Hakone, Japan
Hakone is a scenic mountain town in Japan’s Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park, famous for its natural hot springs (onsen), majestic views of Mount Fuji, and serene natural landscapes. Located just 90 minutes from central Tokyo by Shinkansen to Odawara, it is a perfect escape from the bustling city.
The Hakone region is located on an active, complex Quaternary volcano defined by two overlapping calderas formed roughly 200,000 and 60,000 to 80,000 years ago. Its dramatic landscape features a massive 11 km outer rim somma, a lush central cone complex, and the famous Owakudani geothermal valley, which formed during a sector collapse 3,000 years ago.
Departing from Odawara, Hakone Tozan Railway offers one of the most scenic train rides in Japan and arrives at Gora station.
The Hakone Tozan Cable Car, officially the Cable Line, is a funicular railway in the town of Hakone, Kanagawa, Japan. It is operated by Odakyu Hakone, an Odakyu Group company that also operates the Hakone Tozan Train.
The funicular links Gōra, the upper terminus of the railway line, with Sōunzan 214 metres (702 ft) above. At Sōunzan, connection is made with the Hakone Ropeway, which runs to Tōgendai on Lake Ashi.[3]
Owakudani is a geothermal valley with active vents that release steam and sulfur gases, and sulfur has historically been mined there.
On clear days, Mount Fuji can be seen from the Ōwakudani ropeway station.
From there, the ropeway descends toward Lake Ashi, passing high above forests of Japanese cedar (Cryptomeria japonica) and deciduous trees.
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