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Tuesday, July 31, 2018

Ginza: Tokyo's Glittering Shopping & Culture District

A Glimpse into Tsukiji Before the Move

Before the move: A local's guide to the Tsukiji Fish market (YouTube link)

Before the move: TOP 10 Street Food at Tsukiji Fish Market (YouTube link)

A Glimpse into Tsukiji After the Move


What NEW Tokyo Tsukiji Fish Market is like AFTER Toyosu MOVE (YouTube link)

The Ginza (銀座) ⭐is one of the most visited areas in Tokyo.  It is Tokyo's most famous upmarket shopping, dining and entertainment district, featuring numerous department stores, boutiques, art galleries, restaurants, night clubs and cafes.

Ninomaru Garden (二の丸庭園) (YouTube link)


Ginza Getaway: Must-See Sights Beyond the Shops

  • Tsukiji Fish Market
    • While Tsukiji Fish Market's famed inner market with the tuna auctions moved to Toyosu in 2018, the Tsukiji Outer Market remains a vibrant destination. This area offers a delightful experience for visitors seeking fresh seafood, local produce, and delicious Japanese cuisine.
    • Even today, you can find the renowned sushi restaurant, すしざんまい 本店 (see below), among the many shops and eateries in the Outer Market.
  • Imperial Palace East Gardens Ninomaru
    • Hours: 
      • 9:00 to 16:30 (until 17:00 from mid April through August; until 16:00 from November through February). Admission ends 30 minutes before closing.
    • Closed: 
      • Mondays, Fridays, New Year (Dec 28 to Jan 3) and some special occasions. If Monday or Friday is a national holiday, the gardens are closed on the following day instead.
  • Ginza Shopping
    • Ginza Six
      • District's largest shopping complex
      • Shops: 10:30 to 20:30 (Restaurants: typically11:00 to 23:30)
    • Ginza Mitsukoshi
      • Shops: 10:30 to 20:00 (Restaurants: typically 11:00 to 23:00)
    • Marronnier Gate
    • Itoya
      • Claimed to be Japan's best stationery shop
      • Daily 10:00 to 20:00 (until 19:00 on Sundays and holidays)
    • Ginza Wako
      • Inside the building, jewelry and luxury items are sold
      • Shops: 10:30 to 19:00
    • Uniqlo Ginza Store
      • Clothing retailer producing a collection of casual wear & accessories for men, women & children.
  • Winter Illumination



The Signature Eel Dish of Hitsumabushi Bincho


Restaurants


Two restaurants are recommended below.  But you can find more restaurants using Tabelog web site which has an English version.


Hitsumabushi Bincho
  • Categories: Eel Rice or Hitsumabushi  【 櫃まぶし 】
  • Location: Marronnier Gate Ginza 1 (マロニエゲート銀座1)
  • Hours:
    • Lunch 11: 00-15: 30 (LO 15: 00)
    • Dinner 17: 00-23: 00 (Monday - Thursday, Sunday and holidays LO 21: 30) (Friday, Saturday, Public Holiday LO 22: 00) 
  • Notes
    • Eel dish will be provided until sold out

すしざんまい 本店
  • Categories: Sushi, Seafood, Seafood rice bowl
  • Location: Tsukiji Market
  • Hours
    • Open 24 hours a day and 365 days a year

Sunday, July 22, 2018

Navigating Shinagawa Station: A Guide for Tokyo Travelers

Japan has some of the world's most infamously crowded trains, particularly the nation's capital, Tokyo. According to the transport ministry, the 10 most congested lines in the greater Tokyo area were:[1]
  • Tozai subway line
  • Odakyu line
  • JR Yokosuka line
  • JR Chuo line
  • Tokyu Denentoshi line (to Shibuya)
  • JR Tokaido Line
  • JR Sobu Express
  • Chiyoda subway line
  • JR Keihin Tohoku Line.
In this article, we explore Shinagawa Station (品川駅), one of Tokyo’s busiest train stations. As a major transportation hub, it often experiences significant crowds, especially during rush hour.

