Hakone Travel Guide: Attractions, Onsen, Art & More

Hakone is a celebrated getaway offering the perfect harmony of nature, art, culture, and relaxation within easy reach of Tokyo.

With its tranquil hot springs, immersive sculpture gardens, volcanic vistas, and scenic lakes, Hakone appeals to both first-time and seasoned travelers.

Hakone Overview and Easy Access

Hakone is a renowned hot-spring and art destination nestled within the Fuji–Hakone–Izu National Park.

It is conveniently accessible from Tokyo in roughly 90 minutes, making it ideal for both day trips and overnight stays.

Main Ways to Get from Tokyo to Hakone

Method	Approx. Time	Cost (One-Way)	Key Highlights
Shinkansen to Odawara + Tozan Train	~45 min + ~15 min	¥3,500–¥4,000	Fastest route, scenic mountain railway
Odakyu Romancecar	~85 minutes	¥2,500 (plus express fee)	Comfortable direct service with panoramic views
Highway Bus	~120 minutes	¥2,000	Budget option, relax and ride

Hakone Freepass and Discount Tickets

The Hakone Freepass is highly recommended for anyone spending more than a day in Hakone.

Valid for 2–3 days, it includes unlimited use of the pirate ship cruises, buses, ropeways, and other transport.

The pass can be purchased at Shinjuku Station, Odawara Station, or online before your trip.

Things to do in Hakone

Hakone offers experiences shaped by its volcanic landscape, historic role along the Tōkaidō highway, and deep cultural traditions.

With onsen towns, ropeways, and seasonal scenery, the variety of activities here reflects the uniqueness of this mountain resort.

Lake Ashi

Lake Ashi was created after the last eruption of Mount Hakone nearly 3,000 years ago, and today it remains a central symbol of the region.

Sightseeing boats styled as pirate ships connect Moto-Hakone and Togendai, making it easy to travel across the lake while enjoying Fuji views.

The lake is also the starting point for access to Hakone Shrine and the old Tōkaidō road.

Hakone Checkpoint (Hakone Sekisho)

During the Edo period, Hakone was one of the most important checkpoints along the Tōkaidō highway, controlling movement between Edo and Kyoto.

Officials inspected travelers, especially women, to enforce the “No Women Out” policy, which restricted wives of feudal lords from leaving Edo.

The reconstructed checkpoint today includes watchtowers, prison cells, and exhibits of travel permits, giving visitors a direct look into Edo-era security practices.

Hakone Shrine

Founded in the 8th century, Hakone Shrine has long been a place where samurai and travelers prayed for protection when crossing the mountains.

The massive red torii standing in Lake Ashi, known as the “Torii of Peace,” is a modern addition from 1951 but has become one of Hakone’s defining images.

Within the forested grounds you’ll also find Kuzuryu Shrine, dedicated to a dragon deity said to protect the lake.

Ōwakudani Valley

Ōwakudani was formed about 3,000 years ago by the eruption of Mount Hakone’s central crater.

The valley is still geothermally active, with steam vents and hot springs producing the famous kuro-tamago (black eggs) that turn black from sulfur in the water.

Hakone Open-Air Museum

Opened in 1969, it was Japan’s first open-air museum and remains one of the largest.

The grounds feature more than 120 sculptures set against mountain scenery, along with a dedicated Picasso Pavilion housing over 300 works.

A unique feature here is the natural hot-spring footbath where visitors can soak while surrounded by art installations.

Hakone Ropeway & Scenic Trains

The Hakone Ropeway runs for 4 kilometers between Sōunzan and Tōgendai, passing directly over the steaming vents of Ōwakudani and offering rare views of Mount Fuji when skies are clear.

Unlike ordinary cable cars, it operates gondolas that can hold up to 18 people, making it one of the largest ropeway systems in Japan.

Connecting with the Hakone Tozan Railway, you’ll ride switchbacks designed to climb steep slopes through hydrangea-filled valleys.

Art Museums Beyond Open-Air

Hakone is home to numerous notable art venues.

Key Art Museums in Hakone

Museum	Specialty	Highlight
Pola Museum of Art	Impressionist & modern art	Van Gogh, Monet; nature trail
Venetian Glass Museum	Glass art & European-style gardens	Sparkling displays in a garden
Lalique Museum Hakone	French glass & jewelry	Ornate setting with tea in a train carriage

Onsen Experiences in Hakone

Hakone is famous for its seventeen distinct hot spring areas, each with unique mineral qualities and scenery.

