Hakone

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Hakone Shrine

Located at the foot of Mt. Hakone along Lake Ashinoko the Shrine is hidden in the deep forest. The visitors climb up steep approaching stairs to reach the shrine. Hakone-jinja shrine dates back to the year 757. Many Shogun military commanders prayed at this shrine devotedly, so it became famous throughout the country. Another group of worshipers were travelers, who regularly visited the Hakone area, and often came here to pray for a safe trip. Even today, the many Japanese and overseas tourists visit here. “Red gate of peace” standing in Ashinoko Lake is popular photo spot and tourists always form a long line to take photo.   

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Lake Ashinoko

Lake Ashinoko is in shape of a gourd, 20km in circumference. It was formed in the caldera of Mount Hakone after the volcanic last eruption 3000 years ago. A boat cruise from one end of the lake to the other takes about 30 minutes. There are two Boat companies, Hakone Sightseeing Boats and Izuhakone Sightseeing Boats in operation. The Hakone Free pass is valid only on the pirate ship of Hakone Sightseeing Boats. Hakone shrine’s beautiful vermilion Torii gates with feet in the lake.

Hakone

Owaku dani

Owakudani (大涌谷, Ōwakudani) is one of the most famous scenic spots. The volcanic landscape was created during the last eruption of Mount Hakone around 3000 years ago. Owakudani is an active volcanic zone and sulfurous fumes are gushing out of the cracks in the earth. View of Owakudani from Ropeway Hakone Geo Museum Hakone Geo Museum displays mechanics of Owakudani creation. Kuro tamago Kuro tamago meaning black egg is a specialty of Owakudani.  The egg cooked in the hot water has its shells blackened by the sulfur. It’s said if you eat one egg, you can extend your life by seven years, two eggs, by 14 years. One pack contains […]

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Gora Park

Gora Park (強羅公園, Gōra Kōen) is a western style landscape park located on the steep slope above Gora Station. It feature a wide panoramic view of Hakone, the fountain and rose garden in symmetry. Rose garden Rose Garden Greenhouse The park also has two greenhouses, one is tropical botanical garden and the other is a seasonal flower garden. Hydrangea flowering in June Hakuun-do Chaen Japanese style tea house The Hakuun-do Chaen Japanese style tea house was designated as the national tangible cultural property in 2001. Japanese tea & sweet are served (500yen).

Hakone

Hakone Open Air Museum

The Hakone Open Air Museum opened in 1969 as the first open air art museum in Japan. It creates a harmony of nature and art by exhibiting various sculptures on its lawns with views of the surrounding forests and mountains. The museum has various galleries and exhibitions outdoors and indoors. The Picasso collection, art gallery built in 1984 displays wide range of works including paintings, drawings, prints, sculptures and ceramics, etc., and photo of the artist’s studio revealing his life. Outside various sculptures from Japanese and overseas artists are displayed on the lawns. Miss Black Power by Niki de Saint Phalle (France) “Inspired from the growing belly of an expecting […]

Hakone

Mt.Fuji

Mt. Fuji, a symbol of Japan is the highest conical mountain with the height of 3776 meters. Located on the border of Yamanashi and Shizuoka prefecture, it was registered as UNESCO world heritage site in 2013. Known as shy mountain, Mt.Fuji rarely appear, but if you are lucky beautifully snow-capped mountain can been seen. At the top there is Shinto Torii gate and thousands people climb Mt.Fuji from the beginning of July to the beginning of September, when it is officially open to the public. Some walk up from the bottom but many people drive up to the fifth station at 2400meters, and then walk up to the top taking […]