Hakone

Travel Guide

Lake Ashi which includes sailing, a lake or waterhole and a sunset
Hakone featuring a lake or waterhole and a sunset
Hakone Open Air Museum which includes outdoor art, a fountain and street scenes
Hakone featuring food
Hakone Hot Springs which includes heritage elements and street scenes
Located around an hour outside of Tokyo, visitors flock to this town to relax in the natural hot springs and explore the mountains and lakes of Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. 

Hakone is a small town and park located in the Kanagawa Prefecture in Japan’s southern Kantō region. Nestled into lush mountains, Hakone is a fantastic base for exploring the dramatic landscape. Discover lakes, waterfalls, Shinto shrines and steaming hot springs amidst the dense forests in this region.

The volcanically active Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is Hakone’s top destination. The park consists of several natural attractions around Lake Ashinoko. Lake Ashi, as locals call it, is a crater lake with striking views of Mount Fuji. Explore the lake on a pleasure boat, designed in the style of a sailing warship.

Situated near to lakes, coastlines, hot springs and volcanic mountains, Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is full of varied natural beauty. Visit the mythical looking Shiraito Falls or traverse the volcanic island of Izu Oshima.

Take the aerial tram at Hakone Ropeway up to the hot springs and sulphur vents at the Great Boiling Valley. Eating the local specialty of an egg hard-boiled in the hot springs which is said to increase longevity. 

Visit Hakone Shrine at the foot of Mount Hakone. This Shinto shrine is hidden in the forest and shrouded by the mountain’s mist. Don’t miss its massive torii gates. The large red entrance gate looms over the shore of Lake Ashinoko. 

For a unique cultural experience, stop by Hakone Open Air Museum. Seamlessly blending art with nature, this museum features over 1,000 pieces of art. Wander through the extensive Henry Moore sculpture garden or examine some 300 pieces created by Pablo Picasso. 

Tokyo is just 50 miles (80.5 kilometers) to the west of Hakone. Several train options will bring you to the town in about an hour. Most trains require a transfer at nearby Odwara, a pleasant hot springs town that is a destination of its own.

Where to stay in Hakone

Gora showing street scenes and signage

Gora

4.5/5(130 area reviews)

Gora is known for its ample dining options, and you can make a stop by Hakone Gora Park and Ōwakudani while in the area.

Gora
Hakone Hot Springs showing street scenes as well as a family

Yumoto

4.5/5(28 area reviews)

While visiting Yumoto, you might make a stop by sights like Gyokuren Shrine and Tenzan Onsen.

Yumoto
Ashigarashimo featuring railway items

Motohakone

While visiting Motohakone, you might make a stop by sights like Lake Ashi and Hakone Komagatake Ropeway.

Motohakone
Hakone featuring a gondola

Sengokuhara

Unique features of Sengokuhara include the hot springs and mountain views. Make a stop by Sengokuhara Susuki Prairie or Sengokuhara Onsen while you're exploring the area.

Sengokuhara
Hakone Open Air Museum which includes a statue or sculpture and a monument as well as an individual femail

Ninohira

While visiting Ninohira, you might make a stop by sights like Hakone Kowakien Yunessun and Hakone Open Air Museum.

Ninohira
Chisuji Falls which includes a river or creek and mist or fog

Kowakudani

While you're in Kowakudani, take in top sights like Chisuji Falls and jump on the metro at Kowakidani Station to see more of the city.

Kowakudani
The Prince Hakone Lake Ashinoko
The Prince Hakone Lake Ashinoko
4 out of 5
144 Moto-hakone, Hakone, Kanagawa-ken
The price is ¥31,802 per night from Jul 13 to Jul 14
¥31,802
¥38,780 total
Jul 13 - Jul 14
Stay at this 4-star spa hotel in Hakone. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (769 reviews)
"I will start with my critic feedback first: the bathroom was like airplane bathroom. The entire room is so good, it has everything what you need , Including the clothes to go to Olsen, but the bathroom is very dated, small and crampy. Staff is 5/5. They want to make sure you are happy and comfortable ..."

Reviewed on Jul 8, 2025

The Prince Hakone Lake Ashinoko
Hakone Kowakien TEN-YU
Hakone Kowakien TEN-YU
4.5 out of 5
1297 Ninotaira, Hakone, Kanagawa
The price is ¥51,352 per night from Jul 21 to Jul 22
¥51,352
¥62,436 total
Jul 21 - Jul 22
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury ryokan in Hakone. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and hot springs on site. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,498 reviews)
"We loved the onsen experience. We had never done it before and they had a “lesson” for onsen etiquette which was helpful. It was very clean and relaxing. It was nice to have a free ice cream every day after bathing at the onsen, and fun to walk around the property in our hotel robes. The only issue ..."

Reviewed on Jul 10, 2025

Hakone Kowakien TEN-YU
Hotel Indigo Hakone Gora by IHG
Hotel Indigo Hakone Gora by IHG
4.5 out of 5
924-1 Kiga, Hakone-machi Ashigarashimo gun, Hakone, Kanagawa
The price is ¥36,719 per night from Aug 4 to Aug 5
¥36,719
¥46,750 total
Aug 4 - Aug 5
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Hakone. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and hot springs on site. Our guests praise the breakfast and the restaurant in our ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (805 reviews)
"Great in-room onsen"

Reviewed on Jul 7, 2025

Hotel Indigo Hakone Gora by IHG
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Rakuten STAY TERRACE Hakone Kowakudani
Rakuten STAY TERRACE Hakone Kowakudani
4.5 out of 5
483-2 Kowakudani, Hakone, Kanagawa
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury apartment in Hakone. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and onsite spa services. Popular attractions Hakone Kowakien Yunessun and Lake ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (58 reviews)
Beautiful
"The apartment was lovely. To get to the train station you had to cross a busy street and there was no sidewalk which was a little scary; however, the apartment was conveniently located within 5 min walk from the train station and the bus stop. The place has no staff so there is no luggage storage ..."

Reviewed on Jun 30, 2025

Rakuten STAY TERRACE Hakone Kowakudani
RakutenSTAY FUJIMITERRACE HakoneAshinoko
RakutenSTAY FUJIMITERRACE HakoneAshinoko
4 out of 5
Mitsutani 2-2, Hakone, Kanagawa
Stay at this 4-star aparthotel in Hakone. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and furnished balconies. Popular attractions Lake Ashi and Hakone Kowakien Yunessun ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (213 reviews)
"Great property with view to Mount Fuji from the private onsen. The room is large and has a good sized kitchen and a washing machine. Location is close to 7 Eleven and bus stop. Kids loved the projector and telescope."

Reviewed on Jul 9, 2025

RakutenSTAY FUJIMITERRACE HakoneAshinoko
Tokyu Vacations Hakone Gora
Tokyu Vacations Hakone Gora
2 out of 5
1320-599 Mukoyama, Gora, Hakone, Kanagawa
Stay at this aparthotel in Hakone. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and air conditioning. Popular attractions Hakone Kowakien Yunessun and Lake Ashi are located ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (20 reviews)
"Great service and excellent rooms with lots of space"

Reviewed on May 13, 2025

Tokyu Vacations Hakone Gora
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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