Hakone, Sagami Travel Guide

Explore Hakone: Where stunning nature meets rich history, offering hot springs, art, and iconic views of Mount Fuji.

Nestled in the mountains of Kanagawa Prefecture, Hakone is a resort town celebrated for its stunning natural beauty, hot springs, views of Mount Fuji, and historical significance. Part of the Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park, it offers a diverse range of attractions, from serene lakes and volcanic hot springs to art museums and historical sites, making it a popular destination for both Japanese and international tourists.

A brief summary to Hakone

Hakone, Ashigarashimo District, Kanagawa, JP

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 cost-effective travel around the area, covering many trains, buses, boats, and cable cars.
Visit Hakone Shrine early in the morning to avoid crowds at the iconic torii gate.
Check the weather forecast before your trip to maximize your chances of seeing Mount Fuji.
Try the local specialty, black eggs (kuro-tamago), boiled in the volcanic hot springs of Owakudani.
Explore the Old Tokaido Road for a glimpse into Japan's historical past.

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Explore Hakone on the Map

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

Getting There

Public Transport

From Hakone-Yumoto Station, take the Hakone Tozan Railway to Gora Station (approx. 40 minutes, 770 yen). From Gora, transfer to the Hakone Tozan Cable Car to Sounzan Station (approx. 10 minutes, 420 yen). Then, take the Hakone Ropeway to Owakudani (approx. 8 minutes, included in Hakone Free Pass). Finally, take the Hakone Sightseeing Cruise from Togendai Port to Hakone-machi or Moto-Hakone (approx. 30 minutes, included in Hakone Free Pass). A Hakone Free Pass can cover most of these costs.
Driving

From Odawara, follow Route 1 towards Hakone-Yumoto. Continue on Route 1, following signs for Lake Ashi and Hakone-machi. Be aware that traffic can be heavy, especially on weekends. Parking is available near Lake Ashi at Moto-hakone Parking Lot for 1000 yen per visit. Parking in Hakone-Yumoto costs 400 yen for the first 40 minutes, then 200 yen every 20 minutes. Consider using public transport to avoid parking hassles.

Discover more about Hakone

Hakone, a mountain resort town in Kanagawa Prefecture, is a captivating blend of natural beauty and historical intrigue. As part of the Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park, Hakone is renowned for its hot springs, stunning views of Mount Fuji, and Lake Ashi. The town's volcanic activity is a major draw, with Owakudani offering a surreal landscape of sulfurous fumes and warm rivers.Historically, Hakone served as a crucial checkpoint on the Tokaido Road, connecting Kyoto and Tokyo during the Edo period. The Hakone Checkpoint meticulously controlled the passage of travelers and goods. Today, visitors can explore a reconstructed checkpoint on the shores of Lake Ashi.Lake Ashi, a caldera lake formed by volcanic activity, is a prominent feature of Hakone, offering scenic cruises with views of Mount Fuji. Hakone Shrine, with its iconic torii gate standing in the lake, is another must-see. The town also boasts numerous art museums, including the Hakone Open-Air Museum and the Pola Museum of Art.Hakone's allure extends beyond its natural and historical attractions. The town is known for its hospitality, perfected in ryokans (traditional Japanese inns) and by the geisha of Hakone. Visitors can indulge in onsen (hot springs), savor local cuisine, and explore unique handicrafts like Yosegi marquetry. Hakone offers a multifaceted experience that appeals to a wide range of interests.