Hakone (箱根町, Hakone-machi) is a town in Japan, in Kanagawa Prefecture, in Ashigarashimo District, located on the eastern foot of Hakone Pass. As of 2008, the town has an estimated population of 13,679 and a density of 147 persons per km². The total area is 92.82 km².

Hakone is the original tourist destination from Tokyo, and still hosts substantial tourist activity. Many Japanese and international visitors come to Hakone to relax, for treatment at the health resorts, or to visit the parks and mountains. The volcanically active Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park, centered around Lake Ashi, is a popular tourist attraction well known for its onsen hot springs and its views of Mt. Fuji.

Sights include the volcanically active Great Boiling Valley and Hakone Shrine nestled on the shore of the lake, as well as the Hakone Botanical Garden of Wetlands. In April the cherry blossoms (sakura) and in autumn the Miscanthus sinensis (susuki) are a very beautiful view in the parks.

External links

• Hakone Area Highlights from Kanagawa Prefectural Tourist Association
• Hakone Free Pass from Odakyu Electric Railway