[Hakone] Enjoy Hakone from “Hotel Metropolitan Kawasaki”, the perfect base for sightseeing in the metropolitan area!
Hakone is about 90 minutes away from "Hotel Metropolitan Kawasaki"in Kawasaki City, Kanagawa Prefecture. This article introduces a recommended course for sightseeing in Hakone! We will show you pictures of scenic spots where you can feel the nature of Hakone such as "Lake Ashi" and "Owakudani" while avoiding the crowds by taking a course in the opposite direction to the standard route. In addition to the tourist spots, you should also check out the ropeway and cable car transportation!
Outline
Avoiding the Crowds, Explore Mt. Fuji Spots! A Reverse Journey on the “Hakone Golden Course”
Hakone is a well-known tourist destination, famous for its natural beauty and hot springs. Starting from Hakone-Yumoto Station, you can enjoy the classic “Golden Course,” which takes you through Gora and Owakudani, ultimately leading to Lake Ashi. However, its popularity often leads to be crowded, especially on weekends and during holiday periods.
In this article, we introduce a plan that takes you on the classic Golden Course in reverse, allowing you to avoid the crowds and enjoy a more relaxed experience. You can explore Hakone at your own pace without worrying about the usual throngs of tourists.
We will also introduce some recommended hotels for sightseeing in Hakone! “Hotel Metropolitan Kawasaki”, located in Kawasaki City, Kanagawa Prefecture, is about an hour and a half away from Hakone, making it convenient for combining your trip with other sightseeing spots.
＼Access from Hotel Metropolitan Kawasaki to Hakone-Yumoto (Travel Time: Approximately 90 Minutes):／
JR Tokaido Line: Kawasaki Station to Odawara Station
Hakone Tozan Line: Odawara Station to Hakone-Yumoto
Click here for the official HP
“Narukawa Art Museum” Enjoy Masterpieces Alongside Stunning Views of Lake Ashi
“Narukawa Art Museum” where you can spend a relaxing time thinking about the excellent modern Japanese painting.
At Narukawa Art Museum, you can immerse yourself in the world of contemporary Japanese paintings while enjoying a serene atmosphere. The museum houses over 4,000 arts (※), with exhibitions changing three times a year, allowing visitors to appreciate seasonal masterpieces.
Inside the museum, you can also explore displays of traditional Japanese pigments. These include natural mineral pigments made from ores, new mineral pigments, and suihi pigments derived from soil, all of which have been used in Japanese paintings since ancient times, reflecting a long tradition of using materials from nature.
＼Featured Artists Exhibited at Narukawa Art Museum:／
Kyojin Yamamoto
Ikuo Hirayama
Fumiko Hori
Nobutaka Oka
Susumu Maki
※Refer to “Narukawa Art Museum Official Website” for more information.
Enjoy Panoramic Views of Mt. Fuji from Observation Deck and Tea Lounge!
Another highlight of the museum is the breathtaking views from the observation deck and tea lounge! On sunny days, you can see Mt. Fuji across Lake Ashi.
The tea lounge, Kisetsufū, located right next to the observation deck, features strikingly unique interior colors. From the large windows inside, you can enjoy scenic vistas similar to those from the observation deck.
Savor Sweets Served on Exquisite Tableware!
At the tea lounge, you can enjoy sweets served on exquisite tableware unique to the museum. The collection features arts by glass artist Koji Ishii and rising ceramicist Ryo Mikami.
Recommended menu items: Ice Cream (Matcha, Vanilla, White Peach), each priced at ¥600 (tax included), and Matcha Set for ¥1,100 (tax included). The Matcha Set includes wagashi from the long-established Odawara shop, Seigetsudo Sohonpo. The colorful wagashi offers a refreshing taste that perfectly complements the matcha.
Additionally, the Mt. Fuji Beer for ¥950 (tax included) is served in a glass shaped like Mt. Fuji and features an eye-catching blue color. Light meals such as hot sandwiches and thick toast are also available, making it a great spot for a lunchtime visit.
*By law, sales of alcoholic beverages to persons under the age of 20 are prohibited. Age verification is currently being carried out.
*You must be over 20 years of age to drink alcohol. Drinking and driving is prohibited by law. Drink alcohol in moderation.
*Drinking alcohol during pregnancy or while breastfeeding may have a negative impact on the development of the fetus or infant.
Click here for the official HP
“Hakone Pirate Ship” Enjoy the great outdoors while being blown by the lake breeze to Togendai
After enjoying the Narukawa Art Museum, head to Togendai next! Walk to Motohakone Port and board the Hakone Pirate Ship to cross Lake Ashi.
There are three pirate ships: Queen Ashi, Victory, and Royale II, and it all depends on the timing which one you can board. The interior of the ship, with its intricate decorations and vivid colors, will make you feel luxurious just by being on board.
