Perched between the slopes of Mount Fuji and the sparkling waters of Lake Ashi, Hakone is one of Japan's most breathtaking destinations. Just 90 minutes from Shinjuku by the Romancecar express, it combines volcanic landscapes, world-class art, ancient shrines, and some of the finest onsen in the country — all with a backdrop of Japan's iconic summit. Whether you have a single afternoon or a leisurely two-day stay, this guide covers every thing to do in Hakone so you can plan the perfect trip.
Why Visit Hakone?
Hakone sits inside the Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park: dramatic volcanic scenery, steaming hot springs, clear mountain air, and superb tourist infrastructure built up over centuries. It is the single most complete day-trip destination from Tokyo.
- Mt. Fuji views — on clear days Lake Ashi delivers postcard-perfect reflections
- Onsen culture — dozens of hot-spring baths from budget hostel to luxury ryokan
- Art & culture — two world-class outdoor and indoor museums
- Outdoor adventure — ropeway rides, volcanic craters, forest hikes, and mountain drives
- Easy from Tokyo — 90 min by Romancecar; one Hakone Free Pass covers everything
Top Things to Do in Hakone
1. Hakone Open-Air Museum
The Hakone Open-Air Museum (箱根彫刻の森美術館) displays 120+ sculptures by Picasso, Rodin, Henry Moore, and Japanese masters across a seven-hectare hillside garden. The stained-glass Symphonic Sculpture tower is the highlight. Allow 2 hours. Entry ¥1,600 (Hakone Free Pass discount applies).
2. Lake Ashi Boat Cruise
Lake Ashi (Ashinoko) is the volcanic caldera lake at the heart of Hakone. Replica pirate galleons operated by Hakone Sightseeing Cruise connect Togendai, Hakone-machi, and Moto-Hakone (¥1,200 one-way; Free Pass covered). On clear mornings, Mount Fuji rises perfectly above the southern shore — aim for the first sailing around 9:00 am.
3. Owakudani Volcanic Valley & Black Eggs
Owakudani (大涌谷) is a still-active volcanic valley of steam vents and sulphur deposits. The famous Kuro-Tamago (black eggs) are hard-boiled in the hot springs until their shells turn jet black — legend says each egg adds seven years to your life (¥600 for five). A short trail leads to the main vents; check access status before visiting.
4. Hakone Shrine
Founded in the 8th century, Hakone Shrine (箱根神社) is one of Japan's most photogenic shrines. Its Peace Torii stands in Lake Ashi, appearing to float on the water. A cedar-lined stairway leads to the main hall dedicated to safe travel. Entry is free — visit at dawn before tour groups arrive, or in autumn for blazing maple foliage.
5. Pola Museum of Art
In a beech forest above Sengokuhara, the Pola Museum of Art houses 9,500+ works including Monet, Renoir, Cézanne, and Picasso inside a striking glass-and-steel building half-buried in the hillside. Entry ¥1,800. Combine with the Open-Air Museum for a full art day.
6. Hakone Ropeway
The Hakone Ropeway runs 4 km from Sounzan to Togendai via Owakudani in around 25 minutes. Volcanic steam rises below; Fuji appears ahead on clear days. Covered by the Hakone Free Pass. Go in the morning for the best views and shorter queues.
Onsen in Hakone
Hakone is divided into several hot-spring towns, each with its own character:
- Miyanoshita — oldest resort village, home of the historic Fujiya Hotel (est. 1878)
- Gora — cog-railway terminus; mid-range ryokan and the luxury Gora Kadan
- Yunessun — family-friendly hot-spring water park with both pool and traditional baths
- Moto-Hakone / Sengokuhara — quieter luxury ryokan with lake and Fuji views
Book a ryokan with kashikiri (private outdoor bath) for a star-filled soak with Fuji in view. Day-use onsen entry costs ¥1,000–¥3,000 and is ideal for day-trippers.
Driving in Hakone — Japan's Best Roads
For car enthusiasts Hakone is a pilgrimage. Two toll roads stand out above all others.
