Hakone Travel Guide - Free Web & App

Your ultimate guide to Hakone. Discover top landmarks, proposed trips, and local tips. Free on the web or via the Evendo companion app.

Download the Free PDF guide

All photos

Hakone, Japan blends hot springs, Mount Fuji views, Lake Ashi cruises, volcanic valleys, ryokan stays, museums, mountain rail journeys and easy Tokyo access.

Volcanic Landscapes and Lake Country

Hakone is a mountainous hot-spring region in Kanagawa Prefecture, southwest of Tokyo, centred on the forested caldera of an ancient volcano. Its compact but varied landscape includes Lake Ashi, the sulphurous vents of Owakudani, steep wooded valleys and ridges that form part of the Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. On clear days, Mount Fuji appears beyond the lake, although clouds and mist are frequent enough to make the view a fortunate part of the journey rather than a certainty.

Onsen, Art and Historic Roads

Hakone is best known for its onsen, or hot springs, with bathing inns and public facilities spread through settlements such as Hakone-Yumoto, Miyanoshita, Gora and Sengokuhara. Traditional ryokan offer carefully arranged meals, tatami rooms and communal or private baths, while museums and sculpture gardens provide a strong cultural dimension. The Hakone Open-Air Museum, Pola Museum of Art and Okada Museum of Art are among the area’s established attractions. Around Moto-Hakone and Hakone-machi, the lakeside landscape is linked with the old Tokaido route, once the principal road between Edo and Kyoto.

Exploring the Area

The celebrated Hakone Round Course combines mountain railway, cable railway, ropeway, sightseeing boat and bus journeys, but the region is not a single pedestrian attraction: steep terrain and dispersed sights make transport planning important. Visitors come for bathing, walking, seasonal scenery, Fuji viewpoints, boating on Lake Ashi and the chance to experience Japanese hospitality outside a major city. Cedar avenues, shrine gates, volcanic steam and changing autumn colour give each sub-area a distinct atmosphere, while local specialities include black eggs cooked in Owakudani’s volcanic waters and delicately presented kaiseki cuisine at ryokan.

When is the best time to visit Hakone?

Best: April, October–November · 16–21°C

11° Temperature Range for JanuaryLow: 0.5°C, High: 11.2°C Precipitation Range for JanuaryLow: 31.5 mm, High: 66.5 mm J

12° Temperature Range for FebruaryLow: 0.7°C, High: 11.5°C Precipitation Range for FebruaryLow: 40.5 mm, High: 81.8 mm F

15° Temperature Range for MarchLow: 2.3°C, High: 14.6°C Precipitation Range for MarchLow: 62.3 mm, High: 114.2 mm M

Best 19° Temperature Range for AprilLow: 7.2°C, High: 19.3°C Precipitation Range for AprilLow: 98.7 mm, High: 157.2 mm A

23° Temperature Range for MayLow: 12.2°C, High: 23.2°C Precipitation Range for MayLow: 142 mm, High: 205.2 mm M

27° Temperature Range for JuneLow: 16.1°C, High: 26.6°C Precipitation Range for JuneLow: 185.3 mm, High: 251.7 mm J

29° Temperature Range for JulyLow: 19.6°C, High: 29.4°C Precipitation Range for JulyLow: 208.2 mm, High: 275 mm J

30° Temperature Range for AugustLow: 20.1°C, High: 30°C Precipitation Range for AugustLow: 182.7 mm, High: 247.3 mm A

28° Temperature Range for SeptemberLow: 17°C, High: 27.5°C Precipitation Range for SeptemberLow: 146.5 mm, High: 210.2 mm S

Best 21° Temperature Range for OctoberLow: 11.5°C, High: 21.2°C Precipitation Range for OctoberLow: 100.8 mm, High: 159.6 mm O

Best 16° Temperature Range for NovemberLow: 6.4°C, High: 15.9°C Precipitation Range for NovemberLow: 63.2 mm, High: 117.6 mm N

12° Temperature Range for DecemberLow: 2.2°C, High: 11.5°C Precipitation Range for DecemberLow: 38.6 mm, High: 81.6 mm D

Average daytime high and rainfall by month
Month	High (°C)	Rainfall (mm)
January	11	49
February	12	61
March	15	89
April (best)	19	128
May	23	174
June	27	219
July	29	242
August	30	215
September	28	178
October (best)	21	130
November (best)	16	90
December	12	60

Getting to and around Hakone

How to get there

Most visitors reach Hakone through Odawara, which is served by the Tokaido Shinkansen and conventional railway services from the Tokyo and Yokohama areas. From Odawara, buses and the Hakone Tozan Railway provide onward access to Hakone-Yumoto and the mountain settlements. Romancecar limited express trains run from Shinjuku to Hakone-Yumoto, subject to the operator’s timetable and conditions. Highway buses also connect the Tokyo area with parts of Hakone. There is no major airport or long-distance railway station in the mountain resort itself, so check the final connection carefully when choosing between Hakone-Yumoto, Gora, Sengokuhara or the Lake Ashi area.