Toei 1 Day Pass

Shinagawa Station (品川駅)


To exit through the automatic ticket gates at Shinagawa Station, you need a valid ticket that matches the type of transportation you used to enter the station. This could be:
  • A basic fare ticket: Purchased for a single journey on the train.
  • A prepaid IC card: Such as Suica or Pasmo, which you tap at the gates.
  • A special pass: Like the Toei 1 Day Pass, but it must be valid for the specific lines and exits you’re using.
If you have a pass like the Toei 1 Day Pass (Adult: 700 yen, Child: 350 yen), make sure it covers the lines you’re traveling on and that you use the correct exit gates. Shinagawa Station can be quite complex, so it’s important to follow the signs and ensure your ticket or pass is valid for your entire journey. If you find yourself stuck, station staff are usually very helpful.

Video 1.  Shinagawa Station—Tokyo Rail Adventure Guide (YouTube link)


Below video could be helpful for you to understand the complicated track systems of Shinagawa Station.


Video 2. 【品川駅】 Shinagawa Station (YouTube link)

Travel Tips


If you need to travel through Shinagawa Station and make a connection, consider these recommendations:
  1. Avoid morning rush hours (7:00 to 9:00) and evening rush hours (17:00 to 19:00)
  2. Opt for Prepaid IC Card or the Greater Tokyo Pass instead of John's Toei 1 Day Pass (or other limited access Pass) as shown in the video.
    • IC cards are convenient but generally do not offer discounts over regular tickets.
    • They (e.g., Suica, Pasmo, Icoca, etc.) are virtually identical in terms of coverage, differing mainly in where they can be purchased and refunded. Most people will want to buy the card available in the first city they arrive in, such as Suica or Pasmo in Tokyo or Icoca in Osaka.
    • The Greater Tokyo Pass is a plan ticket that allows unlimited rides for 3 or 5 days on railway lines and streetcars operated by 13 private railway line companies (Note: JR Lines are not included) and 31 bus companies in Metropolitan Tokyo and three surrounding prefectures. 
    • In my opinion, I’ve decided to give up on the Greater Tokyo Pass due to the complexity of figuring out which railway or bus lines are included.
  3. Plan your trip with Jorudan (Japan Transit Planner) in advance and choose the simplest route option (e.g., least transfers/connections) and stick with it 

References

  1. How to Avoid Crowded Trains
  2. Shinagawa Station, the Great Escape | Tokyo Rail Adventure Guide
  3. TOKYO.【品川駅】.Introduction to Tracks of Shinagawa Station
  4. IC Cards
  5. Jorudan (Japan Transit Planner)
  6. Tokyo Subway Ticket
  7. Tokyo Monorail Guide

Wednesday, July 18, 2018

Hokone Travel—Where to Shop and Eat in Shengokuhara Area

In this article, we just want to demonstrate how you can plan in advance to find where to eat and where to shop for groceries using both Google maps and tabelog.com (in Japanese; however, google translate can help).



Shengokuhara Area


Most people travelling to Hakone (箱根) stay around Hakone-Yumoto area.  So, if you want to visit Shengokuhara Area for the following activities:
You probably would wonder where you could eat meals or buy groceries.  Here are the research that we have done for you:

Supermarket


Restaurants

Below restaurants are more on the economical side:

Note the above opening hours are for your reference only.  Please do check out tabelog.com or google for detailed information (e.g., closed days; hours based on seasons).

References

  1. tabelog.com
  2. Shengokuhara area
  3. RomajiDesu English Japanese Dictionary and Translator
  4. Hakone Sightseeing Cruise
  5. Hakone Travel (Total 17 articles on this blogger)

Tuesday, July 17, 2018

Hakone Travel―Visiting Museums

Odakyu Movie Summer Edition (YouTube link)

Hakone⭐⭐, part of the Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park, is a very popular destination among Tokyoites, as well as tourists, for its gorgeous scenery around the Mount Fuji (for instance, the Lake Ashinoko 芦ノ湖 and Owakudani 大涌谷), its many onsens and vacation resorts.

Actually, there are quite a few interesting museums in Hakone too, In this article, we will cover some of them:

Hakone Open Air Museum


The Hakone Open Air Museum (箱根彫刻の森美術館, Hakone Chōkoku No Mori Bijutsukan) successfully attempts to create a harmonic balance of nature and art by exhibiting various sculptures on its grounds in combination with views of the surrounding valley and mountains.

The museum has various different sections and exhibition spaces outdoors and indoors. The Picasso Exhibition Hall is one such space and showcases two stories of paintings, sculptures and ceramic works by the artist in addition to photos of him at various points during his life.


