Reader’s Question:

Travel Plans to Hakone from Kansai

I am planning a trip to the Hakone area with my three daughters, who are a high school student, a middle school student, and a first grader. We will be traveling from
Kyoto by Shinkansen. I believe we will take the Hikari or Kodama and get off at Odawara Station. However, I am unsure whether to transfer to other trains or use a rental car from there.

Recommendations Needed

Given the following conditions, which option would you recommend? Additionally, which area would be best for accommodation? If anyone is familiar with the Hakone area, I would appreciate your insights. Thank you in advance!

Must-Visit Places

– Ashinoko Lake – Hakone Glass no Mori Museum – Owakudani

Other Considerations

– We might visit Shizuoka either before or after our stay. – Mishima Skywalk Thank you for your assistance!

Exploring Hakone with My Daughters: A Family Adventure from Kansai

Hey there, fellow travelers! If you’re anything like me, the thought of planning a trip can be as exciting as it is daunting—especially when you’re bringing your kids along! Recently, I took a memorable journey to Hakone with my three daughters, and let me tell you, it was a mix of thrill, laughter, and a sprinkle of chaos, but oh-so worth it. So, grab a cup of tea, and let’s dive into this adventure together!

Getting to Hakone: The Journey from Kyoto

Our adventure began in Kyoto. The Shinkansen (bullet train) is nothing short of marvelous, right? We hopped on the Hikari line, and within no time, we were gliding across the Japanese countryside. My daughters were wide-eyed, taking in the scenery that zipped by. I mean, who doesn’t love a good train ride? It’s like being in a movie! We got off at Odawara Station, which is the gateway to Hakone. Here’s where I had to make a decision: should we rent a car or hop on a train? After a quick discussion with the girls, we decided to go for the Hakone Tozan Railway. It just felt more adventurous, and trains are so much fun! Plus, parking in Hakone can be quite a hassle, especially during the busy tourist season.

Our Accommodation: Finding the Perfect Place

When planning where to stay, I wanted to ensure we were close to the must-visit spots while also enjoying the local vibe. After a bit of research—thank you, trusty internet—I decided on staying near Hakone-Yumoto. Why here? Well, it’s a fantastic hub for public transportation, with easy access to bus routes that can take you to the lake and other attractions. It also has a charming atmosphere with ryokans (traditional Japanese inns) and cozy hotels. We ended up at a lovely ryokan that had an onsen (hot spring). The girls were initially skeptical about the whole bathing-in-a-hot-spring thing, but trust me, after one soak, they were all in!

Must-Visit Spots: Hakone Highlights

Now, let’s get into the good stuff—the actual adventures. I had a list of must-visit places, and I was determined to tick them off, one by one.

Ashinoko Lake: A Scenic Gem

First up was Ashinoko Lake. We took a cute pirate ship across the lake, which was such a hit with the girls. I mean, who doesn’t want to feel like a pirate, right? The views of Mount Fuji in the background were absolutely jaw-dropping. We spent some time on the shore, took a ton of pictures, and even fed some ducks (a classic dad move!). The girls enjoyed spotting the different types of boats, and I was just grateful for the fresh air. It was a perfect day; the sun was shining and the waters were calm. I could feel all the stress of everyday life floating away—literally!

Hakone Glass no Mori Museum: A Spark of Creativity

Next on our itinerary was the Hakone Glass no Mori Museum. I have to admit, part of me was a little hesitant. Glass museums can sometimes feel stuffy, but this one is a gem! The colorful glass art was mesmerizing, and the gardens surrounding the museum were gorgeous. What really sold me was the hands-on experience. We got to try our hand at glass-blowing! My daughters were thrilled. I mean, who knew they had such artistic talent? The laughter and excitement were contagious as we shaped our little glass pieces. Sure, they weren’t masterpieces, but they were our masterpieces. We left with our little creations, which now hold a special place on our mantle at home.

Owakudani: Volcanoes and Views Galore

We couldn’t visit Hakone without checking out Owakudani. This volcanic valley is an absolute must-see. As we ascended, the landscape transformed dramatically, and we could see the steam rising from the earth. It felt a bit like stepping onto another planet. The girls were a little apprehensive about the sulfuric smell, but they soon got over it when they saw the black eggs boiling in the hot springs! Legend has it that eating one of these eggs adds seven years to your life. Who wouldn’t want that? We all tried one, and surprisingly, they were pretty tasty! The views from the top were breathtaking. We snapped a family photo with the mountains in the background, and I couldn’t help but feel grateful for this experience together.

Bonus Adventure: Mishima Skywalk

I had heard about the Mishima Skywalk and figured why not? It’s a short trip from Hakone, and it’s the longest pedestrian suspension bridge in Japan. After checking out Owakudani, we decided to head there, and wow—what a view! Walking across that bridge, with the wind in our hair and a stunning view of Mount Fuji, was exhilarating. I could see the girls’ faces light up, and that’s when I realized that moments like these are what travel is all about—memories in the making!

Final Thoughts: The Journey Home

After a whirlwind of activities, we headed back to our ryokan, exhausted but filled with joy. It was one of those trips that reinforces the bond between us. I think travel has a beautiful way of doing that—it brings us closer together, creates shared memories, and gives us stories to tell for years to come. As we boarded the Shinkansen back to Kyoto, I felt a sense of accomplishment. We had explored, laughed, and created memories. If you’re contemplating a trip to Hakone with your family, I wholeheartedly recommend it! Embrace the adventure, enjoy the breathtaking views, and don’t forget to try those black eggs. Trust me; your family will thank you later! So there you have it—our Hakone adventure. If you’re planning a similar trip or have any questions, feel free to drop a comment! Happy travels!