History, Nature, and Luxury Right at Tokyo’s Doorstep

Not far from Tokyo, travelers will discover two worlds of their own: Kamakura and Hakone.

Surrounded by the sea and mountains, the old samurai capital of Kamakura was once the political heart of medieval Japan. Its many ancient temples still speak to that history frozen in moss and wood.

Hakone offers a different kind of experience. Blessed by picturesque mountainscapes and lakes, it’s one of Japan’s premier hot-spring destinations. Visitors to Hakone can also enjoy art museums, local cuisine, and strolls along the old Tokaido tract that will transport you back in time.

Offering one-of-a-kind experiences, Kamakura and Hakone are where people go to create memories of a lifetime.

Cherishing Heritage and Embracing Progress – Kamakura’s Beauty through the Eyes of Two Artists

Kamakura is a unique city. Here, historic ancient samurai capital elegance melds seamlessly with the rustic beauty of nature. As the erstwhile seat of Japan’s first samurai government, the city has a distinctive culture and refined aesthetic that was cradled from the very beginning by mountains and sea. Today, narrow cobblestone lanes, moss-clad temples, and open seashores fragrant with ocean breeze continue to beckon all who set foot in the city into an extraordinary world of inexhaustible ambience and seasonal wonders – only an hour from the heart of Tokyo.

Sumihiro Sonoda and Norihiko Kamei are two artists both drawn to the city by these very things. They joined us for a talk at Houkokuji – fondly known by locals as “The Bamboo Temple,” with a history spanning nearly seven centuries. This Rinzai Zen Buddhist temple belongs to the Kencho-ji school and is tied to both the Ashikaga and Uesugi clans.

Just as its nickname suggests, Houkokuji is best known to the laity for its breathtaking bamboo grove of some two thousand towering stalks of moso and madake bamboo – a grove that holds a coveted three-star rating in France’s Michelin Green Guide Japan. It was while ambling through this magnificent garden that we chatted with Sonoda and Kamei about the inspiration and distinctively Japanese artistic insights they have tapped into through life in Kamakura.

A Hakone Ryokan’s Living Story: Tradition Shaping a New Era of Hospitality

Just 90 minutes from Tokyo by express train, Hakone has long been one of Japan’s most cherished onsen retreats. Beyond its famed waters, the region draws visitors with sweeping views of Mt. Fuji from Lake Ashi, landscapes that change with the seasons, and a deep connection to history, culture, and art.

At the heart of Ashinoyu Onsen—counted among the “Seven Onsen of Hakone” since the Edo period—stands Matsuzakaya Honten, a ryokan with a history spanning more than 360 years. Today, it is guided by Fumie Makino, an okami, the traditional female proprietor of a ryokan.

She grew up surrounded by the world of ryokans in Atami before carrying her own path forward in Hakone. Her journey reflects not only inherited tradition but also a vision for hospitality that speaks to the present and the future.

Hiking Guide Shin Kaneko on Discovering the Hidden Charms of Hakone, One Step at a Time

Blessed with magnificent natural scenery, soothing hot springs, and convenient access from Tokyo, Hakone has long been a favorite getaway from the rigors of city life. Local hiking guide Shin Kaneko wanted to do something to help international visitors understand the nature, history, and culture of Hakone while fostering genuine connections with local people.

Based on his expertise as an outdoor guide and his fluency in English, he founded a guiding business called Explore Hakone in 2015, which has welcomed visitors from over 30 countries and led more than 1,200 excursions in the years since. Here, he gives his thoughts on sharing the hidden charms of his beloved hometown with people from all over the world.

Itineraries to Inspire You

[Short Stay] Stay at the Historic Matsuzakaya Honten and Clear Your Mind with Traditional Zazen and Suizen Meditation

[Short Stay] Stay at Fujiya Hotel and Hike the Old Tokaido Road to Experience History and Nature in Hakone

[Short Stay] Stay in an Elegant Modern Ryokan in Hakone and Tour Lake Ashinoko with its Stunning Views of Mount Fuji