Perched within the rugged terrains of Kanagawa Prefecture, Hakone is a breathtaking thermal spring township merely 90 minutes from Tokyo. This volcanic hub is centrally located in the magnificent Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park, delighting visitors with its steaming onsens (hot springs), the serene Lake Ashi, and on clear days, unmatched views of Mount Fuji.

The locale's climate dramatically fluctuates with the seasons - think cool summers suitable for trekking, radiant fall foliage from October to November, sporadic snow during winter, and mild springs blanketed with cherry blossoms. Given the mountainous geography, weather changes can be abrupt, making layered clothing a necessity irrespective of your visit's timing.

Hakone's distinct appeal lies in its seamless blend of natural wonders and cultural marvels. The town is renowned for its age-old onsen tradition, with both locals and tourists basking in mineral-rich volcanic waters. The region's geological phenomenon has given birth to distinctive experiences, notably the black eggs cooked in volcanic waters at Owakudani Valley, rumored to increase one's lifespan by seven years.

Culinary connoisseurs will savor Hakone's delicacies, such as yosegi-zaiku (tribal wooden mosaic crafts), amazake (a sweet rice beverage formed by fermentation), and fresh wasabi harvested from mountainous streams. Be sure not to miss onsen tamago - eggs naturally boiled in hot spring waters.

Don't leave Hakone without experiencing two signature adventures - cruising on Japan's oldest mountain railway, the Hakone Tozan Railway which traverses through dense woods, and visiting the famed Hakone Shrine, noted for its iconic "floating" torii gate standing tall in Lake Ashi.