Transportation

Hakone is explored through a combination of the Hakone Tozan Railway, cable railway, ropeway, buses, taxis, walking routes and Lake Ashi sightseeing boats. The often-used Round Course links several of these modes, but services can be disrupted by weather, maintenance, congestion or volcanic conditions. Roads are winding and steep, and driving requires care; parking is limited at some popular sights. Walking is rewarding on sections of the old Tokaido and around lake and forest areas, but distances between districts are substantial. Passes such as the Hakone Freepass may be useful, though coverage and validity should be checked against the day’s planned route.

Best attractions in Hakone

Hakone’s attractions are spread across several mountain districts rather than concentrated in one centre. Owakudani offers the clearest encounter with the area’s volcanic character, with steaming ground and views towards Mount Fuji when conditions allow, while the Hakone Ropeway provides an aerial connection across the volcanic valley. Lake Ashi is explored by sightseeing boat or lakeside walks, with the red torii associated with Hakone-jinja and the forested shoreline creating the region’s most recognisable scenery. The Hakone Open-Air Museum combines sculpture with landscaped mountain surroundings, and Gora is a useful base for museums, gardens and transport connections. In Sengokuhara, the Hakone Venetian Glass Museum, Pola Museum of Art and Lalique Museum provide distinct cultural experiences. The old Tokaido, cedar avenue and Hakone Sekisho introduce the area’s road history, while Hakone-Yumoto’s shops, baths and riverside setting offer a gentler introduction to the resort.

Show more attractions

Best landmarks in Hakone

Hakone’s defining landmarks are primarily volcanic and topographical, with the caldera mountains, Owakudani’s fumarolic landscape and Lake Ashi forming the natural framework of the region. Mount Komagatake rises above the lake and is associated with the Hakone Komagatake Ropeway, while the lake’s famous torii gate marks the presence of Hakone-jinja on the wooded shore. The cedar-lined avenue of the old Tokaido is a living historic feature, and Hakone Sekisho represents the checkpoint system that controlled movement during the Edo period. In Hakone-machi, the lakeside setting connects these cultural landmarks with the old mountain crossing. The hot springs themselves are also central to Hakone’s identity: mineral-rich waters emerge through the volcanic terrain and support the bathing settlements that have defined the area’s tourism for centuries.

Show more landmarks

Explore Hakone on the map

Plan your trip on one map. See where the top attractions, landmarks, restaurants and hotels are, and book hotels and experiences in a few clicks.

Best restaurants in Hakone

Dining in Hakone is shaped by the ryokan tradition, hot-spring tourism and the area’s proximity to the produce and seafood of Kanagawa. A traditional inn stay may include kaiseki, a sequence of seasonal dishes presented with careful attention to ingredients and setting, while smaller restaurants, cafés and noodle shops are concentrated around Hakone-Yumoto, Gora, Miyanoshita, Sengokuhara and the Lake Ashi settlements. Local treats include yuba, the delicate skin formed during tofu production, mountain vegetables and the black eggs associated with Owakudani. Visitors can also find soba, tofu料理 and Japanese confectionery, alongside bakeries and European-influenced cafés reflecting Hakone’s long history of resort tourism. In the more remote volcanic and lakeside areas, food choices are limited compared with the main settlements, so a meal or provisions may need to be arranged before travelling between attractions.

Show more restaurants

Best bars in Hakone

Hakone is a quiet evening destination rather than a nightlife centre, and its after-dark character is closely tied to ryokan hospitality, hot-spring bathing and relaxed dining. Traditional inns may serve tea, sake or regional drinks with dinner, while hotel lounges and small bars around Hakone-Yumoto, Miyanoshita and Gora provide the most likely settings for a drink after sightseeing. Some long-established inns and resort hotels have atmospheric public areas, but entertainment is generally subdued and seasonal rather than organised around clubs or late-night districts. Visitors staying near Lake Ashi or in mountain settlements should expect limited evening foot traffic and fewer places open late. For a livelier urban night, Odawara or Tokyo offers substantially more choice, but both lie beyond Hakone’s resort atmosphere and require separate transport planning.

