Hakone, just a couple of hours from Tokyo by train (see more weekend trips here), is a stunning lake and mountain area. It's beautiful in May, with agreeable temperatures in the early to mid 20s (about 68°F) and low humidity, though a springtime haze sometimes obscures views of the majestic Mount Fuji across Lake Ashi. But still, the forests are lush and the multi-modal transport circuit, which takes in cable cars, railways boats and funiculars, is far quieter at this time of year. Don't miss the open air art museum or the chance to soak in an onsen (a hot spring).

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