Hakone Glass no Mori


The Hakone Glass no Mori (箱根ガラスの森) features Italian styled buildings housing a museum and shops. Outside is a large strolling garden surrounding a canal like pond. The garden has a number of large glass sculptures laid about it, as well as a cafe with an open terrace at one end where live canzoni (Italian ballads) performances are held.

The Glass no Mori's Venetian Glass Museum houses a collection of over 100 pieces of Venetian glassware. It displays both modern and classical works in all forms including vases, goblets, lamps and sculptures.


Pola Museum



The museum was built amid a forest of 300 year old beech trees, and although constructed of concrete and glass, it is designed so as not to disrupt the natural environment that surrounds it. To achieve this, the majority of the building is located underground.

The museum features modern and contemporary paintings, sculptures, ceramics and glassware by mostly Japanese and European artists. In addition to temporary exhibits, the museum displays rotating exhibits drawn from its permanent collection which include works by artists such as Cezanne, Monet, Picasso and Renoir.


Odakyu Movie Autumn Edition (YouTube link)

Hakone Museum of Art


The museum displays mainly Japanese ceramics from prehistoric timesthrough the Edo Period (1600-1868). These include a number of large earthenware and ceramic vessels such as a haniwa burial statue classified as an Important Cultural Property.

The museum also features a pretty moss garden with stone paths winding through the shade of its maple trees. The garden beautifully reflects the seasons with brilliant autumn colors during November (watch the video above) and vibrant greens in spring. There is also a teahouse where green tea is served for a small fee.

Sunday, July 15, 2018

Hakone Hiking Trail: Explore Hakone-jinja Shrine and the Old Tokaido (東海道)

Hakone Travel―Pirate Cruise on Lake Ashinoko (YouTube link)

The following trip is designed for a one-day hiking around Lake Ashinoko area with the following itinerary:
  1. Hakone Visitor Center ― (15 min.0.8 km) →
  2. Togendai Port ― (50 min.8 km) →
  3. Moto-Hakone Port ― (10 min.0.7 km) →
  4. Hakone-jinja Shrine ― (35 min.1.8 km) →
  5. Amasake-Chaya (Tea House) 

In this article, we assume you will use Hakone Freepass and all transportation fees should be covered.

Click to Enlarge (North points to Up).[4] 

View from Hakone Visitor Center Walking Course[8]

Hakone Visitor Center


Immerse yourself in the natural tapestry of Hakone before embarking on your aquatic adventure. The Hakone Visitor Center's walking course beckons with chirping melodies, verdant paths, and the shimmering embrace of Lake Ashi. It's a nature lover's haven just minutes from Togendai Port.

Click to Enlarge (North points to Left, not Up)[1]

Lake Ashinoko


The best views of the lake in combination with Mount Fuji can be enjoyed from:[3]
View of Fuji Mt. from either Detached Palace Garden or Old Tokaldo Road

Hakone Travel―Taking Old Tokaido Road to Hakone-jinja Shrine (YouTube link)

Old Tokaido (東海道) Hiking


From Moto-Hakone Port, you walk along lake shore to Hakone-Jinja Shrine (roughly 10 mins).  Then take the paved Old Tokaido (東海道) to arrive Amasake-Chaya, which is a tea house with a 400-year history:[1]
With its distinctive thatched roof, it has been known since the times of old for its amazake (sweet fermented rice drink) and mochi (Japanese rice cake). There used to be four tea houses in this vicinity, where a great many travelers are said to have found rest and refreshment. As a reward for the long walk, why not have a drink of amazake, and while enjoying it, take a rest and let yourself slip back in time to the Edo period.
After enjoying your stay at Amasake-Chaya, you can either leave with bus Line K or keep on hiking down to Yumoto (1h 55m).

Paved Old Tokaido (東海道)

Japan Travel―Visiting Hakone for Onsen Experience

10 Best Onsen Ryokan Hotels in Hakone, Japan (YouTube link)

Hakone, part of the Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park, is a very popular destination among Tokyoites, as well as tourists, for its gorgeous scenery around the Mount Fuji (for instance, the Ashi lakes and Owakudani), its many onsens and vacation resorts.

Hakone Onsen 


Hakone (箱根) is one of the most popular onsen ⭐⭐(hot spring) towns and has a history of 1200 years. Visitors can enjoy a hot spring bath in public bath houses or ryokan. Many ryokan open their baths not only to staying guests but also to daytime visitors. While staying guests can use the baths for free, daytime visitors pay an admission fee of typically between ¥500 and ¥2000.

