A Private Journey Through Hakone — From Coastal Dawn to Fuji’s Throne | MK Presents

In a country where legroom feels like a myth, the MK offers a private charter experience unlike any other—one to be enjoyed, remembered, and shared. No one ever asks, "Are we there yet?" 

You’re seated in the MK, gazing out the wide sky window, catching the crescent moon in a soft blue-pink morning sky. The expressway takes you out of Tokyo, starting in Odawara, stopping in Atami, and ending at the famous Lake Ashinoko. Along the way, you relax in luxurious comfort, watching the coast and mountains blur by until the most iconic one—Mount Fuji—makes its dramatic appearance.

Mt. Fuji is seen seated on a throne.

As the ascent begins, the ocean breeze rises from coastal towns nestled near peaceful coves. The scent of the sea greets you before the vast scenery appears, sparkling through the trees and bamboo. The winding road along the mountainous coast becomes a peaceful journey, made comfortable in the luxury of the MK. From a throne-like seat, you take in the natural beauty of Odawara, Kanagawa—the gateway to Hakone.

You settle deeper into the escape, leaving the chaos of the metropolis behind. Now, you’re the privileged observer of countryside quietude, hot spring towns, and the sparkling ocean. The spiraling trees, intertwined with bamboo, envelop you in a calm you haven’t felt since the womb. At the helm is Toshi, the master craft handler of the MK, maneuvering the road’s bends with silent brilliance. The city’s labyrinth is far behind, and the light of something simpler begins to break through. Plum gardens, ancient castles, and humble fishing towns pepper the landscape, glimpses of a Japan often missed by the ordinary traveler. But not by you, the voyager carried by this private chariot.

Your first stop arrives effortlessly. The MK halts; the door opens as if bowing in respect, and you step out onto a view that takes your breath away. Below is Sagami Bay, shining like an endless jewel, and above, hidden in the hillside, an artistic sanctuary awaits. You walk through a lush tunnel where birds sing and stone frogs sit silently. When you emerge, you see a lemonade stand on the hill—the Stone Age Cafe—where gelato and citrus drinks offer a refreshing start to the day ahead.

Enoura Observatory.

This is the gateway to the Enoura Observatory, Hiroshi Sugimoto’s masterwork of modern art and timeless vision. A symphony of zen and minimalism, this space blends ancient inspiration with celestial reverence. Sugimoto’s creation feels as if it were carved from the earth itself, designed to evoke memories of humanity’s earliest moments of stargazing. From fossil wood benches to the Winter Solstice Light Worship Tunnel, each detail invites contemplation. The tunnels—aligned with the sun’s movement—fill with light in a way that stirs something primal within you, a whispered reminder of the divine connection between earth and sky.

Journey into Atami.

Back in the MK, you glide toward Atami, a seaside town known as “the Hawaii of Japan.” The retro charm of Atami’s shopping streets flickers by as the MK ascends a palm-lined hill toward the MOA Museum of Art. Here, treasures abound: national cultural properties, ancient calligraphy, and the works of Mokichi Okada, the museum’s founder. The seven-story escalator ride feels like stepping into another world. By the time you reach the Circular Hall, with its kaleidoscopic ceiling projecting light and color onto marble walls, you’ve been transported.

Outside, the views of Sagami Bay stretch endlessly, complemented by sculptures from Henry Moore and Bourdelle. Inside, every gallery feels like a sanctuary, from the intricate “The Rose Plum Tale” to the spiritual power of “Ragaraja,” a deity revered for transforming worldly desires into enlightenment. The MOA acts like a portal, not just to art but to a deeper understanding of Japan’s cultural soul.

MOA.

Afterward, whether you indulge in soba and tempura at the museum’s restaurant or enjoy a pastry crafted by a Michelin-starred patisserie, the journey continues with elegance. The MK awaits, ready to carry you further into the peaceful embrace of Hakone.

As the day wanes, Toshi has one last surprise in store. He drives the MK up a winding mountain road to a hidden lookout: the Anest Iwata Sky Lounge. Here, at 1,011 meters above sea level, the world blooms in pastel shades. Lake Ashinoko sparkles below, with the pirate ship and Peace Torii dotting the water. In the distance, Mount Fuji stands tall, majestic, and timeless. The grandeur of it all leaves you speechless.

Natural splendor.

This is MK—luxury transportation off the well-traveled path through private charter. MK is the ultimate way to optimize travel, allowing you to experience Japan with all its unique mysteries beneath the silence of cultural barriers. A journey with MK is more than travel—it’s a story you’ll carry long after the roads have faded behind you.

Enjoy this very destination as part of the "Hakone - History, Nature and Culture" TOKYO MK TOUR, so follow the link below for details, and Contact Us today!

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