Hakone

Hakone

"No matter how many postcards, pictures or paintings you see, nothing compares you for that first glimpse of the snow-capped peak of Mt Fuji. With hot-spring baths, beautiful scenery and a vital historical role, Hakone is a fantastic place to relax, explore and experience." 

Hakone has been a popular resting post since the Japanese warrior Toyotomi Hideyoshi ordered a natural bath to be built here in 1590 enabling his battle-weary men to relax in the natural hot spring waters of this volcanic area.
Set in the mountainous countryside just to the South of Mt. Fuji Hakone offers a curious mix of different attractions. Onsen houses proliferate throughout the region providing plenty of opportunity for relaxing in the revitalising natural hot spring waters. The region is criss-crossed by a collection of ropeways, cable-cars and funicular railways which link the many small communities and a wide variety of museums, from the outdoor sculpture park with works by Henry Moore, Miro, Maillol and Rodin to a Ferrari exhibition hall.
On clear days the ropeways provide spectacular views of the surrounding mountains and of course, away in the distance the imperious Mt. Fuji - one of the world's most famous mountains, the most recognisable symbol of Japan there is. Pictures of the majestic Mt. Fuji, Japan's highest mountain at 3,776 meters, still adorn most of Japan's public bath houses, the mountain and its spirit looking over the Japanese even as they bathe.
If you fancy the challenge of the climb, the season runs from 1st July through to the end of August and there's the option of doing it by day or by night. The views from the top are stunning and a sunrise from the summit of 'Fuji-san' is a never-to-be-forgotten sight. The hike is pretty tough but you're sure to be accompanied by a steady stream of Japanese undertaking the pilgrimage to the top.
Once you get there it can be quite cold, often hovering around freezing even at the height of summer, so come prepared if this is what you’re planning on. Alternatively, you can simply sample the view from the surrounding hills and lakes, and enjoy a less strenuous stay. Whatever you decide, you cannot help but to be impressed by this near-perfectly symmetrical volcano.

Where I'll be staying:

 

The Fujiya Hotel

Address359 Miyanoshita, Hakone-machi, 250-0404 LocationHakone-machi, Kanagawa-kenPhone0460/82-2211Web Site--www.fujiyahotel.jp/english/index.html

The Fujiya, which was established in 1878, is quite simply the grandest, most majestic old hotel in Hakone; indeed, it might be the loveliest historic hotel in Japan. I love this hotel for its comfortably old-fashioned atmosphere, including such Asian touches as a Japanese-style roof and long wooden corridors with photographs of famous guests, from Einstein to Eisenhower. A landscaped garden out back, with a waterfall, pond, greenhouse, outdoor pool, and stunning views over the valley, is great for strolls and meditation. There's also a small hotel museum and an indoor thermal pool and hot-spring public baths (hot-spring water is also piped in to each guest's bathroom). Even if you don't stay here, come for a meal or tea.
There are five separate buildings, all different and added on at various times in the hotel's long history, but management has been meticulous in retaining its historic traditions. Rooms are old-fashioned and spacious with high ceilings and antique furnishings. The most expensive rooms are the largest, but my favorites are those in the Flower Palace, which has an architectural style that reminds me of a Japanese temple and seems unchanged since its 1936 construction. Be sure to ask the front desk for the hotel's map of the surrounding village and leaflets describing how to reach sightseeing spots in Hakone from the hotel.