A former Oshu Kaido gateway town, Shirakawa preserves the quiet atmosphere of travelers’ days past.

Nikko, the land where the gods lives. Nikko has been an important area for “Mountain Beliefs” since the Japanese monk Shodo Shonin became the founder of Nikko in 766. Many temples and shrines have been established in the Nikko area, making Nikko an extremely important center of faith and a place where spiritual energy meets.   After Tokugawa Ieyasu, who founded the Edo Shogunate, was named “Tosho Daigongen” and buried in Nikkō Tōshō-gū Shinto Shrine, Nikko was honored and cared for by the Shogunate, and became a well-known religious shrine. With the support of the Shogunate, many of Nikko's temples were properly maintained, and even the carvings on the buildings are lavish and beautiful, crystallizing the traditional craftsmanship of the whole of Japan.   World Heritage Site "Shrines and Temples of Nikko" The “Shrines and Temples of Nikko”, which was officially recognized as a World Heritage Site in 1999, consists of three temples and shrines, Nikko Toshogu Shrine, Nikko Rinnoji Temple, and Nikko Futarasan Shrine, and has a total of 103 buildings (9 National Treasures and 94 Important Cultural Properties).   Nikkō Tōshō-gū is famous for honoring Tokugawa Ieyasu, the first shogun of the Edo Shogunate, and there are many splendid and delicate carvings inside the shrine, which are said to be the masterpieces of the best craftsmen from all over Japan. Today, this traditional art has been passed down from the descendants of these craftsmen to the local Nikko traditional art of Nikko Bori (Nikko carving).   Nikkosan Rinnoji Temple, originally founded by Shodo Shonin, has a long history in Nikko. In addition to the main hall of the temple, which is known for being the largest wooden complex in the entire Eastern Japan region, the “Taiyuin Temple,” dedicated to Tokugawa Iemitsu, the third shogun of the Edo Shogunate, also attracts travelers with its intricate and beautiful carvings.   Nikko Futarasan Shrine was also built by Shodo Shonin and has been called “Shimono Province's first Shrine (present-day Tochigi Prefecture)” since ancient times. In addition to managing Mt. Nantai, which is a symbol of mountain beliefs, Nikko Futarasan Shrine also holds the “Yayoi Festival” every year, which symbolizes the visit of spring to the Nikko area and is a must-see festival for tourists.  

Nestled in Gora Park’s charming nature, Hakone Crafthouse is a facility that sells traditional Hakone crafts and offers hands-on workshops. Select from an array of classes—including glassblowing, pottery making, sandblasting, kiriko glassmaking, lampwork bead making, jewelry bead making, and pottery painting—and create a one-of-a-kind, personalized piece of art. Thanks to its diverse range of experiences, Hakone Crafthouse is a fun and educational place for people of all ages. The facility even offers assistance in English.While you can take some crafts home on the same day, others require additional work and will be shipped to you at a later date. The facility offers both domestic and international shipping (for an additional fee).Hakone Crafthouse’s shop, Komamonoya Hakone, sells locally produced glass and pottery products, including traditional Hakone crafts, making it a wonderful place to pick up a souvenir that complements your handmade one.

Katsushika Hokusai, a world-renowned ukiyo-e artist, was born in Honjo-Wari-Gesui (presently the Kamezawa area in Sumida Ward, Tokyo) in 1760 and spent almost his entire 90 years of life in Sumida Ward where he created a large number of masterpieces. In honor of this outstanding artist whom many local citizens are truly proud of, the Sumida Ward opened the Sumida Hokusai Museum as a base to invigorate the local community and contribute to the region’s industry and tourism. The collection features an exhibit of Hokusai and his disciples. Exhibitions of research and many other activities of relationships between Hokusai and Sumida are held.　

Yokohama Landmark Tower features an array of facilities centered around the tower building, such as offices, a hotel, and a shopping mall. It also houses a variety of other facilities, including the Sky Garden observation deck (schedule to close on December 31, 2025), a multipurpose hall, and the Dock Yard Garden, a plaza that utilizes a restored stone dock.

Lake Ashi, called Ashinoko in Japanese, is one of Hakone’s most scenic natural retreats. Resting at the base of Mt. Hakone, this largely undeveloped lake is lined with lush seasonal foliage and even offers views of Mt. Fuji on clear days. This enchanting scenery has made Lake Ashi a popular destination for cruises and watersports, including kayaking! Ashinoko Club, located on Lake Ashi’s southern end, is an excellent base for all your watersports needs. The rental facility offers three kayaking experiences that are suitable for visitors of all ages—a morning tour, an afternoon tour, and the Kuzuryu Shrine course. These guided kayaking experiences take between 60 and 90 minutes, depending on the course, and offer unique perspectives of the renowned lake and encircling scenery. One of the area’s most prominent photo spots is Hakone Shrine with its partially submerged torii (gate). This brilliant vermilion structure seemingly glows against the deeper tones of the forest beyond, making for an enchanting visual. If you are lucky, you may even be granted a view that encompasses both Hakone Shrine and Mt. Fuji! If you plan on visiting Lake Ashi, a kayaking tour is guaranteed to make your experience a memorable one.

Mikazuki Village recreates the world of old Japan through a lively streetscape inspired by period dramas and regional legends

Located at the entrance of Enoshima, Enoshima Island Spa is a hot spring facility with a natural hot spring and spa pool. It is situated in a great location with views of the sea of Shonan and Mt. Fuji on a clear day. The hotel building opened within a two-minute walk from the island in April 2020, allowing what was previously a day trip facility to cater to staying guests. The hot spring itself opens at 7am. Enjoy the charm of an "Enoshima morning," by taking a stoll through Enoshima in the crisp morning breeze, and taking in the spectacular views from your refreshing morning bath.

Located within “Odawara Hayakawa Fishing Village,” a seafood gourmet theme park overlooking Sagami Bay, Ryoushi no Hamayaki Aburiya offers an all-you-can-eat seafood BBQ experience. Enjoy unlimited fresh seafood such as turban shells, scallops, white clams, various Odawara dried fish, seafood skewers, rare cuts of tuna and shrimp, as well as grilled chicken, sausages, vegetables, rice, fish soup, seafood curry, and desserts!

This historic shopping street stretches along the entrance of Enoshima to Enoshima Shrine. It is lined with accommodations, restaurants, souvenir shops, and more, making it a popular tourist spot.

Yatai no Machi Central Park introduces Kanuma’s festival craftsmanship and garden culture through its exhibition hall and traditional garden.

The Hakone Sightseeing Cruise offers sightseeing boats that sail around Lake Ashinoko, a popular spot in Hakone. There are three boats: Royal II, Victory, and Queen Ashinoko, and passengers can board the cruise at any of the three ports along the edge of the lake. Those ports are Hakonemachi-ko, Motohakone-ko, or Togendai-ko. We recommend the cruise that leaves from Motohakone-ko, as you can view Mt. Fuji, a large torii gate, and Lake Ashinoko all at once. Passengers can enjoy majestic views on sunny days, when the contrast between the blue sky and the sparkling surface of the lake is very beautiful.Purchase a Hakone Free Pass to cover the public transportation costs to Lake Ashi and purchase discounted tickets for the boat tour.Fireworks cruises operate on the eve of the Setsubun Festival on February 2 and during the Lake Ashinoko Summer Festival Week from July 31 to August 5 every year. Enjoy the fireworks as they spread across the night sky while you feel the sound of the fireworks echoing off the mountains.