Happy New Year! 2025!!!
How was your 2024???
For me, I was familiar with lifestyle of business person. So, I traveled somewhere else once every month! Of course, blushing up my language skill and reading a book everyday, and dancing. Everything I did!
In this part, I think there are a lot of contents!
・Introduce of Hakone where I visited last November
・How to enjoy Shrine in New Year’s day
・My New Year’s resolution
I hope you’ll enjoy to see this contents and make a trip plan in Japan during New Year’s month, January!
***Are you looking for hotel? Agoda will help you!***
1. Where is Hakone?
Hakone, nestled in the heart of Kanagawa Prefecture, is a must-visit destination.For adventurers, you’ll enjoy to seek a mix of natural beauty, cultural experiences, and relaxation. Whether you’re craving stunning views of Mt. Fuji, indulging in hot spring baths, or exploring unique museums, Hakone has something special for everyone.
Hakone is easily accessible from Tokyo. Hop on the Odakyu Romancecar from Shinjuku Station for a scenic journey straight to Hakone-Yumoto Station. Or use the Hakone Freepass for unlimited travel on buses, trains, and even cable cars within the area.
2. What you should do in Hakone?
There are many attractions in Hakone so once you stay at Hakone, you’ll enjoy from 3-4 days! Here are famous things and must-do list!
1. Ropeway
The Hakone Ropeway is an unmissable adventure for anyone visiting Hakone. Stretching from Sounzan to Togendai, it offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. It includes lush mountains, Lake Ashi, and, on clear days, the majestic Mt. Fuji.
A highlight of the ride is passing through Owakudani, a steaming volcanic valley where you can witness active sulfur vents and stop to sample the famous black eggs. The gondolas are spacious and provide a smooth, scenic journey that feels like flying over nature’s wonders. For young travelers, it’s the perfect mix of excitement and incredible photo opportunities.
2. Cruise Ferry and Lake Ashi
Lake Ashi, or Ashinoko, is one of Hakone’s most iconic attractions. It is known for its serene waters and postcard-perfect views of Mt. Fuji.
A unique way to experience the lake is aboard the Pirate Ship Cruises. It’s elaborately designed vessels transport you across the water while offering breathtaking scenery on all sides. These ships are not only fun and whimsical but also provide comfortable seating and observation decks for soaking in the views.
The cruise connects major spots like Togendai, Moto-Hakone, and Hakone-machi. It makes both a relaxing activity and a practical mode of transport. Adventurers will love the novelty of the pirate-themed journey and the chance to capture incredible photos of the lake framed by mountains and, on clear days, Mt. Fuji.
3. Owakudani and Onsen experience
Owakudani is a volcanic wonderland that offers a rare glimpse into Japan’s geothermal activity. As you approach, you’ll notice billowing steam vents and the distinct smell of sulfur—a sign of the valley’s volcanic origins. A highlight here is tasting the famous black eggs. It is boiled in natural hot springs. It is said to add seven years to your life with every egg you eat!
After exploring Owakudani, nothing beats unwinding in a traditional onsen (hot spring). Hakone is renowned for its therapeutic hot springs, with options ranging from luxurious ryokan baths to family-friendly facilities. The contrast between the raw energy of Owakudani and the tranquil relaxation of an onsen makes this combination a truly unforgettable experience for travelers.
4. Museums
Also, Hokone is famous for museums. There are a lot of museums in this area. Depending on your location of hotel, you may go easily to visit museum.
3. Hakone Shrine
Here is my main topic!!! Hakone shrine!!! Don’t miss it!
1. History
Hakone Shrine, nestled at the foot of Mount Hakone by the serene shores of Lake Ashi, has a history that stretches back over 1,200 years. Founded during the Nara period (757 AD), the shrine was dedicated to the deities of the mountains. It believed to protect travelers and bring blessings of safety and success.
During the Edo period, Hakone Shrine became a significant spiritual site for pilgrims traveling along the Tokaido Road. The iconic red torii gates, including the one standing majestically in the lake, symbolize the shrine’s connection to nature and the divine.
Today, it remains a revered place for prayers and rituals, offering a blend of history, culture, and breathtaking views that captivate visitors from around the world.
2. How to pray New Year’s luck
As you know, Japanese people visit a shrine at the first day and pray a luck of New Year. It’s called Hatsumode.
Hatsumode s a cherished Japanese tradition and a wonderful cultural experience for visitors. To fully enjoy Hatsumode, start by dressing warmly and arriving early, as popular shrines like Hakone Shrine can get quite crowded. Upon arrival, cleanse your hands and mouth at the purification fountain, a ritual called temizu, to prepare for your prayer.
Approach the main hall, toss a coin into the offering box, bow twice, clap twice, make your wish, and bow once more. Afterward, explore the festive atmosphere around the shrine, where stalls often sell snacks, souvenirs, and charms (omamori) for health, love, and prosperity. Don’t forget to draw an omikuji fortune slip for a bit of fun insight into your year ahead.
Hatsumode at Hakone Shrine is an especially memorable way to welcome the New Year!
3. What was my Luck?
OK, in my case, to prevent congestion so since 2023, I’ve lucked at a shrine November or December.
So, here is my paper fortune, Omikuji!
My 2025 is tyukichi, middle good.
According to the fortune, my most important thing will be HARMONY.
Do not compete. One step back and believe happiness each other.
Here is detail…
- Believe strongly. Then my dream will come true.
- Job: Depending on my action. Then my environment will change.
- Romance: Group relationship will be better. Be fashionable.
- Health: Go outside. Be careful chilly.
- Study: Meeting good teacher makes my goal achieve.
- Money: Make a plan when I pay a lot of money.
- Travel: Be careful my lost item in destination.
4. Conclusion
My 2025’s resolution is “Chasing Opportunities”
As my fortune said before, if I take more action, my life will change!
Actually, I found a recruit information, which I wanna work there. My 2025 will start Job Hunting, not test for interpreter. My first priority is changing my lifestyle and getting effective skill!
What’s your new year’s resolution?
And have you ever been to Hakone?
Leave your comments!!!
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