Hakone and Kazo: a journey to heal the autumn foliage season at the end of the year

November-December, Hakone and Kazo are in the beautiful season: take a boat ride on Lake Ashi, check-in Heiwa no torii, see Sengokuhara grass, stroll around Kazo Hanasaki Water Park, relax onsen.

In the last days of the year, when the cold wind blows through the slopes, Hakone and Kazo are covered in warm yellow. For Ms. Nham - a Vietnamese who has lived and worked in Japan for nearly 10 years - this is a journey to calm down: gently drifting on Lake Ashi, standing in front of Heiwa no torii, walking among Sengokuhara reeds and soaking in an onsen, then finding a slow pace of life in Kazo.

Hakone and Kazo - two lands filled with yellow at the end of the year.

Hakone: blue lake, red shrine gate and late-season grass strip

In November, Japan's climate changes: cool, pleasant, the scenery is brilliant like an invitation. Hakone becomes romantic and clear, especially around Lake Ashi - where the emerald green water reflects the clouds and sky.

Hakone Shrine in Kanagawa Prefecture, bordering Tokyo, is a popular destination, welcoming about 2 million domestic and foreign visitors each year. The Heiwa no Torii (Torii Gate of Peace ) stretching out into the lake creates an iconic frame that has spread across photo-sharing platforms.

The Red Torri Gate standing out against the blue sky attracts many tourists .

From a boat drifting on Lake Ashi, the scene is peaceful: clear blue water, towering red shrine gates. Along the journey, Mt. Fuji and the mountains in the distance evoke a feeling of being overwhelmed by the vastness of nature.

The clear blue water of the lake makes people feel more relaxed.

Sengokuhara: the season of pampas grass blooming

Late autumn and early winter bring the Sengokuhara plateau into susuki season. In the morning, a thin dew condenses on the grass blades, sparkling in the sunlight; when the sun rises, a golden hue spreads across the vast mountain slopes.

The fields of reeds in bloom are so beautiful it touches the heart.

Onsen: Warmth in the Hakone Mountains

After years of work, the feeling of “relaxation” comes most clearly in the waters of an onsen. Onsen is a centuries-old tradition of bathing in natural hot springs in Japan. In Hakone, amidst the tranquil mountains and forests, soaking in the hot springs gently relieves stress.

Kazo: slow pace of life in yellow

Leaving the grandeur of Hakone, Ms. Nham returned to Kazo – a peaceful small town in Kanagawa. Without any famous wonders, Kazo conquered with its slow pace of life and quiet street corners.

Kazo Hanasaki Water Park is a memorable stop. At the time of changing seasons, the area around the park turns into a fairyland filled with yellow leaves. “Walking among the carpet of yellow leaves all around, I can clearly feel the fresh scent, the scenery is truly breathtakingly beautiful,” Ms. Nham shared.

Kazo Hanasaki Water Park is filled with yellow.

The yellow color stands out even more against the blue sky.

This is considered the best time of year to see the autumn leaves at Kazo Hanasaki Water Park.

Practical information and experience suggestions

• Ideal time: November-December, cool weather, brilliant scenery.
• Hakone: take a boat ride on Lake Ashi, take photos of Heiwa no torii, admire Mount Fuji on the way; stroll through Sengokuhara plateau in the pampas grass season; relax onsen.
• Kazo: stroll in Kazo Hanasaki Water Park during the fall foliage season; stroll along quiet streets to feel the slow pace of life.
• Weather note: there is a thin mist in the morning in Sengokuhara, the yellow color is clearer when the sun comes up.

For those who are far from home, the journey through Hakone and Kazo is not only a trip, but also a quiet moment to recharge positive energy, ready for the approaching new year - 2026.

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Source: https://baonghean.vn/hakone-va-kazo-hanh-trinh-chua-lanh-mua-la-vang-cuoi-nam-10314265.html