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...
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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...
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Last autumn, I visited Hakone and Lake Ashi. Now, in the winter of 2026, as we welcomed the new year, I returned to this place once again. My travel companion this time was a Porsche 911 Carrera. Under the clear winter sky, its midnight blue body quietly exuded a powerful presence...
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This year's birthday trip was a trip to Lake Ashi in Hakone with my beloved dog, Chocolat, to enjoy the autumn foliage. After calming my mind at Hakone Shrine, which was ablaze with autumn colors, we went to Salon de thé Rosage, a dessert restaurant directly managed by the Yama no Hotel located on the shores of Lake Ashi...
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This year's birthday trip was to Hakone to see the autumn leaves with my beloved dog, Chocolat. The next morning, after checking out of the hotel, we headed straight to Hakone Shrine, known as one of the most powerful spiritual spots in the Kanto region. There are three purification fountains on the shrine grounds, and this one is in front of the stone steps of the main approach...
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A beautiful autumn morning awaits at Hotel Shiki no Yakata Hakone Ashinoko. A refreshing breeze sweeps across the hilltop, rustling the leaves of the trees and gently caressing your cheek, giving you the feeling that a "special morning" is about to begin. Stepping out onto the hotel's entrance...
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This year's birthday trip was a trip to Hakone Ashinoko Lake with my beloved dog, Chocolat, to enjoy the autumn foliage. We chose Hotel Shiki no Yakata Hakone Ashinoko, a dog-friendly hot spring inn with a panoramic view of Lake Ashi from a hilltop. Spending time in the tranquility surrounded by mountains and the lake was incredibly relaxing for both mind and body...
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Nestled on a hill overlooking Lake Ashi is the adult-only retreat, "Hotel Shiki no Yakata Hakone Ashinoko." For this year's birthday trip, I chose this premium hot spring inn where I could spend time with my beloved dog, Chocolat, and where every room has a private open-air bath. Holding the bath basket provided in the room, I told Chocolat, "I'll be right back...".
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Perched on a hill overlooking Lake Ashi, Hotel Shiki no Yakata Hakone Ashinoko is known as a particularly high-quality adult hot spring resort within the Hotel Mori no Kaze group, operated by Nippon House Hotel & Resort Co., Ltd. The hotel features various styles of accommodations...
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Nestled amidst the natural beauty of Lake Ashi, Hotel Shiki no Yakata Hakone Ashinoko is a secluded hot spring inn for adults that combines tranquility with refined elegance. This inn is operated by Nippon House Hotel & Resort Co., Ltd., a company that has been spreading hot spring culture from Tohoku to the rest of Japan...
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Leaving Hakone-en Aquarium behind, I headed towards Lake Ashi, where a soft mist was slowly rising. The entire area was enveloped in a gentle white, creating a fantastical landscape that felt like a scene from a storybook. A thin, veil-like mist drifted across the lake's surface...
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The most popular show at Hakone-en Aquarium is the "Underwater Show," held twice a day (10:15 AM and 1:45 PM). This spectacular spectacle of light and life unfolds in a massive tank, 7 meters high and holding 1,255 tons of seawater, featuring divers and fish...
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