Hakone

About Hakone
Hakone is a scenic mountain town located between Mt. Fuji and Sagami Bay, less than 100 kilometres from Tokyo. It is famous for its hot springs, beautiful nature, and cultural sightseeing spots, not to mention great views of Mt. Fuji itself.

The iconic red gate of Hakone Shrine
Hakone Shrine is one of the most sought-after spots on a trip to Hakone, largely due to its wonderfully picturesque red torii gate. A torii gate traditionally signifies the transition from the mundane to the sacred, which is even more obvious here because of the transition from land to lake.

Visitors line up for a picture at the gate with Lake Ashinoko in the background. The spot can get quite crowded and sometimes foggy, so it’s best to try and get a shot earlier in the day, then visit the shrine itself afterwards. There are 89 steps up to the shrine, where you are greeted by a small nine-headed dragon fountain based on an old legend.

Other attractions in Hakone
Hakone is also known for its great nature and culture, with its two main landmarks being Lake Ashinoko and Mt. Hakone. You can visit the mountain’s peak, called Komagatake, by ropeway, and there are numerous picturesque hiking trails that go down to the lake.

Otherwise, you can visit one of the various museums, go on a boat ride across the lake, or even have a soak at one of the famous local hot spring baths!