Hakone

About Hakone

Hakone sits in the caldera of an ancient volcano with sulphurous fumaroles at Owakudani. The Hakone Open Air Museum holds 120 outdoor sculptures.

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  Owakudani Information Center

  Popular

  ★4.2(20,330)

  Visitors can enjoy Mt. Fuji views & eat black eggs boiled in hot springs at this geothermic site.

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• 

  Hakone Shrine

  Popular

  ★4.4(19,242)

  Historic Japanese Shinto shrine with a small museum in a verdant lakefront setting.

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  The Hakone Open-Air Museum

  Popular

  ★4.5(15,284)

  Museum featuring an outdoor sculpture park & some indoor exhibits, plus a natural hot spring.

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  Hakone Venetian Glass Museum (Glass Forest)

  ★4.2(9,221)

  Charming museum on scenic grounds featuring Venetian glassware, plus a gift shop & Italian eatery.

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  Hakone Sightseeing Cruise

  ★4.3(7,085)

  Sightseeing destination for lake cruises on pirate-style ships with scenic mountain views.

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  Owakudani

  ★4.4(5,977)

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Getting around Hakone

The Hakone Loop is the primary way to explore this mountain resort, combining several transport modes including buses, the scenic ropeway, a pirate ship across Lake Ashi, and the mountain railway. Most visitors purchase a Hakone Free Pass (around ¥4,000 - ¥6,500 depending on starting point), which covers unlimited travel on these systems for 2 - 3 days and is available at major train stations. You can also use IC cards like Suica or Pasmo for individual journeys, topping up at convenience stores or station machines. Walking between attractions in the main resort area is manageable, though distances between sites are considerable; the ropeway and ship rides double as transportation and sightseeing experiences. Taxis are available but pricey for longer distances, so most travelers stick to the integrated loop system, which typically operates until around 5 - 6 p.m., with reduced evening service.

Best time to visit

April and November stand out as the ideal months for a trip to this volcanic mountain resort. Spring brings celebrated cherry blossoms typically blooming from late March through early April, while autumn delivers stunning crimson foliage usually peaking in mid-to-late November. Both seasons offer mild, dry weather perfect for exploring the open-air museum and riding the famous ropeway with clear views of Mt. Fuji. Avoid the rainy tsuyu season from June through July and typhoon season in September, when conditions turn wet and unpredictable. August brings peak heat and crowds, making onsen soaks less appealing. For a specific cultural experience, the Hakone Ekiden relay marathon typically takes place in early January, drawing massive crowds but showcasing local spirit. Shoulder seasons like May and October offer fewer visitors and pleasant temperatures, making them excellent alternatives if spring and autumn crowds concern you.

Where to stay

Hakone offers distinct neighborhoods suited to different travel styles. Hakone-Yumoto, the main resort town near the ropeway and Lake Ashi, attracts visitors seeking traditional ryokan experiences with hot spring access; expect to pay ¥15,000 - 25,000 per person with meals included. Gora, higher on the mountain, offers a quieter atmosphere with upscale ryokan and some modern hotels, typically ¥12,000 - 20,000 for business hotel doubles, plus excellent proximity to the open-air sculpture museum. Moto-Hakone, on the lakeside, provides budget-friendly guesthouses and capsule hotels (¥6,000 - 10,000) with scenic views and easy access to the pirate ship and Mt. Fuji vistas. All three areas connect well to major attractions via the scenic ropeway, mountain railway, and lakeside buses, making any choice viable depending on your budget and preference for traditional onsen culture or modern convenience.

What to eat

Hakone's culinary scene centers on **yama-kake udon**, thick noodles topped with grated mountain potato and a savory broth, which pairs perfectly with the region's cool mountain air. For a more elaborate experience, seek out kaiseki restaurants serving haute cuisine built around seasonal ingredients and local produce. The Hakone Ginyu area and local depachika (department store food halls) offer concentrated selections of regional specialties, from fresh vegetables to artisanal sweets. Hakone sits within Kanagawa's famous sake country, and several small breweries welcome visitors for tastings; the area's mineral-rich water from Lake Ashi influences local sake production. Budget-conscious travelers can find satisfying bowls of yama-kake udon typically priced ¥900 - 1,300, while casual ramen shops and soba stands offer filling meals under ¥1,000. Whether enjoying kaiseki in an upscale ryokan or grabbing quick noodles between onsen visits, the town's food reflects its mountain setting and hot spring heritage.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Hakone Free Pass?▾

Where is the best view of Mt. Fuji?▾

What is the Hakone Outdoor Open Air Museum entry fee?▾

What is Owakudani and is it safe?▾

What is the Romancecar?▾