What to do in Hakone

In Hakone, you can immerse yourself in nature or relax in one of the many onsen (Japanese spas).

David Monniaux, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Tenzan

This spa complex offers a variety of thermal baths and hot springs, allowing visitors to relax and rejuvenate by soaking in the healing waters. An ideal place for a wellness break in contact with nature.

It is possible to enter these onsen with tattoos.

Photo by Luca Rodegher

Practical information

View location on Google Maps
Official website
9:00-23:00
Last entry 30 minutes before closing time
5 days in mid-December
1450 Yen
25 minutes’ walk south-west of Hakone Tozan Hakoneyumoto Station
Take the bus (line K) and get off at the Oku-Yumoto Iriguchi stop

Hakone Kamon

Hakone Kamon is an elegant ryokan located in the mountainous Hakone region of Japan. This traditional Japanese inn offers spacious and tastefully decorated rooms with private hot spring baths. Here, visitors can enjoy a relaxing onsen experience while admiring the surrounding natural landscape.

Practical information

View location on Google Maps
Official website
10:30-17:30
No closing days
1980 Yen (entrance to onsen)
From 23000 Yen (overnight stay with two meals)
10 minutes south of Hakone Tozan Hakoneyumoto Station
You can take a hotel shuttle bus for 100 Yen

Hakone Yuryo

Hakone Yuryo is a charming hotel located in the Hakone region of Japan. Surrounded by beautiful mountain scenery, this hotel offers elegant and comfortable rooms, some with panoramic views of Mount Fuji. Guests can enjoy a peaceful and relaxing stay, surrounded by the natural beauty of Hakone.

Practical information

View location on Google Maps
Official website
10:00-21:00 (until 22:00 on weekends)
Last admission 1 hour before closing
No closing days
1700 Yen (2000 Yen at weekends and holidays)
For private onsen and room the price ranges from 8600 Yen to 12600 Yen for 2 hours
From Hakone Tozan station in Hakoneyumoto take the free bus that runs every 10 to 15 minutes

Yunosato Okada

Yunosato Okada is a charming spa resort located in Hakone, Japan. This resort offers traditional Japanese-style accommodation surrounded by nature. Guests can enjoy the hot springs, Hakone’s famous onsen, and relax in a serene and rejuvenating atmosphere. An ideal place for an escape from everyday stress.

Practical information

View location on Google Maps
Official website
11:00-23:00
No closing days
1450 Yen (1350 Yen with the coupon)
25 minutes’ walk south-west of Hakone Tozan Hakoneyumoto Station
Take the bus (line K) and get off at the Oku-Yumoto Iriguchi stop
Shuttle bus from Hakoneyumoto Station (100 Yen)

Kappa Tengoku Ryokan

Kappa Tengoku Ryokan is a picturesque ryokan located in the hilly region of Hakone, Japan. This traditional Japanese hotel offers cosy rooms and tatami mats, outdoor hot spring baths and delicious kaiseki cuisine. Guests can enjoy a relaxing experience immersed in the tradition and natural beauty of Hakone.

Practical information

View location on Google Maps
Official website
10:00-22:00
No closing days
900 Yen (onsen)
From 5650 Yen (overnight stay without meals)
200 Yen (foot bath)
1000 Yen (private bath for 45 minutes)
The ryokan is located opposite Hakone Tozan Hakoneyumoto station (north)

Yumoto Fujiya Hotel

Yumoto Fujiya Hotel is a luxurious spa hotel located in Hakone, Japan. This hotel offers elegant and spacious rooms, many with magnificent views of Lake Ashi. Visitors can relax in the resort’s spa and enjoy Japanese culinary delights at its restaurants. A perfect destination for a luxurious and relaxing stay.

Practical information

View location on Google Maps
Official website
10:00-20:00
No closing days
2000 Yen (onsen)(2200 Yen weekends and holidays)

From 16000 Yen (overnight stay and 2 meals)

The hotel is located opposite Hakone Tozan Hakoneyumoto Station (south)

Hakone Green Plaza Hotel

Hakone Green Plaza Hotel is a low-cost option for those seeking accommodation in Hakone, Japan. It offers simple, comfortable rooms with fantastic views of the surrounding thick forests. The resort is powered by renewable sources such as wind and solar energy, promoting a sustainable lifestyle.

Practical information

View location on Google Maps
Official website
13:00-18:00 (from 15:00 on Wednesdays and Thursdays)
1st and 3rd Thursday of the month
1600 Yen (onsen)
From 15000 Yen (overnight stay and 2 meals)
2 minutes’ walk north of the Ubako stop of the Hakone cable car

Hakone Open Air Museum

The Hakone Open-air Museum (Chōkoku Hakone No Mori Bijutsukan) is a park with an open-air exhibition space located in Hakone. The venue boasts a large collection of contemporary and modern art, including masterpieces by international artists such as Henry Moore and Barbara Hepworth. The sculptures are displayed outdoors, creating an immersive art experience amidst avenues, gardens and fountains. The museum also houses artworks inside exhibition buildings including a theatre and a ceramics pavilion. The Hakone Open-Air Museum is an ideal place for art and nature lovers, combining contemporary art and lush landscape to offer a unique and unforgettable experience.

