Things to Do in Hakone

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

Embark on a scenic cruise across Lake Ashi from Motohakone-ko Pier, where colorful pirate-themed ships offer stunning views of Mount Fuji on clear days. The pier serves as a gateway to exploring Hakone's natural beauty, with cruises connecting to other popular lakeside destinations like Togendai and Hakone-machi. The combination of serene lake waters, surrounding mountain vistas, and the iconic torii gate of Hakone Shrine visible from the water creates an unforgettable experience.

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

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

Motohakone-ko is the historic port area on the shores of Lake Ashi in Hakone, offering stunning views of Mount Fuji on clear days and serving as a gateway to the region's cultural treasures. Visitors can explore the iconic vermillion torii gate of Hakone Shrine standing majestically in the water, stroll along the scenic lakeside promenade lined with ancient cedar trees, and enjoy peaceful boat cruises across the caldera lake. This charming area perfectly blends natural beauty with spiritual heritage, making it one of Hakone's most photographed and beloved destinations.

1300 Gōra, Hakone, Ashigarashimo District, Kanagawa 250-0408, Japan

Lake Ashi is a stunning crater lake in Hakone, formed over 3,000 years ago by a volcanic eruption of Mount Hakone. Visitors can enjoy scenic cruise rides across the crystal-clear waters while taking in breathtaking views of Mount Fuji on clear days, along with the iconic red torii gate of Hakone Shrine standing majestically at the water's edge. The lake serves as a centerpiece of the Hakone region, offering a perfect blend of natural beauty, cultural landmarks, and relaxing hot spring resorts nearby.

Ōwakudani Station serves as the gateway to one of Hakone's most dramatic volcanic landscapes, where visitors can witness active sulfur vents and steam rising from the mountainside. The station is a key stop on the Hakone Ropeway, offering breathtaking views of Mount Fuji on clear days and access to the famous black eggs boiled in volcanic springs. This unique geothermal area provides an unforgettable experience of Japan's volcanic activity, with walking trails that allow you to explore the otherworldly terrain safely.

Sōunzan Station is the upper terminus of the Hakone Tozan Cable Car and a key transit hub in the Hakone mountain region. Located at an elevation of 767 meters, this station serves as the gateway to the spectacular Hakone Ropeway, which offers breathtaking views of Mount Fuji, Owakudani Valley, and Lake Ashi. The station area features souvenir shops and rest facilities, making it an essential stop for travelers exploring the famous Hakone Loop route.

Owakudani Observatory offers breathtaking views of the active volcanic valley in Hakone, where sulfurous fumes and hot springs create an otherworldly landscape. Visitors can witness steam vents up close and sample the famous black eggs (kuro-tamago) boiled in the volcanic hot springs, which are said to add seven years to your life. On clear days, the observatory provides stunning vistas of Mount Fuji rising majestically above the volcanic terrain.

Owakudani Nature Research Trail takes you through an active volcanic valley where sulfurous steam vents and bubbling hot springs create an otherworldly landscape. The trail offers spectacular views of Mount Fuji on clear days while winding through a dramatic geological wonder formed by a volcanic eruption 3,000 years ago. Don't miss trying the famous black eggs (kuro-tamago) boiled in the hot springs, said to add seven years to your life.

701 Yumoto, Hakone, Ashigarashimo District, Kanagawa 250-0311, Japan

The Hakone Komagatake Ropeway whisks visitors 1,327 meters up Mount Komagatake in just seven minutes, offering breathtaking panoramic views of Mount Fuji, Lake Ashi, and the surrounding Hakone volcanic valley. At the summit, you'll find the historic Hakone Mototsumiya Shrine and observation platforms perfect for photography and soaking in the dramatic mountainous landscape. This scenic cable car ride is one of Hakone's most spectacular ways to experience the region's natural beauty from above.

The Hakonetozan Line is a scenic mountain railway that winds through the beautiful Hakone region, offering breathtaking views of lush valleys, steep mountainsides, and seasonal landscapes. This charming switchback train climbs over 400 meters in elevation, making three dramatic reversals as it ascends from Hakone-Yumoto to Gora station. During the hydrangea season in June and July, the route becomes particularly spectacular with over 10,000 colorful blooms lining the tracks, earning it recognition as one of Japan's most picturesque railway journeys.

