Hakone

Hakone, a small mountain town in the shadow of Mount Fuji, is a relaxing escape from Tokyo, with its hot springs such as Higaeri onsen, art, natural beauty, and—if the skies are blue—great views of Mount Fuji. Not-to-miss museums include the Hakone Open Air Museum and the Pola Museum. Insider tip: Seek out facilities with a rotenburo, or outdoor onsen, so you can unwind in the hot water while enjoying cooling breezes. If you are staying overnight in Hakone, a rotenburo soak under the stars is unforgettable. To get to Hakone, take the Odakyu Romance Car, an express train that travels between Shinjuku Station and the terminus Hakone Yumoto.