Hakone

Travel Guide

Lake Ashi which includes sailing, a lake or waterhole and a sunset
Hakone featuring a lake or waterhole and a sunset
Hakone Open Air Museum which includes outdoor art, a fountain and street scenes
Hakone featuring food
Hakone Hot Springs which includes heritage elements and street scenes

Located around an hour outside of Tokyo, visitors flock to this town to relax in the natural hot springs and explore the mountains and lakes of Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. 

Hakone is a small town and park located in the Kanagawa Prefecture in Japan’s southern Kantō region. Nestled into lush mountains, Hakone is a fantastic base for exploring the dramatic landscape. Discover lakes, waterfalls, Shinto shrines and steaming hot springs amidst the dense forests in this region.

The volcanically active Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is Hakone’s top destination. The park consists of several natural attractions around Lake Ashinoko. Lake Ashi, as locals call it, is a crater lake with striking views of Mount Fuji. Explore the lake on a pleasure boat, designed in the style of a sailing warship.

Situated near to lakes, coastlines, hot springs and volcanic mountains, Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is full of varied natural beauty. Visit the mythical looking Shiraito Falls or traverse the volcanic island of Izu Oshima.

Take the aerial tram at Hakone Ropeway up to the hot springs and sulphur vents at the Great Boiling Valley. Eating the local specialty of an egg hard-boiled in the hot springs which is said to increase longevity. 

Visit Hakone Shrine at the foot of Mount Hakone. This Shinto shrine is hidden in the forest and shrouded by the mountain’s mist. Don’t miss its massive torii gates. The large red entrance gate looms over the shore of Lake Ashinoko. 

For a unique cultural experience, stop by Hakone Open Air Museum. Seamlessly blending art with nature, this museum features over 1,000 pieces of art. Wander through the extensive Henry Moore sculpture garden or examine some 300 pieces created by Pablo Picasso. 

Tokyo is just 50 miles (80.5 kilometers) to the west of Hakone. Several train options will bring you to the town in about an hour. Most trains require a transfer at nearby Odwara, a pleasant hot springs town that is a destination of its own.

Where to stay in Hakone

Gora showing street scenes and signage

Gora

4.5/5(130 area reviews)

Gora is known for its ample dining options, and you can make a stop by Hakone Gora Park and Ōwakudani while in the area.

Gora
Hakone Hot Springs showing street scenes as well as a family

Yumoto

4.5/5(28 area reviews)

While visiting Yumoto, you might make a stop by sights like Gyokuren Shrine and Tenzan Onsen.

Yumoto
Ashigarashimo featuring railway items

Motohakone

While visiting Motohakone, you might make a stop by sights like Lake Ashi and Hakone Komagatake Ropeway.

Motohakone
Hakone featuring a gondola

Sengokuhara

Unique features of Sengokuhara include the hot springs and mountain views. Make a stop by Sengokuhara Susuki Prairie or Sengokuhara Onsen while you're exploring the area.

Sengokuhara
Hakone Open Air Museum which includes a statue or sculpture and a monument as well as an individual femail

Ninohira

While visiting Ninohira, you might make a stop by sights like Hakone Kowakien Yunessun and Hakone Open Air Museum.

Ninohira
Chisuji Falls which includes a river or creek and mist or fog

Kowakudani

While you're in Kowakudani, take in top sights like Chisuji Falls and jump on the metro at Kowakidani Station to see more of the city.

Kowakudani

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