Things to do in Ashigarashimo District

No. 2 of Best Things to Do in Tokai region

Mount Fuji

Mount Fuji spans Shizuoka Prefecture and Yamanashi Prefecture. This mountain, revered by the Japanese as the "sacred peak," has been dormant since its eruption in 1707 and remains a major symbol of Japan. Of course, if you want to experience Mount Fuji and the surrounding natural scenery up close, the Fuji Five Lakes area at the foot of the mountain to the north is a great choice. Among these, the reflection of Mount Fuji in Lake Kawaguchi is a classic view well worth seeing, and the nearby Oshino Hakkai is also a famous sight. Heiwa Park to the southeast is an excellent spot for viewing Mount Fuji; on clear, cloudless days you can clearly see the conical peak of Mount Fuji, and in fall or winter you can also see snow on the summit, which is especially beautiful. Mount Fuji has 4 main climbing entrances, namely Fujinomiya entrance, Subashiri entrance, Gotemba entrance, and Fujiyoshida (Kawaguchiko) entrance, with the first 3 all located within Shizuoka Prefecture. The route from the foot to the summit is divided into 10 stages, each called a "station," all equipped with rest areas for visitors, and most visitors take a bus from Kawaguchiko to the halfway point of the mountainMount Fuji fifth station, then start climbing the mountain from here. Upon reaching the summit of Mount Fuji, you can see the beautiful crater lake formed by the volcano, surrounded by eight peaks. As you tour around the crater, there is a weather station—the highest point in Japan—where you may want to take a commemorative photo. There is also a post office at the summit where you can send a postcard to family and friends. Additionally, watching the sunrise from Mount Fuji will be an unforgettable and wonderful experience. In addition to Mount Fuji itself, the scenery around its base is also very beautiful. At the northern foot are caves left by volcanic eruptions, in all kinds of shapes, some of which continuously emit steam. Among them, the walls of the Fugaku Wind Cave are covered with stalactite-like icicles, known as "perpetual snow." The southern foot is a vast highland pasture with beautiful scenery throughout the year, as well as many places for leisure activities; in summer you can go camping, swimming, and fishing, and in winter you can go skiing and ice skating.

Odawara Castle Park

Odawara Castle ParkCentered around the restored castle tower, it is a recreational spot for locals featuring a history museum and a children's amusement park

Hakone Sekisho

Sengokuhara

Sengokuhara was located at the bottom of the lake in ancient times. There are still remnants of the past, and a large number of rare wet grassland plants such as wild iris and water moss grow. The wet grassland plants here are designated as natural monuments by the state. Every autumn, the endless golden-yellow Miscanthus flickers on the grassland, and it is rated as one of the 50 scenic spots in Kanagawa.

No. 4 of Hot Springs Attractions in Kanagawa Prefecture

Tenzan Onsen

Tenzan Onsen is an established hot spring facility in Hakone and a great choice for experiencing hot springs in Japan. It is easily accessible by public transportation, the staff is very friendly, and the facilities are clean and well-maintained.

Suzuhiro Kamaboko Museum

This is a fish cake-themed museum where you can learn about the history of fish cakes and the ingredients required to make them, and even experience the process of making them.

Hakone Gōra Park

Gora Park is a French-style rock garden built at the foot of Mt. Soun. It opened in 1914 and is the earliest French-style garden in Japan. This Western Garden Park, which is symmetrical with the fountain as the center, covers an area of about 36,000 square meters. The park is paved with walking paths made of natural rock blocks. In addition to fountains and flower bed facilities, there are three botanical gardens in the park. They are: the spacious "Bougainvillea Pavilion", which brings together exotic flowers and plants and a southern atmosphere; the "Tropical Plant Pavilion" with the theme of tropical plants such as rubber and banana trees. There is also the "Tropical Herb House" where about 70 kinds of tropical herbs are gathered. There are cherry trees near Gora Park, which is also famous for its azaleas. Visitors can also taste Japanese matcha and Japanese sweets in the tea room of "Baiyundong Tea Garden". In the craft workshop in the courtyard, you can also experience the making of pottery and glass blowing.

Mt. Taikan Observation Deck

Hakone-en

No. 6 of Hot Springs Attractions in Kanagawa Prefecture

Odawara Ohoribata Manyo no Yu

Odawara Ohoribata Manyo no Yu, located in Odawara City, Kanagawa Prefecture, is a hot spring facility conveniently located just a five-minute walk from the east exit of Odawara Station, where the Shinkansen also stops. Guests can enjoy natural hot springs, an open-air bath, and a sauna, and there are also plenty of lunch and dinner menus available. This is a super hot spring facility that is equipped with reclining seats for relaxing, flat nap rooms, and even private rooms.