Hakone

Above, Lake Ashi and torii gate. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

One of the most scenic areas of Japan has to be the Hakone area.

Here, you have five lakes, mountains (dominated by Mount Fuji), skyways/ropeways, steaming volcanic lands, shrines, onsens and many other things to enjoy.

I visited Hakone with the 2004 G-TOUR. During the visit, we enjoyed a fireworks festival at Lake Kawaguchi, rode the aerial ropeway in Owakudani Valley, took a boat ride on Lake Ashi and paid a visit to the Fifth Station at Mount Fuji.

Above, the aerial skyway over the Owakudani Valley. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Modern Tokyo Times has an article on Hakone and the many museums that can be visited there.

They begin with:

Hakone is a very popular tourist destination because you have so many places to visit and the views of Mount Fuji in certain locations are extremely stunning. Throughout Hakone you have many museums and cultural wise the area is very rich in history. This certainly applies to Hakone Jinja (Hakone Shrine) whereby the Shinto faith blends naturally with nature. Also, the historical treasure museum based on the rich history of Hakone Jinja is certainly worth visiting because you have several amazing gems to view.

One nice thing about visiting Hakone during the hot summer months, it was pleasantly cool during our visit, which gave us a break from the heat and humidity we experienced in Tokyo.

To read more on Hakone, go here.