Owakudani, meaning 'Great Boiling Valley,' is an active volcanic valley in Hakone renowned for its dramatic landscape of sulfurous fumes, bubbling hot springs, and striking lunar-like terrain. Visitors can witness the raw power of nature up close while walking along designated trails, and must try the famous black eggs (kuro-tamago) boiled in the volcanic springs, which are said to add seven years to your life. On clear days, the valley offers spectacular views of Mount Fuji rising majestically in the distance, making it one of Hakone's most iconic and memorable attractions.

Owakudani Information Center serves as the gateway to exploring the volcanic valley of Owakudani in Hakone, one of Japan's most dramatic natural attractions. Located in the heart of the active geothermal area, the center provides essential information about the volcanic activity, hiking trails, and the famous black eggs boiled in sulfurous hot springs. Visitors can learn about the region's geology, check current volcanic alerts, and pick up maps before venturing into this otherworldly landscape of steam vents and sulfur deposits.

Hakone Kowakien Yunessun is a unique hot spring theme park where you can experience Japan's onsen culture with a playful twist. This family-friendly facility features both traditional indoor baths and unusual outdoor pools filled with wine, coffee, green tea, and even sake. Located in the scenic Hakone mountains, it offers a fun alternative to conventional onsen, perfect for those new to Japanese bathing culture or traveling with children.

Gora Station serves as the gateway to Hakone's mountain hot spring resort area and is a key transportation hub on the Hakone Tozan Railway. This charming station sits at an elevation of 583 meters and offers convenient connections to the Hakone Ropeway, leading to Owakudani Valley and Lake Ashi. The station area features several museums, art galleries, and traditional ryokan, making it an ideal base for exploring Hakone's cultural and natural attractions.

Ubako Hot Spring Shumeikan is a traditional Japanese onsen facility offering visitors an authentic bathing experience in natural mineral-rich waters. The ryokan-style establishment features both indoor and outdoor baths with scenic views, providing a peaceful retreat from the bustle of modern life. Guests can immerse themselves in Japanese bathing culture while enjoying the therapeutic benefits of the hot spring waters.

Dogashima Onsen Hotel offers a tranquil coastal retreat on the scenic Izu Peninsula, where guests can soak in natural hot spring baths while gazing out at the dramatic rock formations and turquoise waters of Suruga Bay. The hotel combines traditional Japanese hospitality with stunning ocean views, making it an ideal base for exploring the picturesque Dogashima coastline and its famous sea caves. Visitors can enjoy fresh local seafood cuisine and experience authentic onsen culture in a peaceful, less-touristy setting away from major cities.

Miyanoshita Onsen is a historic hot spring resort town nestled in the mountains of Hakone, offering a perfect blend of traditional ryokan inns and natural thermal baths. This charming area has been welcoming travelers since the Edo period and features stunning views of the surrounding valleys and forests. Visitors can enjoy authentic Japanese hospitality while soaking in therapeutic waters that have attracted both locals and international guests for centuries.

Hakone Onsen is a renowned hot spring resort area nestled in the mountains southwest of Tokyo, offering stunning views of Mount Fuji and therapeutic natural hot springs. This historic spa town has been welcoming weary travelers for over a thousand years, with numerous traditional ryokans and modern hotels featuring both indoor and outdoor baths. The area combines relaxation with adventure, as visitors can explore art museums, cruise on Lake Ashi, and ride the famous Hakone Ropeway while enjoying the rejuvenating waters.

Gotemba Premium Outlets is one of Japan's largest and most popular outlet shopping destinations, featuring over 200 stores of international and Japanese brands set against stunning views of Mount Fuji. Located conveniently between Tokyo and popular resort areas, this expansive outdoor mall offers discounts of 25-65% on luxury fashion, sportswear, cosmetics, and local goods. The beautiful European-style architecture and spacious layout make shopping here a pleasant experience, combining retail therapy with scenic natural beauty.

Nestled along the historic Old Tokaido Road in Hakone, Amasake Chaya is a charming traditional tea house that has been serving weary travelers for over 400 years. The specialty here is amasake, a sweet, non-alcoholic fermented rice drink that warms the soul, perfectly paired with their famous charcoal-grilled mochi rice cakes. This atmospheric stop offers an authentic glimpse into Edo-period travel culture, with tatami seating and servers in traditional dress welcoming guests just as they did centuries ago.

