Hakone
Hakone is a mountainous hot-spring resort town in Kanagawa Prefecture, just 90 minutes from Tokyo by the iconic Romancecar express. Nestled within the caldera of an ancient volcano, the area offers a rich mix of natural wonders — steaming volcanic valleys, serene crater lakes, and forested ridges with views of Mt. Fuji on clear days. The town has been a retreat for weary travellers since the Edo period, when it served as a checkpoint on the old Tokaido highway. Today Hakone blends tradition with world-class art and relaxation. Soak in an open-air onsen overlooking misty mountains, ride the aerial ropeway over the sulphurous Owakudani valley, or cruise Lake Ashi on a replica pirate ship. The Hakone Free Pass makes exploring by train, bus, cable car, and boat remarkably simple and affordable.
