Hakone is one of Japan’s renowned onsen (hot spring) town. Known for its healing waters, crisp mountain air, and authentic Japanese culture, it sits just 80 minutes from Tokyo’s Shinjuku Station.
This complete guide to Hakone is designed to help even first-time visitors to Japan make the most of the area. So, if you are looking to find the best onsen ryokan, things to do, food, and more, keep reading!
Hakone Onsen: What to Know Before You Go
Before you visit, the single most important thing to know is how to get around efficiently!
Hakone Freepass
Instead of buying individual tickets at every single stop, get the Hakone Freepass. The pass provides you with unlimited rides on all the transportation you will need to get around, including the local trains, buses, and even the cable car, ropeway, and sightseeing cruise. The pass also covers your round-trip journey from Tokyo (or offers a discounted rate starting from Odawara Station).
* Your pass also doubles as a discount card for admissions at many must-see destinations around Hakone!
Official Website: Hakone Freepass
Crucial Tech Tip: You will need a reliable internet connection to use the digital pass. It features a live, continuously animated QR code, meaning screenshots or paper printouts will not work. You must load the active website on your phone at every gate.
Need Data?
Avoid getting stuck at the ticket gates! Secure your high-speed Sakura Mobile eSIM/SIM or Sakura Mobile Pocket WiFi before you hop on the train for flawless data even deep in the Hakone mountains.
Ryokan and Hotels at Hakone Onsen
Below are the best places to stay in Hakone for every budget and preference.
Hotels with Private Onsen in Hakone
Ultimate Luxury: Hakone Gora Byakudan
Photo courtesy of Hakone Gora Byakudan
- Best For: Travelers wanting a premium, private escape.
- The Highlights: Offers just 16 exclusive rooms, each featuring a private open-air onsen fed directly by the property’s natural spring source. They also feature a rare, curated collection of Japanese sake and fine wine.
- Price: 1 night + 2 meals is priced around ¥70,000 ~ ¥130,000
Best Mt. Fuji Views: Hotel Green Plaza Hakone
Photo courtesy of Hotel Green Plaza Hakone
- Best For: Soaking in hot springs while looking at Mt. Fuji.
- The Highlights: Located 860 meters above sea level near Ubako Station. Rooms feature traditional tatami mat flooring, with options for either classic Japanese futons or comfortable Western beds.
- Price: 1 Night + 2 Meals starts around 14,000 JPY.
Best Budget Value: Hotel Nanpusou
Photo courtesy of Hotel Nanpusou
- Best For: Experiencing authentic Japanese hospitality and traditional Hakone vibes without breaking the bank.
- The Highlights: A quiet riverside property located a 5-minute taxi ride from Hakone Yumoto Station. You can hear the soothing river sounds directly from the outdoor onsen.
- Price: 1 Night + 2 Meals starts around 13,000 JPY per person
Traditional History: Tonosawa Ichinoyu Honkan
Photo courtesy of Tonosawa Ichinoyu Honkan
- Best For: Stepping back into Japanese history.
- The Highlights: This historic inn has been open for almost 400 years. It features retro indoor baths, Taisho Modern-style family baths, and beautiful views of the Hayakawa River Valley.
- Price: 1 Night + 2 Meals starts around 9,870 JPY.
Things to Do in Hakone
Well Known, Well Worth It
Hakone has iconic spots that you have likely heard of before. While some popular places can feel like tourist traps, there are a few you absolutely cannot miss. Below, we recommend the well known locations that are genuinely well worth adding to your itinerary.
Owakudani (Volcanic Valley)
Taking the Hakone Ropeway to Owakudani is a staple activity for your trip. Owakudani is one of the most famous viewpoints in Hakone, allowing you to observe real-time volcanic activity up close.
While there, it is a must to try the Kuro-Tamago. These are hard-boiled eggs with pitch-black shells, boiled in Owakudani's bubbling natural hot springs. They are found exclusively in Owakudani, and eating one is said to extend your life by seven years!
*The ropeway is free if you are using the Hakone Freepass
Lake Ashi Pirate Ship
A ride on the Hakone Ropeway can also take you to Lake Ashi, one of Hakone's most well-known attractions and one that's well worth the visit.
Some of the best views of Mount Fuji are said to be found on Lake Ashi. What better way to enjoy them than aboard Hakone's famous pirate ship? Officially known as the Hakone Sightseeing Cruise, this iconic ship is fully included in your Hakone Free Pass, making it an easy and fun addition to your route.
*Free with the Hakone Freepass
Heiwa no Torii (Torii of Peace)
Standing along the shores of Lake Ashi is the iconic red torii gate. Officially known as the Heiwa no Torii (Torii of Peace), it has become one of Hakone's most photographed spots.
Getting the iconic photo to remember your Hakone trip is a must. However, long lines of visitors are almost always waiting to take pictures. Peak hours are typically between 9:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., so we recommend arriving early in the morning to capture the perfect shot.
Afterward, take a peaceful 5 to 10-minute walk through the surrounding cedar forest, to reach the Hakone Shrine to experience one of Japan's longest-standing places of worship.
