Is Hakone... Overrated? Living in my Jeep Around Japan 

I have to disagree with you about Hakone.... I went there last month and had an incredible time. I was there for three nights and could've stayed a fourth. Based on your video, it seems like you missed several of the main points that make Hakone great. Firstly, there is an incredible ropeway that travels over the mountains, and directly above the steaming caldera of the Hakone volcano. It's incredible. Secondly, the hot spring onsens! I rented an Airbnb with a licensed connection to the famous hot springs of the region. It was incredible, and very relaxing. That was the main draw for me visiting Hakone, and it was so worth it. Thirdly, the trains and furnicular. It is so lovely riding the train up the mountain, through the forest with several gorgeous views. Fourth, the museums: while not all of them are Japanese in nature, there are several world class museums in addition to the Open Air Museum. Right now, for example, the Pola Museum of Art has a major Picasso exhibit with over 80 original Picassos, from the beginning of his career through to the end. And they allow photographs to be taken within two of the Picasso galleries. Stunning exhibit. And lastly: The Komagatake Ropeway. This ropeway takes you up the mountain to a very high point that offers stunning views of Mount Fuji. Just breathtaking. You can also see Lake Ashi and the Pacific Ocean. I saw the most beautiful sunset there, and watched as Mount Fuji changed color, and then slowly faded into darkness. It was one of the most amazing experiences of my life and I'll never forget it.

I don’t think you get enough credit for your cinematography and photography, the opening shot with your Jeep with Mt Fuji in the background is spectacular, chef’s kiss! Ps Hakone is very touristy, both foreign and local, it gets crazy on the weekend.

Great shots of the mountain. Some things never get old and that’s true with a majestic mountain.

When a new Hannah video is released, I have to stop what I'm doing and watch. Your drone shots are always fantastic but the ones in this video are incredible!! Thanks for making me so happy!

I agree with the comment about Nikko - this is a great place to visit as a day trip from Tokyo. The bus trip to Lake Chuzenji along the Irohazaka Winding Road is an experience not to be missed, and the Kegon waterfall is one of the best I have seen.

I watch your videos while working in my office… it gives me super relax vibes… thank you 🙏

The best experience I had in Hakone was to walk the part of the old Tokaido trail from the Ancient Cedar Avenue to the 400 year old tea house Amazake-Chaya. Took us about an hour + and we had the best mochi I've ever tasted when we got there. :) The ryokan stay with onsen and traditional food was fantastic. And I fell in love with the Hakone Tozan railway line :) "Our" station was Tonozawa, and there was this lovely shrine by the northern platform. When we were there the ropeway was closed due to increased volcanic activity, so I really want to go back one day!

Hi Hannah, it's brilliant to see your new video and see you and Chris so happy together xx

Thank you!

We visited Japan for the first time, end december 2022 and beginning of January. We also visited Hakone and despite the fact that it was a welcome nature escape for us travelling between Kyoto, Osaka and Tokyo, I totally understand what you are getting at. It's all a bit made, but that is what Japan is mostly about, people want to feel an experience and they provide that at Hakone. I believe that if you are looking for a more authentic feel and being outside, there are better options indeed. Nonetheless, for newcomers to Japan, Hakone is well worth the 2 days. Make sure you get the Hakone Free pass and do the round (bus, boat, ropeway, train) to get the most out of your touristy trip. Also don't forget to visit the Hakone Sekisho, the Edo era highway checkpoint.

My wife and I were in Hakone in 2018 and loved it. The open-air museum was a gem and somehow we managed to experience the torii gate on Lake Ashi pretty much alone. I'd recommend a couple days there. Your footage of Mt Fuji was stunning, thank you for sharing that with us 🙏

Tip on white balance... Lightdow 12 X 12 inch 18% gray card that folds into a little 5 inch pouch. Pop it out, point the camera at it, set white balance, done.

Generally I have to agree with you about Hakone, though I do love the Open Air Museum!

This was beautiful! Thank you so much for sharing! Excited for the big project😄

I really enjoyed Hakone. Yes, being a close getaway from Tokyo is exactly the point. A beautiful escape and lovely scenery there is why it IS such a popular attraction.

I love you and Chris so much. So happy for you two ♥️

WOW! HOW COOL! I wish to be doing more of these things!

