Hakone, Japan Travel Guide

Discover Hakone, Japan's serene mountain town known for its hot springs, stunning Fuji views, and rich cultural heritage.

Nestled within the heart of Japan, Hakone is a peaceful mountain town renowned for its hot springs, natural beauty, and stunning views of Mount Fuji. Known for its picturesque landscapes, Hakone provides a perfect escape from the bustling city life of Tokyo, which is just a short train ride away. One of Hakone's main attractions is the Owakudani Valley, an active volcanic zone where visitors can witness sulfurous fumes and boiling hot springs. Here, you can enjoy the famous black eggs, boiled in the hot springs, which are said to add seven years to your life. For a more relaxing experience, the town's numerous onsen (hot spring) resorts offer a soothing retreat where you can soak in mineral-rich waters surrounded by nature. Art enthusiasts will find delight in Hakone's museums, such as the Hakone Open-Air Museum. This unique museum combines impressive sculptures with the beauty of the natural surroundings. For those who love history, a visit to the Hakone Shrine, hidden in a dense forest by Lake Ashi, offers a glimpse into Japan's spiritual heritage. A scenic boat cruise on Lake Ashi provides breathtaking views of Mount Fuji, especially on clear days. Hakone is also part of the Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park, making it a paradise for hikers and nature lovers. The area boasts several well-marked trails that range from easy walks to more challenging treks, each offering stunning vistas of the surrounding landscape. Whether you are seeking relaxation, adventure, or cultural enrichment, Hakone promises an unforgettable experience.

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Hakone.

Purchase a Hakone Free Pass for unlimited travel on local transportation and discounts at popular attractions.
Visit Owakudani early in the morning to avoid large crowds and make the most of your experience.
Stay at a ryokan to experience traditional Japanese hospitality and enjoy private onsen baths.
Try the kuro-tamago (black eggs) at Owakudani; they are believed to extend your lifespan.
Check the weather forecast before planning a cruise on Lake Ashi for the best views of Mount Fuji.

Explore Hakone: Things to Do, Places to Eat, Hotels & More

Handpicked recommendations for top attractions, local dining, accommodations, and more

Best attractions in Hakone

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Best Attractions

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Fuji-Q Highland

Discover adventure at Fuji-Q Highland, where thrilling rides meet breathtaking views of Mount Fuji in a family-friendly amusement park.

4.3

Ebina Service Area (up)

Experience the charm of Ebina Service Area, your perfect stop in Kanagawa for delicious food, shopping, and relaxation on the road.

3.8

Owakudani

Explore Owakudani, a volcanic marvel in Hakone, Japan, known for its hot springs, breathtaking views, and unique culinary delights.

4.2

Mishima Sky Walk

Discover the breathtaking views from Mishima Sky Walk, Japan's longest suspension bridge, a must-visit for every nature enthusiast.

4.0

Best landmarks in Hakone

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Hakone Museum of Art

Explore the serene beauty and rich cultural heritage at the Hakone Museum of Art, a must-visit destination for art lovers in Japan.

4.3

The Hakone Open-Air Museum

Discover modern and contemporary sculpture in a stunning natural setting at Japan's first open-air museum in Hakone.

4.5

Hakone Shrine

Discover tranquility at Hakone Shrine: iconic torii gate, serene lake views, and ancient cedar forests await your spiritual journey.

4.4

Heiwa no Torii

Iconic lakeside torii gate symbolizing peace, offering stunning views of Lake Ashi and Mount Fuji in Hakone, Japan.

4.4

Best restaurants in Hakone

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La Terrazza

Experience authentic Italian cuisine at La Terrazza with stunning views of Lake Ashi in Hakone.

4.2

Gyoza Center

Experience authentic Japanese cuisine at Gyoza Center in Hakone—your destination for exquisite dim sum and unforgettable flavors.

4.0

GORA BREWERY&GRILL

Discover Gora Brewery & Grill in Hakone: where exquisite craft beer meets exceptional grilled cuisine amidst breathtaking scenery.

4.3

808 Monsmare

Discover the taste of Italy in Hakone at 808 Monsmare - home to delicious wood-fired pizzas and authentic Italian dishes.

4.6

Best bars in Hakone

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GORA BREWERY&GRILL

Explore the flavors of Hakone at Gora Brewery & Grill, where handcrafted beers meet gourmet dining amidst breathtaking scenery.

4.3

808 Monsmare

Experience the best of Italian cuisine in Hakone at 808 Monsmare, where authentic flavors meet breathtaking views.

4.6

Box Burger Hakone

Discover gourmet burgers in the serene landscapes of Hakone at Box Burger, where every bite is a flavorful adventure.

4.3

HAKONE TENT Bar

Experience the charm of Hakone at HAKONE TENT Bar, where local flavors meet a cozy atmosphere for an unforgettable night out.

4.6

Best nightclubs in Hakone

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HAKONE TENT Bar

Discover the vibrant atmosphere and unique flavors of Hakone Tent Bar, a perfect spot to unwind in the heart of Hakone's Gora area.

4.6

Yamano Lounge bar

Experience tranquility at Yamano Lounge Bar in Hakone, where stunning views meet delightful drinks and light meals for the perfect relaxation spot.

4.4

PUB STOP Pizza & Bar

Savor the authentic taste of Italy at PUB STOP Pizza & Bar in Hakone, where delightful pizzas and a cozy atmosphere await every traveler.

4.3

箱根ハイランドホテルラウンジ

Discover the perfect blend of luxury and nature at Hakone Highland Hotel Lounge, a serene escape in the heart of Hakone.