Hakone Open-Air Museum
Photo courtesy of Hakone Open Air Museum
As Japan’s very first outdoor museum, this spectacular park blends hundreds of massive masterpieces directly into the rolling green mountain scenery.
It features a world-class indoor pavilion showcasing an extensive collection of works by Pablo Picasso. The museum is also an incredibly fun, family-friendly stop with several massive, interactive playground sculptures that encourage kids to climb and explore!
*Discount available with the Free Pass
Views Beyond the Crowd
Nestled near the base of Mount Fuji, Hakone blends incredible natural beauty with centuries of history. However, the most famous spots tend to get incredibly crowded, taking away from the experience. Below are the best viewpoints and historic hideaways where you can experience Hakone’s breathtaking landscapes and its rich past away from the crowds.
Narukawa Art Museum Panorama Lounge
Photo courtesy of Good Luck Trip
The Narukawa Art Museum is located just across the street from Moto-Hakone Pier on the southern shores of Lake Ashi. While taking the famous pirate ship across the lake is a must, those looking to enjoy the same spectacular views of Mt. Fuji away from the crowds should make a stop at the Narukawa Art Museum Panorama Lounge.
The Kisetsufu Café, found inside the museum, offers the perfect place to relax with a snack while taking in the view. The museum also contains an extensive collection of nihonga, a unique style of modern Japanese painting using traditional materials that you don't often get to see.
Mishima Skywalk
Even though this giant suspension bridge is technically in neighboring Shizuoka prefecture, it is only a 20-minute bus ride from Moto Hakone Port. It is absolutely worth visiting while you are nearby!
As Japan’s longest suspension bridge, it offers unmatched panoramic mountain views and a thrilling zipline adventure.
*Bus and entry discounts included with the Hakone Freepass.
Amazake Chaya and Old Tokaido Road
Photo courtesy of Hakonenavi
Hakone is one of the few areas where the Old Tokaido Road has been preserved. Walking along this historic path is a truly unique experience, offering a rare glimpse into what travel in Japan was like centuries ago.
Nestled in the mountains along the Old Tokaido Road, you will find Amazake Chaya, a traditional Japanese teahouse with over 400 years of history.
While both attractions can be visited separately, stopping at Amazake Chaya during your walk along the Old Tokaido Road lets you experience the journey exactly as travelers did hundreds of years ago!
Hiryu Falls
Photo courtesy of Hakone Japan
Hiryu Falls is one of Hakone’s best-kept secrets, remaining tucked away from the crowds to offer a serene escape as it did in centuries past.
The waterfall’s history dates back to the Kamakura period (1185–1333), when monks of the Hakone Gongen religion used it for spiritual training. Later, during the Edo period, the trail passing Hiryu Falls served as a vital shortcut along the famous Tokaido Road.
Keep in mind that the waterfall cannot be reached by car–you must take a peaceful, misty 30- to 45-minute hike through lush forest trails to experience this powerful historic site in person!
Day-Trip Onsen Spots
If you aren’t staying overnight, you can still enjoy Hakone’s hot springs at these day-use locations:
Hakone Yuryo
Photo courtesy of Hakone Yuryo
The facility features large, open-air public baths (rotenburo) surrounded by peaceful forest scenery, as well as private onsen rooms that you can rent by the hour for a more secluded experience. They also have a traditional irori (charcoal hearth) restaurant.
A free 3-minute shuttle bus that runs straight to Hakone-Yumoto Station is provided by the facility!
*Discount available with the Free Pass.
Hakone Kowakien Yunessun
Photo courtesy of Hakone Kowakien Yunessun
Hakone Kowakien Yunessun is a popular onsen theme park perfect for families and those traveling with children. It is a fantastic choice for anyone looking to experience Hakone's famous onsen in a casual setting, as swimsuits are fully permitted in its main areas.
The park is famous for its incredibly unique baths, which include a Japanese sake bath! Visitors can also enjoy thrilling water slides and a stunning Open-air Scenic Bath that overlooks the Hakone mountains.
*Discount available with the Free Pass.
Food and Restaurants Around Hakone Onsen
Hakone has a fantastic variety of delicious food to offer, no matter your palate. To help you decide where to dine, we have put together a list of our absolute favorite restaurants in the area, featuring something for everyone!
808 Monsmare
Photo courtesy of 808 Monsmare
808 Monsmare is an authentic Italian restaurant serving delicious wood-fired pizzas and classic Italian dishes, highly praised by locals and travelers!
Conveniently located just a one-minute walk from Hakone-Yumoto station, it is the perfect spot if you are looking for a break from traditional Japanese cuisine.
Itoh Dining by Nobu
Photo courtesy of Itoh Dining by Nobu
If you are looking for an intimate and luxurious dining experience, this is the spot we couldn’t recommend more. Itoh Dining by Nobu is a secluded restaurant high up in Hakone’s mountains located away from the bustling sightseeing areas.
The restaurant serves carefully curated ingredients, ranging from fresh seafood from Sagami Bay, to vegetables from Hakone, and Premium A5 rank Kuroge Wagyu Beef.