So kind, sweet and lovely video as usually! Thanks! ❤❤❤

I don't think there is anything wrong with you disliking a location/thing that others like, nor do i think you need to ever be eventually won over into liking it. If everyone liked the same things it would be a very dull world, i wish you luck in finding the things that you do enjoy. 😊

Have a nice trip to Japan, thank you for sharing about Mount Fuji

thanks for making this video

Wow, the photos of Mt. Fuji and the red leaves were stunning! I loved this video, such wholesome vibes from you and Chris❤️ I was blessed to visit lake Kawaguchiko last month and am missing Japan so this was the perfect video to watch. I look forward to seeing what you’ve been working on. Happy New Year!

Omg!! I have exactly the same thermos mug and quechua chair 🥂

Just... Ooooh. What a terrific video. Just so beautiful. An inspiring work of art. Nobody edits like Hannah.

Really nice videos! They make me so nostalgic about my time in Japan. Keep up the good work!

As always, incredible video 😍 I’m so inspired by your filming style. A perfect blend between casual & cinematic… chefs kiss 😚🤌

Thank you so much for Mt. Fuji video😆✨ Whenever I click the thumbnail of your video, I'm so happy to watch it till the end😊

oooooooo the Hakone boat.. 😍😍😍

Thank you for uploading! I was waiting for your new video! THANK YOU!

Wow, the pictures of Fujisan turned out beautifully! Thank you so much for sharing! 🙂

I agree that Hakone is very touristy, but it is an okay visit if you have plenty of free time and want to get out of Tokyo. I enjoyed my visit to the open air museum and I think the train ride up to it is half the fun. Love your videos, especially the drone shots.

What a gorgeous cinematography my friend, thumbnail looks simply outstanding!

Wow. Some fantastic footage of Fuji there. I think Chris could have made it look a little more difficult getting the tent down 😁 👍❤️👍

thank you for all drone shots, my favorite are the ones that point straight down

あっ、また日本に戻って来ていただけたんですネ。嬉しいです。最高な映像をこれからもよろしくお願いします❤♪～

It has been a long time since we went to Fuji, and when we did we stayed in Kawaguchiko. Completely missed Hakone. And yeah, everybody raves about the place. All I can say is I agree about Nikko. But Fuji San itself is a show stopper. Happy New Year Hannah and may 2023 be all that you want it to be. Great to see you in Japan again. Looking forward to what comes next!

This channel keeps getting better with its music! 💯 and it was already so darn good

Great vlog Hannah!!! You got a great day to see Mount Fuji!!!

I had the good fortune to be taken to Nikko for a day trip once, when I was in Tokyo for work. It's a stunningly beautiful place and I would recommend it to anyone who can find their way there. Hakone is still on "the list" but it sounds like it suffers from being mainstream tourist... I love your videos; the quality of your camera work and the editing and commentary style always makes me feel good (as well as your music choices!)

Superb presentation Hannah! I wanna go! I understand your disappointment but I think the crowds are there because of the panoramic abundance of nature all around as exemplified by your excellent camera work. I do understand your desire to rough it up in search of pristine locations in that awesome Jeep. Go girl! Waiting for more.

Always coming back for your chill videos! Love what you are doing!

Happy New Year 2023!!!! This is the year you get a 2 years visa or may be longer! 😉😋

I loved Hakone, but we actually came there in the evening and stayed for a next day and went to all "instagram" places in the morning 8-9am, NO ONE was there, so we enjoyed everything in silence and took million photos with the gates, nature and everything else. Hotel by the lake and staff there were sooo nice too! Loved every minute! Felt really homey and calm there :) Nikko is obviously far more fancy, but also waaaaay more crowded.

Sometimes things do not come what they are expected, it still provides beauty in reality of Hakone.

Mt. Fuji was incredible illuminated by that light. Happy New Year! And I like your hair style.

loved your hair at the end there when you were talking :) As usual great content.

I see all this beautiful footage and wonder how could you be underwhelmed by it.

Huh! I am just now watching this, and it’s already February. The footage was truly beautiful. I was waiting for you to show the crowd at that tourist spot you left. Looking at the trees here, I was wondering if the Cherry Blossom Trees were starting to bloom? You were showing last years bloom. What caught my attention from this video was the audio track you used at the museum. It was so reminiscent of the music of the anime’s I’ve watched. The singing style, and mood it had, but there was that Bossa Nova feel to it as well. I love this change in music. However, I wish instead of a drone that you had the Jetson One vtol to fly over those same locations and fully experience it for yourself live! But that would be cost prohibitive. How’s you visa status going? Happy Christmas and a Merry new year to you both as well. Cheers!

