Hakone Tozan Railway / Hakone Tozan Cable Car
The Hakone Tozan Railway is an indispensable part of sightseeing in Hakone, with many of the major spots in the city located along the route.
The train climbs steep mountain slopes with impressive power. There are several switchbacks along the way, so you get the unique experience of the train changing directions. It's also really convenient that you can easily transfer to the Romancecar at Hakone-Yumoto Station!
Owakudani
After changing from the cable car to the ropeway at Hayamiyama Station on the main route of the Hakone tour, While enjoying an aerial walk for a while the scenery suddenly changes.
I visited on a snowy day in mid-March. The ropeway was stopped in the morning, so I went after it started running again in the afternoon. In the end, everything was completely white and I couldn't see anything, so I just ate a black egg and headed back. I'd love to come again on a sunny day.
Kawagoe Kumano Shrine
This shrine, affectionately known as "Okumansama" by locals, was established in 1590 from the division of the Kishu Kumano Hongu Taisha during the Muromachi period. It is known for its blessings of good fortune, with numerous lucky spots within its precincts, including the "Fortune-Trying Ring Toss" and the "Treasure Pond," where visitors wash money for increased wealth.
There's a giant Yatagarasu that suddenly appears in one corner of the shrine! It's so big that it feels a bit eerie at first, but the more you look at it, the cuter it seems.
Taisho Romantic Dream Street
Nestled in the charming streets of Kawagoe, this shopping street exudes a retro ambiance reminiscent of the Taisho era. The street stretches for 160 meters, paved with granite cobblestones, flanked by tiled-roof townhouses, Western-style stone buildings, and traditional storehouses.
If you're heading to the Warehouse District, I definitely recommend taking this street! Walking from Kawagoe Station or Hon-Kawagoe Station, you really feel like you're traveling back in time. It totally sets the mood!
Shika no Yu
Nasu Hot Spring's origin, 'Shika no Yu,' is believed to have been opened around 1300 years ago in the early 7th century. The hot spring was discovered when hunters chasing a wounded deer found it healing itself in the spring waters, hence the name 'Deer's Hot Spring.' Historical records mention Shika no Yu as early as the year 738, making it the oldest recorded hot spring in Tochigi Prefecture.
This is a great hot spring with that classic sulfur aroma! I visited on a snowy, chilly day at the end of the year. It was pretty crowded since it was a holiday, but the historic vibe and atmosphere made it totally worth it. I highly recommend checking it out at least once!
Zao Fox Village
A fox paradise in the mountains of Shiroishi City. More than 100 foxes of seven species, including north foxes , cross foxes , and arctic foxe s, are kept here. Visitors can feed and photograph the free-range foxes outdoors, and even hold a fox cub in their arms.
In winter, the foxes look so fluffy that they almost look like raccoons at first glance. But if you look closely, they're definitely foxes. There are so many of them and they're super cute! Watching the foxes was great, but I think the staff's attitude could use some improvement. The person at the front desk kept repeating in a harsh tone, 'If anything happens, it's all your own responsibility,' which was kind of scary. Other staff members were also yelling at guests with megaphones all over the place. I get that safety is important, but I don't think most visitors feel good about being treated like that. I hope things get better in the future.
Gomadokoro Gongen Chaya
Route No. 1 of Mt. Takao is the most popular among climbers due to its fully paved path, allowing even beginners to ascend with ease. Located at the intersection of the "Male Slope" and the "Female Slope" is "Gongen Chaya", a bustling shop situated just 15 minutes by foot from the Takaosan cable car station-making it the perfect rest stop.
I stopped by for a break and tried the Hachioji ramen. The soy sauce broth with chopped onions is what makes it unique. The flavor was light and easy to eat, but I wish it had a bit more character. Looking back, maybe I should've gone for the sesame dumplings instead.
Irori no Sato Takao Gonsuke
Nestled in a small village in the serene nature of Okutakao Mountain, this homely diner offers a traditional setting and authentic irori where you can enjoy robatayaki (hearth-grilled cuisine) plates of select mountain and sea delicacies, along with grilled meats, fish, and local delights.
We visited with a group of seven after hiking Mount Takao. Each private room on the property felt like being in a theme park! All the skewers grilled over charcoal were delicious, and we had a really fun and relaxing time.
Mount Takao
Mount Takao is a peak with an levation of 599 meters, located in Tokyo’s Hachioji City. With good transportation access, it’s a popular placee to go mountain climbing. While still in the city, it’s like taking a trip to the countryside! From families with small children to the elderly, about 3,000,000 people visit every year. It’s world famous as the mountain boasting the most climbers in the world.
It's super convenient—you can start hiking right from Takaosanguchi Station on the Keio Line. The well-maintained trails make it easy for beginners and kids to enjoy!
It was cloudy the day I visited, so I couldn't see the top of Mt. Fuji from the summit, but the weather was comfortable and I still had a great time!
Mount Takao's specialty "Tenguyaki"
Located in Hachioji, Tokyo, Mount Takao is a popular hiking spot with easy access from the city center. One must-try treat at Mount Takao is the beloved "Tenguyaki" (200yen each).
Crispy on the outside, chewy on the inside. Not too sweet and really tasty!! I might want to eat this every time I come to Mount Takao!!