Hakone flourished as a stopover on the road connecting Tokyo and Kyoto many years ago. It is said that many people have healed away the weariness of travel in this town where people today still enjoy the hot springs.

Hakone is located in the center of Fuji-Hakone Izu National Park. It is well-known as a hot spring spa and sightseeing destination. The area has been extremely popular not only for the beautiful natural vistas, but also for various museums and other leisure facilities, as well as festivals and events that visitors can enjoy throughout the year, such as the Hakone Ekiden, the relay marathon contested by university teams shortly after the new year.

Getting there From Shinjuku: Take the "Romancecar," Odakyu's Limited Express, from Shinjuku Station to Hakone. From Yokohama: Take the JR Tokaido Line from Yokohama to Odawara, then to Hakone.