Hakone Things To Do And See

Join me on an enchanting journey around Hakone, where we’ll explore this stunning region using not one, but five exciting modes of transport! It’s a journey that starts and ends at Hakone-Yumoto, taking us on a delightful loop around the area.

Imagine hopping on a train that snakes through beautiful valleys, then switching to a cable car that lifts us high above the scenic landscape. We’ll soar through the sky on a ropeway, feeling like birds with the world below us. Then, it’s time to gently sail across sparkling water on a boat, before hopping on a bus that zigzags through the picturesque heart of Hakone. Although it’s possible to whirl around this circuit in a day from Tokyo, why rush? Let’s take two days to truly soak in the beauty of Hakone. We’ll spend a night in a cozy ryokan, where hot spring baths promise relaxation and a peek into local culture.

Things to do and places to visit

Hakone open air museum:

The Hakone Open-Air Museum skillfully blends art and nature, displaying an array of sculptures amidst the stunning backdrop of a valley and mountainous terrain. This museum boasts a variety of outdoor and indoor exhibition areas. Among these is the Picasso Exhibition Hall, a two-story showcase featuring a collection of Picasso’s paintings, sculptures, and ceramic creations, along with photographs capturing moments from his life. The lush green lawns of the museum are adorned with abstract sculptures created by both Japanese and international artists. A notable piece among these is the large-scale Symphonic Sculpture. The entery charges are 1600 yen, 1400 yen with the Hakone Free Pass, 1500 yen with an online discount coupon.

Timings: The timings to visit this place is 9:00 to 17:00 (entry until 16:30).

Location: 1121 Ninotaira, Hakone, Ashigarashimo District, Kanagawa 250-0407, Japan .

Getting there: Located conveniently close to Chokoku No Mori Station on the Hakone Tozan Railway, the Hakone Open Air Museum is just a brief walk away. This journey from Hakone-Yumoto takes about 30 minutes and costs 460 yen, which is included in the Hakone Free Pass. Chokoku No Mori is the penultimate stop before the line’s end at Gora Station. If you’re starting from Gora, it’s a leisurely 10 to 15-minute walk to the museum.

Owakudani:

Owakudani is the region surrounding a crater formed during Mount Hakone’s last eruption approximately 3000 years ago. Today, this area is predominantly an active volcanic zone where visitors can encounter sulfurous fumes, hot springs, and heated rivers. Moreover, Owakudani offers splendid views of Mount Fuji on clear days. You can find shops in the area selling eggs cooked in the hot spring pools, resulting in their shells turning black due to sulfur exposure. It is believed that consuming one such egg can extend one’s life by seven years. A brief walking trail begins at the ropeway station and leads into the volcanic area, featuring steam vents and bubbling pools. This stroll typically takes about 30 minutes in total. Please note that access to the trail requires prior reservations and is priced at 500 yen.

Timings: There are no specific timings to visit, though the black egg shop does have some particular timings.

Location: 1300 Sengokuhara, Hakone, Ashigarashimo District, Kanagawa 250-0408, Japan

Getting there: Owakudani serves as a station on the Hakone Ropeway, positioned between Sounzan and Togendai. Sounzan can be reached from Hakone-Yumoto using the Hakone Tozan Railway, and then transferring to a cable car at Gora Station. Togendai, located along the shores of Lake Ashinoko, is accessible by boat, offering connections to Moto-Hakone and Hakone-machi.

Lake Ashinoko:

Lake Ashinoko originated within the caldera of Mount Hakone following its eruption some 3000 years ago. Presently, the lake, with the majestic Mount Fuji as its backdrop, stands as an emblem of Hakone. Along its shores, you’ll find minimal development, primarily comprising small towns in the eastern and northern regions, as well as a couple of lakeside resort hotels. For the most captivating views of the lake and its picturesque combination with Mount Fuji, head to Moto-Hakone (just a short walk south from the sightseeing boat pier), visit the Hakone Detached Palace Garden, or embark on one of the sightseeing boat cruises across the lake.