Onsen for Daytime Visitors


Below is a list of some of Hakone's better baths open to the general public:

  1. Tenzan (天山湯治郷)
    • 天山 
      • Hours: 9:00 to 23:00 (entry until 22:00)
      • Admission: 1450 yen (cash only)
    • Other Options
  2. Hakone Yuryo (箱根湯寮)
    • Large Communal Bath
      • Hours: 10:00 to 21:00 (weekends until 22:00), entry ends one hour before closing
      • Admission: 1400 yen
    • Other options
  3. Hakone Kamon (花紋)
  4. Yunosato Okada ()
      • Day Plan
        • Hours: 6:00 to 9:00 and 11:00 to 23:00 (entry until 22:00)
      1. Kappa Tengoku (かっぱ天国)
          • Outdoor Hot Spring
            • Hours: 10:00 to 22:00
            • Admission: 800 yen
          • Other Options
        1. Yumoto Fujiya Hotel (湯本富士屋ホテル)
          • Day Plan (Main communal bath and outdoor bath)
            • Hours: 12:00 to 20:00
            • Admission: 1800 yen
        2. Hotel Kowakien Yunessun (箱根小涌園ユネッサン)
            • Yunessun (Swimsuit Area)
              • Hours: 9:00 to 19:00 (until 21:00 in August)
              • Admission: 2900 yen
            • Mori no Yu (Onsen Area; 森の湯)
              • Hours: 11:00 to 20:00 (until 21:00 in August)
              • Admission: 1900 yen 
          1. Hakone Green Plaza Hotel (ホテルグリーンプラザ箱根)
            • Day-Use 
              • Hours:
                • 13:00 ~18:00 / on Monday & Tuesday & Friday
                • 15:00 ~18:00 / on Wednesday & Thursday
                • 13:00 ~15:00 / on Saturday & Sunday & Holiday & top season (2017/05/03~2017/05/05, 2017/07/15~2017/08/25, 2017/12/28~2018/01/03)
              • Admission: 1,600 yen

          Hakone Green Plaza Hotel (ホテルグリーンプラザ箱根)


          Both the men’s and women’s open-air baths offer a spectacular view of Mt. Fuji. The view from the women’s open-air bath is especially stunning.  To access the hotel, you can take either Hakone Ropeway or Bus.

          Hakone Green Plaza Hotel (ホテルグリーンプラザ箱根)

          Best ONSEN with FUJI view in Japan (YouTube link)
           

          Hakone Yuryo (箱根湯寮)


          Hakone Yuryo is a tasteful public bath opened in spring 2013 on the former site of the Hakone Begonia Garden. The facility features gender segregated indoor and outdoor baths with nice views into the forest. There is also a large selection of private baths (additional fees apply) for families and couples that wish to bath together. A free shuttle bus operates every 10-15 minutes to/from Hakone Yumoto Station.

          Hakone-One Day Trip to Private Onsen (YouTube link)

          Tenzan (天山湯治郷)


          Collection of nicely done hot spring pools, most of which are outdoors at the foot of a wooded slope. The bath house is a beautiful traditional Japanese style building. A short walk from Oku-Yumoto Iriguchi bus stop (bus line K).

           [温泉] 箱根 天山湯治郷 (YouTube link)

          Hakone Yumoto Station (for details click here)

          References

          1. JR Train Time Table
          2. Hakone Japan Travel Guide 
          3. Travel from Tokyo to Hakone 
          4. ENJOY THE SEASONS IN HAKONE BY USING HAKONE FREEPASS (video)
          5. Hakone: Peak Colors (11/16/2016)
          6. Hiking in Hakone
          7. 箱根登山バス
            • Odawara Sta. → Sengoku
          8. Hiking Hakone`s Kintoki Mountain
          9. Odawara Station 
          10. Odakyu
          11. 旅館送迎有料バス(100円)運行時刻表
          12. 箱根湯本温泉旅館送迎シャトルバス
          13. 箱根湯寮
          14. 天山湯治郷
            • Bus stop: 奥湯本入口(バス)7-min ride from Hakone Yumoto Station (Platform 4)
            • K Line (timetable pdf) from 奥湯本入口 (10:47, 11:47,...) to 元箱根港
          15. HOTEL GREEN PLAZA HAKONE
            • https://www.hotelgreenplazahakone.com/en-us
          16. Japanese Dictionary and Translator
          17. 10 Best Onsen Ryokan Hotels in Hakone
          18. 10 Best Museums in Hakone to Appreciate Art, History, and Nature
          19. 10 Best Things To Do In Hakone for an Extended Stay
          20. 10 Best Onsen Ryokan and Resorts in Hakone to Relax
          21. Onshi-Hakone Park 恩賜箱根公園 (Hours: 9 AM–4:30 PM)
          22. Narukawa Art Museum 箱根芦ノ湖 成川美術館 (Hours: 9 AM–5 PM)

