Hakone is one of Japan’s richest areas in terms of culture, cuisine, and natural beauty.
Given its close proximity to Tokyo, where the largest concentration of tourists is found, Hakone has become an increasingly popular destination in recent years.
What to see and do in Hakone
If you’re looking for things to see in Hakone, here you’ll find everything you need to know and how to visit each spot.
The lake and its surroundings are highlights of the area, offering incredible onsen, stunning views of Mount Fuji, and a wealth of temples to explore.
Planning your visit in advance is crucial to make the most of your time, as there are many fascinating places here that you’ll surely want to experience.
Let us guide you in planning your trip:
Hakone Shrine
Hakone Shrine is located in the Moto-Hakone area, on the southeastern shores of Lake Ashi.
Its most iconic feature, and a spot that attracts hundreds of photos daily, is the massive red Torii gate on the lake’s edge.
The surrounding environment seems to envelop the shrine, shielding it from modernity and enhancing its mystical aura.
The lake and nearby vegetation create a setting that immerses the shrine in a serene atmosphere, making it a unique spot to experience Japanese culture deeply connected to history and tradition.
This is a wonderful opportunity to escape from the overwhelming technology that Japan is famous for.
Bathing in an onsen
Hakone is famous for its onsen, both public and private, and these hot springs are one of the main attractions drawing thousands of tourists each year.
Onsen are natural hot spring baths typically found in ryokan, traditional Japanese inns. If you want to experience an onsen, Hakone is the perfect destination.
It’s a convenient place to enjoy an onsen without much hassle. However, as a deeply rooted Japanese tradition, locals can be strict about access; foreigners or people with tattoos are sometimes not allowed in certain onsen.
For those seeking a cultural escape and relaxation, Hakone’s natural springs offer a unique, rejuvenating experience that showcases the hospitality and charm of traditional Japanese bathing culture.
In Hakone, however, the situation has gradually changed over the years. Residents in the area have become accustomed to the presence of tourists and warmly welcome them to use the onsen, even sharing the experience with them.
Hakone Open-Air Museum
The Hakone Art Museum, unlike most museums worldwide, is located outdoors, making it a striking and unique attraction.
Situated in Gora, one of Hakone’s most important areas, it was founded in 1952 by Okada Mokichi.
The museum’s art collection is diverse, ranging from ancient ceramics to contemporary paintings and sculptures. Certain areas are dedicated to modern and international art, featuring well-known works by artists such as Miró, Rodin, George Rickey, Bourdelle, and Francisco Zúñiga. There is also a large outdoor exhibition of Henry Moore’s sculptures.
Among the museum’s most valuable assets is a collection of ceramic works by Picasso. Over 300 pieces were donated to the museum by his daughter, Maya Picasso.
The museum is open to visitors on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays, from 9:30 AM to 4:30 PM. Admission is €7.50.
Hakone Ropeway
One of the best ways to admire Lake Ashi is from the Hakone Ropeway.
The cable car begins at the lake’s edge and ascends to the summit of Mount Komagatake in an exciting journey.
The ride spans two kilometers to the mountaintop, where the Hakone-Jinja Shrine once stood. From there, the views are breathtaking in every direction, offering some of the best panoramas of Mount Fuji and the Owakudani Valley.
Another highlight is that Mount Komagatake’s summit has plenty of greenery and serves as an ideal starting point for exploring Hakone National Park. It’s a perfect spot to spend time if the weather is favorable.
Lake Ashi
Part of the Five Lakes region within Hakone National Park, Lake Ashi is arguably the most significant of these lakes.
Its privileged location at the foot of Mount Fuji allows for reflections of the mountain when the lake is perfectly still.
To explore it, consider taking a ferry tour around the lake. This gives you an incredible view of Mount Fuji, making it a truly special and unforgettable experience.
Viewing Mount Fuji
Due to its massive size and central location, Mount Fuji can be seen from many points in Japan.
Hakone is one of the best places for viewing it.
The Hakone Ropeway might be one of the top options, as it allows you to see the mountain from various angles as you ascend to the summit of Mount Komagatake.
For travelers, a day spent in Hakone offers not just views of Mount Fuji but also the chance to immerse in Japan’s captivating blend of natural beauty and cultural depth.
Another excellent spot for viewing Mount Fuji is Mount Owakudani. From the heights of this volcanic valley, you’ll get a unique perspective of Fuji.
We also suggest the day trip to Mount Fuji, Oshino Hakkai, and the Onsen Hot Springs, ideal for those who want to combine a visit to Hakone with a broader exploration of Mount Fuji and a relaxing bath in a traditional onsen.
Owakudani
Owakudani, also known as the Valley of Hell, is a place filled with sulfuric vapors and hot springs. Despite its intimidating name, it’s actually a highly popular spot among locals and visitors alike, brimming with fascinating legends.
One popular story claims that if you boil an egg in the valley’s sulfurous waters and eat it, you’ll gain seven extra years of life. The eggs turn black from the sulfur but remain delicious inside.
This Hakone tour is filled with magical moments that will leave lasting memories of your trip.
To get there, take the cable car from Sozuzan to Togendai, or opt for one of the convenient bus routes that also connect to the valley.
Day Trip to Hakone from Tokyo
The one-day tour to Hakone is the ideal way to explore the area in detail, with comfort and plenty of fun.
The tour begins with pickup from Tokyo’s Shinjuku station.
Afterward, travelers embark on a two-hour drive to the fifth station of Mount Fuji, where a delicious buffet lunch awaits, offering a variety of seafood, Japanese, Chinese, and other East Asian dishes—available to all participants with no restrictions.
With renewed energy, the tour continues to Hakone, where a 30-minute lake cruise awaits. Weather permitting, you may even glimpse Mount Fuji from the boat.
Following the cruise, you’ll soar above the scenery on the Hakone Ropeway to reach Owakudani. After visiting this volcanic valley, everyone will be transported back to Shinjuku. This is one of the best tours from Tokyo and is priced at €80 per person.
How to Get to Hakone from Tokyo
Getting to Hakone from Tokyo is relatively easy and quick, with two convenient options depending on whether you have a Japan Rail Pass.
With Japan Rail Pass
If you have the Japan Rail Pass or plan to buy one, take a Tokaido Shinkansen bullet train to Odawara station, a 35-minute trip.
From Odawara, take the private Hakone Tozan train operated by Odakyu and get off at Hakone-Yumoto. This final leg takes 16 minutes and isn’t covered by the Rail Pass, but the fare is affordable.
Without Japan Rail Pass
Without the pass, you can take the Odakyu-operated Romancecar train from Shinjuku station directly to Hakone-Yumoto. This is a non-stop, 1 hour and 15-minute journey.
Alternatively, if you don’t have the Rail Pass, you can purchase the Hakone Free Pass, which covers this train and other transportation options within Hakone, providing added convenience.