Hakone is one of the most popular destinations for travelers visiting Japan. Located about 90 minutes from Tokyo, this mountain resort area is famous for its relaxing hot springs, scenic landscapes, and beautiful views of Mount Fuji.
Visitors come to Hakone to ride the Hakone Ropeway, cruise across Lake Ashi, and explore volcanic landscapes like Owakudani Valley. The area is also known for its art museums, peaceful gardens, and traditional shopping streets.
Whether you are planning a day trip from Tokyo or staying overnight at a ryokan, Hakone offers a unique mix of nature, culture, and relaxing experiences.
In this guide, you’ll find the best things to do in Hakone, from iconic attractions to hidden spots worth exploring.
Quick Guide: Best Things to Do in Hakone
- Cruise across Lake Ashi
- See the famous torii gate at Hakone Shrine
- Ride Hakone’s scenic Transportation : Hakone Ropeway, Hakone Tozan Railway
- Hakone Gora Park
- Visit Owakudani Valley
- Explore Streets in Hakone : Moto Hakone, Hakone Yumoto Shopping street
- Enjoy Local Hakone Food
- Relax in a traditional onsen
- Visit popular museums : Hakone OpenAir Museum, Po;a museum, Hakone Glass Museum
See the Famous Torii Gate at Hakone Shrine
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Hakone Shrine is one of the most iconic spots in the region. The shrine sits along the shores of Lake Ashi and is known for its beautiful red torii gate standing in the water.
The peaceful forest path leading to the shrine creates a calm and spiritual atmosphere, while the torii gate has become one of Hakone’s most photographed landmarks.
Many visitors stop here to take photos and enjoy the tranquil lakeside scenery.
KikiCruise Across Lake Ashi
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A cruise on Lake Ashi is one of the most popular experiences in Hakone. The sightseeing boats travel across the lake, offering beautiful views of the surrounding mountains.
On clear days, you may even see Mount Fuji rising behind the lake, creating one of the most memorable landscapes in the area.
The boats also connect several sightseeing spots, making it an easy way to explore Hakone.
KikiRide Hakone’s Famous Scenic Transportation
Getting around Hakone is part of the travel experience itself. The area is famous for its scenic transportation system, often called the Hakone Round Course. Visitors can travel through the mountains using trains, cable cars, ropeways, and sightseeing boats, all while enjoying beautiful views of nature.
Riding these unique forms of transportation allows you to see different landscapes of Hakone, from forested mountains to volcanic valleys and lakeside scenery.
Hakone Ropeway
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The Hakone Ropeway offers a dramatic aerial view of the volcanic landscape of Owakudani Valley.
As the gondola moves across the valley, visitors can see steaming vents and sulfurous hot springs created by volcanic activity. The ropeway ride is both scenic and thrilling, making it one of the highlights of any Hakone trip.
Hakone Tozan Railway
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The Hakone Tozan Railway is a charming mountain train that connects Odawara with Hakone’s scenic areas such as Hakone-Yumoto and Gora.
As the train climbs through the mountains, it passes through lush forests, small villages, and seasonal landscapes. During the rainy season, hydrangeas bloom along the tracks, creating one of the most famous seasonal sights in Hakone.
The train moves slowly through the winding mountain railway, making the journey itself a relaxing and memorable part of visiting Hakone.
Hakone Gora Park – Beautiful Place
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Gora Park is a peaceful garden located in the Gora area of Hakone. The park features beautifully maintained lawns, fountains, and seasonal flowers surrounded by mountain scenery.
Visitors can walk through the gardens, relax on benches, or enjoy the quiet atmosphere away from the busier sightseeing spots. The park also has small craft workshops where visitors can try activities such as glass making or pottery.
It’s a pleasant place to take a break while exploring Hakone.
Visit Owakudani Valley
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Owakudani is a volcanic valley formed during the last eruption of Mount Hakone around 3,000 years ago.
The area is famous for its steaming vents and the unique local specialty known as black eggs (kuro tamago). These eggs are boiled in sulfur-rich hot springs, which turn the shells black.
Visit Popular Museums in Hakone
The Hakone Open-Air Museum
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The Hakone Open-Air Museum is one of the most unique museums in Japan. Located in a wide outdoor park, the museum displays modern sculptures surrounded by beautiful natural scenery.
Visitors can walk through the large garden while viewing artworks by famous international and Japanese artists.
The museum also features a small Picasso Pavilion, making it an interesting stop for art lovers.
Pola Museum of Art
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The Pola Museum of Art is a modern museum located in the forests of Hakone. The museum is known for its impressive collection of Western and Japanese art, including works by famous artists such as Monet, Renoir, and Picasso.
The building itself blends beautifully with the surrounding nature, featuring large glass walls that allow visitors to enjoy views of the forest while exploring the galleries.
The museum also has a walking trail outside, making it a unique place where art and nature come together.
Hakone Glass Museum
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The Hakone Glass Museum is a charming museum dedicated to Venetian glass art. The elegant garden and sparkling glass sculptures create a magical atmosphere, especially when sunlight reflects off the glass decorations.
Inside the museum, visitors can see beautiful glass artworks from different periods, as well as demonstrations of traditional glass craftsmanship.
There is also a café overlooking the garden where you can relax while enjoying the peaceful scenery.
Explore Streets in Hakone
Shrine Street near Moto Hakone Port
Near Hakone Shrine, you’ll find small shops and cafés selling local snacks and souvenirs. It’s a good place to try local treats, relax with a coffee, or pick up small gifts to bring home from Hakone.
Bakery and Table – The Lake view Cafe in Hakone
There is a cafe named Bakery & Table in front of Lake Ashi, where you can enjoy a hotspring for feet. Bring a towel if you’d like to try. Also, deep fried curry bread is so good!
Hakone Yumoto Shopping Street
If you use Hakone Yumoto Station, you can stop by Hakone Yumoto Shopping Street that’s located nearby the station. I walked around and tried some food there.
KikiEnjoy Local Hakone Food
Hakone also has a variety of delicious local foods. Some specialties you may encounter include:
- Black eggs from Owakudani
- Soba noodles
- Onsen tamago (hot spring eggs)
- Traditional Japanese sweets
If you’re interested in food, you can also check out my guide to the best food in Hakone.
Relax in a Traditional Onsen
Hakone is one of Japan’s most famous hot spring destinations. Many visitors come here specifically to enjoy the relaxing experience of soaking in natural mineral hot springs.
Some ryokan and hotels offer beautiful outdoor baths with views of the surrounding mountains. Even if you are visiting on a day trip, several facilities allow guests to enjoy the hot springs without staying overnight.
Best Time to Visit Hakone
Hakone is beautiful throughout the year.
Spring offers cherry blossoms, while autumn brings colorful foliage across the mountains. Winter can also be a great time to visit because the cooler air often creates clear views of Mount Fuji.
Is Hakone Worth Visiting?
Hakone is one of the best destinations near Tokyo for travelers looking to experience nature, hot springs, and scenic views of Mount Fuji.
Whether you want to relax in an onsen, explore volcanic landscapes, or cruise across Lake Ashi, Hakone offers a memorable escape from the busy city.
More Hakone Travel Guides
You may also enjoy:
- Hakone Day Trip Itinerary
- Best Ryokan in Hakone
- Hakone Food Guide
