Hakone

Travel Guide

Lake Ashi featuring a lake or waterhole, a sunset and sailing
Hakone
Hakone
Hakone
Hakone
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(2 area reviews)

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

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

Yumoto

While visiting Yumoto, you might make a stop by sights like Tenzan Onsen and Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park.

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
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 P19,882 per night from 25 Apr to 26 Apr
P19,882
P25,151 total
includes taxes & fees
Apr 25 - Apr 26
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 ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (702 reviews)
"The hotel was a beautiful building and right on the river which was excellent but it was the staff that made the place outstanding! Taylor was wonderful as he spoke English but everyone went out of their way to help and were so nice."

Reviewed on Mar 21, 2025

Hotel Indigo Hakone Gora by IHG
Hakone Kowakien TEN-YU
Hakone Kowakien TEN-YU
4.5 out of 5
1297 Ninotaira, Hakone, Kanagawa
The price is P34,292 per night from 3 Apr to 4 Apr
P34,292
P41,493 total
includes taxes & fees
Apr 3 - Apr 4
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! (1,353 reviews)
"Clean, quiet, large room, views, onsen"

Reviewed on Mar 25, 2025

Hakone Kowakien TEN-YU
Hakone Yutowa
Hakone Yutowa
2.5 out of 5
1300-27, Gora, Hakone, Kanagawa
Stay at this hotel in Hakone. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
9/10 Wonderful! (535 reviews)
"Perfect if you are trying to get away for some quiet and relaxing time. Great staff and common areas make for an enjoyable experience when staying in."

Reviewed on Mar 18, 2025

Hakone Yutowa
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.
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! (154 reviews)
"Magnificent scenery, view of mt fuji sensational. Very luxurious and comfortable."

Reviewed on Mar 14, 2025

RakutenSTAY FUJIMITERRACE HakoneAshinoko
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 ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (15 reviews)
"Guest check in was complicated room check in was fine other than that no issue!"

Reviewed on Mar 8, 2025

Rakuten STAY TERRACE Hakone Kowakudani
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 ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (12 reviews)
"we loved our stay here, esp the onsen! Big room which is great for families, and great views!"

Reviewed on Mar 20, 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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