Hakone Journal

Journal

Notes from Hakone

Use these articles to understand the seasons, choose a route and feel more prepared before travelling. Every original journal URL remains unchanged.

Practical planning

Half-day walks before your ryokan stay

Choose a walk that fits around your ryokan check-in and evening plans.

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Practical planning

Luggage forwarding and lockers in Hakone

Compare forwarding, station lockers and the arrangements to make before your tour.

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Practical planning · Breathe Hakone

Introductory or Lakeshore forest bathing?

Compare the two shorter walks on our Breathe Hakone website.

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Summer in Hakone

Hakone Fireworks Festival: Moto-Hakone Viewing Tips

A local account of the six-night Lake Ashi festival, with the best shoreline viewpoint, timing, food stalls and transport advice.

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Forest and senses

Why the Forest Feels Different

Explore slow sensory attention, forest rhythms and what to expect from shinrin-yoku in Hakone.

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Seasonal Hakone

Hakone Susuki Grass Fields in Sengokuhara

Plan around the changing susuki landscape, seasonal field burning and nearby views toward Mt Kintoki.

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Trip planning

Your Perfect Hakone Itinerary: 1, 2 or 3 Days

Build a Hakone visit around hiking, Lake Ashi, onsen, local history, art and a realistic pace.

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Local ideas

Five Memorable Things to Do in Hakone

Five ways to experience Hakone beyond a checklist, from mountain scenery and old roads to onsen and art.

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Guided hiking

Do You Need a Guide in Hakone?

When local knowledge helps with trail navigation, transport timing, weather decisions and quieter routes.

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Onsen etiquette

How to Enjoy a Japanese Onsen

A straightforward first-timer’s guide to bathing etiquette, what to bring and feeling comfortable at an onsen.

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