          A Peaceful Escape: Visiting Choanji Temple in Hakone

           Enjoy the seasons in Hakone (YouTube link)

          Autumn Colors


          Nestled in Hakone's Sengokuhara area, Choanji Temple (長安寺, Chōanji) is a haven of tranquility for Zen Buddhism practitioners and sightseers alike. This Soto school temple boasts several reasons to add it to your itinerary:

          • Steeped in History: Explore the main hall, a testament to the temple's rich past.
          • Tranquil Escape: Wander through a network of peaceful walking trails.
          • Fall Foliage Spectacle: Witness the breathtaking display of autumn leaves, with maples reaching their peak vibrancy around mid-November.
          • Unique Rakan Statues: Encounter over two hundred statues of Buddha's disciples (rakan) scattered throughout the serene grounds.


          How to Access


          Choanji Temple is located just a two-minute walk from Sengoku (仙石) bus stop, which is served by Hakone Tozan Buses and Odakyu Buses. The one way ride from Hakone-Yumoto takes about 25 minutes and cost 750 yen, while from Togendai it takes 10-15 minutes and costs 440 yen. Buses depart several times per hour and are covered by the Hakone Free Pass.



          Below pictures show the route from both Hakone-Yumoto and Togendai using Hakone Bus Route Search Site here:


          Bus Ride from Hakone-Yumoto to Sengoku  (仙石) Bus Stop


          Bus Ride from Togendai to Sengoku (仙石) Bus Stop


          References

          1. 長安寺ちょうあんじ
          2. Choanji Temple
          3. Hakone Freepass (offered by Odakyu)
          4. How to purchase tickets
          5. Hakone Tozan Bus
          6. Hakone Travel (Total 17 articles on this blogger)

          Sunday, July 8, 2018

          Hakone Travel—Mt. Kintoki Hiking Trail

          Hakone, part of the Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park, is a very popular destination among Tokyoites, as well as tourists, for its gorgeous scenery around the Mount Fuji (for instance, the Lake Ashinoko 芦ノ湖 and Owakudani 大涌谷), its many onsens and vacation resorts.




          Mt. Fuji View from Mt. Kintoki


          If you love outdoor nature, hiking in Hakone could be a good choice too. In this article, we will cover a hiking path to enjoy a splendid view of Mt. Fuji.


          Mt Kintoki also known as Mt Ashigara (金時山)

          Starting from Kintoki-jinja-ikiguchi and end at Kintoki-tozanguchi
          Note that North points to the left, not up direction

          Mt. Kintoki Hiking Trail


          The starting point for this trail lies a few bus stops away from central Sengokuhara and is conveniently located behind the Kintoki Shrine.


          Trail view taken on 12/19/2015 from this video

          How to Access


          If you plan your trip from Hakone-Yumoto Station, the bus stop you want to arrive at for the trail is named
          Kintoki-jinja-iriguchi (金時神社入口)

          After descending from the mountain following the above Mt. Kintoki Course, you will arrive at another bus stop named:
          Kintoki-tozanguchi (金時登山口)
          which you can departure with.

          Below map shows you the arrival Kintoki-jinja-iriguchi bus stop and Kintoki-tozanguchi bus stop is two stops away from it (under 731; click the map to enlarge). You can use 箱根登山バス to plan your trip from Hakone-Yumoto Station. On its Route Search page, just enter:

          Saturday, July 7, 2018

          Byodoin Temple: A UNESCO World Heritage Site in Uji, Japan

          Uji Travel—Visiting Byodoin Temple (平等院; YouTube link)

          Uji (宇治) , a picturesque town situated between Nara and Kyoto, is renowned for its historical significance, tea culture, and breathtaking autumn foliage. I first visited Uji in December 2016 to admire the autumn leaves and explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Byodoin Temple. In May 2023, I returned with my daughter to introduce her to this special place.

