A short train journey from the bustle of Tokyo lies the serene Hakone National Park, all glistening lakes, smouldering volcanic hillsides and natural hot springs (onsen). This is where Tokyoites flock for some much needed serenity and to reconnect with nature away from the chaos of the capital. Japan’s most iconic natural wonder, Mount Fuji, has inspired Japanese artists and writers for centuries, and with its near-perfectly symmetrical cone and snow-capped peak, it’s not hard to see why. Hike the mountain’s iconic slopes, visit the historic lakeside Hakone Jinja Shrine, and don’t miss the opportunity to visit a ryokan – a traditional inn where you can bathe in the region’s famed hot springs.
