Hakone is small town in Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan. The town is famous for the beautiful year-round scenery, and there is a plethora of things to do in Hakone. The town 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. 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.
In this short article, we’ll cover the top 5 best things to do in Hakone (and some extra).
Hakone Sightseeing Cruise
The Hakone Sightseeing Cruise, commonly referred to as the Hakone Pirate Ship, is a must see attraction, and is among the most popular things to do in Hakone. Departing from three docks around the lake, this sightseeing cruise is a perfect way to see the stunning scenery Hakone has to offer.
On clear days, views of Mt.Fuji can be enjoyed from the Hakone Scenic cruise, providing a stunning backdrop to your relaxing journey, attracting both international and domestic tourists. Also on the cruise, you can see Hikone Shrine – the oldest and most significant shrine in the area. Mt. Hakone, and the crater of Owakudani can also be seen when the weather is clear.
The cruise is a year-round attraction, and the surrounding landscape changes with the seasons. Cherry blossoms in spring, lush greenery in summer, vibrant foliage in autumn, and snowy landscapes in winter all provide different and captivating perspectives of the area.
Take the Hakone Ropeway
The Hakone Ropeway is a popular aerial tramway in the Hakone region of Kanagawa Prefecture. It offers a scenic and convenient way to explore one of Japan’s most famous hot spring areas, known for its stunning natural landscapes, volcanic activity, and views of Mt. Fuji.
The Hakone Ropeway spans approximately 4 kilometers (2.5 miles) and connects four stations: Sounzan, Owakudani, Ubako, and Togendai. Most visitors will begin at Sounzan Station, located on the eastern side of Mt. Hakone, and travel Togendai Station on the shores of Lake Ashi.
Owakudani - The Volcanic Valley
Owakudani, found on Mt.Hakone, is a geothermal attraction found around a volcanic crater. It is believed that the crater formed during an eruption around 3000 years prior. Today, the crater is still an active volcano zone, which pumps out sulfurous fumes, steam, and hot springs. Furthermore, Owakudani offers stunning views of Mt.Fuji on clear days, adding to the appeal of this attraction.
Visitors to Owakudani can enjoy views of the geothermal area from a safe distance from the area around the Owakudani Station on the Hakone Ropeway. There are several free observation areas around the Owakudani station area, which provide you with great views of the sulfur vents.
BONUS ACTIVITY:
Owakudani is famous for its blackened eggs, or eggs cooked in the sulfur vents. The cooking process gives the eggs their jarring black appearance. The eggs are safe to eat, and are an icon of Owakudani. The black eggs can be purchases from a number of shops at Owakudani.
Stay in an Ryokan with an Onsen
Hakone has some of the most picturesque onsens and ryokans in Japan. With the volcanic nature of the Hakone area, there are countless hotels with beautiful and naturally heated onsens, or Japanese-style baths. While many see Hakone in just a day, those who stay overnight are treated to some of Japan’s best onsen ryokans. Staying overnight in Hakone allows visitors to explore Hakone at their own pace, and then relax in their own onsen at the end of a busy day.
Some of our recommend hotels in Hakone with onsens are;
Hakone Open Air Museum
The Hakone Open-Air Museum (箱根彫刻の森美術館, Hakone Chōkoku no Mori Bijutsukan) is Japan’s first open-air art museum, blending contemporary sculpture with the stunning natural landscape of Hakone. Opened in 1969, it spans around 70,000 square meters and features over 120 sculptures from renowned artists such as Henry Moore, Rodin, Picasso, and Niki de Saint Phalle.
The museum’s biggest draw is its expansive outdoor exhibition, where large-scale sculptures interact with the changing seasons of Hakone’s mountains. The works are strategically placed to complement the scenery, creating a dynamic art experience. There are about 40 different exhibits/sculptures/displays in the expansive outdoor exhibition area.
Hakone Shrine
Hakone Shrine, also known as Hakone Jinja (箱根神社) in Japanese, is a renowned Shinto shrine located in the town of Hakone, in Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan. It is situated near the shores of Lake Ashi and is known for its picturesque setting with Mount Fuji often visible in the background on clear days.
The history of Hakone Shrine dates back to the Nara period (710-794) in Japan. It is said to have been originally founded in the 8th century by a Buddhist monk named Mangan. The shrine was later converted to a Shinto shrine during the Meiji Restoration in the late 19th century, which marked a period of separation between Buddhism and Shintoism in Japan.
One of the most iconic features of Hakone Shrine is the picturesque red torii gate that stands in the waters of Lake Ashi. Queues can be expected as many tourists take photos in front of this iconic shrine torii gate.
Get around Hakone with the Hakone Free Pass
The Hakone Free Pass is a tourist pass that allows you to explore in and around Hakone. See sites like Lake Ashinoko, take the iconic scenic sightseeing boat, soar above the ground on the Hakone Ropeway, and many more. With the Hakone Free Pass, you get access to unlimited rides on 8 of the local transport lines in the Hakone area, as well as discounts to over 70 different attractions, sites, and businesses in the area.
The pass is a cost effective way to see this beautiful part of the country, and is highly recommended to anyone wanting to have an unforgettable experience.
More information on the Hakone Free Pass.
Stay in Hakone
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.
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Ryuguden
Stunning traditional style Japanese Ryokan, with amazing outdoor onsens overlooking the lake.
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Aura Tachibana
Onsen Hotel with beautiful mountain views, featuring rooms with private, outdoor onsens.
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