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I’ve written typically about how conflicted Hakone leaves me. On one hand, it’s troublesome to dispute the fantastic thing about the city and its neighborhood, or to beat how shut it’s to Tokyo (and, in some methods, how far-off it feels despite that).
Alternatively, Hakone is way from a well-kept secret. And though I infamously don’t consider within the idea of “overtourism” (neither in Japan nor on the whole), Hakone is sort of at all times over its carrying capability, largely on account of how handy it’s to the capital.
That is particularly acute in Hakone in autumn—although it’s comprehensible, as effectively. I imply, have you ever see how Hakone seems to be within the fall?
Why I Approached Fall in Hakone Humbly
I’m unsure what compelled me to take the latest Hakone autumn journey I did. Initially, I merely deliberate to spend a single night time there. After all, in that model of my itinerary, I had a whole lot of issues round it that ended up not being a part of the ultimate plan. So I suppose, in a manner, that I’ve answered my very own query—I added an additional day in Hakone as a result of I subtracted a day from some other place (on this case, Mt. Unzen in Nagasaki).
Nonetheless, as I arrived in Odawara that Friday, a stark actuality emerged—and never simply the mess of foreigners in every single place, and the distinction wherein they stood to the native crowds I noticed in Okayama, the place I’d simply left. No, it was worse than that. As I received in my rental automotive to make what I hoped can be a fast detour to Shin-Nase Seaside throughout the water on the Miura Peninsula, bumper-to-bumper visitors foreshadowed what my expertise in Hakone-proper can be.
5 Arduous Truths About Autumn in Hakone
All of Tokyo will probably be there
Hakone’s proximity to Tokyo, as I discussed earlier, is each a blessing and a course. Whether or not you come by street (i.e. personal automotive or bus) or one of many rail choices (there are a number of direct trains per day to Shinjuku), it takes lower than two hours one-way to make the journey. This ease, mixed with excessive autumn demand, is a recipe for crowds.
(Each vacationers and locals)
One other potential downfall of a Hakone autumn itinerary? It isn’t simply overseas vacationers who flock right here right now of yr, even when we’re extra seemingly than day-tripping Tokyoites to remain the night time. This does, nonetheless, make it higher to go through the week (when most native Japanese are working) than on the weekends, which you cope with each forms of guests.
You’ll pay rather more than normal
It’s easy economics that for those who increase demand with out growing provide, costs go up. And since fall is maybe the highest-demand time for Hakone (the place the hotel-building growth that’s been seen in the remainder of Japan actually hasn’t taken form), it is best to put together your self for charges you could advantageous ridiculous.
And wait in longer traces
Cash no object? Effectively, all of us have simply 24 hours in a day, and the truth is that they merely don’t go as far in fall in Hakone. I cited the instance earlier of spending an hour in visitors on the way in which as much as Owakundani, however actually each Hakone expertise necessitates extra ready through the autumn season.
Peak coloration may be troublesome to foretell
As a normal rule, leaves attain their peak earlier (round 2-3 weeks, at the very least) earlier than these in central Tokyo do. That is excellent news for those who’re dwelling in Tokyo, or for those who’re there now and might get a way of the leaves. It’s unhealthy in case your normal autumn journey planning has been a shot at midnight. You would possibly fortunate; you won’t.
What’s Hakone Like in Different Seasons?
Hakone is sadly fairly crowded year-round now—that’s the unhealthy information. The excellent news? You’ll be able to get pleasure from many seasonal pleasure right here:
- Hakone, like different locations in Japan, does have cherry blossoms, although I don’t actually really feel they swimsuit the city’s vibe very effectively.
- As a substitute I like to recommend coming later in spring and into summer season, when ajisai (hydrangeas) bloom. Right here, too, you should modify: They’re rather more spectacular in close by Kamakura than they’re in Hakone-proper.
- Hakone is attractive in winter, and possibilities of seeing snow listed below are a lot increased than they’re in Tokyo. Alternatively, driving may be troublesome on account of this.
Different FAQ About Visiting Hakone in Autumn
Is Hakone value visiting in autumn?
Hakone is certainly value visiting in autumn, whether or not as a result of its leaves change a bit sooner than these in central Tokyo, or as a result of that is the time of yr when Mt. Fuji turns into extra persistently seen. Do take into accout, nonetheless, that autumn is among the most crowded occasions of yr in Hakone.
Is it value going to Hakone in November?
Hakone is certainly value visiting in November, specific within the center and finish of the month, when its autumn colours attain their peak. With this being mentioned, you may anticipate extraordinarily heavy crowds in Hakone through the month of November, significantly for those who come on a weekend or just for the day from Tokyo.
Are you able to see Fuji from Hakone in October?
You’ll be able to see Mt. Fuji from Hakone in October round half of the time. Sadly, Fujisan nearly by no means has its well-known “snow cap” throughout this month. Moreover, autumn leaves in Hakone is not going to have began altering but, so your complete scene will probably be fairly inexperienced.
The Backside Line
Hakone in autumn leaves me torn. On one hand, it’s completely attractive—and, as an added bonus, sees its colours change a bit sooner than these in central Tokyo, simply in case you’re visiting in mid-November. The flip-side of that is that it’s terribly crowded, from the shores of Lake Ashi, to the day spas close to Hakone-yumoto Station, to the heights of Owakudani (which I extremely advocate you entry through cable automotive—for those who don’t, you’ll wait at the very least an hour in visitors). Want customized assist assembling your autumn journey to Japan, whether or not or not it finally ends up together with Hakone? Fee a customized Japan itinerary right this moment!
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