Hello, this is _hiroyuki.ta. This time, I went on a motorcycle tour from central Tokyo to Hakone. Speaking of Hakone, there are many attractive spots such as hot springs, nature, history, and culture. This time, I would like to introduce the highlights of Hakone and the bicycle parking lot.
Hakone is a tourist destination located in the western part of Kanagawa Prefecture. There are scenic spots such as Lake Ashinoko and Owakudani, which were formed by the volcanic activity of Mt. Hakone, and historical heritage sites such as the ruins of checkpoints established in the Edo period. Hakone is also famous as a hot spring area, and you can enjoy hot springs of various quality, such as Yumoto Onsen and Gora Onsen. Hakone is close to Tokyo and has convenient access, so you can easily visit for a day trip or overnight stay.
Route to Hakone
This time, I went on a motorcycle tour from central Tokyo to Hakone. My favorite car is a Harley-Davidson FLSB Sport Glide. This bike is a versatile bike that combines the features of a cruiser and a tourer, and can be used for a wide range of purposes, from city riding to long touring. It took about 2 hours to reach Hakone.
The starting point is Sumida River Ohashi. From here, take the Shuto Expressway No. 9 Fukagawa Line, via the Shuto Expressway Wangan Line, and then enter the Shuto Expressway Kanagawa No. 1 Yokohane Line. In this section, you can enjoy views of Tokyo Bay and Rainbow Bridge. From Yokohama Aoba JCT, take the Tomei Expressway and take the Atsugi IC to the Odawara-Atsugi Road. Along this section, you can enjoy views of the lush green hills and Sagami Bay. From Odawara Nishi IC, take National Route 1 and take the Tsubaki Line at Ashinoko Taikan IC. In this section, you can enjoy the natural scenery of Mt. Hakone and the volcanic smoke of Owakudani. Proceeding along the Tsubaki Line, you will arrive at your destination, Hakone.
Highlights of Hakone
There are many places to see in Hakone, but today I would like to introduce three particularly recommended spots.
Owakudani
Owakudani is a volcanically active area located in the crater of Mt. Hakone. The land is filled with white smoke and the smell of sulfur, giving it an almost otherworldly atmosphere. At Owakudani, you can eat “black eggs” that have been turned black using volcanic gas. It is said that eating one black egg will extend your life by seven years. You can also ride the Hakone Ropeway from Owakudani and enjoy views of Lake Ashi and Mt. Fuji.
Hakone Checkpoint is a checkpoint on the Tokaido Highway, one of the five highways established during the Edo period. Checkpoints were important transportation hubs connecting Edo and the West, where samurai, merchants, travelers, and others were checked and inspected as they passed through. It is now open to the public as a museum displaying buildings and materials from that time. At Hakone Sekisho, you can feel the history and culture of that time.
Hakone Museum of Art is Japan’s oldest museum specializing in ceramics. The museum exhibits Japanese ceramics and pottery from ancient times to modern times. The museum grounds also include a Japanese garden, tea room, and footbath. At the Hakone Museum of Art, you can enjoy traditional Japanese art and nature.
Hakone motorcycle parking lot
There are several motorcycle parking lots in Hakone, but this time I would like to introduce two that are especially recommended.
Bikers Paradise is a drive-in exclusively for motorcycles located in Minami Hakone. The site area is approximately 20,000 square meters, and there is a parking lot for 3,000 motorcycles. Bikers Paradise also offers restaurants, shops, and a campground. We also sell motorcycle supplies and maintenance supplies. Bikers Paradise is truly a paradise for motorcycle enthusiasts.
This time, I went on a motorcycle tour from central Tokyo to Hakone. Hakone has many attractions such as hot springs, nature, history, and culture. There are also several bike parking lots. Hakone is close to Tokyo and has convenient access, so you can easily visit it. Please try touring Hakone!
