1. Hakone　[箱根]

　　　　　A checkpoint of the legendary Tokaido Road marking the outskirts of the Kanto Region, Hakone has become a must come tourist destination as the ideal retreat in Japan.  Hakone is most well-known for the natural and remedial hot springs in the area.  Tourists can enjoy the numerous onsen ryokan, traditional Japanese inns that are furnished with these hot springs at reasonable prices.  Such hotels include the Kowakien Yessun and the Tenzan which have continuously had great reviews for their hospitality and cleanliness.   With the hot springs and Mt. Fuji in the background, Hakone is often the epitome of the beauty of nature.  Another popular area is Lake Ashi (Ashinoko) which offers one of the best views of Fuji Mountain.  The breathtaking view will often be best on a sunny day in the winter seasons.

A popular eats of Hakone are the Black Eggs, called kurotamago.  Boiled in the hot springs water, these eggs become black due to the chemical reaction with the shell and the sulfur in the water.  Though it is a very foreign concept, these eggs are quite tasty.  Also, according to a Japanese legend, every consumed egg adds on five years to one’s life. 

              Any trip cannot be complete without some gifts, or omiyage, to give to one’s friends.  Popular omiyage include the aforementioned black eggs, the charcoal dumplings, and traditional Japanese parquetry called yosegi-zaiku.  The charcoal dumplings which are made in Usagi-ya, contains red bean center with actual pieces of charcoal.  Pitch black in color, these dumplings are individually prepared and wrapped and are great yet unique gift from Japan.  Yosegi-zaiku are mosaic, woodwork pieces that date all the way back to the culturally rich Edo period.  Using different trees to create different colors and patterns, the artists often create yosegi surfaces which can decorate numerous belongings including photo frames, chests, and trays.