Except for Owakudani, you probably won't have an image of Hakone as being wild and hellish. But hundreds of years ago, before the area was developed, it was considered to be quite hellish, particularly the Ashinoyu area. Nowadays, it's a nice place to take a hike, stay at a tradtional inn (Matsuzaka-ya), see some interesting statuary, and enjoy one of the most mirror-like pond surfaces I have ever seen - Shojin Ike Pond. The grave of the famous Soga Brothers (with their very own bus stop named after them) is half way between the inn and the pond.
- 1 min read
The Beauty of Hakone's Shojin Pond
What was once considered a hell spot is now pure heaven
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Katie Jackson
8 years ago
True. I actually didn't know that. I will have to check it out next time I head out to Hakone.
Victoria Vlisides
8 years ago
Reflections are so nice!
Iain Stanley
9 years ago
Very interesting insights
3 comments in total
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