1. Lake Ashinoko
The "pirate ship" floating on Lake Ashi is a sight that represents Hakone. This sightseeing boat tours three ports: Togendai Port, Motohakone Port, and Hakone-machi Port. The sight of a pirate ship modeled after a 17th-18th century sailing battleship floating on Lake Ashi is a sight that represents Hakone. There are three types of boats, each with a different exterior and interior, so choose your favorite one and board. The "Royal II" is modeled after a first-class battleship built in France in the 18th century, the "Victory" is modeled after a battleship built in England in the 18th century, and the "Bartha" with its beautiful green hull is modeled after a battleship built by the King of Sweden in the first half of the 17th century. Small dogs are also allowed on board. However, they must be kept in a cage or bag. Cages are also available for free rental at each boarding point (two for each port).
Boarding fee: Adults ¥1200/Children ¥600
45 minutes
2. Owaku-dani Valley
Enjoy a 24-minute aerial stroll!
The ropeway stretches for about 4km, connecting Sounzan Station, Owakudani Station, Ubako Station, and Togendai Station on the shores of Lake Ashi. The smell of sulfur fills the air as you approach Owakudani Station, and from Owakudani Station to Togendai Station, you can enjoy a 24-minute aerial stroll with a grand panorama of Lake Ashi, Mt. Fuji, Suruga Bay, and more. The ropeway passes over the valley of Owakudani, allowing you to see dynamic and slightly thrilling views. If you are bringing an animal such as a small dog, you can ride in a special case that can accommodate the animal's entire body.
Fare: ¥1,500 for adults/¥500 for children
40 minutes
3. The Hakone Open-Air Museum
Japan's first open-air art museum also features a natural hot spring footbath
Japan's first open-air art museum (open-air museum) opened in 1969. On a lush site of 70,000 square meters, about 120 masterpieces by modern and contemporary sculptors such as Rodin, Miro, and Bourdelle are on permanent display, allowing visitors to view the works up close. Henry Moore's nine outdoor sculptures are also outstanding. There are also indoor exhibition spaces, including the Picasso Pavilion, which displays one of the world's leading collections of over 300 pieces in sequence.
Admission fee: Adults ¥1,600/Children ¥800
1 hour 30 minutes
4. Odawara Castle
The castle tower is a symbol of Odawara, and offers a spectacular view.
This castle was the base of control of the Kanto region for the Sengoku daimyo, the Later Hojo clan. It was extensively constructed in preparation for Toyotomi Hideyoshi's attack on Odawara, and was the largest in the Sengoku period, stretching over a total length of about 9km. However, after the fall of the Later Hojo clan, it collapsed, was destroyed, and was lost throughout the Edo, Meiji, and Showa periods. In 1960, the castle tower was restored and became the symbol of Odawara. The best things to see inside the tower are the observation deck and the historical materials on display. From the top floor, you can see Sagami Bay, the former castle town, and on a clear day, all the way to the Boso Peninsula. In addition to the armor and swords on display, there is a diorama of Odawara Castle from the Edo period and displays on the successive castle lords, all of which are based on valuable materials. There are explanations not only about the history of Odawara, but also about samurai culture and famous Japanese castles, so you can enjoy learning about history from various angles.
Admission fee: Adults ¥510/Children ¥150
1 hour