Hakone Area
Hakone is a serene mountain retreat just an hour and a half from central Tokyo, famous for its hot springs, stunning views of Mt. Fuji, and rich cultural heritage. Surrounded by lush forests and lakes, this charming area offers a perfect blend of nature, tradition, and relaxation.
HighLights in
This Area
01
Mount Fuji Views from Multiple Spots
Hakone offers many locations where you can admire stunning views of Mt. Fuji — from the sightseeing pirate ships on Lake Ashi, the ropeway high above the mountains, or even from hotel gardens, each with its own unique scenery.
02
Hot Springs
Just a short trip from Tokyo, Hakone is a famous hot spring resort area with great accessibility. You can enjoy relaxing stays at traditional inns with hot springs or visit day-use facilities to suit your schedule. Private hot springs are also available for those who prefer a more personal experience.
03
Nature
Owakudani showcases the powerful forces of volcanic activity, while the Hakone Ropeway offers a thrilling aerial journey with panoramic mountain views. Walking the Old Tokaido Road lets you experience the atmosphere of Edo-period travel along the famous “Hakone Hachiri.” It’s a unique blend of dramatic landscapes and historic trails.
04
Art
With breathtaking scenery everywhere you walk, Hakone is truly a treasure trove of art museums.
Each museum has its own unique character, but all share one thing in common — the joy of appreciating art surrounded by the beauty of nature.
Trip Ideas
Hakone Freepass is the perfect choice for enjoying this course!
Spend one night in Hakone and enjoy a two-day trip that lets you fully experience its charm. Relax in hot springs, enjoy some leisurely time, and be soothed by Hakone’s natural beauty.
01.Hakone Checkpoint
Hakone thrived as a post town on the Tōkaidō during the Edo period. The Hakone Checkpoint is an important site that tells the story of transportation history in that era. It has been meticulously restored using the craftsmanship and tools of the time.
02.Hakone Shrine
Hakone Shrine is one of the must-visit landmarks in Hakone. Founded in the Nara period (757 AD), it enshrines three deities known as "Hakone-no-Okami." By the nearby lake, there stands a large torii gate known as the "Torii of Peace", appearing to float on Lake Ashi, evoking a sense of reverence in those who behold it.
03.Hotel de Yama
This hotel is located by Lake Ashi and features beautiful gardens. In May, you can enjoy a landscape created by approximately 3,000 azaleas. Experience a special and extraordinary time with hot springs and delicious meals.
04.Hakone Sightseeing Cruise
It takes about 15 minutes to walk from the hotel to Moto-Hakone Port, or you can use the hotel's free shuttle bus, which takes about 5 minutes. Board the Hakone sightseeing boat and head to Togendai Port while enjoying a 30-minute cruise on Lake Ashi. Step out onto the deck to be enveloped by the tranquility of the Hakone mountains.
Hakone Freepass is the perfect choice for enjoying this course!
This is the classic Hakone day trip course. It is packed with must-visit spots for any Hakone journey, allowing you to fully enjoy the charm of the area. Make your trip even more affordable by using the Hakone Freepass!
01.Limited Express Romancecar
The Romancecar is a convenient way to travel from Shinjuku to Hakone. It takes about 80 minutes to go directly from Shinjuku to Hakone-Yumoto. All seats are reserved, ensuring a comfortable journey to your destination. Enjoy the changing scenery of urban landscapes, rivers, mountains, and rural views through the large windows!
02.Hakone Shrine
Hakone Shrine is one of the must-visit landmarks in Hakone. Founded in the Nara period (757 AD), it enshrines three deities known as "Hakone-no-Okami." By the nearby lake, there stands a large torii gate known as the "Torii of Peace", appearing to float on Lake Ashi, evoking a sense of reverence in those who behold it.
03.Hakone Sightseeing Cruise
Return from Hakone Shrine to Moto-Hakone Port and take the Hakone Sightseeing Boat to enjoy a cruise on Lake Ashi while heading to Togendai Port. The three pirate ships each have luxurious and unique interiors, allowing you to relax and enjoy your time.
04.Owakudani
This place, one of Hakone's top tourist attractions, was created by a volcanic eruption of Mount Hakone over 3000 years ago. Even now, white smoke rises from the mountainside, and a distinctive sulfur smell wafts up from the rust-colored barren land.
Hakone Freepass is the perfect choice for enjoying this course!
As the mountains of Hakone turn brilliant shades of red and yellow, there are many places unique to Hakone where you can enjoy the autumn foliage, such as Lake Ashi and the Hakone Museum of Art. In addition, the views of autumn leaves from Sengokuhara Pampas Grass Fields and the Hakone Ropeway are breathtakingly beautiful.
01.Hakone Museum of Art
The Hakone Museum of Art is the oldest Hakone museum with a long history, exhibiting mainly ancient Japanese ceramics. The museum is also a famous place for its fall foliage and the orange, yellow, and deep red leaves in the garden are spectacular. The contrast between the warm tones of the leaves and the moss garden is beautiful. At the garden tea room “Shinwatei", you can enjoy the autumn leaves while having Japanese matcha green tea and sweets. In November, a part of the normally closed garden becomes open to the public. If you present your Hakone Freepass, you will receive a discount on the entrance fee to this museum.
02.Hakone Ropeway
The Hakone Ropeway connects Sōunzan to Tōgendai on the shores of Lake Ashi over a distance of about 4 km, taking approximately 30 minutes one way. The gondolas are fully glass-sided, offering exceptional views of the autumn foliage. Along the route from Ōwakudani to Tōgendai, you can enjoy breathtaking scenery featuring Mount Fuji, Lake Ashi, and mountains adorned in red, orange, and yellow.
