The Hakone Sekisho was one of 53 checkpoints used by the Tokugawa Shogunate to maintain control over Japan's population. Now faithfully reconstructed, it makes for a pleasant visit while in Hakone, offering a nice view of Mount Fuji on a clear day.
Hakone 'yosegi zaiku' is a kind of woodworking technique typically used to make puzzle boxes with elaborate opening mechanisms. Not only do they make a great gift—at the Hakone Trick Museum you can even make one of your own!
Ginza, Omotesando and Shibuya are not the only places to shop in Japan. In some Tokyo suburbs, there are places worth a stop; outside Tokyo, you may just score even better deals!
Japanese-style Snoopy art exhibition celebrates 50 years of Peanuts in Japan.
One popular cherry blossom viewing spot in Tokyo has transformed its riverside property into a sakura tree light display.
So, how expensive is Japan really? Read on to find out the average cost of living in Japan in comparison to the US dollar and the UK pound sterling to see if a potential move to Japan is within your budget!
Visitors to Hakone have to change trains at Hakone-Yumoto Station, meaning you always have a bit of time to kill. With temples, forest adventures, souvenir shopping and the Eva store, there's plenty to do while you wait!
If you're looking for a good meal around Odawara Station, head a block and a half southeast to Torigin, which focuses on 'yakitori' skewers and 'kama-meshi'—rice, meat and vegetables cooked in small metal pots.