           Byodoin Temple (平等院)


          The image of Byodoin Temple⭐⭐, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is featured on the reverse side of the ¥10 coin. This highlights its significant historical importance in Japan. Despite enduring war, fire, and years of neglect, its eleventh-century Phoenix Hall (鳳凰堂 ), adorned with a magnificent Amida Buddha statue, remains a stunning testament to Heian-period art.[1]

          Initial visit on December 3, 2016




          View from the Hosho-kan Museum (鳳翔館)

          Visiting Uji River for Its Autumn Colors (YouTube link)

          Second Visit on 05/10/2023




          Uji tea, characterized by its small leaves, deep green color, and refreshing aroma

          Sengokuhara (仙石原すすき草原): A Stunning Fall Foliage Destination in Hakone



          Hakone: A Popular Tourist Destination for Autumn Foliage


          Hakone, part of the Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park, is a popular tourist destination, especially among Tokyoites, for its stunning scenery, including Mount Fuji, Lake Ashi, and Owakudani, as well as its many onsens and vacation resorts.

          Hakone is also a great place for hiking, especially in the autumn when the leaves change color. In this article, we will introduce a walking path that showcases the autumn beauty of Hakone.


          Sengokuhara Pampas Grass Field (仙石原すすき草原)


          Sengokuhara Pampas Grass Field  ⭐ (仙石原すすき草原) is a must-see spot in Hakone during the autumn season.[1]  Located at the foot of the northwest side of Mount Hakone, this large, rolling field of pampas grass(susuki) is a sight to behold. The tall grasses change color with the seasons, and in the autumn, they turn a shimmering, silvery gold.

          A single, wide walking path leads into the field from the west base of the hillside, offering expansive views along the way. The path ends at a higher vantage point further up the slope, where visitors can enjoy breathtaking views of the field and the surrounding mountains.

           Enjoy the seasons in Hakone by using Hakone Freepass (YouTube link)

          How to Get to Sengokuhara Pampas Grass Field


          The Sengokuhara Pampas Grass Field is located a few steps from the Sengoku Kogen (仙石高原)  bus stop, which is served by the Hakone Tozan Bus Line T and the Odakyu Bus. It can be reached from Hakone-Yumoto Station in about 30 minutes or from Togendai in about 5 minutes. Buses depart several times per hour and are covered by the Hakone Free Pass.

          To plan your trip from Hakone-Yumoto Station, you can use the Hakone Tozan Bus website. On the Route Search page, simply enter:
          From: Hakone-Yumoto Sta.
          To: Senguku-Kogen



          Photo Gallery


          Photos taken on 11/20/2018, a sunny day.










          References

          1. Sengokuhara Pampas Grass Field
          2. JR Train Time Table
          3. Hakone Japan Travel Guide 
          4. Travel from Tokyo to Hakone 
          5. ENJOY THE SEASONS IN HAKONE BY USING HAKONE FREEPASS (video)
          6. Hakone: Peak Colors (11/16/2016)
          7. Hiking in Hakone
          8. 箱根登山バス
            • Odawara Sta. → Sengoku
          9. Hiking Hakone`s Kintoki Mountain
          10. Odawara Station 
          11. Odakyu
          12. 旅館送迎有料バス(100円)運行時刻表
          13. 箱根湯本温泉旅館送迎シャトルバス
          14. Hakone Museum of Art (map)
            • The museum is located on the slopes of Gora, just above Gora Park. It is a three minute walk from Koenkami Station of the Hakone Tozan Cablecar between Gora and Sounzan, or a ten minute walk uphill from Gora Station.
          15. Choanji Temple
          16. Hakone Highland Hotel
          17. Hakone Daimyo Parade (11/03 every year)
          18. How to Access Hakone from Haneda Airport (HND)
          19. Mt. Kintoki Course (good view of Mt Fuji from the summit)
          20. Hakone Travel (Total: 16 articles on this site)
          21. Izu Hakone Bus map (pdf in Japanese)
          22. Izu Hakone Bus timetable (pdf in Japanese)
          23. 伊豆箱根バス 経路・時刻・運賃案内 (in Japanese)