Hakone is small town in Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan. The town is famous for the beautiful year round scenery, and plethora of things to see and enjoy. It is located in the Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park, approximately 80 kilometers (50 miles) southwest of Tokyo. Hakone is a popular day or weekend trip for those in Tokyo, as the beautiful mountain scenery is a pleasant change of pace.
Hakone is famous for its onsen, or hot springs, where visitors can relax in traditional Japanese bathhouses while enjoying the therapeutic benefits of the mineral-rich, geothermal waters. Many hotels and ryokans (traditional Japanese inns) in the area have their own onsen facilities.
Hakone offers stunning views of Mount Fuji, especially on clear days. Lake Ashinoko (Ashi-no-ko) is one of the best spots to view the iconic volcano. You can take a cruise on the lake or ride the Hakone Ropeway for panoramic views.
Hakone is not only famous for its natural beauty but also for its cultural and historical significance. It has been a popular retreat for centuries and is a great place to experience traditional Japanese hospitality. Whether you’re interested in relaxing in hot springs, exploring art and culture, or taking in the natural scenery, Hakone has something to offer for a wide range of travelers. See below some of the many things Hakone has to offer!
Hakone Ropeway
Panoramic cable journey linking Hakone’s highlights
Owakudani
Geothermal attraction with Mt. Fuji Views
Hakone Sightseeing Cruise
Sightseeing boat on Lake Ashinoko, with Mt. Fuji Views.
Hakone Shrine
Viral shrine with torii gate floating in the lake.
Hakone Checkpoint
Edo era checkpoint, often used by samurai and travelling merchants
Lake Ashinoko
Scenic lake in Hakone
Odawara Castle
Small castle reconstruction with a rich history
Hakone Open Air Museum
Outdoor museum with interactive displays
Hakone Tozan Railway
Railway that snakes up a mountain leading to Hakone
Guided Tours in Hakone
Explore Hakone
Top Attractions
Hakone Ropeway
Panoramic cable journey linking Hakone’s highlights
Owakudani
Geothermal attraction with Mt. Fuji Views
Hakone Sightseeing Cruise
Sightseeing boat on Lake Ashinoko, with Mt. Fuji Views.
Hakone Shrine
Viral shrine with torii gate floating in the lake.
Hakone Checkpoint
Edo era checkpoint, often used by samurai and travelling merchants
Hakone FAQs
Hakone can best be enjoyed with an overnight stay in one of the many Ryokans or world-class hotels.
However, Hakone can still be enjoyed as a day trip.
Yes, the Hakone Free Pass offers excellent value if you plan to use multiple transports such as the ropeway, pirate ship cruise, and buses, often saving both money and time, particularly if you are planning more than a day trip.
Yes, on clear days you can see Mount Fuji from spots in and around Hakone, like the Hakone Ropeway, Owakudani, and Lake Ashi, though visibility depends heavily on weather conditions.
Where To Stay in Hakone
The Hakone region is renowned for its hot springs, known as onsen, and a visit to Lake Ashinoko wouldn’t be complete without soaking in one. Many traditional ryokan (Japanese inns) around the lake offer onsen facilities, where visitors can unwind in mineral-rich waters while enjoying views of the lake and mountains. The combination of natural beauty and relaxation makes for a quintessential Japanese experience. See our recommended hotel picks below.
Yoshiike Ryokan
Modern Japanese Ryokan, with stunning facilities, gorgeous indoor and outdoor onsen and beautiful gardens.
Hakone Hotel
Luxury hotel, featuring rooms with unforgettable lake views, world class dining, and immaculate facilities.
Odakyu Hotel De Yama
Lake-side hotel, boasting large gardens to explore and relax in, convenient location, just a 5 minute drive from the port.
Getting there, and getting around Hakone
The Hakone area sits just inland from the coast, approximately 80km away from Tokyo.
Despite the rural nature of the area, Hakone can easily be accessed via public transport. Many visitors to Hakone depart from Odawara Station along the Hakone Tozan line – a unique rail system that snakes up the side of Mount Hakone. Then, take the Hakone Ropeway, up and over Mount Hakone, then finishing off on the Hakone Sightseeing cruise across the lake the Hakone township.
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Explore more in Kanagawa Prefecuture
Hakone Checkpoint
Edo era checkpoint, often used by samurai and travelling merchants
Hakone Open Air Museum
Outdoor museum with interactive displays
Hakone Ropeway
Panoramic cable journey linking Hakone’s highlights
Hakone Shrine
Viral shrine with torii gate floating in the lake.
Hakone Sightseeing Cruise
Sightseeing boat on Lake Ashinoko, with Mt. Fuji Views.
Hakone Tozan Railway
Railway that snakes up a mountain leading to Hakone