A Day in Hakone Is “Like Walking Through the Pages of an Eerie Japanese Novel.”
More than a scenic escape, Hakone gave me a deeper understanding of Japan’s sacred connection to nature, balance, and being present.
It was a cloudy morning in Tokyo when we set off on our Hakone excursion. As our bus climbed the winding roads through Japan’s mountainous countryside, I was struck by the beauty of the green valleys and peaceful surroundings. The scenery was unforgettable, and layers of nature enveloped us from every angle.
When we arrived, we boarded a cable car that glided above Lake Ashi. The views of the lake and Mt. Fuji were breathtaking. At the top, we had a few hours to hike through misty trails. The thick fog gave the experience a magical, almost otherworldly feel—like walking through the pages of an eerie Japanese novel, not knowing what was around each bend.
At one point, the clouds parted just long enough for us to take photos at a nearby shrine. It was one of the highlights for many in our group. We posed on the steps, soaking in the serene moment before the mist crept back in. On the cable car ride back down, we were once again treated to stunning views of Lake Ashi, and my group eagerly snapped photos and videos to capture the magic.
Next, we boarded a ferry and cruised across the lake. Standing out on the deck, in the shadow of Mt. Fuji, felt surreal. Finally, we visited the picturesque Hakone Shrine and museum area. Temples dotted the grounds, and we watched locals and tourists give offerings and pray. It was a peaceful, spiritual end to an unforgettable day.
This experience taught me a lot about the deep respect the Japanese culture holds for nature, peace, and spirituality. Every site we visited was rich with symbolic meaning. These aren’t just tourist stops, they’re sacred places woven into the fabric of everyday life. That sense of serenity and balance is something you really have to be there to feel. It’s not something you can replicate at home.
If you’re considering traveling on Japan: Tokyo & Beyond, this kind of immersive yet peaceful day trip could be exactly what tips the scale. While Tokyo is vibrant and fast-paced, excursions like this offer a window into the slower, more reflective side of Japan.
Truth be told, I’m not sure if I would have enjoyed this experience as much without going with a group, because it was something we all could appreciate and talk about with each other. We laughed, explored, and reflected together. One memorable moment was while we waited for the cable car to return—we gathered in a cozy lobby, shopped around the gift market, shared food and drinks, and simply hung out and bonded. It felt like our group really came together, and that connection made the adventure all the more meaningful.
