Your next adventure: Unwind in Hakone, just outside Tokyo

Tokyo’s vibrant metropolis is a must-visit on any trip to Japan—but just a short journey away is the town of Hakone, a serene escape where natural hot springs, mountain views, and tradition peacefully await. “Tokyo is really the center of everything,” says National Geographic photographer Jonathan Irish. “But Hakone is the opposite of that. It’s where people in Tokyo go to relax and recharge.”

Southwest of Tokyo and nestled in Kanagawa Prefecture—a regional jurisdiction somewhat similar to a state or province—Hakone offers a serene escape from city life. Known for its rejuvenating onsens (natural hot springs), historic teahouses, and breathtaking views of Mount Fuji, it has long been a favorite day-trip retreat for those seeking the traditional wellness remedies of the region. And, luckily, getting there is easy—whether by car (a scenic drive just over an hour) or by train (the speedy Romancecar from Shinjuku will whisk you there in under 90 minutes).

On his most recent trip, Irish grabbed his camera and shed his inhibitions for the ultimate wellness experience, discovering Hakone and a peaceful side of Japan where nature, culture, and healing all come together.

Connect with a cultural landmark

There’s a 12,389-foot reason to get to Hakone early in the morning: Arriving at Mount Fuji just before dawn offers a rare chance to see its summit emerge from the morning fog. For the best views of the famed landmark, Irish suggests heading for the Mount Taikan Observatory. To reach the observation point, you can either hike along designated trails—about five miles through serene, natural landscapes—or drive along Hakone’s winding, scenic mountain roads.

For Irish, seeing the iconic snow-capped peak of Mount Fuji—an image featured for centuries in Japanese art (often depicted in Edo-period woodblock prints), literature, and spiritual tradition—was a moment he’ll never forget.

But even when the peak is obscured by mist and cloud, the surrounding landscape’s beauty allows for stunning photos. If you have the chance, do just as Irish did, and head down to Lake Ashi—a water-filled caldera formed about 3,000 years ago. It provides a stunning foreground for the rolling hills that surround Mount Fuji and Hakone, offering breathtaking photo opportunities all on its own.

Restore at a historic tea house

It’s not hard to imagine the 400-year-old Amasake Tea House (Amasake-chaya) as it once was. With its thatched roof, wood beams, and crackling fire from an irori (sunken hearth), it remains a cozy, warm, welcoming stop along the once bustling route between Tokyo (then Edo) and Kyoto. It is also one of the few surviving working teahouses on the route. For Irish, taking off his shoes and stepping inside the building along this ancient route was a chance to experience history.

“I was standing in a place where samurais walked and would stop to drink tea,” he says. “You can step into their world—see what they saw, feel what they felt—all in the same, unique setting. I thought that was really cool.”

The thing to taste now, as it was then, is a thick, fortifying, rice-based, healthy drink called amazake (amazake). Today, the 13th-generation tea house owners still make this naturally sweet, non-alcoholic, fermented rice refreshment using the original, historic, centuries-old recipe. “If you were walking this exact road 200 years ago in the dead of winter, you’d be pretty cold. So drinking something warm and filling wasn’t just for comfort—it was an absolute necessity,” notes Irish. 

When you visit, be sure to also sample the delicious chikara-mochi—a traditional Japanese rice cake known for its chewy texture and subtle sweetness, that was once a popular snack for travelers on the old Tokaido Road. 

Rejuvenate in a traditional onsen

The magic of the Fukuzumiro comes from both its historic architecture and the incredible natural setting. Founded in 1890, the building is registered as a cultural property of Japan. Surrounded by lush greenery, a simple soak here becomes a spirit-altering experience. Onsen, or traditional Japanese hot spring baths, are located near natural hot springs whose mineral-rich waters are believed to promote overall health and well-being. At Fukuzumiro, your soak in the geothermal waters is framed by large windows that open to the lush environment, filling the room with sunlight and the soothing sounds of the nearby river.

Each onsen has its own rules: Many require guests to bathe nude, some restrict entry to those with tattoos, and only a select few offer day passes. Here, you’ll find both indoor and outdoor baths, with options for private or public soaking—each thoughtfully integrated into their own unique domain. 

If you fall in love with the peaceful location, traditional ryokan inns are available for overnight stays. Expect incredible Japanese hospitality, traditional tatami rooms, futon bedding, and kaiseki (traditional multi-course meals featuring local, seasonal ingredients).

Reconnect with your spiritual self

From your first deep breath (in through your nose; out through your mouth) at this Soto Zen Buddhist Temple, guests are invited to reframe their connection to self. The Zazen meditation practice (Zen meditation usually conducted in the lotus position) cultivates mindfulness, inner stillness, and connection to the present moment. At this historic temple, surrounded by towering trees and serene gardens, it’s an experience through which monks have been guiding people through since 1583.

Irish’s guide, Hiro-san, took him through a 20-minute private meditation during his visit, but guests can expect to join a small group of like-minded people in the serene space, centering themselves and identifying peace from within. Post-meditation, guests are invited to try homemade plant-based sweets including a delicious apricot oat milk pudding, inviting sweetness within.

Respite done right

From tranquil hot springs to forested trails and serene views of Mount Fuji, Hakone offers a restorative escape rooted in nature and tradition. As Irish discovered, this peaceful retreat invites you to slow down, breathe deeply, and reconnect with oneself. Whether you’re soaking in an onsen, meditating in luxuriant spaces, or simply embracing the stillness of the landscape, Hakone offers the perfect counterbalance to Tokyo’s vibrant pace and a chance to return renewed—in mind, body, and soul.