It took us way longer than we’d like to admit to actually understand the Hakone Loop before our trip. Here’s the step-by-step version we wish we’d had, plus what we’d do differently.

We booked our Hakone stay chasing the classic Mount Fuji view, and got fogged out instead. Here’s where to stay in Hakone with kids: the four main areas, family-friendly ryokan and hotel picks in each, and what we’d do differently next time.

Real numbers from our one night in Hakone - the ryokan, the onsen, the massages, and trout fishing, broken down honestly.

We did the Hakone Loop on a rainy, foggy day with almost zero views - and our 5-year-old still loved it. Here's our honest take on whether it's worth it with kids. Plus, additional stops to make the most of your time in Hakone!