A Complete Guide to Hakone, Japan

There are so many unique and wonderful things to do in Hakone, which makes it one of my favourite regions in Japan!  It’s home to many onsen hotels and some of the country’s most spectacular scenery.

We visited Japan in Autumn (twice), which was a particularly special time of year and far less crowded. Whether it’s fall colours you’re looking for, or perhaps it’s beautiful Cherry Blossoms. Hakone is a beautiful place to visit year-round and a must-do place to add to your Japan itinerary, especially if it’s your first time in Japan.

Many people choose to do a Hakone day trip from Tokyo, however, I highly recommend extending your itinerary and spending at least one night, or two.

When we were planning a trip to Japan, we opted to spend 14 days in Japan, so that was enough time to spend two nights in Hakone before continuing to Kyoto for 2 days. However, if you only have 7 days to spend in Japan in total, then perhaps 1 night in Hakone is ample time.

An overnight trip allows extra time to really explore the region and experience traditional Japanese hospitality while staying at a beautiful Ryokan hotel.

In saying that, if you’re planning to only do a day trip, then please read on, as many of the things to do in this Hakone travel guide can be experienced in one day.

use our guide to plan a hakone day trip or stay longer in a traditional Japanese Ryokan Hotel

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Useful Resources for Hakone

Here are a few quick links to useful resources for your visit:

• Book your Japan Rail Pass online before arriving in Japan. Note: the Japan Rail Pass cannot be purchased after arriving in the country.
• It’s handy to have a local sim card or mobile WiFi device to help using Google Maps to navigate your way around Japan. Pre-purchase a Japanese sim card here. If you travel overseas regularly, we use and recommend Skyroam as it can be used in 130+ destinations worldwide, including Japan!
• Purchase your tickets for the Hakone Kamakura 3-Day Pass here. This covers most public transport options around Hakone.
• Book your accommodation in Hakone at least 4 months in advance during high season, as rooms book out quickly. We recommend booking through Agoda or Booking.com, as they have the most comprehensive inventory within Japan.

How to Get to Hakone

How to Get to Hakone by Train

Trains in Japan are fast, efficient and get you to your destination on time, nearly every time! However, there are two train lines that operate services from Tokyo to Hakone. Which one you take will depend on the station you’re departing from, and whether or not you wish to use the Japan Rail Pass:

Departing From Shinjuku Station:

The ‘Romance Car’ departs from Shinjuku several times per day and takes you to Hakone-Yumoto station. If you’re planning a day trip, the Romance car is the best way to get there and back. You can purchase tickets for the ‘Romance Car’ at the Odakyu station office. Please note: this train is serviced by Odakyu, not Japan Rail so you cannot use your Japan Rail Pass on this train.

Once you arrive at Hakone-Yumoto station, you’ll need to change trains onto the Hakone Tozan Railway line, which will take you to the town of Gora and several other towns within the region. Transport from Hakone-Yumoto station and within the region is covered by a separate ticket. Pre-purchase a Hakone Kamakura Pass online here (formerly called the Hakone Free Pass) before you arrive, which covers all trains, buses, boats, and ropeways within the Hakone and Kamakura regions. This pass also includes free or discounted entry to the many Hakone attractions for up to 3-days.

Read Next: Kyoto 2 Day Itinerary: What to do during 2 Days in Kyoto

Left to right from the top: Scenic vistas of Mount Hakone in the Fall; A train arrives at Gora Station.

From Tokyo Station or Shinagawa Station:

If you have a Japan Rail Pass and you wish to use it to get to Hakone, then you’ll need to catch the Shinkansen train (bullet train) on the Tokaido Line from Tokyo or Shinagawa stations to Odawara. Once in Odawara, you’ll need to change onto the Hakone Tozan Line for the rest of the journey.

The train from Odawara station is covered by a separate ticket. We recommend you pre-purchase a discounted Hakone Kamakura Pass online here (formerly called the Hakone Free Pass) before you arrive, which covers all transport from Odawara station to Hakone-Yumoto station and within the Hakone and Kamakura regions, including trains, buses, boats, and ropeways. This pass also includes entrance to many of the attractions around Hakone for up to 3-days.

Pro Tip: If you plan to travel around Japan by Japan Rail (and trust me this is the best way), you MUST pre-purchase your Japan Rail Pass before arriving in the country. You cannot purchase a Japan Rail Pass after you arrive. Click here to purchase your Japan Rail Pass online at least 2 weeks before you arrive. I also recommend purchasing the Hakone Kamakura Pass as this includes most transport services around Hakone. Click here to purchase the Hakone Kamakura Pass online in advance. You can also visit Kamakura using the same pass!

