Hakone

Hakone, located in Kanagawa Prefecture near Tokyo, is a popular destination known for its natural beauty, hot springs, and views of Mount Fuji. Part of the Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park, Hakone offers a relaxing escape with its famous onsen resorts, such as those in Yumoto and Kowakudani, where visitors can unwind in mineral-rich baths surrounded by nature. The scenic Ashinoko Lake, formed from volcanic activity, provides stunning views of Mount Fuji on clear days and can be explored by sightseeing boats or from the shores. Hakone is also home to cultural highlights like the Hakone Shrine, with its iconic red torii gate on the lake, and the Open-Air Museum, featuring contemporary art installations and sculptures in a beautiful outdoor setting. With its mix of natural wonders, cultural attractions, and soothing hot springs, Hakone is an ideal getaway for both relaxation and exploration.

Here are some of the photos I captured during my visits. Enjoy your virtual tour!

Bathing | Exploring

Outside Bath

Little onsen we found in a remote area of Hakone. We got fooled by a similar photo on their website. While the bath was decent, the rest was not, far from it.

Eating | Exploring

Amazake

Just when I thought I could enjoy a peaceful cup of Amazake in Hakone, a bus pulled up and unleashed a horde of noisy tourists. So much for a quiet moment! Guess I’ll have to savor the Amazake and tune out the chaos.

Eating

Sansai Soba

Enjoyed a bowl of delicious Sansai Soba in Hakone. Sansai (山菜), or mountain vegetables, add a fresh and earthy flavor to the dish, perfectly complementing the warm, savory broth and buckwheat noodles. A simple yet satisfying taste of traditional Japanese cuisine, especially after exploring the serene beauty of Hakone.

Bathing | Living

Hakone Onsen

There’s nothing quite like the calm that comes from sinking into those warm, mineral-rich waters, letting every bit of stress melt away. It’s the ultimate recharge for the week ahead.

Driving

Traffic Jam

Heading to Owakudani turned into an unforgettable traffic jam experience—1 hour to cover just 1 kilometer on a narrow mountain road. The sulfurous hot springs and volcanic views were worth it, but getting there felt like part of the adventure (or test of patience). Definitely pack snacks and good company for this kind of trip!

Highlighting | Learning | Watching

Roses and Rain

A delicate close-up of rain-kissed roses in Hakone, their petals glistening with water droplets. The Panasonic Leica Summilux 15mm @ f/1.7 paints a dreamy bokeh backdrop, softly blurring the lush greenery and rain-speckled surroundings. The colors are rich but need a bit of tweaking—Adobe’s RAW handling strikes again. With some fine adjustments, though, it’s all…