Hakones

Hakone is a town in Ashigarashimo District, Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan. It is part of the Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park and sits in a volcanic region in western Kanagawa. The area centers on Lake Ashi, a crater lake bordered by forested hills and the active Owakudani Valley, known for sulfur vents and hot springs. Hakone is a major onsen (hot spring) destination and a popular year-round tourist site, with views of Mount Fuji on clear days.

Key attractions include Lake Ashi’s sightseeing boats, the Hakone Ropeway and cable cars, and the open-air sculpture park at the Hakone Open-Air Museum. The historic Hakone Shrine, with its torii gate on the lakeshore, and remnants of the Edo-period Tokaido route, such as the Hakone Checkpoint, add cultural depth to visits.

History and events: The region has served travelers since the Edo period as a stop on the Tokaido road. The Hakone Ekiden, a famous long-distance relay from Tokyo to Hakone, draws wide attention each January.

Transportation and economy: The area is served by the Hakone Tozan Railway from Odawara to Gora, with further connections by cable car and ropeway to Sounzan and Togendai; boats operate on Lake Ashi. From Tokyo, the Odakyu Romancecar to Hakone-Yumoto provides frequent access. Tourism is the principal industry, supported by ryokan inns, museums, and shops. Volcanic activity at Owakudani and other sites can affect access during eruptions, and conservation measures are in place within the national park.