How to Get to Hakone by Car

If you plan to rent a car and drive, there are a few things to note. In Japan, they drive on the left side. The quality of the roads is not great, due to the amount of seismic activity in Japan, and there are many toll roads around Tokyo. Familiarise yourself with the road signs, but most are written in Japanese and English. You can read more tips about driving in Japan here. For the best rates on rental vehicles, check out Rentalcars.com.

From the top: Lounge area at Hotel Hakone Gora Byakudan; Japanese style room at Hotel Hakone Gora Byakudan.

Where to Stay in Hakone

It can be difficult trying to choose where to stay in Hakone, as it is a large area. There are quite a few towns dotted around the mountain with many hotels and guesthouses to choose from. But if you’re looking to stay in one of the best hotels in Hakone, then check out the town of Gora. The majority of the region’s best ryokans and places to stay in Hakone are centered around this town, as are many of the attractions and things to do in Hakone. Most hotels in Hakone are traditional Japanese ryokan-style hotels and many feature their own private onsen.

Staying Around Gora

Here’s our pick of the best affordable luxury hotels and ryokans in Gora:

Hakone Gora Byakudan – this hotel with private onsen is arguably the best place to stay in Hakone (pictured above). A modern style Japanese ryokan, with open fireplace and a spectacular view over the valley. We had our own private onsen right on our balcony and were treated to incredible kaiseki meals each evening.

Read More: Finding Relaxation at Hotel Hakone Gora Byakudan

Laforet Club Hakone – a very popular hotel offering a shuttle service to the cable car.

Gora Kadan – Another stunning and popular 5-star ryokan-style hotel in Hakone with private onsen and traditional Japanese kaiseki meals. Gora Kadan is only 5-minutes’ walk from Gora station.

Hakone Kowakien Tenyu – A large hotel featuring mountain views with private onsen baths, and Japanese or Western-style rooms and meals.

Hotel Indigo Hakone Gora – this modern hotel with Japanese and Western-style rooms is a brand new addition to the list of great places to stay in Hakone.

Left to right from the top: A private onsen bath on the balcony of Hotel Hakone Gora Byakudan; Traditional Japanese kaiseki meal served in a bento box.

Other Hotels in Hakone

While Gora is (in my opinion) offers the best places to stay in Hakone, here are some other great affordable luxury hotels around other towns in Hakone, including the main tourist village, Hakone-Yumoto:

Hakone Ashinoko Hanaori – A beautiful hotel on the shores of Lake Ashinoko, with a terrace featuring lake views.

Odakyu Hotel de Yama – A grand old hotel with lake views, natural hot spring baths surrounded by a beautiful Japanese garden, and a karaoke room!

Hakone Hisui – A beautiful ryokan hotel with kaiseki meals, situated close to the Hakone Botanical Garden of Wetlands.

Kinnotake Sengokuhara – A hidden away, adults-only Japanese ryokan hotel with western bedding and traditional Japanese meals served in the privacy of your room.

Kinnotake Tonosawa – A luxury adults only Japanese-style hotel with private onsen and traditional Japanese meals. This hotel is conveniently located only 10 minutes bus ride from Hakone-Yumoto station.

 Pro Tip: Most of the best hotels in Hakone, including the ones listed above include full-board (breakfast and dinner) or half-board (breakfast only). Many offer kaiseki-style meals, which is a traditional multi-course Japanese tasting menu – an experience in itself! While there are several (really good) dining options around Hakone-Yumoto station, there are limited options for dinner in many of the other villages and towns. I would recommend going for a full-board option for the complete Japanese ryokan experience.

Left to right from the top: Outdoor exhibit at Hakone Open Air Museum; Torii Gate on the shores of Lake Ashinoko; Sulphur gases rising from Mount Hakone at Owakudani.

Things to do in Hakone

There are so many things to do in Hakone. As I mentioned earlier, many people opt for a Hakone day trip, but after reading the following list, I’m sure you’ll understand why it’s best to plan a Hakone itinerary that lasts 2 or 3 days instead.

Hakone Open-Air Museum

We started our Hakone day trip at the Hakone Open Air Museum, which features one of the most extensive Picasso exhibits and is an absolute must-do activity to add to your Hakone itinerary. This was one of my most favourite things to do in Hakone! The museum is open year-round from 9 am to 5 pm.