Hakone Turnpike
A private toll road (¥730) climbing 10 km to Daikanzan Observatory at 1,011 m. Long sweeping curves give way to tight hairpins, ending at a Fuji-facing viewpoint. For the ultimate experience, rent a genuine JDM sports car — a Nissan GT-R, Toyota Supra, or Mazda RX-7 — from Samurai Car Japan and drive the Turnpike at dawn.
Hakone Skyline
A free ridge road traversing 10 km above 900 m from the Turnpike summit to Otome Pass. Clouds often sit below you in the valley while Fuji floats above them. Continue via Route 138 to Gotemba for a perfect full loop. Full route details: Hakone Driving Route Guide.
How to Get to Hakone
By Train
Take the Romancecar (Odakyu) direct from Shinjuku to Hakone-Yumoto in 85 minutes (seat reservation surcharge ¥1,020). Or take the Odakyu Limited Express to Odawara (55 min), then the Hakone Tozan Railway to Gora (25 min).
By Car from Tokyo
Drive the Tomei Expressway to Gotemba, then Route 138 over Otome Pass (90–120 min). For a JDM car rental experience, visit JDM Car Rental in Japan — the best driving roads in Japan start right here.
Where to Stay in Hakone
- Budget: Hakone Tent (Gora) and K's House Hakone (Yumoto) — ¥4,000–¥8,000/person with onsen access
- Mid-range ryokan: Ichinoyu Honkan or Hakone Ginyu — ¥15,000–¥30,000/person including kaiseki dinner and breakfast
- Luxury: Gora Kadan (from ¥60,000/person), Hakone Suishoen (from ¥45,000), or the historic Fujiya Hotel (est. 1878)
Day Trip vs. Overnight
1 Day (Golden Route): Romancecar to Hakone-Yumoto → Tozan Railway to Gora → cog railway + ropeway to Owakudani (black egg) → ropeway to Togendai → pirate ship to Moto-Hakone → Hakone Shrine → bus back to Yumoto for a quick onsen dip.
2 Days: Day 1 = Golden Route. Day 2 = sunrise Turnpike drive → Open-Air Museum → Pola Museum → long private-bath soak at your ryokan.
Practical Information
Hakone Free Pass (2-day ¥6,100 / 3-day ¥6,500 from Shinjuku) covers the Romancecar, Tozan Railway, ropeway, pirate ship cruise, and local buses, plus 10–25% discounts at major attractions. Available at Odakyu Travel Service in Shinjuku or online.
Best seasons: Spring (cherry blossoms + snow-capped Fuji) and Autumn (red maples + clear Fuji views) are the most popular. Winter offers the sharpest Fuji visibility and the fewest crowds. Summer is cooler than Tokyo but misty in June. Always check Fuji visibility the evening before — the Hakone Ropeway website publishes daily forecasts.
Hakone Activities at a Glance
| Activity | Duration | Approx. Cost | Best Season |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lake Ashi Boat Cruise | 30–40 min | ¥1,200 | Spring / Autumn |
| Hakone Open-Air Museum | 2–3 hrs | ¥1,600 | Year-round |
| Owakudani Ropeway & Black Eggs | 1–2 hrs | ¥1,500 + ¥600 | Year-round |
| Hakone Shrine | 30–60 min | Free | All seasons |
| Pola Museum of Art | 1.5–2 hrs | ¥1,800 | Year-round |
| Hakone Turnpike Drive | 2–4 hrs | ¥730 toll | Spring / Autumn / Winter |
| Onsen (ryokan day use) | 1–3 hrs | ¥1,000–¥3,000 | Year-round |
| Yunessun Spa Resort | Half day | ¥2,500–¥3,500 | Year-round |
Why not elevate your journey with a legendary JDM experience?
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Related Guides
- Hakone Driving Route: Hot Springs & Fuji Views
- Best Day Trips from Tokyo
- Japan Onsen Guide
- JDM Car Rental in Japan
- Best Driving Roads in Japan
- Mount Fuji Driving Route to the 5th Station
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