Travel in Hakone

The city of Hakone lies nestled in the midst of spectacular Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. More than 20 million tourists from overseas as well as from all over Japan visit Hakone every year, seeking the resplendent enjoyments this famous resort area offers throughout the year. It houses a population of 17,697 households over an area of about 100 square kilometers.

An interesting sight to see is the Hakone checkpoint ruins. Checkpoints were established throughout the country, to restrict the transport of guns and females, in order to prevent the plotting of rebellion. Checkpoints were staffed by an official custodian, his assistant, three guards, one samurai, 15 foot soldiers and foremen, and one "hitomi" woman responsible for investigating female travelers. A variety of intimidating masks and implements were used to deter illegal passages. In the later years those checkpoints were destroyed, but their ruins are worth a visit.

Courtesy of the Japan Tourism Board

GeoPassage tours offers multitudes of travel opportunities, Hakone is just one of the many cities we offer day tours and individual attractions to, be sure to check out our entire catalog.