The region produces an impressive 25,000 tons of spring water daily, ranging from sulfur-rich baths in Owakudani to gentle alkaline waters in Yumoto.

Many onsen also offer open-air baths with views of Mount Fuji or lush mountain valleys, making the experience truly unforgettable.

Where to Stay in Hakone

Hakone offers a wide range of stays, from classic tatami‑style ryokan to sleek modern resorts and simple guesthouses.

Hakone‑Yumoto is best for convenient transport and shopping, Gōra is ideal for onsen hopping and museums, and the Lake Ashi/Tōgendai side suits scenic escapes.

Traditional Ryokan with Onsen

Many of Hakone’s ryokan have histories dating back over a century, some originally serving travelers along the old Tōkaidō highway.

These inns often feature mineral-rich baths fed directly from local springs, such as the alkaline waters of Hakone-Yumoto or the sulfuric waters of Gōra.

Guests can also enjoy multi-course kaiseki dinners highlighting regional ingredients like mountain vegetables and river fish, creating a distinctly Hakone experience.

Ryokan with Private Onsen (In‑Room or Reservable)

Hakone ryokan such as Hakone Kowakien Ten-yu offer rooms where every guest room includes a private open-air bath, blending forest or mountain views with unrestricted access to hot spring water.

Other places like Hakone Kowakien Mikawaya Ryokan provide both in-room private baths and kashikiri (reservable) onsen options, allowing guests additional flexibility for private bathing.

These unique arrangements reflect Hakone’s tradition of offering immersive, serene onsen experiences directly tied to its abundant geothermal sources and scenic landscapes.

Budget‑Friendly Options

Hakone offers hostels and guesthouses such as Hakone Guesthouse Toi and Irori Guest House Tenmaku with dormitory beds for as little as $26–34 USD per night, providing ultra-affordable stays with shared facilities and friendly, innkeeper-operated hospitality.

Another great value is Onsen Guesthouse HAKONE TENT in Gōra, where guests can enjoy access to a communal rooftop hot tub and shared kitchen—rare amenities in budget stays.

FAQ on Hakone

Can I use the Japan Rail Pass or Tokyo Wide Pass in Hakone?

No. These JR passes are only valid up to Odawara Station; from there you need to purchase a separate Hakone Freepass to use local transport.

Is there a one-day Hakone Freepass, and is it worth buying for a day trip?

A one-day version does not exist. Even for a single day, the two-day Hakone Freepass usually offers better value than buying separate tickets.

Where and when can I buy the Hakone Freepass?

It is available up to one month in advance at Odakyu Line ticket machines between Shinjuku and Odawara, and also at Odakyu Sightseeing Service Centers in Shinjuku, Odawara, Hakone-Yumoto, Gora, and Sounzan.

Can I get a refund if transportation is suspended due to adverse weather?

Yes. If services are cancelled and you haven’t used the pass, you can receive a refund at the station where the pass was collected.

How does the climate vary across Hakone compared to Tokyo?

Hakone-Yumoto averages about 15 °C in spring and autumn and 25 °C in summer, but mountain areas like Lake Ashi and Owakudani are usually 3–4 °C cooler, so carrying a light jacket is recommended.

Can I see Mount Fuji from Hakone?

Yes, on clear days. The best viewpoints are from the Hakone Ropeway and Lake Ashi cruises, especially in the morning before clouds gather.

Are tattoos allowed in Hakone’s hot springs?

Some public baths restrict tattoos, but many ryokan, private onsen, and reservable baths accept them. It is best to confirm when booking.

Is Hakone better as a day trip or overnight stay?

Hakone can be done in a day, but staying overnight allows more time to enjoy hot springs, multi-course kaiseki dinners, and evening quiet after day-trippers leave.

Final Thoughts on Hakone

Hakone stands out as a destination where volcanic landscapes, historic checkpoints, and centuries-old shrines come together within a short ride from Tokyo.

Its seventeen hot spring areas, each with different mineral qualities, make it one of Japan’s most diverse onsen regions.

Whether you choose to cruise Lake Ashi, ride the ropeway over Owakudani, or stay overnight in a traditional ryokan, Hakone offers experiences that you cannot find elsewhere.