*Reservations highly recommended
Hakone Zushi
Photo courtesy of Hakone Zushi
No trip to Japan is complete without trying authentic sushi, and Hakone is the perfect place to indulge.
We recommend that you go to Hakone Zushi which is a cozy sushi restaurant located in Sengokuhara. Known for its extremely fresh seafood and warm, friendly atmosphere, this local gem captures the best of Hakone's food scene.
It is a must-try for anyone looking for authentic local flavors, but be sure to get there early, as there is usually a line before they even open!
Gyunabe Ukon
Photo courtesy of Gyunabe Ukon
This specialized sukiyaki restaurant serves premium wagyu beef, carefully selected by a meat professional to ensure the highest possible quality. The tender meat is paired with their signature secret yam sauce to create a truly unforgettable flavor.
Located on the banks of the Sukumo River, this restaurant offers a serene escape from a busy day of sightseeing. Make sure to reserve a table in advance as the restaurant is quite popular with both locals and travelers!
Hakone Yashima
Hakone Yashima is a traditional Japanese oden restaurant, and is an absolute hidden gem, as specialized oden shops can be surprisingly difficult to find, even in Japan.
The restaurant uses a savory, soy-flavored soup stock brewed from spring water sourced directly from the Hakone onsen to simmer various Japanese vegetables, meats, and fishcake.
Hakone Yashima is just a 5-minute walk from Moto-Hakone Port and something you shouldn't pass up if you want to experience a traditional Japanese taste in Hakone.
Hakone Day Trip Itinerary
Below is a travel itinerary you can follow if you wish to enjoy a day trip in Hakone. This follows the typical Hakone Loop
| Time | Stop | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| 11:00 AM | Hakone Yumoto Station | Arrive from Tokyo and take the Tozan Railway to the Open-Air Museum. |
| 11:45 AM | Open-Air Museum | Walk among the outdoor sculptures and grab lunch on-site. |
| 1:30 PM | Gora Station | Take the Cable Car and transfer to the Hakone Ropeway. |
| 2:00 PM | Owakudani | View the smoking volcanic craters and eat a black hard-boiled egg. |
| 2:30 PM | Ropeway to Lake Ashi | Ride down to Togendai Port. |
| 3:00 PM | Pirate Ship Cruise | Sail across Lake Ashi to Moto-Hakone Port. Look out the right side for a postcard view of the red torii gate. |
| 4:00 PM | Heiwa no Torii | Take a photo at the lakeside gate and walk up the stone steps to Hakone Shrine |
| 5:00 PM | Catch the Bus | Take the Tozan Bus (Line H) from Hakone-jinja-iriguchi to Tonosawa. |
| 5:45 PM | Hakone Yuryo | Enjoy a relaxing hot spring soak and a traditional dinner. |
| 7:30 PM | Hakone Yumoto Station | Take the free shuttle to the station to buy souvenirs and head back to Tokyo. |
💡Pro Tip: The last departing Romancecar train back to Shinjuku leaves at 7:50 PM. Don’t miss it!
When to Visit Hakone Onsen
Hakone is a place worth visiting year-round. However, your experience will change depending on the season.
Below is a rough guide to the seasons in Hakone:
Spring (March-May):
Spring is one of the busiest times to visit Hakone. The weather is mild, with comfortable daytime temperatures and cooler evenings. You can enjoy sightseeing among blooming cherry blossom trees and relax in an onsen at night.
Summer (June-August):
Summer in Hakone is hot and humid. However, clearer skies during this season can increase your chances of seeing Mount Fuji. This is also the Hydrangeas season!
Autumn (September-November):
Autumn brings cooler temperatures and more unpredictable weather. If you visit during this time, it's a good idea to plan indoor activities as a backup in case of rain.
Winter (December-February):
Winter offers clear air and views of snow-covered mountains. However, it’s important to dress warmly, and to consider staying at a hotel with an indoor onsen for a more comfortable experience.
Local Recommendation: Avoid the massive crowds of Tokyo weekend travelers by booking your trip on a weekday (Monday – Thursday) if possible.
How to get to Hakone Onsen
From Tokyo
- By Train (Recommended): Take the Limited Express Romancecar from Shinjuku Station straight to Hakone-Yumoto. It takes just 80 minutes. The train ride costs 2,330 JPY, but drops to just 1,110 JPY if you buy the Hakone Free Pass.
- By Bus: The Odakyu Hakone Highway Bus runs from Shinjuku to Lake Ashi in 2.5 hours for around 2,000 JPY.
From Osaka/Kyoto
- By Train (Recommended): Take the Shinkansen bullet train to Odawara Station (2.5 hours from Osaka, 2 hours from Kyoto). From Odawara, switch to the local train or Romancecar for the final 20-minute ride to Hakone-Yumoto.
- By Budget Bus:
Official Website:Japan Bus Online
Hakone Onsen Map
Planning your walking routes is easy using our custom digital map:
Ready to Book Your Japan Adventure?
We hope our article was able to help you decide how to spend your vacation in Hakone! Make sure to secure your digital pass, reserve your ryokan ahead of time, and verify your transit routes to ensure a smooth, stress-free trip to Japan’s most iconic hot spring mountains!
Thank you for reading!
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