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Hakone

Less than one hundred kilometres west of Tokyo, in the foothills of Mount Fuji, lies the sleepy town of Hakone, the perfect blissful escape from the bustle of the big city.

Hakone is part of the Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park, a serene pocket of Japan, famous for its hot springs, traditional inns, world-class art museums, outstanding natural beauty and spectacular mountain scenery. Ashino-ko Lake lies at the centre of it all, the setting for the iconic image of Mount Fuji, crowning the vistas, with the red torii gate of the Shinto shrine, Hakone-jinja, rising from the glassy water in the foreground.

The area clearly lends itself to picture perfect scenery, and there are a variety of hiking trails around Hakone, by which one can discover some of its offbeat gems, or for those feeling more languid, capture the ‘shy’ mountain while enjoying the ride by mountain railway, cable car or even pirate ship. However, travellers mainly come here for the onsen – Hakone has been one of Japan’s most popular hot springs resorts for centuries, and bath houses and ryokans scatter themselves amongst the numerous hot springs all along the green forested valley and the shores of Lake Ashino-ko.

Hakone is also home to Japan’s first open-air museum. The sprawling Hakone Open Air Museum creates a harmonic balance between art and nature, breathing life and mountain air into the art. The impressive collection of Henry Moore, Picasso, Taro Okamoto, Yusuo Mizui, Rodin, Miró and other large-scale sculptures, are spread creatively across the undulating landscape of manicured lawns and intricate water features, all beautifully framed against the spectacular backdrop of the surrounding scenery. The Okada Museum of Art is the latest addition to Hakone’s notable artwork endorsements and was built to house industrialist Okada Kazuo's personal treasures from Japan, Korea and China. Both in scale and substance this incredible museum impresses, and much like the city's open-air museum, hours can be lost exploring the various works here.

Hakone is within two hours of Tokyo's Shinjuku Station on the Odakyū line, and is ideal for either a day trip from Tokyo or as an overnight stop to break up an itinerary.

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I dislike feeling at home when I am abroad.
George Bernard Shaw

Client Testimonials

We have just returned back from a wonderful trip. Thank you very much for organising everything. The transfer was excellent – for once they had perfect car seats. The villa was lovely, just what we needed and the hotel had helpfully put us as far away as possible from everyone else. The breakfast buffet was the best I have ever seen – and I am slightly obsessive over breakfast!! There was an incredible choice, something for everyone and so beautifully presented. A real highlight of the trip. Thank you again for sorting everything - and at such short notice!
- Redmayne family, Phuket
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Getting to Amanpulo from Manila was very simple and the beach was the most beautiful I’d ever been on; pristine white sand, not a single piece of rubbish in sight. You get your own solar powered golf buggy to drive around resort (and a butler at request). The views from the Hillside Casita were spectacular!
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Difficult to articulate just how good the service from you and your team really was. We know you will continue to do well and hope we have the chance to seek your assistance again before long.
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I barely know where to begin... though a sincere 'thank you' would be the best. You have organised this trip perfectly. May was an inspiring and delightful companion in Myanmar – thoroughly professional and friendly at the same time. My accommodation throughout has been superb, especially The Governor's Residence and The Mandarin Oriental. The view from the cottage at Inle Lake was beautiful and I loved every moment of being there. And here I am now on the last leg of this extended holiday at my favourite place. I could stay here for ever, the peace, silence and surroundings all amazing, plus the people and the whole aura of Vana. Thank you for much, and I look forward to speaking to you on my return.
- Ms Margulies, Burma, India & Thailand
I thought the Ampersand team was outstanding. We couldn’t have hoped for anything more.
- Mr Geoffrey Johnson, India
We really enjoyed the trip and were happy that we squeezed so much into a few short days. The Burmese people were lovely and the sites were fantastic. We really enjoyed the balloon ride and would highly suggest it to others in the future. The trip went super smoothly and a good time plus learning happened for all. Yangon was nice as the Strand was quite amazing and we of course loved the giant gold temple. Many thanks for all of your help and look forward to future travel with you.
- Wallace Family, Burma
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- Matthew Annable, Rajasthan, India
Everything you did for us whilst we were away was hugely appreciated, and Ampersand has been exemplary in every way. I'll always recommend you!
- Mr Richard Stoughton, Sri Lanka
Without question, you put together the best trip I have ever taken. We were shown around like visiting dignitaries, the hotels were fantastic and the itinerary was just right. Everybody I know will hear about how amazing Ampersand is!
- Leslie Siben, India
We had a wonderful holiday - everything was perfect. Thank you for helping us to make a thoughtful plan to enjoy and make most out of our trip. The places we visited, the guides, the transportation and driver, the hotels selected... Everything was great!
- Jaime Benitez, South India
Difficult to choose the highlight of the trip, can’t choose between… 1) Taj Mahal & Oberoi Amarvilas. 2) Ranthambore. 3) Lake Palace. We have to say a particular thank you for selecting Parmod as our driver. He is a delightful and kind man who took our holiday and our enjoyment as his responsibility. Thank you for putting together such an amazing trip for us. The balance of city and rural destinations was perfect for us and the variety of rooms and hotel types brilliant. Our driver and guides also added so much to the trip with their knowledge of India’s history and culture and their willingness to discuss it both from a professional and personal angle.
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- Mr David Wallace, North India
So many highlights to choose from! The hotels were amazing but Maya Villa was a highlight… I loved just hanging out in the hammock reading my book and watching the peacocks chase the cows!
- Krista Weir, Sri Lanka
I had a very lovely time and was looked after splendidly. My first visit to India could not have been better, save for being longer! But I shall return at some point and I shall look to you to make the arrangements.
- Matthew Nicklin, North India
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- Anonymous, India

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