After an hour or two wandering around the beautiful gardens and admiring over 150 sculptures, continue your Hakone itinerary by hopping on a train at the nearby station and head to Gora station.

Witness Mount Hakone’s Seismic Activity at Owakudani

At Gora station, change onto the Tozan Cable Car and then continue onto the Hakone Ropeway, which takes you up the top of Mount Hakone, an active volcano. Alight at Owakudani station, where you’ll experience one of the most unique things to do in Hakone, or indeed the whole of Japan. Watch as volcanic gases rise from the earth and taste black eggs, that have been cooked in the natural hot springs, fed directly from the mountain. Afterward, hop back on the ropeway and continue down-hill to Lake Ashi.

Lake Ashi Cruise

From Togendai station, you get off the ropeway and board a large pirate ship. The ship takes you on a 30-minute sightseeing cruise across Lake Ashinoko (Lake Ashi) to Moto-Hakone. On a clear day, it’s possible to see Mount Fuji on the horizon from the lake.

Left to right: A suspension bridge near Hakone-Yumoto village; The picturesque pathway to Hakone Shrine.

Hakone Shrine

On the shores of Lake Ashinoko, at the foot of the Hakone Shrine, stands an enormous orange Torii Gate. You’ve probably seen this shrine on Instagram and it is perhaps one of the things that attracted you to this region. This is a great spot and you’ll have to join the lineup of tourists waiting for a photo opportunity. Visiting the shrine is one of the few free things to do in Hakone! There is also plenty of great hiking trails around mountains near the Hakone Shrine if your itinerary allows the time to take advantage of this.

Mishima Skywalk

This attraction is a little further afield than most of the other things to do in Hakone and is perhaps only achievable on an extended itinerary of 2 days or more. But the Skywalk and 300 metre-long zipline is a lot of fun and well worth it.

Onsen Spa Experience

After an action-packed day trip exploring all the amazing things to do in Hakone, there’s nothing better than to soak in the therapeutic benefits of naturally-fed thermal springs. If you decide to stay in any of the hotels listed above, they all have onsen available onsite. Some even have private onsen, so you don’t have to bath naked with total strangers. However, if you choose to stay somewhere that doesn’t have an onsen, the Kowaki-en Yunessun Hot Spring Theme Park is one of the best hot springs in Hakone that you can also visit on a day trip. Show your Hakone Kamakura Pass at the ticket office to receive a discount.

Hakone-Yumoto Town

The train journey to and from Gora requires you to change trains at Hakone-Yumoto station. If you have a few extra hours on your way to/from Gora, it’s well worth taking a wander around the town and trying the array of Japanese delicacies sold on the street. There are plenty of luggage storage lockers available at the station.

Pro Tip: The Hakone Kamakura Pass is a worthwhile purchase if you plan to extend your Hakone itinerary to 2 days or more. It includes transport on all Odakyu lines (expect the Romance Car), plus all trains, buses, boats, cable cars and ropeways around the Hakone and Kamakura regions for up to 3 days. It also offers free or discounted entry to many of the attractions listed above and more. Click here to purchase the Hakone Kamakura Pass online in advance. You can also combine your Hakone itinerary with a visit to Kamakura using the same pass!

I should mention that this is certainly not an exhaustive list of all the things to do in Hakone. There is actually so much more to see and do. If you were to do a google search of ‘things to do in Hakone’, you’ll learn that there are also many hikes, waterfalls, volcanos and Mount Fuji viewing spots, and so much more. You could easily extend your Hakone itinerary to 2 days or longer!

From the top: The entrance to Hakone Shrine; Washing station at Hakone Shrine; Torii Gates at the Hakone Shrine.

Recommended Tours in Hakone

If you’re short on time and would rather take a guided day tour around Hakone, check out this Hakone Full Day Tour from Tokyo. Please note that this tour does not include a visit to the Hakone Open Air Museum.

Hakone Wrap Up

There are so many things to see and do in Hakone. It is truly an amazing region to visit in Japan. And, being so close to Tokyo, it’s very easy to plan a Hakone day trip or extend your itinerary to 2 or 3 days and stay in a beautiful Ryokan hotel, as we did. You can also add a visit to Hakone to your Japan itinerary while travelling between Tokyo and Kyoto.

To make the most of your trip to Japan, be sure to check out our other Japan travel blog articles for more tips and recommendations.

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We hope this guide helps you to plan your visit to Hakone. If you have any other recommendations or questions about Hakone, please leave them in the comments below.

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