Things To Do
in Hakone
Hakone is a mountainous getaway in Kanagawa Prefecture just outside Tokyo, renowned for its hot springs, volcanic landscapes, and views of Mount Fuji. The region blends nature, art, and traditional ryokan stays with easy access to lakeside cruises, ropeways, and museums. Visitors drift between serene onsen baths, scenic lake and crater viewpoints, and tranquil temples along the Old Tokaido route.
The atmosphere shifts with the seasons, from misty mornings and lush greenery to snow-dusted peaks and autumn leaves.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your journey with a visit to the breathtaking Owakudani Valley, where you can witness volcanic activity and enjoy beautiful views of Mount Fuji. Take a leisurely walk along the nature trails, inhaling the fresh air and marveling at the geothermal features. Don't forget to sample the famous black eggs boiled in the sulfuric hot springs before heading to your next destination.
Visit the Hakone Open-Air Museum, which combines art and nature beautifully with its outdoor sculptures and stunning views. Spend some time exploring the various exhibitions, including works from Picasso and Japanese artists. Refuel at the café within the museum while surrounded by art and nature.
Conclude your day with a relaxing soak in an onsen (hot spring) at one of Hakone's traditional ryokans. Enjoy a kaiseki dinner featuring seasonal ingredients, allowing you to immerse yourself in the local culinary traditions. Relax and listen to the soothing sounds of nature as you unwind after a day of exploration.
Begin your day with a picturesque cruise on Lake Ashi, where the tranquil waters reflect the surrounding mountains and the iconic view of Mount Fuji. Be on the lookout for the Hakone Shrine peeking through the trees on the lakeshore, an enchanting sight. Capture the beauty of the morning light on the water as you enjoy the fresh mountain air.
After disembarking, visit the Hakone Shrine, known for its towering torii gate situated along the lake's edge. Take a peaceful stroll through the serene grounds and participate in local rituals, such as making wishes at the sacred stones. Later, explore the nearby Hakone Checkpoint, an important historical site along the Edo period highway.
As dusk falls, enjoy a meal at a lakeside restaurant, where you can savor fresh local dishes while overlooking the calming water. If you're lucky, you may catch a glimpse of the sunset painting the sky in spectacular colors. Finish your evening by taking a gentle walk along the lakeshore, reflecting on the day's adventures.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $10-15 |
| ☕Cup of coffee | $3-6 |
| 🛏️One-night mid-range hotel | $120-250 |
| 🎟️Onsen bath admission | $8-25 |
| 🚌Local transit (per ride) | $2-5 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Stunning natural scenery and hot springs
- Easy access from Tokyo and a mix of culture and nature
- Iconic sights like Lake Ashi, Owakudani, and Hakone Open-Air Museum
- Rich ryokan and onsen experiences
- Can be crowded on weekends and holidays
- Some attractions require bus/ropeway connections and have limited hours
- Prices can be higher than other regional areas, especially in peak season
- Language barriers may appear in smaller shops
- "Konnichiwa" - Hello
- "Sumimasen" - Excuse me / I'm sorry
- "Arigatou gozaimasu" - Thank you
- "Onegaishimasu" - Please
- "Doko desu ka?" - Where is it?
- "Nihongo ga hanasemasu ka?" - Do you speak Japanese?
Places to Visit in Hakone
Visit one of these nice places.
Iconic vermilion torii standing in the water with forested hills and sometimes mist—an atmospheric spot for sunrise or blue-hour photography.
Scenic shores and boat activity offer reflective water scenes with Mount Fuji visible on clear days, especially from the Hakone waterfront promenades.
Volcanic vents, sulfur steam plumes, and rugged landscape provide dramatic, otherworldly imagery, best photographed in muted light or overcast days.
A sprawling sculpture park set in rolling hills with art installations, water features, and views of the surrounding mountains.
Historic moss-covered paths and wooden bridges through woodland and tea houses—great for atmospheric, historical framing.
Food in Hakone
Hakone Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Eggs boiled in the sulfurous waters of Owakudani; each shell turns black and the flavor is rich and mellow. Often sold at stalls near the valley viewpoint.
Must-Try!
A hearty miso-based noodle soup with thick, flat noodles and seasonal vegetables, popular in the Hakone region especially in cooler months.
Seasonal multi-course haute cuisine served in traditional inns, highlighting local ingredients and meticulous presentation.
Slow-cooked egg in hot spring water, typically served over rice or with light soy seasoning, a simple yet iconic accompaniment after a bath.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A bustling market near Odawara Port offering fresh seafood, produce, and regional snacks—great for a quick bite or souvenirs after exploring Hakone.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Shower and rinse before entering baths; wash thoroughly, keep towels out of the water, and follow local signs for mixed-gender or segregated baths. Nudity is common in many onsen; tattoos may be restricted in some facilities.
Speak softly on trains and buses, remove shoes where required, and avoid eating while walking in crowded areas.
Stay on marked paths, respect sacred sites like shrines, and dispose of trash properly in designated bins.
Safety
Tipping in Hakone
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is not customary in Japan and is often not expected. Instead, provide excellent service with a polite thank you. In some ryokan, service charges may be included, so no extra tip is needed.
Cash is widely accepted, especially in smaller shops and markets. Major credit cards are accepted in many hotels, museums, and larger restaurants; some rural or smaller venues may prefer cash or IC cards. Contactless payments and mobile wallets are increasingly common.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Crisp air and blooming sakura; many outdoor trails are perfect for gentle strolls and photography among blossoms.
Long days with warm afternoons; expect humidity and showers; ideal for lake activities and ropeways with cooler high-altitude air.
Vibrant fall foliage in Sengokuhara and surrounding hills; excellent color palettes for landscape photography.
Cool to cold with a chance of snow on higher elevations; hot springs feel especially comforting and the mountains can be snow-dusted.
Hakone at Night
Hiking in Hakone
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Historic route through Hakone's woods with stone paths and tea houses; great for a day hike and photo opportunities.
Gentler, scenic trails through grasslands and forests, often with seasonal flowers and views of Mount Fuji on clear days.
Accessible climbs with rewarding views of the surrounding valleys and Fuji on clear mornings.
Airports
How to reach Hakone by plane.
The closest major international airport with convenient access to Hakone via rail and bus connections.
A major international hub farther than Haneda, typically reached via express trains or airport buses before continuing to Hakone by rail.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Large portion of visitors are Japanese residents exploring regional onsen towns and cultural sites.
Many visitors from Asia, North America, and Europe come for onsen culture, nature, and art tours.
Hakone attracts families for accessible outdoor activities and seniors seeking relaxed spa experiences.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Popular around Lake Ashi and rolling Hakone roads, with scenic routes and photo opportunities.
Many forest and mountain trails suit day hikers and nature lovers seeking Fuji views and alpine scenery.
Round-trip lake cruises are enjoyed for leisure and photography.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Hakone.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Many Hakone restaurants can accommodate vegetarian requests, especially with soba, tofu, vegetables, and tofu-based dishes. Inform staff about no meat or fish and look for kaiseki menus labeled as vegetarian when available; in some cases you may need to request a customized meal.