A Full Day of Fun in Hakone

#cityplaybook Nestled in the mountains of Kanagawa, Hakone is a popular getaway known for its hot springs, shrines, and beautiful lake views. Whether you’re into nature, history, or sports, this charming town has something for everyone! One highlight was visiting the iconic Hakone Shrine, with its torii gate standing gracefully on the lake. So peaceful and photogenic! As a big fan of the Hakone Ekiden (a famous university relay race in Japan), I had a blast at the Hakone Ekiden Museum. The museum features race uniforms, footage of past races, and even some nostalgic highlights. Right next to it is the official goal/start point of the race — a must-see for any fan! To wrap up the day, I stopped by Cafe Hakone Hyakuyaku for their specialty dessert, Ryujin no Tama — a refreshing, jelly-like treat made with local spring water and wasanbon sugar. So soft and delicious! Why I recommend Hakone for a day trip: ・A perfect balance of nature, history, and local flavor ・Great for both first-timers and repeat visitors — always something new to enjoy! 📍Hakone, Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan #hakone #hakoneshrine #hakoneekiden #ryujinnotama #cafehakone #japantravel #hiddenjapan #cityplaybook