Unwinding in Hakone, Japan: A 3 Day Escape to Nature's Paradise

Hosted by

Pablo

Guided trip
Looking for a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of city life? Look no further than Hakone, Japan. Nestled in the foothills of Mount Fuji, this picturesque region offers a perfect escape for those seeking relaxation and adventure alike. With a rich history and stunning scenery, Hakone is the ideal destination for a 3-day adventure. I'm a 42-year-old music composer who's super into Japanese culture, nature, and all things beautiful. I've been living in the Odawara-Hakone area for the past 5 years, and let me tell you, it's the most amazing place ever! That's why I've decided to make it my first adventure with Join My Trip. I want to share the beauty of this wonderful location with you and show you why so many people consider it the most beautiful National Park in Japan. It's the perfect spot to take a break from the crazy hustle and bustle of Tokyo, and it's only an hour away! Let's discover some amazing views and dive deep into the rich culture of the area together! At the start of our journey, we'll explore the lush forests and serene lakes that surround the area. Taking a walk through the Hakone Shrine nestled in the heart of the forest, we'll discover the hidden beauty of the surrounding nature. Later, we'll take a boat ride on Lake Ashi and enjoy the stunning views of Mount Fuji, one of Japan's most iconic natural wonders. For a truly unique experience, we'll take a cable car ride to the peak of Mount Hakone. From the top, we'll have breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape, including the Hakone crater and the nearby hot springs. Speaking of hot springs, no trip to Hakone would be complete without a relaxing soak in one of the many natural hot springs, known as onsen. Experience the rejuvenating power of the mineral-rich waters and soak up the peaceful ambiance of the surroundings. Aside from natural beauty, Hakone is also home to several cultural attractions. The Hakone Open-Air Museum is a must-visit, featuring over 120 works of art by renowned artists from around the world. Take a stroll through the outdoor exhibits and marvel at the incredible sculptures and installations. To further immerse ourselves in the local culture, we'll visit the traditional villages of Moto-Hakone and Hakone-Yumoto. These charming villages offer a glimpse into the past, with their preserved architecture, narrow streets, and traditional crafts. We'll also try the local cuisine, which features fresh seafood, handmade soba noodles, and other delicacies unique to the region. About the accommodation: For the accommodation, it will be an apartment with at least 2 rooms in Hakone; we are using Airbnb services so we will be covered by its user protection policies. We can arrange the rooms per group if you want to stay together, or per gender. We can arrange this when we understand better who will be joining. These apartments come equipped with all necessary amenities including Wi-Fi, kitchen appliances, and bedding. I will not be staying on-site, so you will have complete privacy throughout the stay. If you run into any issues, I am located nearby and can provide quick assistance. What is included in the price? - Accommodation (Shared rooms) - Transportation - Odawara Castle Museum - Hakone Open Air Museum - Hakone Check Point Museum - Hakone Botanical Garden of Wetlands I have added the cost of the main activities that we would do: - The Hakone Free Pass would allow us to use all public transport needed in the Hakone area without limit during our stay and receive discounts on some services. The cost of meals and extra activities are not included, that way we can be flexible and each of us can fit their preferences. Please, take into account those extra expenses that you will have to do. If you need advice on the approx. cost for any activities or meals in Hakone, do not hesitate to ask me. Let me know in the Q&A section if you have any doubts! See you soon in Japan
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Free soul, musician, artist, media creator, dreamer, always looking for a good laugh and friendly chat

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Trip Itinerary
1

Odawara

Day 1-2
We will begin our adventure by meeting at Odawara Station, a historical gateway to the region. Our first stop will be Odawara Castle, a real Japanese castle that's conveniently located near Tokyo. We'll take a leisurely stroll through the castle grounds, admiring its impressive architecture and learning about its rich history. After that, we'll head to our private apartment in the Hakone area. We've reserved a comfortable and cozy apartment for our stay, so we can relax and unwind after a long day of exploring. Next on our itinerary is a visit to the Hakone Open Air Art Museum, where we can immerse ourselves in the beautiful works of art set amidst the natural beauty of the surrounding landscape. If we have some spare time, a fun and unique activity in the area is the Hakone Gora Park Craft House. Here, we can learn about traditional Japanese crafts such as pottery, glassblowing, and papermaking, and even make our own souvenirs to take back home. The Craft House offers workshops led by skilled artisans who will guide us through the process of creating our own handmade crafts using traditional techniques. This is a great opportunity to experience the beauty and intricacy of Japanese crafts and take home a one-of-a-kind souvenir that we made ourselves. As the night approaches, we'll head to Hakone Yumoto for some relaxed shopping and a delicious dinner at one of the local restaurants. Finally, we'll make our way back to the apartment, where we can unwind and rest up for the exciting adventures that await us on the following day.
2

Hakone

Day 2-3
Our first full day in Hakone will be an adventure-packed experience. We'll start our morning by reaching Gora Station. From Gora Station, we'll board the Hakone Ropeway, which will take us to Owakudani, where we'll have a close-up view of volcanic activity and breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains. After our exhilarating ride, we'll head to Lake Ashi for a leisurely afternoon walk along the picturesque lakeshore. We'll take in the stunning scenery and breathe in the fresh air. For those interested, we can take a short boat ride across the lake or visit the Hakone Shrine. As the day draws to a close, we'll relax and unwind at one of Hakone's many hot springs. We can visit public hot springs like Tenzan Tohji-kyo (¥1,200 per person) or Hakone Yuryo (¥1,400 per person). The evening soak will rejuvenate our bodies and prepare us for another exciting day of exploration.
3

Hakone

Day 3
On our second day in Hakone, we'll begin our morning with a visit to the Hakone Checkpoint Museum (¥500 per person), where we'll learn about the history of the Edo period. The museum provides an excellent opportunity to delve into the past and understand the significance of Hakone in Japan's history. After exploring the museum, we'll head to the Hakone Hiking Trail for a scenic hike. The trail offers breathtaking views of Mount Fuji and the surrounding landscape. The hike is not too strenuous, making it perfect for those who enjoy nature without exerting too much energy. In the afternoon, we can visit the Hakone Botanical Garden of Wetlands (¥1,500 per person), where we'll be treated to a diverse range of plants and flowers, and immerse ourselves in the beauty of the natural surroundings. After that, we can then take the Hakone Tozan Railway back to Odawara Station and bid farewell to this beautiful town and end the wonderful time together with a small celebration we can agree upon (dinner, coffee, toss, etc). The three-day trip was a perfect blend of nature, history, and relaxation, leaving us with unforgettable memories.
Trip Summary
Accommodation
Apartments
3 days trip
Odawara, Hakone & 1 more
Transportation
Train
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