Hakone is Tokyo's go-to escape — just 90 minutes from Shinjuku on the Romancecar express — yet the range of things packed into one town makes it feel like a completely different world. An active volcanic valley, a cable car crossing the crater rim, a pirate-ship cruise across a caldera lake, and an art museum set inside a forest: all of it within a single destination. Plan for at least 2 days to work the Hakone Loop at a comfortable pace and actually savour every stop.
#1 Owakudani
Owakudani translates as "Great Boiling Valley" — born from a volcanic eruption of Mt. Hakone around 3,000 years ago. Sulphur fumes billow constantly and the smell is intense, but the sight of Fuji rising above the thin white plume is one of the most memorable frames in all of Japan. This is also where you'll find the famous Kuro-tamago black eggs, and the ropeway makes it easy to reach.
- On windy days or when volcanic activity is elevated, the ropeway may suspend service — check the Hakone Ropeway website before you go.
- People with heart conditions, asthma, or who are pregnant should avoid the area due to sulphur gas levels.
- Buy the black eggs at the Kurotamagokan shop near the station — 4 eggs for ¥500.
#2 Lake Ashi Sightseeing Cruise
Lake Ashi is a caldera lake formed by the same eruption 3,000 years ago. The sightseeing vessels — styled after 17th-century galleons — run all day between three piers. On a clear day, Fuji reflects in the lake's deep green water in a way that genuinely stops you mid-sentence. In spring, cherry blossoms line the shore and layer an extra dimension onto the view.
- The Moto-Hakone pier has the best angle for photographing the Hakone Shrine torii rising out of the water.
- Included in the Hakone Free Pass — no extra charge.
- Three vessels in rotation: Royal II, Victory, and Queen Ashinoko — each with a different design.
#3 Hakone Shrine
Hakone Shrine was founded in 757 CE, tucked inside a cedar forest estimated to be over 800 years old. The vermilion torii standing in Lake Ashi — known as the Heiwa no Torii — was erected in 1952 to mark peace after World War II. On clear days you get Fuji perfectly framed behind it.
- The 500-metre stone path through the cedar forest is beautiful — walk in rather than taking a shortcut.
- To photograph the torii in the water, walk down to the beach on the western side of Moto-Hakone Port.
- Plenty of amulets on sale — the Enmusubi charm is said to help with relationships.
#4 Hakone Open-Air Museum
Opened in 1969, this was Japan's first open-air museum — 70,000 square metres of grounds holding over 1,000 works of art. The standout is the Picasso Pavilion, which brings together more than 300 of his ceramics and paintings, and the Symphonic Sculpture: a stained-glass tower you spiral up from the inside while mountain views rotate around you. Children can play on it; adults can study it — everything sits within the landscape itself.
- Soak your feet in the Ashiyu footbath onsen — it's free and a genuine relief after a full loop day.
- Included in the Hakone Free Pass — saves a significant amount.
- Budget at least 2.5–3 hours to see everything properly.
#5 Hakone Ropeway
The 4-kilometre ropeway links Sounzan to Togendai in 30 minutes, passing directly over the still-active Owakudani valley. Glass gondolas carrying 10 passengers depart every minute. On a clear day Fuji rises above Lake Ashi in the distance — it's an image that stays with you. The ropeway is a core segment of the Hakone Loop and is covered by the Hakone Free Pass.
- Check ropeway conditions in advance — service suspends temporarily when wind is strong or volcanic activity increases.
- Sit on the right side heading toward Togendai for the clearest Fuji angle.
- During Golden Week and long holiday weekends, queues run long — go early.
#6 Pola Museum of Art
Opened in 2002 within the Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park, the museum holds 9,500 works collected by the founder of Pola Cosmetics — Monet, Renoir, Cézanne, and Picasso among them. The building was deliberately kept under 8 metres tall so it doesn't interrupt the treeline; floor-to-ceiling glass floods every gallery with natural light throughout the day. A 670-metre forest trail wraps around the building.
- Not included in the Hakone Free Pass — buy a separate ticket. Adult admission: ¥1,800.
- The museum café has excellent forest views and works well as a lunch stop.
- Shuttle buses run from Hakone-Yumoto and Gora.
#7 Hakone Sekisho
Built in 1619 on the Tokaido road, this checkpoint regulated movement during the Tokugawa shogunate — particularly controlling weapons entering and women leaving Edo. It operated for over 250 years before being dismantled. The current structure is a faithful reconstruction built on the original foundations using historical records; the museum inside displays original artefacts and detailed recreations of Edo-period life.
- Included in the Hakone Free Pass — walk straight in.
- During holidays, watch the live checkpoint inspection demonstrations held at scheduled intervals.
- Cherry trees in front of the checkpoint are spectacular in spring.
#8 Hakone Tozan Railway
Japan's first mountain railway, running since 1919. The 15-kilometre route climbs 527 metres in elevation — steep enough that the train switches direction three times (switchbacks) to gain height. Maximum gradient hits 8%, through dense cedar forest. In the ajisai season (June–July) hydrangeas bloom shoulder-to-shoulder along both sides of the track, filling every window with colour — one of the most romantic train journeys in Japan.
- June–July ajisai season is extremely busy; there's a special late-night train service during this period.
- Sit on the left side heading uphill (from Hakone-Yumoto) for the best hydrangea views.
- The Hakone Free Pass covers the entire route.
Where to stay in Hakone for this trip
A well-located hotel means less commuting and more sightseeing. Here are real, top-rated stays in Hakone — compare Agoda · Booking · Trip.com in one click.
Yoshimatsu
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The Prince Hakone Lake Ashinoko
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Hakone Ashinoko Hanaori
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Odakyu Hotel de Yama
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Tours, tickets & activities in Hakone
Day tours, attraction tickets and travel essentials for Hakone — book ahead on Klook with mobile e-tickets.
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Before You Pack
Hakone is best taken slowly — sleep by the lake or in a ryokan, and let an early-morning view of Fuji do the rest. Whether you visit in cherry-blossom season or autumn colour, it never disappoints.