When you think of Hakone, many people might picture hot springs and art museums, but the beautiful gardens adorned with flowers of all seasons are also a major attraction of this region. On this early summer trip to Hakone, I visited Hakone Gora Garden, known as one of Hakone's most famous gardens...
...Relaxing time spent in the hotel lounge at "nol hakone myojindai -5-" in Miyagino, Hakone.
Nestled in the exceptionally quiet Miyagino area of Hakone is "nol hakone myojindai." After enjoying a leisurely dinner at the hotel, we went to our room to pick up our beloved dog, Chocolat, and then headed to the lobby lounge with its free-flowing drinks...
...Hakone/Lake Ashi: Hakone Shrine - Pray for victory and good fortune at this shrine for peace and prosperity! A pure and refreshing first shrine visit of 2026.
For my first shrine visit of the year, I went to Hakone Shrine, which I also visited last autumn. The shores of Lake Ashi, welcoming the new year, were enveloped in the crisp, clear air unique to winter, and a serene stillness permeated the air. The aromas of buttered potatoes and yakisoba greeted the visitors...
...Enjoy a Lake Ashi lunch with your dog at "Hakone Karaage KARATTO" in Hakone/Lake Ashi.
After enjoying the magnificent views of Lake Ashi and the majestic Mount Fuji while enveloped in the crisp winter air, it was time for another highlight of the trip: lunch. We headed to "Hakone Karaage KARATTO," located right in front of Lake Ashi. They allow dogs and cats inside, making it a pet-friendly option even in the middle of winter...
...Mie Prefecture, Taki: "VISON" - A tour of Vison, Japan's largest multi-purpose resort ② Wood Education Area
Spanning a vast area equivalent to approximately 24 Tokyo Domes (about 119 hectares), VISON is one of Japan's largest integrated resorts, featuring over 70 diverse shops and facilities. As its name, meaning "beautiful village," suggests, it embodies a harmonious coexistence of nature, people, culture, and food...
...Yokoyama Observatory & Sky Cafe Terrace in Shima, Mie Prefecture: An observation deck offering panoramic views of Ago Bay.
Yokoyama Observatory is a renowned viewpoint offering panoramic views of the beautiful scenery of Ise-Shima National Park and Ago Bay. Located on Yokoyama Mountain, 203 meters above sea level, in Ugata, Ago-cho, Shima City, Mie Prefecture, in the southern part of the Shima Peninsula, the observatory's name comes from the fact that this mountain is visible from offshore...
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