Hakone

Hakone, an idyllic town located in Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan, with a population of 10,965 as of October 1, 2023, encompassing an area of 92.82 square kilometers. This appealing location has attracted much attention as a leading spa town and tourist attraction, due to its numerous hot springs and its closeness to the renowned Mount Fuji, Japan’s most frequented peak.

Located in the hilly western area of Kanagawa Prefecture, Hakone is positioned on the eastern side of Hakone Pass. The town’s topography is significant, since most of its land lies inside the confines of the Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park, a volcanically active region centered on the tranquil Lake Ashi. This distinctive location enhances Hakone’s exceptional temperature and natural allure, rendering it a sanctuary for nature aficionados and anyone desiring an escape from city life.

Hakone’s climate is categorized as humid subtropical, featuring warm summers and cold winters with little to no snowfall. This climatic profile fosters a welcoming environment for tourists year-round. The town has an average annual temperature of 13.3 degrees Celsius, with August generally being the hottest month at around 24.0 degrees Celsius. In contrast, January experiences the lowest temperatures, with averages of 2.9 degrees Celsius. Hakone experiences significant precipitation, averaging 2,221 millimeters annually, with September being the month of highest rainfall.

Hakone’s economy is mostly propelled by its thriving tourism sector, bolstered by the town’s famous onsen hot spring resorts. These natural thermal baths attract a varied clientele, both local and foreign, enticed by the appeal of relaxation and the town’s advantageous proximity to the larger Tokyo area. The contrast between traditional Japanese onsen culture and the background of Mount Fuji offers an alluring attraction for guests in search of a genuine and revitalizing experience.

Ōwakudani geysers, a manifestation of the region’s persistent volcanic activity, are among Hakone’s most enthralling attractions. These striking natural formations provide tourists a tangible link to the earth’s geothermal dynamics. The Hakone Shrine is an old Shinto temple situated on the banks of Lake Ashi, which is equally remarkable. The distinctive torii gate, partially immersed in the lake, has become a symbol of the town and a favored location for photography aficionados.

Nature enthusiasts will discover tranquility at the Hakone Botanical Garden of Wetlands, a well-organized area exhibiting the region’s varied plant life. The garden provides a serene setting for reflection and learning about indigenous plant species. Seasonal attractions augment Hakone’s allure, as the delicate cherry blossoms (sakura) adorn the landscape in subtle pink hues throughout April, while the fall months see the Miscanthus sinensis (susuki) grass swaying elegantly in the brisk mountain air.

Art and culture flourish in Hakone, as seen by its myriad museums. The Hakone Open-Air Museum is a distinctive cultural establishment that integrates art with nature harmoniously. Visitors may examine a vast array of sculptures amidst the verdant slopes of Hakone. The Pola Museum of Art provides a conventional museum experience, with a remarkable collection of Japanese and Western art inside an architecturally beautiful environment.

Hakone’s calendar has notable events that attract tourists from around Japan and beyond. The annual JLPGA CAT Ladies Golf competition features premier female golfing talent set against the picturesque landscape of Hakone’s rolling hills. The Hakone Ekiden is perhaps even more famous, being a challenging long-distance collegiate foot race conducted yearly over the New Year time. This two-day race, spanning from Tokyo to Hakone and back, challenges the endurance of young athletes while honoring the couriers who historically navigated the Tōkaidō route, linking Edo (present-day Tokyo) with Kyoto.

The town’s profound history is seen in venues like the Fujiya Hotel in Miyanoshita. This esteemed institution has accommodated a notable clientele of literary personalities, statesmen, and foreign guests during the Meiji, Taishō, and early Shōwa periods. The hotel functions as a living museum, providing guests insight into Japan’s industrialization while preserving its cultural history.

Hakone’s creative heritage beyond its museums includes traditional crafts. The village is famous for a distinctive kind of marquetry called Yosegi. This complex woodworking method entails crafting complicated designs and pictures with various colored woods, yielding exquisite ornamental items that are treasured gifts for several visits.

Hakone has gained unforeseen prominence in popular culture in recent years, especially among anime aficionados. The town is the principal location for the renowned manga and anime series Neon Genesis Evangelion, shown as the advanced city of Tokyo-3. This affiliation has resulted in the creation of several attractions and experiences associated with the franchise, attracting fans globally. In 2017, the town’s acceptance of this cultural phenomenon was reinforced when Hakone was recognized as one of 88 anime pilgrimage locations for 2018 by the Anime Tourism Association.

In 2020, the municipality confirmed its dedication to this cultural tie by introducing new Evangelion-themed decorations across the city. These enhancements were implemented in expectation of the last film’s release in the Rebuild of Evangelion tetralogy, further solidifying Hakone’s significance among anime enthusiasts and augmenting its multifaceted allure.