Travel ASMR | Hakone, Japan | Mount Fuji, Lake Ashi & Owakudani

【About Hakone】 Hakone is one of Japan’s most famous destinations, where hot springs, nature, spirituality, and art come together. Located just a short journey from Tokyo, Hakone attracts visitors from around the world. The region was shaped by a massive volcanic caldera, along with numerous volcanoes that formed within it. The steam rising from Owakudani and the many hot springs found throughout the area are reminders of this powerful volcanic past. Surrounded by mountains and Lake Ashi, Hakone has long been a place where people come to experience nature, worship sacred mountains, and enjoy art and culture. 【The Journey】 This journey takes me through Hakone, one of Japan’s most fascinating volcanic landscapes. I visit Hakone Shrine and Kuzuryu Shrine, walk along the shores of Lake Ashi, and explore the volcanic landscape of Owakudani. Along the way, I encounter sacred forests, volcanic steam, mountain landscapes, and the legends that have shaped the spiritual traditions of Hakone. 【Lake Ashi】 Lake Ashi is a beautiful volcanic lake located in the heart of Hakone. It was formed when volcanic eruptions and landslides blocked the valley, creating a lake surrounded by the mountains of Hakone. For centuries, the lake has been closely connected with the spiritual traditions of the region. The red torii of Hakone Shrine stands in its waters, while nearby Kuzuryu Shrine is dedicated to the legendary Nine-Headed Dragon, the guardian of Lake Ashi. Today, Lake Ashi is one of Hakone’s most iconic landscapes, where volcanic nature, sacred mountains, and ancient legends come together. 【Hakone Shrine】 Hakone Shrine was founded in the 8th century and has long been revered as a sacred place surrounded by the mountains of Hakone. The shrine enshrines three deities associated with the mountains, fire, and water — reflecting the deep connection between the people of Hakone and the natural forces that shaped this land. For centuries, people have come here to worship the sacred mountains and pray for protection and prosperity. Today, Hakone Shrine stands quietly beside Lake Ashi, surrounded by ancient forests, where spirituality and nature remain deeply connected. 【Owakudani】 Owakudani is one of Hakone’s most striking volcanic landscapes. Formed by a massive volcanic eruption around 3,000 years ago, the area is still filled with steam, volcanic gases, and hot springs rising from beneath the ground. The rugged landscape is a reminder that Hakone remains an active volcanic region, where the forces that shaped the mountains and Lake Ashi can still be seen and felt today. Owakudani is also known for its black eggs, eggs boiled in the naturally hot volcanic waters. According to local tradition, eating one is said to bring seven years of added life. 【Kuzuryu Shrine】 Kuzuryu Shrine is dedicated to Kuzuryu, the Nine-Headed Dragon, a legendary guardian of Lake Ashi. According to local tradition, the dragon once terrorized the people living around the lake. It was eventually subdued by the Buddhist monk Mangan and transformed into a guardian deity of the lake. Today, Kuzuryu is revered as the deity of Lake Ashi, and the shrine remains an important place of worship surrounded by the forests of Hakone. The legend of the Nine-Headed Dragon reflects the deep spiritual connection between the people of Hakone and the powerful forces of nature. About this channel This channel documents journeys through Japan, traveling and camping along the way while exploring the places, landscapes, history, and culture that make each region unique. The videos are created for people around the world who are curious about Japan and want to discover its places beyond the most familiar tourist destinations. There is no narration or face-to-camera presentation. Instead, the videos focus on the scenery, natural sounds, music, and atmosphere of each place. A quiet way to discover Japan, one journey at a time.