Best seasonOctober–November and March–May; clearest views in winter
How long to stay1–2 days
AreaKanto · central Japan
Why go
- Onsen — Japanese hot spring bathing — is the point of Hakone. A night in a ryokan with a bath is worth the detour.
- Lake Ashi, with Fuji behind it on a clear day, and a torii gate standing in the water.
- The Hakone Open-Air Museum, which puts sculpture in a mountain valley and somehow works.
- Lake Kawaguchi on the other side of the mountain, which gives the classic Fuji-with-reflection photograph.
Practical notes
- Fuji hides behind cloud more often than not from June to September. Winter mornings are the most reliable.
- Public baths are taken without clothing and are separated by gender. Wash thoroughly before entering the water.
- Tattoos are still refused at many onsen. If this affects you, book a room with a private bath.
Getting there
About 90 minutes from Shinjuku, Tokyo, by the Odakyu line.