Hakone: The Serene Mountain Retreat of Japan

• Helloこんにちは
  [Kon'nichiwa]
• Goodbyeさようなら
  [Sayōnara]
• Yesはい
  [Hai]
• Noいいえ
  [Īe]
• Please/You're welcomeどうぞ
  [Dōzo]
• Thank youありがとう
  [Arigatō]
• Excuse me/Sorryすみません
  [Sumimasen]
• How are you?お元気ですか？
  [O-genki desu ka?]
• Fine. And you?元気です。あなたは？
  [Genki desu. Anata wa?]
• Do you speak English?英語を話せますか？
  [Eigo o hanasemasu ka?]
• I don't understandわかりません
  [Wakarimasen]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseメニューを見せてください
  [Menyū o misete kudasai]
• I don't eat meat肉を食べません
  [Niku o tabemasen]
• Cheers!乾杯！
  [Kanpai!]
• I would like to pay, pleaseお会計をお願いします
  [O-kaikai o onegaishimasu]

• Help!助けて！
  [Tasukete!]
• Go away!去って！
  [Satte!]
• Call the Police!警察を呼んで！
  [Keisatsu o yonde!]
• Call a doctor!医者を呼んで！
  [Isha o yonde!]
• I'm lost道に迷っています
  [Michi ni mayotte imasu]
• I'm ill具合が悪いです
  [Guai ga warui desu]

• I'd like to buy...買いたいです...
  [Kaitai desu...]
• I'm just looking見てるだけです
  [Miteru dake desu]
• How much is it?いくらですか？
  [Ikura desu ka?]
• That's too expensiveそれは高すぎます
  [Sore wa takasugimasu]
• Can you lower the price?値段を下げてもらえますか？
  [Nedan o sagete moraemasu ka?]

• What time is it?今何時ですか？
  [Ima nanji desu ka?]
• It's one o'clock一時です
  [Ichiji desu]
• Half past (10)十時半です
  [Jūji han desu]
• Morning朝
  [Asa]
• Afternoon午後
  [Gogo]
• Evening夕方
  [Yuugata]
• Yesterday昨日
  [Kinō]
• Today今日
  [Kyō]
• Tomorrow明日
  [Ashita]
• 1一
  [Ichi]
• 2二
  [Ni]
• 3三
  [San]
• 4四
  [Shi]
• 5五
  [Go]
• 6六
  [Roku]
• 7七
  [Nana]
• 8八
  [Hachi]
• 9九
  [Kyū]
• 10十
  [Jū]

• Where's a/the...?...はどこですか？
  [...wa doko desu ka?]
• What's the address?住所は何ですか？
  [Jūsho wa nan desu ka?]
• Can you show me (on the map)?(地図で)見せていただけますか？
  [(Chizu de) misete itadakemasu ka?]
• When's the next (bus)?次の(バス)はいつですか？
  [Tsugi no (basu) wa itsu desu ka?]
• A ticket (to ....)チケット(まで)
  [Chiketto (made)]

Hakone has been a significant part of Japan's history since ancient times. It is mentioned in the Nara period chronicles, highlighting its importance as a strategic checkpoint and its natural beauty. The area was known for its hot springs and scenic views, attracting visitors from all over Japan.

During the Edo period (1603-1868), Hakone Sekisho (Hakone Checkpoint) was established as one of the most important checkpoints on the Tōkaidō road, which connected Edo (modern-day Tokyo) to Kyoto. The checkpoint was used to control traffic and prevent the movement of weapons and unauthorized people. Today, the Hakone Sekisho has been restored and serves as a museum, offering a glimpse into the region's past.

In 1854, Commodore Matthew Perry of the United States Navy visited Japan, leading to the end of Japan's isolationist policy. Hakone played an indirect role in this transformation, as it was a popular retreat for high-ranking officials who were involved in the negotiations and subsequent modernization of Japan.

Established in 1969, the Hakone Open-Air Museum was Japan's first open-air museum. It showcases a diverse collection of sculptures set against the stunning backdrop of the Hakone mountains. The museum represents the region's commitment to blending cultural enrichment with natural beauty.

Hakone is renowned for its onsen (hot springs), which have been a part of Japanese culture for centuries. The area's volcanic activity has blessed it with numerous hot springs, making it a prime destination for relaxation and therapeutic baths. Many traditional ryokan (Japanese inns) in Hakone offer onsen facilities, providing visitors with a unique cultural experience.

Hakone is home to Hakone Shrine, also known as Hakone Gongen, which has been a significant spiritual site since the Nara period. The shrine is dedicated to the mountain deities and plays a crucial role in the region's Shinto heritage. The annual Hakone Gongen Festival attracts numerous visitors who come to pay their respects and participate in traditional rituals.

The Hakone Ekiden is one of Japan's most famous long-distance relay races, held annually on January 2nd and 3rd. It covers a distance of approximately 217.9 kilometers between Tokyo and Hakone. The race has a deep cultural significance and is a major event in the Japanese sporting calendar, drawing massive viewership and participation.

Hakone is easily accessible from Tokyo. The most convenient way is to take the Odakyu Limited Express 'Romancecar' from Shinjuku Station, which takes about 85 minutes. Alternatively, you can take the JR Tokaido Shinkansen from Tokyo Station to Odawara Station, and then transfer to the Hakone Tozan Railway, which will take you into Hakone. The journey from Tokyo to Hakone generally takes around 2 hours.

Hakone has a well-integrated transportation system that includes trains, buses, and boats. The Hakone Free Pass offers unlimited travel on designated transportation within the Hakone area, including the Hakone Tozan Railway, Hakone Tozan Bus, Hakone Ropeway, and sightseeing boats on Lake Ashi. Taxis are also available but can be expensive. Renting a car is an option, but parking can be limited in some areas.

The official currency in Japan is the Japanese Yen (JPY). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in larger establishments, but it's advisable to carry cash for smaller shops, local restaurants, and rural areas. ATMs are available but may not always accept foreign cards. Convenience stores like 7-Eleven and FamilyMart usually have ATMs that accept international cards.

Hakone is generally a very safe destination for tourists. Crime rates are low, and violent crime is rare. However, as with any tourist destination, it is wise to exercise standard precautions such as not leaving your belongings unattended and avoiding poorly lit areas at night. There are no specific areas in Hakone known for high crime rates targeting tourists.

In case of emergency, dial 110 for police and 119 for fire and medical assistance. Most public places have emergency contact information posted. It is highly recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. Hakone has several medical facilities and clinics, but for more serious conditions, you may need to travel to a larger hospital in Odawara or Tokyo.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites. Avoid overly casual attire in upscale restaurants. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions, particularly at temples and shrines. Remove your shoes when entering religious sites. Public Transport: Do be respectful and quiet on public transport. Don't talk loudly or use your phone. Greetings: Do greet people with a slight bow. Handshakes are less common but acceptable in business settings. Eating & Drinking: Do try local delicacies and be open to new foods. Don't tip, as it is not customary in Japan and can be considered rude.

To experience Hakone like a local, visit the open-air museum and take a leisurely stroll through the art installations. Enjoy a relaxing soak in one of the many onsens (hot springs) that the area is famous for. Try staying in a ryokan (traditional Japanese inn) for an authentic experience. Don't miss the Hakone Gora Park, where you can participate in traditional Japanese crafts like pottery and glassblowing.