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| When thinking of traveling to Japan making time to travel to Hakone is a must. It has a feeling of no other city in Japan. It is so unique and beautiful that it’s a must to take the time to travel and explore this amazing city. Hakone is part of the Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park only a short ride from Tokyo via the famous Bullet Train. Famous for its hot springs (around 17 different springs), natural beauty and the amazing views of Mt. Fuji. The best place to come relax and unwind and yet within a bullet train's ride from a large bustling city. |
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For a full experience, it is a must to stay at a Ryokan. What is a Ryokan? It’s a traditional Japanese hotel/inn, which is the perfect way to get a feel for the Japanese lifestyle and tradition. Once you set foot inside, you will start a unique experience. From the moment you step in and have to remove your shoes and trade them in for a pair of slippers to walk around the Ryokan to the style of the room. |
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The rooms usually have straw mat flooring, a futon bedding put down directly on the straw mat floor by a room maid after dinner, and the dinner is an experience in it self usually a traditional Japanese meal consisting of multiple dishes also served by the room maid. |
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The bright-red gate entrance to the Hakone Shrine |
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A Yukata a traditional loose robe is usually provided by the inn and is worn to the Onsen/hot-spring bath. Some Ryokan will have western style rooms where you have the option of a shower in the room. There are different styles of Onsen available. There are indoor and outdoor Onsen as well as some private ones that can be reserved in advance. A Ryokan usually offers a separate Onsen for their male and female guests. Also the water may smell like rotten eggs but the relaxation you feel makes you forget all about it. |
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The best places to see while in Hakone
Hakone Shrine |
Stands at the foot of Mt. Hakone and a short walk from Lake Ashi. Originally built in 757. On the premises you will find the main hall of the shrine. A treasure House and a statue of Priest Mangan the oldest portrait statue in eastern Japan made in the early Heian Period. Admission is free to the shrine but the Treasure House is not (the cost is very minimal though). |
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Lake Ashi |
The lake offers boat tours that allows for beautiful views of Mt. Fuji and the serene green hills. Or you can rent a duck paddle boat and paddle along the lake yourself. |
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This is a picture of the Hakone Shrine |
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