Overview
Set in the volcanic hills of the Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park, Hakone has drawn travellers to its hot springs for centuries, and on a clear day Mount Fuji rises across Lake Ashi. It is close enough for a day trip from Tokyo but best over a night in a ryokan with its own baths. The classic way round links a mountain railway, a cable car over a steaming valley, a pirate-styled boat across the lake and a run back to the start, taking in art museums and views along the way.
Highlights
Lake Ashi carries sightseeing boats past the red torii gate of Hakone Shrine standing in the water, with Mount Fuji behind on clear days. The ropeway crosses the Owakudani valley, where sulphurous steam vents from the hillside and eggs are boiled black in the hot springs. The Hakone Open-Air Museum and a soak in a hot-spring inn round out the mountain stay.