Things To Do
in Hakone
Hakone is a charming town located in the Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park, known for its stunning views of Mount Fuji and scenic landscapes. Visitors can enjoy relaxing in natural hot springs, exploring traditional tea houses, and hiking along the picturesque trails. The town is also famous for its traditional crafts, such as woodwork and pottery, as well as its unique black eggs cooked in natural hot springs.
With its combination of natural beauty and cultural attractions, Hakone is a popular destination for both domestic and international tourists seeking a peaceful escape from city life.
- "Arigatou" - Thank you
- "Sumimasen" - Excuse me / I'm sorry
- "Konnichiwa" - Hello / Good afternoon
- "Eigo o hanasemasu ka?" - Do you speak English?
- "Oishii" - Delicious
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $100 - $300
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $10 - $50
- ☕ Coffee: $3 - $7
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $2 - $5
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $40 - $100
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $30 - $100
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day by visiting the picturesque Lake Ashi. Enjoy a scenic boat ride with breathtaking views of Mount Fuji from the water.
Head to the Hakone Open-Air Museum to admire incredible sculptures set against a natural backdrop. Don't forget to relax in the museum's foot bath!
Unwind at a traditional ryokan, where you can enjoy a kaiseki dinner. Immerse yourself in an onsen and let the day’s adventures melt away.
Take a morning hike on the Old Tokaido Road, a historic pathway with stunning landscapes. Breathe in the fresh mountain air as you walk.
After your hike, visit the Pola Museum of Art, which features a collection of modern works in a serene setting. Enjoy the beautiful gardens around the museum.
As night falls, soak your cares away in a public onsen nearby.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Stunning natural scenery, including views of Mt. Fuji.
- Famous for hot springs (onsen) and traditional ryokan accommodations.
- Rich in cultural attractions, including museums and shrines.
- Accessible from Tokyo, making it a convenient day trip or weekend getaway.
- Offers a variety of outdoor activities, such as hiking and boating.
- Can be crowded, especially during peak tourist seasons.
- Accommodations can be expensive, particularly in ryokans.
- Limited English signage and communication may be a challenge for some visitors.
- Weather can be unpredictable, with fog and rain potentially obstructing views.
- Some attractions may require entrance fees, adding to overall costs.
Best Activities in Hakone
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Embark on a scenic hike up Komagatake for stunning views of Lake Ashi and Mount Fuji. There are various trails available for all skill levels.
Enjoy a relaxing boat cruise on Lake Ashi, where you can take in the picturesque landscape and see the iconic torii gate of Hakone Shrine.
Explore the unique outdoor art museum featuring sculptures and installations set against the stunning backdrop of the mountains.
Relax in one of Hakone's many onsen (hot springs) available outdoors, offering therapeutic views and a tranquil environment.
Take a ride on the Hakone Ropeway for panoramic views of the Owakudani volcanic valley and further vistas of Mount Fuji.
Rent a bike and cycle around the beautiful Lake Ashi, enjoying the fresh air and magnificent scenery.
Explore the numerous nature trails in Hakone National Park, showcasing diverse flora and fauna, and providing opportunities for bird watching.
Visit Owakudani Valley to see volcanic activity, hot springs, and try the famous black eggs boiled in sulfuric hot springs.
Tours
Uncover the best of Hakone with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in Hakone
Visit one of these nice places.
Famous for its stunning views of Mount Fuji, Lake Ashi offers picturesque landscapes and opportunities for boat rides.
Known for its volcanic activity and panoramic views, Owakudani Valley provides unique photo opportunities with steam vents and natural beauty.
Nestled in the forest, this shrine is famous for its iconic torii gate that stands in the waters of Lake Ashi, making it a perfect spot for photographs.
A beautiful landscape park filled with seasonal flowers, Gora Park features a tearoom and stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
An outdoor museum featuring sculptures and art installations set against a backdrop of the Hakone mountains, offering unique artistic photo opportunities.
Surrounded by lush forest, this museum presents a modern architectural design and features beautiful art collections complemented by scenic views.
During autumn, these golden fields create a breathtaking view that is ideal for photography, especially during sunset.
Riding the Hakone Cable Car provides beautiful views of the mountains, valleys, and, on clear days, Mount Fuji from above.
Adjacent to Lake Ashi, this park offers beautiful walking paths and viewpoints overlooking the lake and the mountains.
A unique underground cave featuring ice formations, offering a cool and mysterious location for photo opportunities.
Food in Hakone
Hakone Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Black eggs boiled in hot springs, said to add seven years to one's life. Can be found at Owakudani.
Must-Try!
Buckwheat noodles served in various styles, such as tempura soba or kamonanban. Try at local soba restaurants.
Octopus-filled balls of batter, a popular street food often found in the area around Hakone-Yumoto Station.
Unique Experiences
Get to know Hakone better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A bustling street lined with food stalls offering local snacks like dango, sweet red bean buns, and more.
Features a food village with a variety of local street foods and treats, including fresh seafood dishes.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
When visiting an onsen (hot spring), it is crucial to wash and rinse your body thoroughly before entering the communal baths. Swimwear is generally not allowed, and maintaining a quiet and respectful demeanor is expected.
