One of the best and hottest travel spots near Tokyo -　Hakone

Maybe you have already known that Hakone is one of the most popular hot spring (onsen) area in Japan,　of course we will take you to our favorite hot spring, Kowakien YUNESSUN, where you can relax yourself and enjoy the special themed bath

Do you also know that it is a famous spot for other natural attractions too?　Have you also heard about Lake Ashinoko where you can see the reflection of Mt. Fuji? How about the galleries and the curry dish in the famous hot spring area Yumoto?

Your travel story begins in Shinjuku, Tokyo

The easiest way to get to Hakone is taking the Odakyu's limited express train "Romancecar". In about 1 hour and 30 minutes, you will arrive in Hakone Yumoto station. In the picture above, you can see how amazing series VSE Type 50,000 is!

Inside the Odakyu Shinjuku station, you can find the Odakyu Sightseeing Service Center where you can get the Romancecar tickets and the Haknoe Freepass!

For more information about the Romancecar, please go to
http://www.odakyu.jp/english/romancecar/

More information about Hakone Freepass, please refer to:
http://www.odakyu.jp/english/deels/freepass/hakone/
 

Hakone Yumoto Station

When you step out from the train, the sulfur smell from the hot spring welcomes you and tells you that you arrive in Hakone! If you visit Hakone in late June and July, you can get a chance to see the hydrangea flowers blossom in Hakone area too!

If you want to buy some local souvenirs for your friends and family, the shopping street in front of the station is a good place for you to go. You can find many shops selling local products here.

Check Point! First curry shop in Hakone – Hakone Curry Cocoro

It is said that you can add a few years to your life once you eat the curry at Cocoro! Probably the curry is made from the water in Hakone, so people believe that it is healthier and more special!

Cocoro Special Curry is highly recommended for you! You can find cauliflower, green pepper, potato, eggplant, pumpkin and other vegetables along with an half boiled egg and meat in this special curry.

Hakone Curry Cocoro
Homepage (Japanese): http://homepage3.nifty.com/hakonecurry/#_=_​

At the Hakone Open-Air Museum, you can enjoy the nature and artwork at the same time! This is definitely a new experience for you! In the Sculpture Garden, outdoor artwork can be found.

The Hakone Open-Air Museum
Homepage:　http://www.hakone-oam.or.jp/

Check Point! Kuro Tamago (Black Eggs)

People believe that you can add seven years to your life span if you just eat one black egg!! Really? Be careful with the cholesterol though………

Due to the volcanic activity around Owakudani area, we highly suggest you to check out the homepage of the Hakone Ropeway before your travel.

How relaxing it is to walk in the woods! After getting through the woods, our next destination Onshi-Hakone-Koen Park is ahead!

Check Point! Onshi-Hakone-Koen Park and Hakone Shrine

In this famous park, you can see the Lake Ashinoko, Mt. Fuji, and the mountains that surround the park.

The Hakone Shrine is a Japanese shrine on the shores of Lake Ashinoko. You can find Torii (traditional Japanese gate) and some big cedar trees in Hakone Shrine too. Make your wish to them, maybe it will come true!!

Sengokuhara is selected as one of the best 50 beautiful spots in Kanagawa prefecture.

At the Sengokuhara Susuki Grassland, you can see different views here if you come in different seasons. Try to see the difference between spring and autumn!

Kowakien Miyamafurin was just opened on 19th March 2016. You can experience a fusion of the erotic Japanese style and the beauty of the modern architecture at the hotel. Different styles of hot springs can also be found in this new hotel. Simple breakfast with toast and drinks is included. A more decent breakfast can be provided with extra charges.

Kowakien Miyamafurin
Homepage: http://www.miyama-furin.com/en-gb/

Check Point! Japanese Style Tatami Room
Relax yourself after a long day in this simple Japanese style tatami room.

Check Point! Japanese Style Garden
Japanese style garden can be found inside the hotel. How about putting on the Yukata and enjoy the hot spring now!

Check Point! Luxurious Outdoor Hot Spring
With the warmness in the hot spring and the cool breeze from the woods, you will have a very special hot spring experience!

Hot spring operation time: 06:00 – 10:00 and 15:00 – 24:00

For those hot springs lovers, if you are looking for somewhere that you can try different types of hot springs at one stop, you cannot miss Kowakien YUNESSUN!

Hakone Kowakien Yunessun
Address: 1297 Ninotaira, Hakone-machi, Kanagawa Prefecture
Tel: 0460-82-4126
Hours: 09:00 – 18:00 (Swimming Wear Area)
11:00 – 20:00 (Hot Springs in Forest Area)
Fares
YUNESSUN (Swimming Wear Area): Adults 2,900 yen, Children 1,600 yen
Hot Springs in Forest Area: Adults 1,900 yen, Children 1,200 yen
For both areas: Adults 4,100 yen, Children 2,100 yen
Homepage: http://www.yunessun.com/enjoy/list.html

Check Point! Start The Water Fun in YUNESSUN from RODEO MOUNTAIN!
Are you dare to get on this water slide? It looks so cool!

Check Point! Other Interesting Spots
Next to the water slide, you can find this mysterious cave. The Rosetta stone is actually from Iwata prefecture, and it is said that it has been sleeping in nature for approximately 200 millions years!! People say that you can get good luck if you touch the stone!

Special Event For The Celebration Of The 15-year Anniversary Of Yunessun

As a special event, honey themed hot spring is provided for a limited time only (30 June to 12 July 2016)! It is especially good for moisturizing your skin. What's next? It's the famous Japanese ice cream bar "Garigari Kun" theme!!

Homepage (Japanese): http://www.yunessun.com/event/honey2016/
 

GariGari Kun
In Japan, almost nobody doesn't know about GariGari Kun. This ice cream bar is loved by kids and adults for all time. This summer, a GariGari Kun themed hot spring is coming to YUNESSUN! The GariGari Kun themed hot spring will be provided for a limited time only.  Don't miss the chance to get into this soda flavor themed hot spring this summer!

GariGari Kun Themed Hot Spring
Period: 16 July to 25 September 2016
Location: Green Terrace@YUNESSUN
Showtime: 11:00, 13:00, 15:00
Homepage: http://yunessun.com/event/garigari/

At "Mori No Yu", there is a special hot spring that the theme is changed every month. The theme was Japanese plum in June! How nice it is taking a bath in hot spring with the aroma of plum!  In July, the theme is changed to Japanese Bamboo!! We suggest you to check with the staff first if you have allergies to specific things.

Check Point! Delicious Italian Cuisine

At Auntie Pasta, you can find delicious Italian food made with fresh vegetables. Also, they change the menu according to the special events they have at the hot spring!

Auntie Pasta
Location: 3F YUNESSUN <Opposite to Mio Mall>
Hours: 11:00 – 21:00 (L.O. 20:30)
Budget: 1,000 – 1,800 yen

Special Pizza for the Japanese Plum Themed Hot Spring Event

This special pizza is a fusion of Japanese style and Italian style, which is made with plum sauce, chicken, onion, and perilla.
Pizza: 1,540 yen + tax

They all look tasty and healthy, aren't they?

Left: Pizza with shrimp, salmon and avocado
Top right: Pasta with chicken and potato in garlic style
Bottom right: Risotto with scallops and asparagus

Your Travel Story In Japan

If you need to make a wonderful and memorable travel story in Japan. We highly recommend you to go to Hakone to make a special story about hot springs!

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