A spectacular view of Mt. Fuji from the lake!
The cruise takes about 25 minutes, and when you step out onto the deck, Mt. Fuji will appear in front of you to the right. The view of Mt. Fuji from the lake is a little different from the usual view from the land, and is exceptional! Be sure to check it out so you don’t miss your chance to take a photo.
Click here for the official HP
“Owakudani” Hakone Ropeway takes you to an altitude of 1,042m
After arriving at Togendai Port, transfer to the Hakone Ropeway and head to Owakudani. The 18-seat gondola comes every minute (※), so you can board relatively smoothly. You can see the majestic Mount Fuji on the way from Togendai to Owakudani, so enjoy the scenery as you are rocked by in the gondola.
※See “Hakone Navi Official Website“
Experience an unknown landscape at Owakudani!
After about a 30-minute ropeway ride from Togendai, you arrive at Owakudani Station, where a completely different, mysterious sight unfolds before your eyes. The smell of sulfur from the volcanic eruption permeates the air, and you can feel the power of nature from the ochre-colored mountain surface and dead trees.
Owakudani is also popular as a scenic spot, and on clear days you can see Mt. Fuji from the left of the large black egg in front of the Owakudani Kurotamago Museum.
Let’s pray for the blessings of black eggs and Jizo!
Black eggs are a specialty of Owakudani, and are also known as a symbol of longevity (※). The eggs, which have turned black due to the hot spring ingredients, can be purchased at the Owakudani Kurotamagokan for 500 yen (tax included) for a pack of four. They have a mild taste and are easy to peel and eat, making them the perfect snack to satisfy your hunger.
Also, near the Kamiyama hiking trail, there is the Owakudani Enmei Jizo, where Kobo Daishi, who was heartbroken by the sight of Owakudani, also known as Jigokudani, prayed for the salvation of people.
※See “Owakudani Kurotamagokan Official Website“
Click here for the official HP
Take a break from the ropeway and cable car transfers at “Sounzan”
Take Hakone Ropeway from Owakudani and change to Hakone Tozan Cable car at Sounzan Station. As soon as you get off the ropeway, you’ll see the select shop “cu-mo Shop.” There are many cute goods from Hakone, andit just will get your heart pumping.
Inside the store, there is also a huge over 4m high and white post box where you can post international mail. If you purchase a postcard with an original design, affix a stamp and post it, it will be stamped with a scenic stamp of Owakudani.
＼Recommended souvenirs／
“cu-mo shop original hand towel” 650 yen (tax included)
“Hakone Hanaboro” 550 yen (tax included)
“Yosegi earrings” 3,300 yen (tax included)
“Amber sugar” 380 yen each (tax included)
“Onsen socks” 550 yen (tax included)
Let’s enjoy photogenic sweets!
There is also a food and drink corner next to the shop. This one, topped with a large piece of cotton candy, is “New Bell” for 750 yen (tax included). It represents clouds floating in clear sky, and is a smoothie with cheesecake tasted of apples and bananas.
In addition to the shop, there is also an observation terrace, foot bath, an lounge! Let’s spend some relaxing time between transfers at Soun Station, where you can enjoy the spectacular views.
Click here for the official HP
“Gora to Odawara” Cable car and mountain railway! Enjoy scenery from train window
Finally, your journey is going to end. After transferring to Hakone Tozan Cable Car at Sounzan Station, the next stop is Gora Station. It takes about 10 minutes from Sounzan Station, and the train smoothly descends a steep slope of about 1.2 kilometers.
From Gora Station, board Hakone Tozan Railway and head to Odawara Station via Hakone Yumoto. The most notable feature is the switchback, where the train zigzags through three locations: Deyama Signal Station, Odaidai Station, and Kami Odaidai Signal Station, and goes up and down a steep slope. Another highlight is the switchback, where the driver and conductor switch positions!
In addition, the scenery from Deyama Bridge and Zeniarai Benten, enshrined on the platform at Tonosawa Station, also is worth of seeing! From Gora to Odawara, it takes about 50 minutes to transfer to Hakone Yumoto, and the great appeal of sightseeing in Hakone can make you enjoy both sightseeing and travel.
Click here for the official HP
Stay at Hotel Metropolitan Kawasaki and enjoy sightseeing in Hakone
Hotel Metropolitan Kawasaki is a recommended hotel for sightseeing in Hakone, Kanagawa and Tokyo. You can enjoy experiencing Japanese splendor by traditional crafts while eating delicious food and gazing at the spectacular view.
It will make you forget your daily life. It is sure to start your great day, styaing in a sophisticated room and eating a delicious brieakfast buffet in the open kitchen. Use Hotel Metropolitan Kawasaki to make your trip wonderful whether it’s a date, a girls’ trip, or a family trip!.
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