Hakone, located in Kanagawa Prefecture, is a very popular tourist destination. It is popular among foreign visitors as well as residents in the Tokyo area. The natural beauty, hot springs, and many attractions are all great reasons to visit.
Because of its proximity and accessibility, it is popular among Japanese people, too, and it is enjoyable all year.
神奈川県足柄下郡にある箱根は、箱根火山や芦ノ湖など、ダイナミックな風景や温泉が楽しめる人気の観光地です。また、都心からのアクセスも近く、季節を問わずに楽しめるので、日本人にとってもポピュラーな観光地です。
From Hakone Zenzan's Youtube channel
There are far too many scenic locations, but here are some of the most iconic locations.
すべてを紹介しきれないほどたくさんありますが、ここでは代表的な観光スポットをご紹介します。
There is a wide range of dynamic landscapes and a beautiful natural environment.｜ダイナミックな風景や、美しい自然を楽しむ
Owakudani（大涌谷）：
On a clear day, this location is perfect for viewing Mt. Fuji.
晴れた日には富士山も眺められる、絶好のロケーション。
Lake Ashi（芦ノ湖）：
The lake is one of the most famous landmarks in the Hakone area. It is said to have been formed by volcanic eruptions around 3100 years ago.
箱根観光のシンボルとも言える、美しい湖。約3100年前に起きた火山の噴火によってできた湖だと言われています。
Sengokuhara Marsh（仙石原湿原）：
This is the last remaining marshland in Kanagawa prefecture. It is famous for the golden pampas grass in autumn.
神奈川県に残る唯一の湿原。秋のすすき草原が有名です。
Onshi Hakone Park（恩賜箱根公園）：
Located on the edge of Lake Ashi, the Japanese garden is spectacular in all four seasons. In addition, it offers great views of Mt. Fuji.
四季折々の美しさを持つ、日本庭園。芦ノ湖の端に位置し、富士山の絶景が広がります。
Hiryu Waterfall（飛龍の滝）：
The waterfall is said to have been used by ascetic monks in the Kamakura Period during their training.
鎌倉時代に修験者たちの修行の場所だったと伝えられています。
Enjoy spectacular scenery as you ride｜乗り物から景色を楽しむ
Hakone Tozan Railway（箱根登山電車）：
This railroad has a long history, opening in 1919, and is very popular among train fans. The railroad is well-known for its switchbacks, due to the treacherous mountain terrain.
1919年に開業した、歴史のある本格的な山岳鉄道です。鉄道ファンにも人気！
Hakone Ropeway（箱根ロープウェイ）：
The ropeway is said to offer a "walk in the sky." During the ride, you can enjoy spectacular views of Mt. Fuji, Owakudani, and Lake Ashi.
空中散歩のような体験ができる空中ケーブル式昇降機のひとつです。息をのむような富士山、大涌谷や芦ノ湖の絶景が眺められます。
Pleasure boats（遊覧船）：
There are four boats that circle Lake Ashi, offering passengers transit as well as wonderful views. There are several routes, including "the Ashinokomaru." Some of the routes offer spectacular views of Mt. Fuji.
芦ノ湖の景色が楽しめる遊覧船。複数のコースがあり、「あしのこ丸」など4種類の船が就航しています。
Hakone Pirate Ship（箱根海賊船）：
Three of the boats on Lake Ashi are designed as pirate ships. One of them has an aisle that is decorated with 3D art and has pirate -style object on board. These ships are particularly loved by children, although adults can enjoy them, too.
海賊船風の船で、そのひとつには3Dアートが施された通路があったり、船内にはオブジェがあったりします。子ども大人も楽しめます。
Visit shrines｜神社に参拝する
Hakone Shrine（箱根神社）：
Hakone Shrine is well-known as a sacred place. It is located at the waterside of Lake Ashi. It is famous for its "Torii Gate of Peace," which stands in the water of Lake Ashi.
パワースポットとしても有名な神社。神社前の芦ノ湖の水辺に位置し、「平和の鳥居」が建っています。
Kuzuryu Shrine（九頭竜神社）：
Kuzuryu Shrine is also by the waterside of Lake Ashi. The shrine is dedicated to a dragon deity that appears in a folk tale about Lake Ashi, “The Legend of Kuzuryu.” The shrine is considered to be one that offers good omens for business and love.
芦ノ湖の「九頭竜伝説」に登場する、龍神様が祭（まつ）られています。商売繁盛や縁結びのご利益として有名です。
Relax in hot springs｜温泉で癒される
Hakone Onsen（箱根温泉）：
Although there are several different onsen areas in Hakone, they are collectively known as Hakone Onsen. There are more than 100 onsen inns and hotels in the area. Most of the onsen are scattered in the hillside going up from Hakone Yumoto station, from the middle to near the top of the Hakone volcano.
Onsen resorts in Hakone include Hakone-Yumoto Onsen, Tonosawa Onsen, Ashinoyu Onsen, Gora Onsen, and many others!
箱根温泉は、箱根町にある温泉の総称です。箱根火山の麓（ふもと）から中腹にかけて複数の温泉街が点在しており、100件をこえる温泉旅館・ホテルがあります。箱根湯本温泉、塔ノ沢温泉、芦之湯温泉、強羅温泉、ほかにもたくさん！
Get bedazzled by art｜アートに魅了される
Hakone is also famous for its many museums.
箱根は美術館が多いことでも有名です。
The Hakone Open-Air Museum（箱根彫刻の森美術館）
This museum focuses on outdoor sculptures. There are significant pieces created by masters, including Rodin, Picasso, and Moore.
野外彫刻を中心とした美術館です。ロダン、ムーア、ピカソといった巨匠の名作に触れることができます。
Hakone Glass Forest Museum（箱根ガラスの森美術館）
Hakone Lake Ashi Narukawa Art Museum（箱根芦ノ湖成川美術館）
Pola Museum of Art（ポーラ美術館）
Just seeing these photos makes you want to explore Hakone, doesn't it?
Find out more in these Hakone tourist guides!
写真を眺めているだけで、箱根を旅したくなりますよね？興味のある方は、こちらの箱根ガイドもチェックしてみてくださいね！
※This article is based on information available in December 2021.
※この記事は、2021年12月現在の情報を元に作成されました。
Absolutely love Hakone! I've only been there twice. Both times were a romantic get away from the hustle and bustle of the city. A random tangent, but it was one of the only places in Japan where I found a traditional yosegi puzzle box. One of those boxes that don't have an obvious way of opening them. Well worth the trip.
I've been to most of the spots mentioned in the article. For people visiting on day-trips from Tokyo, one of the highly recommended onsen to visit is Tenzan. There is a 100 yen shuttle bus to the onsen from Hakone-Yumoto Station. It is a reasonably long hike uphill from the station, but certainly doable. The price is somewhat steep-1200 yen-but it is a very enjoyable soak.
One thing worth noting is there are actually two onsen run by the same place. I prefer the honkan-original/main venue. The 2nd place is dominated by hinoki wooden baths. The original bath is set inside of a hill and has a very nice cave sauna, among other things. But usually the hinoki bath is…