I agree about Hakone! Very overhyped. Worth visiting but don’t set expectations too high ❤

Your cinematography is beautiful, it feels like I’m watching a short film! Also, IMHO…I get where you’re coming from on Hakone 😊

Love this Hannah! Thanks for sharing ❤️ That was so funny to see the line at lake. I don’t even remember there being one when I went to visit in 2017. 😂

Can't seem to get tired of looking at the mighty Fuji-san, and absolutely gorgeous footage from Shiraito falls, wathever time of the day it was it was perfect for it, thanks Hannah. Looking forward to hearing news about your dealings with the "Kanryō" 🙏 🗻

Thank you for sharing those beautiful vistas.

Hanna, good to see you guys. Looks like a nice excursion. Would loved to have seen a few closeups of the stained glass structure. But crystal skies and beautiful landscapes will do. Look forward to that next big episode. Nice hair too! Wishing you and Chris the best. Thanks for another great escape to wonderful places.

Beautiful video.

If I decide to go on a trip to Japan, I am sure I'll keep in touch with you guys, in the meantime you guys have fun.🙏👍

Reminded me of Yuru Camp.

oooooo ART!!!! open air museum. The stain glass reminds me of Kingdom Hearts

I'll have to rewatch your video on Nikko and see if my siblings are interested. If all goes well we'll be in Japan late March and I'd really like to have a day dedicated to nature. We're not city people so having a day to decompress feels important as to not get overwhelmed. We were thinking of going to Hakone/Aokigahara however it's not set in stone. Thank you for keeping your honest thoughts on places cuz it's hard to tell between hype and genuine recommendations sometimes.

While I lived in Tokyo, I took the challenge to climb Mt. Fuji at night so I could arrive at the peak just before sunrise. I really enjoyed stopping at all the little huts on the way up to get a cup of tea or a bowl of miso to warm up. Not sure I would try it again, now 33 years ago.

I visited Hakone about seventeen years ago. Sadly it was too hazy to see Fuji that day, but we still had a nice time, and it was very pretty there. It seems like it has exploded in popularity since we went there though. I don't know if we were there on an off day or what, but I don't remember many tourists at all when we went. Just a small, quiet town with a beautiful view. (Incidentally, I also have had the pleasure of visiting Nikko, about thirteen years ago, and it seemed much more touristed, but I agree that it's also a wonderful place to visit!)

9:16 Before you panned around I was like, It's got to be the Miyajima Torii, and bam!, it was haha. I stayed in Hakone for 2 nights and it was beautiful. Lake Ashi is something else, although I wouldn't know as it was so overcast and rainy when I was there, but it gets SO packed. We had a 2 hours wait to ride one of the large boats to the Ropeway. So that plus the overcast meant we wouldn't see anything. Staying in a Ryokan is what I feel you should experience in Hakone, as it takes you away from the tourist spots to something that is more genuine to the area. I stayed in Kijitei Hoeiso which had a private outdoor onsen by the river that was extremely amazing. I get you had to rush a lot of what you did in this video, so I hope you get to go back and experience it a bit more. The Open Air Museum is also really beautiful, glad you made it there :)

Watching you videos and I love all of them!! Thank your for the great content :)

Really inventive drone shots for this one! I saw what looked like steam venting close to Mt. Fuji? Is there a private onsen in that area? I wish that a thermal glove company would sponsor a campfire video. The coffee making gear was interesting. Are you still planning a trip with your followers this year? A live pay/donation forum might be lucrative for some future videos? I've seen Chris Abroad do it in his studio. Keep em coming, super great photography!

such a nice video! I am traveling to japan for the first time with a friend in end of january and we are also going to visit Hakone :)

Counting down to the day I can finally visit Japan again. 77 more days

Simply beautiful!

Brilliant video!

I think it can depend on the day you go. I have been several times and had the same feeling you had. Then at times when the place seems to be empty it is completely different. Also you came from Yamanashi and the raw natural power of Fuji, that may have left Hakone feeling put on for the tourists. But I get what you are saying.

Beautiful shots! I also got Hakone recommended very often, but I haven't been there yet :)

love the music !

