Hakone Weekend: Onsens, Art, and Mount Fuji Views

Just 85 minutes from Tokyo is Hakone, a mountainous resort town that has been a favorite escape for city dwellers for centuries. If you want to experience the “Onsen Life” while catching a glimpse of the elusive Mount Fuji, this is the place to be.

The Hakone “Loop”

The best way to see the area is to follow the Hakone Round Course. Use a Hakone Free Pass to hop on:

• The Tozan Railway: A mountain train that zig-zags through lush valleys.
• The Hakone Ropeway: For views of the active volcanic valley of Owakudani (don’t forget to eat a black egg, said to add seven years to your life).
• Lake Ashi Cruise: A pirate-ship ride with (hopefully) a view of Mt. Fuji rising behind the red Torii gate of Hakone Shrine.

Art in the Mountains: The Open-Air Museum

Even if you’re not an “art person,” the Hakone Open-Air Museum is a must. Huge sculptures by Picasso, Moore, and Japanese artists are scattered across a rolling landscape with the mountains as a backdrop. It is one of the most successful integrations of art and nature in the world.

The Onsen Experience

Hakone is famous for its diverse hot spring water. Whether you stay at a luxury Ryokan or visit a public bathhouse like Hakone Yuryo, soaking in the mineral-rich waters while looking at the forest is the ultimate Japanese detox.

Conclusion

Hakone is the perfect antidote to Tokyo’s high-octane energy. It’s where nature, art, and relaxation meet in perfect harmony.