Hakone5

leon&mae, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Practical information

View location on Google Maps
Official website
9:00-17:00
Last entry 30 minutes before closing time
No closing days
2000 Yen
1800 Yen (purchased online)
1900 Yen (presenting this coupon)
2 minutes’ walk south of Hakone Tozan Chokokokunomori Station

Owakudani

Owakudani is a popular tourist attraction located in Hakone, Japan. It is an active geothermal zone that hosts a number of adrenaline-pumping activities including Owakudani’s black eggs. The black eggs are cooked in the hot volcanic waters and eating one is said to increase life expectancy by seven years. In addition, hikers can enjoy a walking trail through the volcanic valley, which offers spectacular views of Mount Fuji and its surroundings.

Photo by Luca Rodegher

Practical information

View location on Google Maps
Official website
8:30-17:00
No closing days
Free
Owakudani stop of the Hakone ropeway. Then continue on foot along the

Lake Ashinoko

Lake Ashinoko is a natural wonder located in the picturesque town of Hakone, Japan. The lake is of volcanic origin and offers a breathtaking view of Mount Fuji, making it one of the most popular tourist attractions in the region. Visitors can take a leisurely cruise on the lake using a variety of traditional Japanese boats, such as steamboats or catamarans. During the crossing, one can admire the enchanting surrounding hills and enjoy the tranquillity of the lake. Lake Ashinoko is a must-see experience for anyone visiting Hakone and offers a unique opportunity to connect with nature and the majesty of Mount Fuji.

Photo by Luca Rodegher

Practical information

View location on Google Maps
Accessible by bus from Odawara, Hakone-Yumoto, Gotemba
From Gora take the Hakone Tozan Cablecar and then the Hakone cable car to the terminus

Hakone Shrine

The Hakone Shrine (Hakone Jinja) is a renowned spiritual destination located in the picturesque city of Hakone, Japan. Founded in 757, the shrine is dedicated to the god Hakone, worshipped for his protection against natural disasters and the danger of volcanoes in the area. Visitors can immerse themselves in the tranquillity of this sacred place, admiring the splendid uguisu-bari (red-green torii) that mark the entrance.

During its popular annual festival, the shrine teems with visitors taking part in traditional processions. The Hakone shrine is an enchanting place for a spiritual connection and to admire traditional Japanese architecture and culture.

Photo by Luca Rodegher

Practical information

View location on Google Maps
Official website
Always open
No closing days
Free
5 minutes’ walk west of Moto-Hakone harbour
Take the Tozan Bus (line H) from Hakoneyumoto Station (35 minutes – 930 Yen – included in the Hakone Free Pass)

POLA Art Museum

The POLA Art Museum (POLA Bijutsukan) in Hakone is a cultural gem located in the beautiful Japanese city of Hakone. Founded in 2002, the museum houses an extensive collection of artworks ranging from the Renaissance to contemporary art. Visitors can admire paintings, sculptures and other artistic creations by renowned artists such as Monet, Renoir, Picasso and many others. The museum is surrounded by a lovely landscaped garden, which makes the experience even more fascinating. The POLA Art Museum in Hakone is a must-see for art lovers visiting the region and wishing to immerse themselves in beauty and artistic inspiration.

Pola Museum of Art - Entrance

Rlbberlin, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Practical information

View location on Google Maps
Official website
9:00-17:00
Last entry 30 minutes before closing time
Irregular closing days for exhibition renovation (see official website)
1800 Yen (1600 Yen by presenting the Hakone Free Pass)
From Gora’s Hakone Tozan station take a Hakone Tozan bus in the direction of Shissei Kaen and get off at the Pola Bijutsukan stop (15 minutes – 290 Yen – included in the Hakone Free Pass)

Botanical Garden

The Wetlands Botanical Garden, also known as Shisseikaen Hakone, is a fabulous tourist attraction located in the city of Hakone, Japan. This landscape garden boasts numerous species of plants, including many rare and protected ones growing in wetland habitats. Visitors can admire the beauty of the landscape, from lush greenery to incredible waterfalls.

The botanical garden offers peaceful and relaxing walks, allowing visitors to connect with nature in a peaceful atmosphere. The Wetlands Botanical Garden is a botanical wonder that deserves to be visited by all lovers of nature and beauty.