Beautiful nature and video😉

Nice footage

My ideal is a video shooting trip while solo camping. I would like to realize this year or next year!

Your video is very nice and cinematic

Hakone is lovely but no more so than a number of other beautiful places in Japan. Having just done 3 weeks in November with 80% being in Tohoku and Shimanami Kaido/Matsuyama I definitely think Japan is that much more amazing when you don’t have the crowds and definitely want to stick to the lesser known but equally beautiful places in Japan in the future and would certainly recommend others to do the same.

I just bought a jeep and I love your videos

Starting off the new year with some hot takes! Don't @ me! Hahaha... Happy New Year!

Wow strangely timely video. A trip is brewing in my head for later this year(likely late spring) to Japan the I want to put a ryokan 1-2 nights stop in, either Hakone or Lake Kawaguchi near Mt. Fuji(the rest of the trips will likely be just at the major city spots, Tokyo/Kyoto/Hiroshima most like, based I know). Considering most likely I won't be renting a car and will be travelling with more elderly folks(parents), I am wondering what might be a better place to stop for. I think Hakone is easier to get to.

It's a tourist spot. I sort of agree. So much has changed to make it more attractive to tourists. But if you have time a couple days or so. Trekking around the lake, talking to the local people, you'll find the Hakone you're looking for. Happy tripping.

As a Japanese, I agree with your opinion about Hakone. It’s more popular among middle age onsen lovers who love spending time in nice hotels/ ryokans for the most of a day and have bit of sightseeing time. Hopefully we will find Hakone’s qualities better when we get older😅

Beautiful video :)

Useful video and some well informed comments. I am planning a trip in early April in a campervan. Maybe arrive at Lake Ashi later in the day and visit the 'instagram' sites early next morning. I have added Shiraito Falls to my itinerary, going to Kawaguchiko on the western side of Fuji san. Thanks Hannah and your contributors.

Great video and photos. Did you try any long exposure shots from that incredible waterfall? I visited Nikko decades ago with family. I really enjoyed it and still remember the repeated adage "Never say kekko until you've visited Nikko!"

Which falls was that? Nice!

Can't comment on Hakone because I am also one of those "living in Japan for a long time but have never been" people (and on top of that, I've also managed to never see Fuji-san with my own eyes yet). But I must say, that i'm simply happy seeing tourists leave the big (ugly) cities and go out into the nature a bit and if Hakone is their choice, well, then I am still happy!

I don't know but it kinda sounds crazy to me that things are a "top Instagram spot" when I visited them when Instagram didn't even exist yet. And I don't remember having to line up for that shrine gate back in the days either although Hakone was quite busy even back then. :) We're talking about 2007+ here. ;) Used to live in Japan for a decade, but that's a long time ago already.

@1:46 That was a cool shot of your jeep going around the curb. @0:38 Agree on the dog wearing the tan outfit pulling on the leash. Definitely gave creepy vibes ( lol )

Beautiful, I'm subscribing I have a fj cruiser set up. Love from Philippines Ana Stockton CA.

❤️ love your video. Could I please ask what date was you at Mt Fuji? 😊

Fantastic video as always! Where would you recommend as the best place to overland in Japan?

I felt similarly underwhelmed by Hakone. Too touristy and expensive, especially since I'd just spent an amazing week in Tohoku before I went to Hakone.

yea here's wishing you a better 2023. Please gives us update on the visa saga in your next vid, i hope it's good news.🤞 you're looking well. nice hair.

❤

Hey Hannah, do you know much about the drone rules/laws in Japan? Is registering the drone enough? We don’t need to tell authorities about flight paths right? (I know we pretty much can’t fly in big cities and anywhere else super crowded)

1:36 - surely that has to be a replica or old movie prop. I can't imagine the real deal being left sitting out in the elements like that. BTW is your trip to Nepal still on?

I’ve really enjoyed catching up on your videos. I’m in Japan and working on my own overland build, I just wanted to ask what has been the best way to find places to camp, and if you have any advice for overlanders in Japan?

So beautiful! 😍 Mind sharing the Lotus Land Place you ate at? Can't find it on Maps :(

@ 11:20 my gawd, Hannah 🔥, Chris I'm jealous

Beautiful video, I have been to Hakone. I love Hakone but it looks to me like you rushed it. In my experience if you try to rush anything but Tokyo, you will always be frustrated in Japan.