Timings: There is no particular timings to visit this place

Location: Kanagawa Prefecture, Honshu

Getting there: Regular bus services link Odawara to Moto-Hakone and Hakone-machi, situated at the southern tip of Lake Ashinoko, via Hakone-Yumoto. The journey from Odawara to this destination takes approximately 50 minutes and is priced at 1340 yen for a one-way ticket. If you’re departing from Hakone-Yumoto, the bus ride lasts about 35 minutes, with a fare of 1080 yen. It’s important to note that the Hakone Free Pass is valid for travel on Hakone Tozan buses (bus line H) but not on Izuhakone buses

Hakone detached palace:

The Hakone Detached Palace once functioned as a summer retreat for the Imperial Family but has since become accessible to the general public. Situated on the southern shores of Lake Ashinoko, nestled between Moto-Hakone and Hakone-machi, the palace complex has now reduced to a modest and unadorned building, devoid of its original furnishings. Surrounding this structure is the picturesque Onshi Hakone Park, offering delightful walking paths and captivating vistas of Lake Ashinoko and Mount Fuji, weather permitting. Generally, visibility tends to be clearer during the colder seasons and during the early morning or late evening hours, compared to the summer season.

Timings: It is always open.

Location: Motohakone, Hakone, Ashigarashimo District, Kanagawa 250-0522, Japan

Getting there: The Hakone Detached Palace is situated on the peninsula that lies between Moto-Hakone and Hakone-machi. Visitors can easily access it with a short 10 to 15-minute walk from either of these towns.

Hakone shrine: Hakone Shrine, known as Hakone Jinja, is located at the base of Mount Hakone, nestled along the shoreline of Lake Ashinoko. While the shrine’s buildings are concealed within a dense forest, they are easily recognizable thanks to the imposing torii gates. One of these torii gates stands prominently in the lake, while the other two grace the main street of Moto-Hakone. Visitors can follow a path from the torii gate in Lake Ashinoko, ascending a series of steps lined with lanterns through the lush forest, ultimately reaching the main shrine building surrounded by towering trees. The shrine’s natural beauty is captivating year-round, with a particularly enchanting atmosphere when enveloped in mist. Additionally, there is a second shrine, Mototsumiya, perched at the summit of Komagatake, one of Mount Hakone’s peaks. This shrine can be reached via the Hakone Komagatake Ropeway from Hakone-en or by hiking along the trails.

Timings: It is always open.

Locations: 80-1 Motohakone, Hakone, Ashigarashimo District, Kanagawa 250-0522, Japan.

Getting there: Hakone Shrine is conveniently located just a 5-10 minute walk from the Moto-Hakone boat pier. To reach it from Hakone-Yumoto Station, you can take Hakone Tozan Bus line H, which takes about 35 minutes and costs 1080 yen. This bus service runs frequently with 4-5 buses per hour and is covered by the Hakone Free Pass. As for Mototsumiya, it’s a short stroll from the top station of the Komagatake Ropeway, which departs from Hakone-en at the shores of Lake Ashinoko. A round-trip ticket for the ropeway costs 1800 yen, and Hakone Free Pass holders can enjoy a discount on this fare.

A round journey guide

Hakone Tozan Railway: Hakone-Yumoto to Gora which takes 35 minutes, departures every 15-20 minutes. The Hakone Tozan Railway meanders through a narrow and densely forested valley, ascending over 300 meters in elevation. Along its journey, you’ll encounter various hot springs and even the Hakone Open Air Museum.
Hakone Tozan Cablecar: Gora to Sounzan which takes 10 minutes, departures every 15 minutes. Gora, situated along the cablecar route, is home to both the Hakone Art Museum and Gora Park.
Hakone Ropeway: Sounzan to Togendai which takes 30 minutes, constant departures. The Hakone Ropeway offers splendid vistas of Mount Fuji and the national park, provided that visibility is favorable. At Owakudani, a transfer between ropeways is necessary, allowing travelers to witness volcanic activities.
Hakone Sightseeing Boat: Togendai to Hakone-machi which takes 30 minutes, departures every 30-60 minutes. On a clear day, passengers aboard the pirate ship-shaped boats can relish stunning views of Lake Ashinoko, the encompassing lush mountains, and the majestic Mount Fuji. The majority of these ships commence their voyages from Togendai, making stops at Hakone-machi before continuing on to Moto-Hakone.
On foot: Hakone-machi to Moto-Hakone which takes 20-30 minutes. Along the picturesque route from Hakone-machi to Moto-Hakone, you’ll encounter the Checkpoint Museum, Detached Palace Garden, and the Ancient Cedar Avenue. Alternatively, you have the option to reach Moto-Hakone by boat or by taking a bus.
Hakone Tozan Bus (line H or K): Moto-Hakone to Hakone-Yumoto which takes 35 minutes, departures every 15-20 minutes. You can start your visit by going to Hakone Shrine in Moto-Hakone and then take a bus back to Yumoto, with the option of making a detour to Yunessun using bus line H. Another alternative is to embark on a portion of the Old Tokaido trail and then catch a bus from either Amazake Chaya or Hatajuku to return to Yumoto, using bus line K.