03.Choanji Temple
Located in the Hakone Sengokuhara area, Choanji Temple is a temple with a rich history which was founded in 1356. In the precincts and in the woods behind the temple, there are many stone Buddha statues called “Gohyaku Rakan” with expressions of joy, anger, sorrow, and happiness. Here, you can feel the quiet spiritual atmosphere surrounded by nature. The best time to see the autumn foliage in Choanji Temple is usually from early November to mid-November, and you can enjoy a spectacular view dyed in red and yellow. Only here can you experience the unique atmosphere created by the 500 Rakan statues with slightly different facial expressions and emotions and the fall leaves.
04.Sengokuhara Susuki Grassland
Sengokuhara in Hakone is known as one of the top spots for pampas grass in the Kanto region. A beautiful landscape unfolds with golden pampas grass swaying in the refreshing blue sky and sunlight. The best season to visit the Sengokuhara pampas grass fields is from late September to mid-November. In early autumn, the slightly green pampas grass contrasts beautifully with the blue sky and deep green mountains, while in late autumn, the mountains and golden pampas grass shine under the sunlight.
Seasonal Picks
- Location
- Miyagino
- Period
- late March-early April
Cherry blossoms
For some 450 meters, Yoshino cherry blossom trees line the Hayakawa River. Take a walk beneath the trees in full blossom while listening to the murmuring of the river. The trees are illuminated at night during the cherry blossom festival at the start of April, giving a illusory quality to the cherry blossoms completely different from the daytime.
- Location
- Hotel de Yama
- Period
- early May-mid May
Azaleas
Welcome the season of azaleas in May at the Hotel de Yama on the shores of Lake Ashi. Covering the hills of the vast park right on Lake Ashi and looking out to Mount Fuji are 3,000 azaleas of 30 different species.
Hiking on the Old Highway (Fresh Greenery)
In the season of fresh greenery, the Hakone Old Highway offers a scenic hike along historic stone-paved paths surrounded by vibrant young leaves. Walking this Edo-period trail is a refreshing way to enjoy both history and nature.
- Location
- Hakone Tozan Train, Hakone Gora Park and Hakone Glass Forest Venetian Glass Museum, other
- Period
- early June-mid July
Hydrangeas
Admire hydrangeas from the Hakone Tozan Train as it gently sways down the track. They are so close, it seems you can touch the flowers if you extend your hand out just a little.
- Location
- Lake Ashi, Moto-Hakone
- Period
- 31 July
Fireworks
In summer, fireworks festivals are held across Hakone, with dazzling displays reflecting on lakes and framed by mountains. Combined with hot springs, it’s a quintessential Japanese summer experience.
- Location
- Gora
- Period
- 16 August
Daimonji-yaki
On the evening of August 16, a fire in the shape of the kanji character 大 (dai) is set ablaze on the slopes of Mount Meijogatake as night falls. The horizontal stroke measures 108 meters in length, the stroke sloping down to the left from the top is 162 meters, and the stroke sloping down to the right from the center is 81 meters.
- Location
- Sengokuhara silver grass fields, other
- Period
- late September-early November
Silver Grass
A multitude of seasonal flowers can be seen in the fields of golden-colored silver grass.
- Location
- Hakone Museum of Art, Horai Park , Hakone Gora Park, Hakone Tozan Train, Hakone Ropeway, other
- Period
- early November-early December
Autumn leaves
If you want to enjoy the beautiful colors of fall, Hakone is a strong recommendation!
Mount Fuji
In winter, Mount Fuji can be seen with exceptional clarity from Hakone under crisp, clear skies. Its majestic snow-capped peak offers a truly breathtaking view.
Go to“Hakone Area”
from
By Train
Why choose the Odakyu Romancecar from Shinjuku?
The Odakyu Limited Express Romancecar offers a direct, time-saving journey from Shinjuku compared to other similar routes. It’s a comfortable and efficient option with no need to change trains, ideal for both first-time visitors and regular travelers.
By Train
Why choose the Odakyu Romancecar from Shinjuku?
The Odakyu Limited Express Romancecar offers a direct, time-saving journey from Shinjuku compared to other similar routes. It’s a comfortable and efficient option with no need to change trains, ideal for both first-time visitors and regular travelers.
By Train
By Train
By Bus
By Train
Why choose the Odakyu Romancecar from Shinjuku?
The Odakyu Limited Express Romancecar offers a direct, time-saving journey from Shinjuku compared to other similar routes. It’s a comfortable and efficient option with no need to change trains, ideal for both first-time visitors and regular travelers.
By Train
By Train
Why choose the Odakyu Romancecar from Shinjuku?
The Odakyu Limited Express Romancecar offers a direct, time-saving journey from Shinjuku compared to other similar routes. It’s a comfortable and efficient option with no need to change trains, ideal for both first-time visitors and regular travelers.
By Train
By Train
Why choose the Odakyu Romancecar from Shinjuku?
The Odakyu Limited Express Romancecar offers a direct, time-saving journey from Shinjuku compared to other similar routes. It’s a comfortable and efficient option with no need to change trains, ideal for both first-time visitors and regular travelers.
Recommended Tours & Experience
Tours & Experience
Mt. Fuji & Hakone Day Trip with Autumn Leaves & Kimono Experience
From 22,500 yen
Attraction tickets
Hakone Gora Park admission ticket
¥650
Take the Romancecar to Hakone
Enjoy a comfortable and scenic ride from Shinjuku to the heart of Hakone. With reserved seating and panoramic windows, it's the perfect start to your getaway. Skip the transfers and relax as beautiful landscapes roll by.
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