Fujiya Hotel: Hakone's VIP spot

If Tokyo's harried life is hammering your sense of freedom and happiness into the dungenous doldrums, hop the train a few hours west to The Fujiya Hotel in Hakone. You'll thank us as your newly relaxed self will feel like royalty the second you step off the train. Can you say, open space?

A favored destination for dignitaries and celebrities since its doors swung open 1878, the hotel dominates the oh-so-cute mountainous resort town of Hakone. As if fresh air and clean crisp sheets weren't enough, all of the 146 rooms at the Fujiya have natural hot spring water and a wickedly awesome view of Mount Fuji as it regularly explodes into volcanic eruption (it happens often, we swear).

If you're looking for a dip in the Mermaid Hot Spring Bath, however, reserve reserve reserve -- the place can get busy -- and we wouldn't want you to have to wait to soak away your urbane stress.