■Hakone Area

🗻 Spot Overview

The Hakone area is one of Japan’s most famous resort destinations, known for its natural beauty, hot springs, and iconic views of Mt. Fuji. Centered around Lake Ashi, the region offers a perfect blend of culture, history, art, and relaxation. Visitors can enjoy a scenic cruise on the Hakone Sightseeing Pirate Ship, which glides across the lake with panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. Along the lakeshore stands Hakone Shrine, a historic spiritual site famous for its red torii gate rising from the water. Nearby, the Hakone Sekisho Checkpoint provides a fascinating look into Japan’s Edo‑period travel system, with reconstructed buildings and exhibits that bring history to life.

Hakone is also renowned for its hot springs, with numerous traditional ryokan and public baths offering soothing mineral-rich waters. For art lovers, the Hakone Open‑Air Museum is a must‑visit, featuring large‑scale sculptures, nature trails, and a Picasso Pavilion set in a beautiful valley. The combination of outdoor art and mountain scenery creates a unique cultural experience.

With its mix of nature, culture, and relaxation, Hakone is ideal for day trips or multi‑day stays. The area is easily combined with Gotemba, Odawara, or the Fuji Five Lakes, making it a versatile destination for travelers seeking both iconic Japanese landscapes and peaceful retreat experiences.

🌟 Highlights – Hakone Area

  • Lake Ashi – Scenic lake with Mt. Fuji views on clear days.
  • Hakone Shrine – Famous red torii gate standing in the water.
  • Hakone Sekisho Checkpoint – Reconstructed Edo‑period checkpoint.
  • Hot Springs (Onsen) – Traditional ryokan and public baths throughout the region.
  • Hakone Open‑Air Museum – Outdoor sculptures + Picasso Pavilion.
  • Hakone Pirate Ship Cruise – Popular sightseeing cruise across Lake Ashi.

💡 Useful Tips for Visitors

  • Weather matters—Mt. Fuji may be hidden by clouds.
  • Weekdays are less crowded than weekends.
  • Wear comfortable shoes—many areas involve slopes or forest paths.
  • Hakone Freepass is useful for multi‑stop travel.
  • Onsen etiquette: no swimsuits; tattoos may be restricted.
  • Best seasons: spring blossoms, summer greens, autumn foliage.

🚐 Access from Shimizu Port (Hinode Pier)

1. Taxi / Private Transfer – Fastest & Most Convenient

  • Travel time: approx. 1 hour 10–20 minutes to Lake Ashi area
  • Ideal for cruise passengers with limited time.
  • Easy to combine with Hakone Shrine, Pirate Ship, or Open‑Air Museum.

2. Shuttle Bus → JR Shimizu Station → Train → Odawara → Hakone

  1. Shuttle Bus: Hinode Pier → JR Shimizu Station（10 min）
  2. JR Train: Shimizu → Odawara Station（approx. 60–70 min）
  3. Local Transport: Odawara → Hakone (bus or Hakone Tozan Railway)（20–40 min）

Total: approx. 1.5–2 hours one way.

📍 Location

Hakone Area, Ashigarashimo District, Kanagawa Prefecture
Centered around Lake Ashi, extending toward Gora, Sengokuhara, and Hakone‑Yumoto.

Owakudani
Owakudani
Ropeway from Owakudani
the Hakone Sightseeing Pirate Ship
the Hakone Sightseeing Pirate Ship
the Hakone Sightseeing Pirate Ship
Hakone Shrine
Hakone Shrine
Hakone Shrine
Old Tokaido Cedar Avenue
the Hakone Open‑Air Museum
Sights and Experience from Shimizu Port

■Shimizu Area
S-Pulse Dream Plaza (Shimizu Port), Shimizu　　Ryugeji Temple, Shimizu　　Seishintei Tea House, Shimizu Funakoshi Tsutsumi Park, Shizuoka, Shimizu　　Shimizu Ekimae Ginza Shopping Street, Shimizu　　Shimizu Fish Market, Riverside Market, Shimizu　　Shimizu Port Seamen’s Inn Museum”SUEHIRO”, Shimizu　　Minowa Inari Shrine, Shimizu　　Shimizuminato Jirocho Seika (Jirocho’s Birthplace), Shimizu　　Miho no Matsubara　　Nihondaira ( Yume-Terrace)　　Nihondaira Ocha Kaikan　　Nihondaira Ropeway　　Nippondaira Hotel　　Kunozan Toshogu Shrine　　Satta Pass　　Jiji-in Temple, Shizuoka　　▲Shizuoka City Tokaido Hiroshige Museum of Art 【Long-Term Closure】
■Shizuoka Area
Oden Yokocho ( Aoba Yokocho), Shizuoka　　Shizuoka City Museum of History　　Shizuoka Gofuku-cho Shopping Street　　Shizuoka Hobby Square　　Shizuoka Sengen Shrine, Shizuoka　　Sumpu Castle Park, Shizuoka
■Eastern Shizuoka Area
Lake Ashi (Ashinoko)　　Hakone Area　　Owakudani Valley, Hakone　　Mishima Sky Walk　　Fuji Safari Park　　Fuji Bussharito Heiwa Park, Gotemba　　Gotemba Premium Outlets, Gotemba　　Mt.Fuji World Heritage Centre, Shizuoka　　Fujisan Hongu Sengen Taisha Shrine, Fuji-City　　Jinba Falls, Fujinomiya　　Lake Tanuki　　Shiraito Falls, Fujinomiya　　Taiseki-Ji Temple, Fujinomiya　　Obuchi-sasaba, Fuji-City
■Close to Mt.Fuji
Oshino Hakkai　　Lake Kawaguchi　　Lake Motosu　　Saiko Iyashi-no-Sato Nemba　　Arakurayama Sengen Park, Fujiyoshida　　Kitaguchihongu Fuji Sengenjinja, Fujiyoshida　　Narusawa Ice Cave　　Yurari Hot Springs （Fuji Chobo no Yu Yurari）