A polite bow is a traditional way of greeting in Japan. When meeting locals, it is respectful to bow slightly as a sign of acknowledgment and respect. If you are shaking hands, do so gently.
In public spaces, it is important to respect personal space. Avoid loud conversations and keep your voice low in public transport or crowded areas. Maintaining a calm demeanor is appreciated.
Hidden Gems
Discover the hidden gems of Hakone with these exclusive activities.
Safety
Tipping in Hakone
Ensure a smooth experience
In Hakone, as in the rest of Japan, tipping is generally not practiced and can even be considered rude. Service charges are usually included in the bill at restaurants and hotels. Instead, excellent service is expected as part of the culture, and staff take pride in their work without the need for additional gratuities.
Payment methods in Hakone include cash, credit cards, and prepaid IC cards like Suica and Pasmo, which are commonly used for transportation and can also be used at various shops and restaurants. Foreign credit cards are widely accepted; however, it's advisable to carry some cash, especially when visiting smaller establishments or traditional inns (ryokan).
Top Things To Do
Engage in these activities to dive deeper into Hakone.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Spring, particularly from March to May, is one of the best times to visit Hakone. The weather is mild and cherry blossoms bloom, creating stunning landscapes. Visitors can enjoy outdoor activities and the beautiful cherry blossom festivals.
Summer, from June to August, brings warmer temperatures and can be quite humid. It's a popular time for tourists, and visitors can enjoy outdoor attractions, hot springs, and festivals. However, occasional rain and crowds should be expected.
Autumn, from September to November, is another excellent time to visit Hakone. The weather is cool and comfortable, with beautiful fall foliage transforming the landscape into vibrant reds and oranges. It's ideal for hiking and enjoying hot springs.
Winter, from December to February, is the low tourist season in Hakone due to cold temperatures and potential snowfall. However, visitors can experience serene landscapes and enjoy hot springs surrounded by winter scenery. It's a peaceful time to explore the area.
Hakone at Night
Hiking in Hakone
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A popular trail that offers a scenic view of Lake Ashi and Mount Fuji. It features various paths and is part of the larger Hakone National Park.
This historical trail runs through the ancient highway connecting Kyoto and Edo, with beautiful views and traditional post towns along the way.
A volcanic mountain that offers several hiking routes with views of hot springs, lakes, and the surrounding landscape.
Known for its volcanic activity, this area has trails that lead to stunning views of the caldera and boiling sulfur pits.
A unique hiking experience combined with a ride on the aerial ropeway, offering spectacular views and access to various hiking paths.
Unforgettable Journeys
Delve deeper into Hakone through these rare and unique activities.
Aiports
How to reach Hakone by plane.
Located approximately 70 kilometers east of Tokyo, Narita International Airport is one of the main international airports serving the Greater Tokyo Area and is accessible for travelers heading to Hakone.
Also known as Tokyo International Airport, Haneda is located about 80 kilometers from Hakone and is one of the busiest airports in Japan, offering a range of international and domestic flights.
Situated in Osaka, Kansai International Airport is approximately 400 kilometers from Hakone but serves as a major hub for international flights to and from Japan.
Located near Nagoya, Chubu Centrair International Airport is around 220 kilometers from Hakone and provides various international flight options.
Kagoshima Airport is located about 900 kilometers from Hakone but is included as a major international airport in Japan, known for its connections to other regions.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The primary demographic group, consisting of the local population who have lived in Hakone or the surrounding areas.
A significant demographic group, primarily comprising domestic and international travelers visiting Hakone for its hot springs and scenic views.
A smaller demographic group made up of expatriates and long-term foreign residents living in Hakone.
A notable demographic group, often due to the region's appeal as a retirement destination with its natural beauty and tranquility.
Individuals and families practicing traditional Japanese religions, contributing to the cultural fabric of Hakone.
The Soul of Hakone
Discover the essence of Hakone through these truly unique experiences.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Hakone offers numerous trails with scenic views of mountains and lakes, making hiking a popular activity among both locals and tourists.
Hakone is famous for its hot springs, where visitors can enjoy the therapeutic benefits of onsen bathing.
The beautiful landscape and cycling routes in Hakone attract cycling enthusiasts, offering a chance to explore the area on two wheels.
During the winter months, areas around Hakone may offer skiing opportunities, particularly in the nearby mountains.
Tourists enjoy activities such as boating and fishing on Lake Ashi, which is famous for its views of Mount Fuji.
Hakone has several golf courses that provide a great environment for golf lovers to play amidst stunning scenery.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Hakone.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Many restaurants in Hakone offer vegetarian-friendly dishes such as vegetable tempura, tofu-based dishes, and sushi with avocado or cucumber. Some cafes also offer vegan desserts and soy milk-based drinks.
While it can be challenging to find dedicated gluten-free establishments, some restaurants are accommodating and able to modify dishes to be gluten-free. It is advisable to communicate dietary needs clearly with the staff.
Cultural Immersions
Experience the heart and soul of Hakone with these cultural adventures.
