Hakone, Kanagawa

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Mount Fuji from Mt. Kami in the Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park.

is a town in Japan's Kanagawa Prefecture, in the Ashigarashimo District, the western more mountainous part adjacent to Mt. Fuji and relatively close to Tokyo. The Hakone checkpoint on the historical Tokaido road marks the beginning of Japan's Kanto region, and the annual Hakone Ekiden at the New Year runs from Tokyo to Hakone and back over two days, partly in commemoration of the Tokaido road. Like its close neighbor Odawara, Hakone has many onsen (hot spring) resort areas. Hakone hosts substantial tourist activity, and many, both Japanese and international visitors come to Hakone to relax, for treatment at the health resorts, or to visit the parks and mountains. The volcanically active Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park, centered around Lake Ashi, is a popular tourist attraction well known for its onsen hot springs and its views of Mt. Fuji.  Sights include the volcanically active Great Boiling Valley and Hakone Shrine nestled on the shore of the lake. In April the cherry blossoms (sakura) and in autumn the susuki grass (also known as "Japanese pampas grass") are reportedly a very beautiful view in the parks.

A popular "Hakone Free Pass", allowing unlimited use of most forms of transport for several days, is available.

As of 2003, the town has an estimated population of 14,872 and a density of 160.22 persons per km². The total area is 92.82 km².

Hakone has a number of museums, including the Hakone Open-Air Museum.

A section of its mountain road became the only mountain stage for [[Wangan Midnight: Maximum Tune 2]], and is prominently featured in the Kaido Battle series.

Image:Hakone, hand-colored print 1860-1900.jpg|Hakone, hand-colored print 1860–1900. Image:HakoneTorii.jpg|Torii of the shrine in Hakone, at Lake Ashi Image:HakoneDai0085.jpg|The summer festival in Hakone includes a bonfire in the shape of the kanji 大 (dai) and fireworks.

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