What's So Fun About Hakone That Even Jack Ma Loves It?

📍 Transportation Guide • 🚂 From Tokyo to Hakone: Take the Odakyu Railway and purchase the Hakone Free Pass, which includes round-trip transportation from Tokyo to Hakone and unlimited rides on local transport—great value! • 🚌 Getting around Hakone: Options include the Hakone Tozan Railway, Hakone Tozan Cable Car, and Hakone Ropeway, making it easy to explore all the attractions. 📍 Recommended Attractions • 🏞️ Hakone-Yumoto: The final stop of the Odakyu Romancecar, perfect for storing luggage or buying souvenirs. • 🚂 Hakone Tozan Railway: Japan’s steepest mountain railway with stunning scenic views. • 🎨 Hakone Open-Air Museum: A vast outdoor sculpture park featuring art installations and a foot bath. • 🌋 Owakudani: A volcanic valley with active sulfur vents, famous for its black eggs. On clear days, you can see Mt. Fuji. • 🚢 Hakone Pirate Ship: A themed cruise on Lake Ashi offering views of Mt. Fuji and the iconic torii gate of Hakone Shrine. • 🏰 Hakone Shrine: A must-visit after docking at Motohakone Port, famous for its "Peace Torii" gate on the lake. 📍 Itinerary Suggestions • 🌅 Day Trip: Shinjuku (Odakyu Romancecar) → Hakone-Yumoto Station (Hakone Tozan Railway) → Gora Station (Hakone Tozan Cable Car) → Sounzan Station (Hakone Ropeway) → Owakudani → Togendai (Hakone Pirate Ship) → Motohakone Port (photo op at the shrine’s torii gate). • 🌟 2-Day Trip: Arrive in Hakone in the morning, explore Gora Station, and visit Gotemba Premium Outlets in the afternoon. On day two, tour Owakudani, Togendai, and Hakone Shrine. • 🌆 3-Day Trip: Extend the 2-day trip with a visit to Kawaguchiko for panoramic views of Mt. Fuji. 📍 Accommodation Recommendations • 🏨 Near Gora Station: Convenient transport with a serene mountain atmosphere—book early! • 🏨 Near Hakone-Yumoto Station: Easy access to attractions and more lodging options. 📍 Food Recommendations • 🍳 Salon de the ROSAGE: Enjoy rose-flavored apple pie with lakeside views. • 🍳 Around Gora Station: Try local specialties like soba noodles and tofu dishes. 📍 Shopping Recommendations • 🛍️ Gotemba Premium Outlets: Great for tax-free shopping of Japanese brands. 📍 Tips • 📅 Book Ahead: Reserve accommodations and transport passes early, especially during peak seasons. • 🌤️ Check the Weather: Hakone’s weather is unpredictable—monitor forecasts to adjust plans.