191102 Hakone Botanical Garden of Wetlands Hakone Japan06

663highland, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Practical information

View location on Google Maps
Official website
9:00-17:00
Last entry 30 minutes before closing time
1 December to 19 March
700 Yen
From Hakone Tozan Gora Station take a Hakone Tozan bus (S line) and get off at the Shissei Kaen-mai stop in front of the garden (20 minutes – 490 Yen – included in the Hakone Free Pass)
From Hakone Tozan Station in Hakoneyumoto take a Hakone Tozan bus (T line) towards Togendai and get off at the Sengoku Annaijo-mae stop, then walk 5 minutes to the southwest (25 minutes – 730 Yen – included in the Hakone Free Pass)

Hakone Glass no Mori’s Venetian Glass

Hakone Glass no Mori is an amazing glass art museum located in the city of Hakone, Japan. The museum is set in an enchanting forest and presents a vast collection of works made from this fascinating material. Visitors can admire wonderful glass sculptures, beautiful art objects and participate in workshops to learn glassmaking techniques. Hakone Glass no Mori also offers a panoramic view of Mount Fuji, making the experience even more magical. It is an ideal destination for lovers of art and creativity who wish to explore the wonderful world of glass.

Hakone Venetian Glass Museum 003

掬茶, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Practical information

View location on Google Maps
Official website
9:00-17:30
Last entry 30 minutes before closing time
No closing days
1800 Yen
1700 Yen (with Hakone Free Pass)
From Hakone Tozan station in Hakoneyumoto take a Hakone Tozan bus (line T) towards Togendai and get off at Hyoseki/Hakone Glass no Mori-mae (20 minutes – 730 Yen – included in the Hakone Free Pass)

Hakone Art Museum

The Hakone Art Museum, also known as Bijutsukan Hakone, is one of the main cultural attractions in the city of Hakone, Japan. This magnificent museum houses a rich collection of Japanese and foreign works of art, ranging from the Edo period to contemporary art. Among the exhibits are paintings, sculptures, ceramics and much more. The architecture of the museum blends harmoniously with the surrounding landscape, offering visitors a breathtaking view of Mount Fuji and the Hakone Hills. The Hakone Art Museum is a must-see for art lovers visiting the region.

Sekirakuen Garden - Hakone, Kanagawa, Japan - DSC08044

Daderot, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons

Practical information

View location on Google Maps
Official website
9:30-16:30 (until 16:00 from December to March)
Last admission 30 minutes before closing
Thursday (except Thursdays in November and if it is a national holiday)
6 to 12 January
25 to 31 December
Sakirakuen Garden is closed on weekends (except November and national holidays)
1430 Yen (1210 Yen if purchased online)
5 minutes’ walk west (along the Hakone cable car) from the Hakone Tozan station of Gora

Detached Palace of Hakone

The Hakone Detached Palace, also known as Rikyu Kyū Hakone, is a picturesque residence located in the city of Hakone, Japan. This beautiful palace was built in the 17th century and was used as a retreat for samurai and as a refuge for the famous military commander Tokugawa Ieyasu. The palace features traditional Japanese architecture with beautiful surrounding landscaped gardens, ponds and picturesque bridges. Lovers of history and architecture can immerse themselves in the charm of this historic palace while enjoying a peaceful and relaxing stroll through its magnificent gardens.

Onshi-Hakone-Koen Park - 01

Quercus acuta, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons

Practical information

View location on Google Maps
Official website
Always open
No closing days
Free
10 minutes’ walk north of Hakone-machi harbour
10 minutes south of Moto-Hakone harbour

Old Tokaido and Hakone Checkpoint

During the Edo Period, Hakone played a vital role as a checkpoint along the Tokaido road connecting Tokyo and Kyoto. Today, a faithful reconstruction of the Hakone Checkpoint (Hakone Sekisho) is located between Moto-Hakone and Hakone-machi, along picturesque Lake Ashinoko. It is also possible to walk the historic Tokaido Road from Moto-Hakone to Hanokeyumoto, a route that takes over three hours. Along the route of the Tokaido road, you will find the Amasake Chaya, a perfect place to enjoy amazake, a delicious hot alcoholic drink made from rice. Don’t forget to also visit the museum dedicated to the old Tokaido road nearby.

Hakone Sekisho

Practical information

Hakone Checkpoint
View location on Google Maps
Official website
9:00-17:00 (until 16:30 from December to February)
Last admission 30 minutes before closing
No closing days
500 Yen
400 Yen (with Hakone Free Pass)
10 minutes’ walk north of Hakone-machi harbour
10 minutes south of Moto-Hakone harbour
Amasake Chaya
View location on Google Maps
Official website
7:00-17:30
No closing days
From Moto-Hakone or Hakoneyumoto take the Hakone Tozan bus (line K) and get off at the Amasake Chaya stop
Tokaido Museum
View location on Google Maps
9:00-17:00
29 to 31 December
70 Yen
From Moto-Hakone or Hakoneyumoto take the Hakone Tozan bus (line K) and get off at the Amasake Chaya stop