Visited Japan quite a few times, but always missed the opportunity to visit the one of the world most famous natural park in Japan – The Hakone. Until recently, finally the dream come true. Travel in Odakyu Romance Car Express, it only takes about 78 minutes from Shinjuku station to Hakone main station. Once reaches the station and step out from the station, the very fresh air and broad greenery welcomes you. But what you will enjoy and feel touching most will be the warm hearted and very friendly people that always smile and welcome you.
The advice for traveling to Hakone is the best in the second or third day of your Tokyo travel itinerary or the last few days at the end of your travel itinerary. Wondering why? Here is the reason for you. It is best to visit Hakone with a 2 days 1 night trip. Once you touch down, you can drop your luggage in the hotel concierge, just bring along enough clothing for the 2 days 1 night change. The reason is, carrying big luggages travel up and down the hills is not fun at all.
Here is the 3 days 2 nights Hakone Travel Itinerary summary:
Day 1: Entering Hakone Through Ancient Pathway and Experiences
Start from riding on Pirate Ship (or known as Kankosen in Japaense) on Lake Ashinoko or Ashi, then visit the 387 years of history Hakone Sekisho – The Museum of Hakone Custom Gateway or Check Point. After that, you can walk through the Japanese Cedar forest pathway where it was the only pathway for travelers get into Hakone 400 years ago. Follow up is the Hakone Shire which is famous place for single to pray for getting a partner or praying for baby. You can take short rest at the famous Ame Cha Sake Ya, it has 350 years of history and famous of many traditional foods and drinks since the Edo period. Lastly destination is the Old Street of Hakone Museum, which you able to time travel back to the most prosperous period of Hakone street view.
Day 2: Natural Volcano Experience, Arts, Museums, Hot Spring Park
Start your journey by taking cable car up to the peak of Hakone from Hakone Togendai Station, along the cable car journey you will have the chance to see the whole view Hakone National Park and from far the Mt. Fuji. Stop at Owakudani station to visit the 400 thousands year old volcano, there is always hot steam and hot springs fountain burst out from the land. Then visit the Gora Park, it is the only France style garden in Japan. After having a leisure walk in the Gora Park, you can drop by the Hakone Open Air Museum (Hakone-OAM) to see the outdoor sculptures that is so special, uniques and full of innovation and artistic creativity. A must visit place the world first The Lepetit Prince Museum, where you can find all about Lepetit Prince and its author Saint Exupery. The finished off the day with a refreshing activity venue – The Yunessum, a hot spring theme park that need to wear swim suit or trunk for kids and adults.
Day 3: Museum and Shopping
The famous Venetian Glass Museum which exhibits more than 100 pieces of precious Europe Royal families glass artifacts and hand works. If you still have time, you can too visit the Hakone Toy Museum where you can find around 3000 pieces of toy since your grandma or grandpa times. You might found your favorite kid time toys here too. Lastly, make sure you don’t miss out the Omiyage Street which the street that sells all sort of local authentic products in Hakone and Japan. After getting all the Omiyage you want, head back to the station and back to Shinjuku and ends your 3 days 2 nights stay in Hakone.
***Around World Travels***