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WHAT TO SEE IN HAKONE
HAKONE SHRINE:
To reach the shrine there are many hiking trails that wind through the pristine nature of the Hakone forest. The most popular one starts near the Moto-Hakone stop and the entrance is marked by a torii gate and a series of traditional red lanterns placed on the sides. After a few minutes of walking, you will enter the forest of gigantic cedars and then find yourself in front of the entrance to the sacred area, marked by the majestic red torii gate that seems to float on the waters of the lake. It is called the "Torii of Peace" and is considered the symbol of the shrine. Before continuing your walk, stop to take some photos at this breathtaking panoramic spot, which takes on an even more mystical appearance on days when the mist envelops the lake.
Turning towards the mountain, you will see another torii gate that precedes the staircase leading to the Hakone shrine, perched up the slope; next to it is the chozuya, a fountain used for purification rituals.
During the climb, take all the time you need to look around and observe the small buildings and monuments that are scattered throughout the forest; among them is a structure for archery practice where you will probably see some people engaged in this sport. At the end of the staircase, you will pass through another red torii gate, arriving in a large open space framed by a low rock fence and by imposing cedar trees that soar towards the sky. Here I recommend sitting down and taking some time to immerse yourself in the tranquility of this place and admire the surrounding scenery: the enchanted landscape dominated by trees and mountains and wrapped in a surreal silence will make you feel at one with nature, fostering a connection with your deepest emotions and sensations. From this point you can glimpse in the distance the walls surrounding the main building, the haiden, that is, the prayer hall of the Hakone shrine.
This building needs no introduction: its intense red, decorated with gold ornaments and covered by a green tiled roof, immediately catches the eye.
LAKE ASHINOKO:
Lake Ashinoko is a volcanic lake that formed along the caldera of Mount Hakone, a volcano whose last eruption, which occurred 3000 years ago, created Owakudani, nicknamed the "Great Boiling Valley." Today Lake Ashinoko is certainly one of the most beloved and photographed in Japan, thanks especially to the snow-capped peak of Mount Fuji. The stillness of its calm waters is interrupted only by boats similar to pirate ships that evoke ancient times, made of samurai battles and legends, such as that of the nine-headed dragon that inhabited the deep waters of the lake, frightening the inhabitants, before a monk turned it into a protective spirit.
OWAKUDANI:
Seen from above, Owakudani resembles one of those post-apocalyptic scenarios: an arid gorge with clouds of steam rising from the ground, boiling water springs appearing here and there in the soil, the smell of sulfur pervades every inch of this place, while in the background the horizon is dominated by Mount Fuji. The Owakudani valley was formed about 3000 years ago following a violent eruption of Mount Fuji and what remains today are the sulfurous vapors and hot water springs, which, however, are too hot to be used as hot springs. All around, the valley is framed by lush forests whose deep green color creates a strong, but particularly striking, contrast with the arid valley. To reach the Owakudani valley you can use the cable car (Hakone Ropeway) that departs from Togendai and makes various stops along the way. The view visible during the journey is truly thrilling: beneath your feet you will see the volcanic earth "boiling," giving off a pungent smell of sulfur in the air, while your gaze gets lost among the colors of the landscape that range from the darker shades of the "valley of hell" to the green of the forests and the pure white of the snow cover that blankets the peak of Mount Fuji, the immortal symbol of Japan. Owakudani also offers some culinary surprises: the kuro-tamago, or black eggs. At first glance, they almost look like dinosaur eggs seen in many movies, but in reality, the kuro-tamago is nothing more than a hard-boiled chicken egg, which is boiled in the hot waters of the thermal springs. The high concentration of sulfur in the volcanic water is the reason for the color of the shell.
The black eggs have become one of the main attractions of Owakudani, so much so that near the main entrance you will find the kuro-tamago monument, which consists of a gigantic black egg; here you can take some souvenir photos with the splendid Mount Fuji in the background.
Warning: visiting Owakudani is closely linked to the seismic activity of the mountain. Closures of the site for days are possible.
HAKONE OPEN AIR MUSEUM:
This museum, the first of its kind in Japan, was opened in 1969, taking advantage of the nature of Hakone. About 120 masterpieces by modern and contemporary sculptors are exhibited in a lush 70,000-square-meter garden, from which you can admire the mountains of Hakone. You can get in touch with art by strolling calmly or freely observing the works that interest you most. There are also 5 indoor exhibitions, first of all the Picasso gallery, which displays a rotating collection of 300 works, and a natural hot spring foot bath. It is especially pleasant to visit when the weather is nice.
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