4.0

Best shops in Hakone

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Hakone Sekisho Tabimonogatarikan

Discover unique souvenirs and local culture at Hakone Sekisho Tabimonogatarikan, an essential stop for tourists in Hakone, Japan.

3.7

Evangelion Store

Explore the Evangelion Store in Hakone, a haven for anime enthusiasts filled with exclusive merchandise and collectibles from the iconic series.

4.2

Kikukawa Candy Shop

Discover the essence of Japanese culture through exquisite sweets at Kikukawa Candy Shop in Hakone, a true gem for confectionery lovers.

4.1

箱根登山名産店箱根の市

Discover unique local crafts and delicacies at Hakone's charming Souvenir Store, perfect for capturing the essence of your travels.

3.8

Explore Hakone on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots in Hakone, mapped for you.

Hakone Essentials

Hakone is easily accessible from Tokyo. The most convenient way is to take the Odakyu Limited Express 'Romancecar' from Shinjuku Station, which takes about 85 minutes. Alternatively, you can take the JR Tokaido Shinkansen from Tokyo Station to Odawara Station, and then transfer to the Hakone Tozan Railway, which will take you into Hakone. The journey from Tokyo to Hakone generally takes around 2 hours.
Hakone has a well-integrated transportation system that includes trains, buses, and boats. The Hakone Free Pass offers unlimited travel on designated transportation within the Hakone area, including the Hakone Tozan Railway, Hakone Tozan Bus, Hakone Ropeway, and sightseeing boats on Lake Ashi. Taxis are also available but can be expensive. Renting a car is an option, but parking can be limited in some areas.
The official currency in Japan is the Japanese Yen (JPY). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in larger establishments, but it's advisable to carry cash for smaller shops, local restaurants, and rural areas. ATMs are available but may not always accept foreign cards. Convenience stores like 7-Eleven and FamilyMart usually have ATMs that accept international cards.
Hakone is generally a very safe destination for tourists. Crime rates are low, and violent crime is rare. However, as with any tourist destination, it is wise to exercise standard precautions such as not leaving your belongings unattended and avoiding poorly lit areas at night. There are no specific areas in Hakone known for high crime rates targeting tourists.
In case of emergency, dial 110 for police and 119 for fire and medical assistance. Most public places have emergency contact information posted. It is highly recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. Hakone has several medical facilities and clinics, but for more serious conditions, you may need to travel to a larger hospital in Odawara or Tokyo.
Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites. Avoid overly casual attire in upscale restaurants. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions, particularly at temples and shrines. Remove your shoes when entering religious sites. Public Transport: Do be respectful and quiet on public transport. Don't talk loudly or use your phone. Greetings: Do greet people with a slight bow. Handshakes are less common but acceptable in business settings. Eating & Drinking: Do try local delicacies and be open to new foods. Don't tip, as it is not customary in Japan and can be considered rude.
To experience Hakone like a local, visit the open-air museum and take a leisurely stroll through the art installations. Enjoy a relaxing soak in one of the many onsens (hot springs) that the area is famous for. Try staying in a ryokan (traditional Japanese inn) for an authentic experience. Don't miss the Hakone Gora Park, where you can participate in traditional Japanese crafts like pottery and glassblowing.

When is the best time to visit Hakone?

With Eve

Useful Local Phrases for Hakone

You don't need to speak the language perfectly. Even learning a few simple words can make conversations warmer—and locals usually appreciate the effort.

— Eve

6 phrase groups English + pronunciation

Here are the phrases I use most often in Hakone. Try a few—you'll be surprised how far they go! 😊
❤️

- 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]
- 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]
- 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]
- 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?]
- 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]
- 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

Hakone has been a significant part of Japan's history since ancient times. It is mentioned in the Nara period chronicles, highlighting its importance as a strategic checkpoint and its natural beauty. The area was known for its hot springs and scenic views, attracting visitors from all over Japan.
During the Edo period (1603-1868), Hakone Sekisho (Hakone Checkpoint) was established as one of the most important checkpoints on the Tōkaidō road, which connected Edo (modern-day Tokyo) to Kyoto. The checkpoint was used to control traffic and prevent the movement of weapons and unauthorized people. Today, the Hakone Sekisho has been restored and serves as a museum, offering a glimpse into the region's past.
In 1854, Commodore Matthew Perry of the United States Navy visited Japan, leading to the end of Japan's isolationist policy. Hakone played an indirect role in this transformation, as it was a popular retreat for high-ranking officials who were involved in the negotiations and subsequent modernization of Japan.
Established in 1969, the Hakone Open-Air Museum was Japan's first open-air museum. It showcases a diverse collection of sculptures set against the stunning backdrop of the Hakone mountains. The museum represents the region's commitment to blending cultural enrichment with natural beauty.
Hakone is renowned for its onsen (hot springs), which have been a part of Japanese culture for centuries. The area's volcanic activity has blessed it with numerous hot springs, making it a prime destination for relaxation and therapeutic baths. Many traditional ryokan (Japanese inns) in Hakone offer onsen facilities, providing visitors with a unique cultural experience.
Hakone is home to Hakone Shrine, also known as Hakone Gongen, which has been a significant spiritual site since the Nara period. The shrine is dedicated to the mountain deities and plays a crucial role in the region's Shinto heritage. The annual Hakone Gongen Festival attracts numerous visitors who come to pay their respects and participate in traditional rituals.
The Hakone Ekiden is one of Japan's most famous long-distance relay races, held annually on January 2nd and 3rd. It covers a distance of approximately 217.9 kilometers between Tokyo and Hakone. The race has a deep cultural significance and is a major event in the Japanese sporting calendar, drawing massive viewership and participation.