Additional Coverage:
- I visited popular spots like Tokyo and Kyoto during my trip to Japan, but my favorite stop was a town I’d never heard of (businessinsider.com)
Hidden Gem: How a Family Trip to Japan Uncovered the Charms of Hakone
Hakone, Japan – For many American families, a trip to Japan often conjures images of bustling Tokyo or historic Kyoto. But as one local family recently discovered, sometimes the most memorable moments are found off the beaten path, in places like the charming mountain town of Hakone. What started as a long-awaited bucket-list trip, spurred by persistent kids and favorable exchange rates, turned into an unexpected journey of discovery, highlighting the unique allure of Japan’s smaller towns.
Jamie Davis Smith, who opted for a family tour through Intrepid Travel to simplify planning, expected to hit the usual tourist hotspots. While Tokyo and Kyoto certainly delivered, it was the inclusion of Hakone – a town she hadn’t even heard of – that truly stole the show. Located southwest of central Tokyo, a mere 90-minute railway ride away, this quaint and quirky destination proved to be the family’s favorite stop.
Soothing Waters and Quirky Soaks: Hakone’s Onsen Scene
Hakone is renowned for its onsens, natural hot springs heated by the geothermal activity bubbling beneath Japan. Smith’s visit provided a delightful immersion into these soothing waters.
She began with a bucolic onsen boasting breathtaking mountain views, a perfect antidote to the hustle of the big cities. “Lounging in a naturally fed hot spring from the top of a mountain allowed me to slow down, relax, and appreciate the beauty of Japan,” she recounted.
Next, she embraced a traditional, gender-segregated onsen, a truly authentic Japanese experience that required disrobing completely. While initially a departure from American norms, Smith found it “eye-opening” and a unique way to feel more comfortable in her own skin – an experience she credits solely to her visit to Hakone.
The ultimate onsen adventure, however, was at Yunessun, a hot-spring theme park. Here, the family dove headfirst into themed onsens, including a ramen bowl-shaped bath (complete with inflatable toppings, much to her kids’ amusement) and baths filled with coffee and wine, leaving her skin feeling remarkably soft.
Beyond the Bath: Art, Adventure, and Ancient Legends
Hakone’s appeal extends far beyond its hot springs. The Hakone Open-Air Museum proved to be a surprising hit, even with children who don’t always share a passion for traditional art.
This unique sculpture garden features larger-than-life, interactive installations that invite visitors to engage with art in playful ways. From hopping through rainbows to climbing a stained-glass tower and swinging on colorful knitted balls suspended from a net, the museum offered an unforgettable and highly photogenic experience.
A hot-spring footbath near the exit, overlooking the forest, provided a perfect, relaxing end to the artistic exploration.
The town also offered a smorgasbord of other distinct activities. Smith indulged in one of Hakone’s famous black eggs, boiled in sulfur-rich hot springs. Legend has it that eating one adds seven years to your life – a tempting proposition that led her to “devour every morsel.”
The family also caught a glimpse of the majestic Mt. Fuji from the Hakone Tozan Railway and enjoyed a scenic pirate ship ride, offering fantastic views of Hakone’s iconic bright-red Torii Gate rising dramatically from the lake.
A Return to Hakone? Absolutely!
During their stay, the family opted for a traditional Japanese inn, a ryokan, allowing them to explore much of the relatively small town on foot. They meandered through mountain roads dotted with charming restaurants and shops, a welcome respite from the summer heat of Japan’s larger metropolises, and even hiked along Hakone’s lush forest paths.
While the allure of Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka is undeniable, Smith’s experience unequivocally points to the magic of stepping off the well-trodden tourist path. Should she return to Japan, more time in Hakone and a deeper dive into the country’s other small towns are definitely on her agenda. For those seeking a blend of relaxation, unique cultural experiences, and surprising artistic adventures, Hakone emerges as a must-visit destination.