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Hakone is a mountainous area located south-west of Tokyo in Kanagawa Prefecture. It is part of the Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park, boasting a breathtaking view of Mount Fuji over Lake Ashi. The area is known internationally for the abundant attractions, including a plethora of shops, restaurants, galleries, museums as well as traditional Japanese experiences including shrines, ryokans and natural hot springs. Whilst the attractions on the North-East side of Lake Ashi are common knowledge, there is plenty more that deserve more attention.

Overflowing with rich history, the Moto-Hakone-ko area located on the south coast of Lake Ashi is a perfect destination for those who want to explore at their own place. Lined with attractions showcasing traditional Japanese beauty – old and new. It tends to have fewer tourists than the northern area – all the more reason it should be added to your itinerary for visiting Hakone.

Witness the new

Located on the opposite side of Lake Ashi, the Narukawa Art Museum is a contemporary art museum dedicated to a traditional style of Japanese painting. The ‘Nihonga’ style is unique to Japan for its use of special tools, techniques and natural materials that have remained unchanged for hundreds of years. As well as a collection of over 4,000 works of modern Nihonga paintings, the museum also features a café and lounge with one of the best views overlooking the area.

Admire the history 

The Hakone Shrine has stood at the foot of Mount Hakone for over 1000 years, with one of its brilliant red shrine gates set prominently on the shores of Lake Ashi. From here, a path leading up a series of steps lined by lanterns take you to the shrine’s main building sitting peacefully among the forest.

Hakone had an important role in the feudal Edo Period when it served as a checkpoint to control traffic along the old Tokaido Road which linked Tokyo with Kyoto. Part of the road running along the bank of Lake Ashi is particularly photogenic, lined with towering cedar trees planted over 400 years ago. As Hakone has some of the best-preserved sections of the historical road, you will be transported back in time as you walk the paths that those of ancient Japan did.

As the busy Tokaido highway was full of travellers, many businesses provided travellers with a place to eat, drink and rest. One of the few that remains to this day is the traditional tea house, Amazake Chaya. This teahouse is a family business which has been running for hundreds of years in a building where the atmosphere remains unchanged since the Edo period. Amazake Chaya’s menu remains unchanged, and as their name suggests, they specialise in amazake – a non-alcoholic sweet rice wine, as well as various traditional Japanese sweets. After a long day of exploring, make it your mission to visit Amazake Chaya and try something to tame your sweet tooth.

For a relaxed day in exploring the Moto-Hakone-ko area, Odakyu Electric Railway offers the ‘The Hakone Freepass’, a discounted ticket tailored especially for use when exploring the Hakone area. It includes unlimited use of Odakyu-affiliated buses, trains, and more as well as giving discounts at shops, attractions and other locations. Access the Moto-Hakone-ko area leisurely with the Hakone Freepass pass using the Hakone Tozan Bus from Hakone Yumoto Station.

Important information for those visiting Japan after October 2019

1-Trains suspended (between Hakone-Yumoto Station and Gora Station)

Due to the damage from Typhoon Hagibis which hit the Kanto Region of Japan on 12th

October, the operation of trains running between Hakone-Yumoto Station and Gora Station

have been suspended until further notice. While train operations are suspended, substitute bus services will be available for passengers to use.

All trains between Odawara Station and Hakone-Yumoto Station are operating as

scheduled. For more information, please visit:

https://www.hakonenavi.jp/international/en/status_information

2- Suspension of Hakone Tozan Cable Car operations due to renewal work

Due to the renewal work of the facility and trains, the Hakone Tozan Cable Car will be suspending operation of all routes between Gora Station and Sounzan Station from Tuesday, December 3rd, 2019 to late March 2020 (tentative). During the suspension of the Hakone Tozan Cable Car, substitute bus services will be provided. For more information, please visit:

https://www.hakonenavi.jp/international/en/status_information