inspo & info

The Hakone Open-Air Museum is a one-of-a-kind museum with a collection of sculptures and art that will enthrall visitors of all ages. But doing the museum and the entrance fee justice takes an investment of several hours out of your day in Hakone. Is it worth it? Here's our take as repeat visitors, why our kids love it and when to give it a miss.

The Hakone FreePass discount ticket is your gateway to the Hakone National Park, offering discounts on many attractions as well as travel to Hakone from Tokyo and unlimited transport within Hakone. We have the answers to all of your questions about this ticket. Find out if it's worth it for your Hakone trip.

Hakone is one of the most rewarding day trips you can make from Tokyo but it's essential that you do it right and plan your itinerary carefully. As repeat visitors to this beautiful part of Japan, we've put together a (flexible) one-day itinerary to make sure you make the most of your day in Hakone with all the highlights. We've tips on where to eat, how best to get from A to B, where to get the best views and of course the fastest, cheapest and most direct ways from Tokyo to

Hakone is beautiful year-round, but timing matters. Winter brings clear Mount Fuji views and world-class onsen; autumn offers stunning foliage (up to two weeks earlier than Tokyo); summer has fireworks and festivals despite the heat; and spring brings hidden azalea gardens. We break down each season to help you pick the perfect time.

First-time visitors often skip Hakone to chase Fuji views elsewhere. Here's why that's a mistake: Hakone offers authentic onsen culture, mountain trails, lakes, museums, and less tourist crowding than Fujikawaguchiko - all within easy reach of Tokyo. Perfect for second-timers or those seeking an authentic Japan resort experience off the beaten Tokyo-Kyoto-Osaka track

As repeat Hakone visitors, we've put together our bucket-list of the top 25 things to see, do and experience in Hakone - from onsen and water parks, gardens and nature trails, to art museums, temples, shrines and natural spectacles. And of course not forgetting those amazing views (also of Mount Fuji and even Tokyo Skytree if the weather is on your side). We've included plenty of kid-friendly activities to keep the little ones busy too.

Wondering if you need a car in Hakone? The answer depends on what you want to see, how much time you have, and your comfort with public transport. Here's how to get around Hakone and why we can recommend hiring a driver over renting a car yourself.

Planning a trip to Hakone? This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know: where to stay, what to see, how to get around without a car, best time to visit, costs, and insider tips from 30+ years of Japan experience.

Visiting a matcha farm is a bucket-list experience for tea lovers in Japan, but timing is everything. Go during the wrong month and you might find the fields covered in black tarps - or completely bare. Here is a practical guide to finding the best matcha farms, the ultimate season to see them, and how to book the best local tours.

Tokyo is a relatively new port on cruises stopping in Japan. Before we get into logistics, though, there is one important thing to flag: many Japan cruise itineraries list "Tokyo" as a port when the ship is actually docking in Yokohama, thirty kilometres to the south. Here's everything you need to know about Tokyo International Cruise Terminal, how to get to/from the city, where to stay and what shore excursions are worth your time.

Taking the bullet train from Tokyo to Osaka isn't cheap, so you want to get it right. There have been some changes, too, to Shinkansen luggage rules, for example. Here's our essential guide to taking the Shinkansen to Osaka from Tokyo in 2026, from which train to book, bullet train prices, where to get on in Tokyo, connecting in Shin-Osaka Station and including our number one tip specially for the Tokyo to Osaka bullet train that nobody else is telling you!

Feel like a break from the relentless energy of Tokyo? Put yourself on a train from Ikebukuro and in just 30 minutes you'll be transported out of the city and back in time (you'll think) into the Edo Period (1603-1868), when the castle town of Kawagoe served as a crucial trading post supplying the capital. Read on to discover why a day trip to Kawagoe should be in your Japan itinerary. Jump to (1) Little Edo (2) What to see in Kawagoe city (3) Link to Kawagoe map (4) What to

Tokyo shines in autumn, but some of the most spectacular colours lie just beyond the city’s bustle. You don’t need to travel for hours: in just a few short train rides, you can reach hidden valleys, elegant temples, riverside walks, and hillside forests awash in red and gold. This guide highlights leaf-viewing spots in or close to Tokyo — perfect for day trips or overnight escapes. Jump to: When can I see autumn colour in the Tokyo area? Nikko Hitachi Seaside Park Kawaguchi

Tokyo to Kyoto is one of Japan’s most iconic journeys — and the best way to make it is on the Shinkansen, Japan’s world-famous bullet train. Covering roughly 450 kilometres in as little as two hours and twenty minutes, this high-speed route connects the nation’s modern capital with its ancient one in comfort and style. Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you click through and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission, ♡ at no extra cost to you ♡ Jump to: (

Bored of Tokyo? Never! It would take a lifetime to experience everything this city – the biggest in the world, don't forget – has to offer. But sometimes a little change of scenery isn't a bad thing, amiright? And Tokyo is a fabulous base for exploring the greater Kanto area, from temples to waterfalls, mountains to volcanoes, nature and history: it's all waiting for you in just a few hours from the city. Japan's amazing rail network will whisk you away to Alpine towns, lakes

Want to get up close and personal with Mt Fuji? A day trip is very doable from Tokyo Planning a day trip to Mount Fuji from Tokyo can be much easier than you might imagine. Mount Fuji is Japan's tallest peak and a significant cultural and spiritual symbol, having been a place of pilgrimage for centuries and an inspiration for countless works of art. Located about 100 kilometers (62 miles) southwest of Tokyo, the Mount Fuji area is a popular destination for both tourists and l