Hot
Springs, Golf & Mount Fuji
By • Justine Moss
Photos • Justine Moss & Japan Tourism Board
The majority of first-timers to the land of the
rising sun are, more often than not, likely to
choose Tokyo or another city or regional hotspot
like Nagoya, Osaka, Kyoto or Hokkaido to visit.
While they all have their own unique attractions,
occasionally there’s something infinitely appealing
about getting out of the urban jungle and discovering
a little more about Japan’s expansive backyard.
On a recent trip to Tokyo, I had the chance to
make a side trip to Hakone, located around 100km
west of Tokyo in the mountainous Kanagawa region,
to check out the golf courses, dip my toes into
an onsen, sample the ever-consistently super Japanese
food, and fill my lungs with fresh, crisp mountain
air.
Billed as a playground and getaway destination
for the Tokyo and Yokohama crowd who want time
away from the hustle and bustle of city life,
it’s also perfect for the international tourist
wanting to experience fresh air, greenery, outdoor
pursuits and one of the region’s favourite pastimes,
the onsen, or hot springs.
Hakone is a magical place with stunning scenery
and idyllic and challenging golf courses – in
fact, it’s home to the second oldest golf club
in Japan. It’s also one of Japan’s most popular
onsen resorts and there are many varieties to
try where different minerals provide distinct
health benefits in many different settings. There
are a large number of indoor and outdoor hot springs
dotted all over the town, and they can be found
in many of the hotels and resorts, or in public
bathhouses, either split into female, male or
mixed. Leave your inhibitions behind as they are
meant to be enjoyed au naturel… naked, though
in some cases swimming costumes are allowed but
do check in advance! Another way of experiencing
the onsen in a typical Japanese setting is in
the Ryokan, a Japanese-style inn where guests
sleep on tatami (straw) floors and most meals
are served on a low table in the room
If it’s outdoor pursuits you’re craving for then
you’re in luck. As I stretched my legs on early
morning walks up and down the main road outside
my hotel, I saw numerous locals pounding the pavements,
or donned in their hiking gear complete with walking
sticks, enjoying the mountainous treks and trails.
Another way to get exercise and to breathe in
the refreshing air is to hit the golf course.
Hakone has seven courses, both public and private,
but if you want to play them don’t visit in January
or February when they are closed for winter. According
to the locals, the best time to visit Hakone is
in April and May, before the rainy season in June,
but avoid Golden Week (end-April, beginning-May).
(For the complete article please refer to your
June 2008 issue of Golf Asia magazine)
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