Show more bars

Best nightclubs in Hakone

Show more nightclubs

Best shops in Hakone

Shopping in Hakone is concentrated in the established settlements rather than at remote viewpoints or mountain trails. Hakone-Yumoto has the broadest selection of souvenir shops, confectioners and food retailers, while Gora, Miyanoshita and the Lake Ashi area offer smaller specialist stores and galleries. Characteristic purchases include yosegi zaiku, the finely patterned wood mosaic associated with the Odawara and Hakone area, as well as carved wooden objects, ceramics, Japanese sweets and regional food products. Shops may also sell craft items connected with the area’s museums and traditional inns. The selection reflects Hakone’s long relationship with visitors: practical souvenirs, handmade goods and edible gifts are more prominent than large-scale fashion retail. Those seeking everyday provisions or a wider range of shops may find more choice in Odawara, outside the core mountain resort.

Show more shops

Get your free copy of our complete guide to Hakone, delivered straight to you.

Everything on this page, from attractions and restaurants to essentials and local phrases, in one PDF you can read offline, print or share.

Already have an account? Sign in

Hakone essentials

Currency and Payment

Japan uses the yen, written as JPY or ¥. Cards and contactless payments are widely accepted at larger hotels, museums, railway facilities and many restaurants, but smaller shops, buses, vending machines and traditional inns may still require cash or a particular electronic payment method. Cash machines are available in larger settlements and convenience stores, yet visitors exploring mountain areas should not rely on finding one immediately. Keep some yen available for local transport, small purchases and rural establishments, and confirm whether a ryokan or activity provider accepts cards before arrival.

Safety

Hakone’s mountain conditions can change quickly, with rain, mist, strong winds, snow and slippery paths affecting travel and walking. Keep to marked routes and observe notices around Owakudani, where volcanic gases and changing activity can lead to temporary restrictions. Take care near steep slopes, lake edges and road crossings, and do not enter closed areas. Hot-spring bathing requires attention to personal health, heat and dehydration; follow each facility’s instructions and avoid bathing after drinking alcohol. Earthquakes are a general possibility in Japan, so note local evacuation information and follow official guidance during an event.

Emergency Situations

Call 110 for police and 119 for fire, ambulance or urgent medical assistance in Japan. Give the operator the name of the nearest station, road, accommodation, attraction or clearly marked trail location, and ask staff or local residents for help if communication is difficult. In remote or wooded areas, describe the route and last known position rather than relying only on a mobile map pin. For illness or injury, accommodation staff, transport employees or a tourist information office can help identify appropriate medical assistance, while official Hakone and Japanese authorities should be followed during volcanic, weather or earthquake-related incidents.

Do's and Don'ts

Remove shoes where requested, keep voices low in ryokan and temples, and follow bathing etiquette by washing before entering a communal bath. Respect signs and barriers around volcanic areas, remain on designated paths and avoid feeding wildlife. In rural districts, do not block narrow roads or photograph residents, staff or private property without permission. Carry litter until a suitable bin is available, and treat the old Tokaido and shrine grounds as heritage places rather than informal shortcuts. Tattoo policies vary between bathing facilities, so check in advance and use an approved covering or private bath where required.

Local Tips

Hakone-Yumoto is the most practical arrival base, while Gora suits visitors combining museums, the cable railway and mountain transport; Moto-Hakone and Hakone-machi are convenient for Lake Ashi and the old Tokaido. Plan the most weather-sensitive views early, but keep indoor museums or an onsen available if cloud obscures Mount Fuji. A night in a ryokan creates time for the area beyond a rushed day trip, and splitting visits across districts avoids trying to complete every transport link at once. Check the latest railway, ropeway, boat and volcanic-area notices before setting out.

From Eve

Local phrases worth knowing

You don't need to get them perfect. A few words go a long way, and locals appreciate the effort.

6 phrase groups · English, local and pronunciation

Basics

English	Local	Say it
Hello	こんにちは	[Kon'nichiwa]
Goodbye	さようなら	[Sayōnara]
Yes	はい	[Hai]
No	いいえ	[Īe]
Please/You're welcome	どうぞ	[Dōzo]
Thank you	ありがとう	[Arigatō]
Excuse me/Sorry	すみません	[Sumimasen]
How are you?	お元気ですか？	[O-genki desu ka?]
Fine. And you?	元気です。あなたは？	[Genki desu. Anata wa?]
Do you speak English?	英語を話せますか？	[Eigo o hanasemasu ka?]
I don't understand	わかりません	[Wakarimasen]

Eating & Drinking

English	Local	Say it
I'd like to see the menu, please	メニューを見せてください	[Menyū o misete kudasai]
I don't eat meat	肉を食べません	[Niku o tabemasen]
Cheers!	乾杯！	[Kanpai!]
I would like to pay, please	お会計をお願いします	[O-kaikai o onegaishimasu]

Emergencies

English	Local	Say it
Help!	助けて！	[Tasukete!]
Go away!	去って！	[Satte!]
Call the Police!	警察を呼んで！	[Keisatsu o yonde!]
Call a doctor!	医者を呼んで！	[Isha o yonde!]
I'm lost	道に迷っています	[Michi ni mayotte imasu]
I'm ill	具合が悪いです	[Guai ga warui desu]

Shopping

English	Local	Say it
I'd like to buy...	買いたいです...	[Kaitai desu...]
I'm just looking	見てるだけです	[Miteru dake desu]
How much is it?	いくらですか？	[Ikura desu ka?]
That's too expensive	それは高すぎます	[Sore wa takasugimasu]
Can you lower the price?	値段を下げてもらえますか？	[Nedan o sagete moraemasu ka?]

Time & Numbers

English	Local	Say it
What time is it?	今何時ですか？	[Ima nanji desu ka?]
It's one o'clock	一時です	[Ichiji desu]
Half past (10)	十時半です	[Jūji han desu]
Morning	朝	[Asa]
Afternoon	午後	[Gogo]
Evening	夕方	[Yuugata]
Yesterday	昨日	[Kinō]
Today	今日	[Kyō]
Tomorrow	明日	[Ashita]
1	一	[Ichi]
2	二	[Ni]
3	三	[San]
4	四	[Shi]
5	五	[Go]
6	六	[Roku]
7	七	[Nana]
8	八	[Hachi]
9	九	[Kyū]
10	十	[Jū]

Transport & Directions

English	Local	Say it
Where's a/the...?	...はどこですか？	[...wa doko desu ka?]
What's the address?	住所は何ですか？	[Jūsho wa nan desu ka?]
Can you show me (on the map)?	(地図で)見せていただけますか？	[(Chizu de) misete itadakemasu ka?]
When's the next (bus)?	次の(バス)はいつですか？	[Tsugi no (basu) wa itsu desu ka?]
A ticket (to ....)	チケット(まで)	[Chiketto (made)]

History of Hakone

A Volcanic Caldera Takes Shape

Hakone’s physical setting was created by volcanic activity over a long geological timescale. Successive eruptions formed a broad caldera surrounded by mountains, while later activity shaped the central volcanic cones, hot springs and fumarolic areas now associated with Owakudani. Lake Ashi occupies part of this volcanic landscape, held behind a natural barrier created by ancient eruptions. These geological processes explain the region’s abundance of mineral springs and its continuing reputation as a place where visitors can observe an active volcanic environment, although access to individual areas is managed according to current conditions.

The Old Tokaido Route

Hakone became an important passage between eastern and western Japan because the mountains offered a difficult but strategic route across the Tokaido. During the Edo period, the road connected Edo, present-day Tokyo, with Kyoto, and travellers crossed the Hakone Pass through demanding terrain. In 1619 the Tokugawa shogunate established the Hakone Checkpoint at Hakone-machi to monitor movement along the highway. Sections of the old road, including stone paving and the celebrated cedar avenue, survive as reminders of the infrastructure and controls that shaped travel through the region.

Checkpoints, Inns and Mountain Settlements

The Tokaido encouraged the growth of post towns, inns and service communities around Hakone, particularly along the approaches to the pass and Lake Ashi. Hakone Sekisho, reconstructed on its historic site, illustrates the official controls that governed travellers and goods during the Edo period. Villages and hot-spring settlements also developed around the springs, serving people who came for bathing as well as those crossing the mountains. The resulting pattern of small, dispersed settlements remains visible today, with Hakone-Yumoto, Miyanoshita, Gora and other districts each retaining a different relationship with the surrounding terrain.

Modern Transport and the Rise of Tourism

Hakone’s transformation into a major leisure destination accelerated during the modern period, when improved roads, railway connections and organised sightseeing made its springs and mountain scenery accessible to visitors from Tokyo and beyond. The Hakone Tozan Railway began operations in the early twentieth century and helped establish rail travel through the steep landscape. Hotels, ryokan and cultural attractions expanded around the established onsen settlements, while Lake Ashi became associated with sightseeing cruises and views towards Mount Fuji. Railways, cable systems, ropeways and buses eventually formed the interconnected sightseeing network known as the Hakone Round Course.

National Park Protection and Contemporary Hakone

Hakone’s landscapes became part of the protected national-park framework created in the twentieth century and are now included within Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. Conservation management reflects the area’s combination of volcanic terrain, forests, lake scenery, cultural sites and heavy visitor use. Tourism continues to support the local economy, but volcanic monitoring, temporary access controls and pressure on popular routes remain important considerations. Contemporary Hakone therefore combines a long-established bathing culture and historic road heritage with museums, transport infrastructure and managed access to an active volcanic landscape.