Japan, 〒250-0311 Kanagawa, Ashigarashimo District, Hakone, Yumoto, 字茶の花749-1

1121 Ninotaira, Hakone, Ashigarashimo District, Kanagawa 250-0493, Japan

The Hakone Venetian Glass Museum, also known as the Glass Forest Museum, is a stunning tribute to Italian glassmaking artistry set against the scenic backdrop of Hakone's mountains. The museum features an enchanting collection of authentic Venetian glass pieces from the 15th to 19th centuries, along with contemporary glass art installations. Visitors can stroll through European-style gardens adorned with sparkling glass sculptures and trees that shimmer in the sunlight, creating a magical, fairy-tale atmosphere.

Nestled in the forests of Hakone, the Pola Museum of Art houses an impressive collection of European and Japanese art, including works by Monet, Renoir, Picasso, and renowned Japanese artists. The striking contemporary architecture features floor-to-ceiling windows that blend the museum seamlessly with the surrounding nature, creating a unique aesthetic experience. Visitors can also enjoy a scenic forest walking path that winds through the museum grounds, offering a perfect combination of art and nature.

Hakone Sekisho is a meticulously reconstructed Edo-period checkpoint that once controlled traffic along the historic Tokaido road connecting Tokyo and Kyoto. Visitors can explore authentic guard houses, gates, and observation towers while learning about the strict travel regulations of feudal Japan, when samurai inspectors examined travelers' permits. The checkpoint's stunning location on the shores of Lake Ashi offers picturesque views of Mount Fuji on clear days, making it both a historical and scenic highlight of the Hakone region.

The Okada Museum of Art in Hakone showcases an impressive collection of East Asian art spanning from ancient times to the modern era, with over 450 masterpieces including Japanese paintings, Chinese ceramics, and Korean Buddhist sculptures. The five-story museum building is itself a work of art, featuring a stunning 12-meter tall wind god and thunder god mural at its entrance. After exploring the galleries, visitors can relax in the traditional Japanese garden and enjoy matcha tea while admiring seasonal landscapes.

Perched on the mountainside of Hakone with breathtaking views of Lake Ashi and Mount Fuji, the Narukawa Art Museum houses one of Japan's finest collections of contemporary nihonga (Japanese-style paintings). The museum's floor-to-ceiling windows create a stunning panorama that rivals the artwork itself, making it a perfect blend of natural beauty and cultural appreciation. Visitors can enjoy a peaceful atmosphere while exploring rotating exhibitions featuring works by renowned modern Japanese artists.

1300 Gōra, Hakone, Ashigarashimo District, Kanagawa 250-0408, Japan

Tōgendai Port serves as the northern terminal for Hakone's iconic pirate ships that cruise across the stunning Lake Ashi, offering breathtaking views of Mount Fuji on clear days. This port is conveniently connected to the Hakone Ropeway, making it a key hub for exploring the volcanic Owakudani valley and the surrounding Hakone region. The elaborately decorated pirate ships provide a unique and entertaining way to experience one of Japan's most scenic lakes while traveling between major Hakone attractions.

161 Hakone, Ashigarashimo District, Kanagawa 250-0521, Japan

955 Kajiya, Yugawara, Ashigarashimo District, Kanagawa 259-0313, Japan

139 Motohakone, Hakone, Ashigarashimo District, Kanagawa 250-0522, Japan

Ōwakudani Station is a spectacular ropeway stop perched high in Hakone's volcanic valley, offering breathtaking views of active sulfur vents and steaming fumaroles. Visitors can witness the dramatic landscape of this geothermal wonder while enjoying panoramic vistas of Mount Fuji on clear days. The station serves as the gateway to exploring the famous black eggs boiled in volcanic springs, believed to add seven years to your life.

The Sengokuhara Susuki Grass Fields transform into a mesmerizing golden sea each autumn, with thousands of pampas grass stalks swaying across the hillside creating one of Hakone's most photogenic landscapes. Located in the volcanic valley of Sengokuhara, this natural wonder is best experienced from late September through November when the silvery-gold plumes catch the sunlight and create an otherworldly atmosphere. A wooden walkway allows visitors to stroll through the fields and climb to an observation platform offering panoramic views of the surrounding mountains.

Nestled in the scenic mountains of Hakone, this specialized botanical garden showcases the unique flora of Japan's wetland ecosystems. Visitors can stroll along wooden boardwalks winding through carefully preserved marshlands, observing rare aquatic plants, seasonal wildflowers, and diverse moss species thriving in their natural habitat. The tranquil atmosphere and cooler microclimate make it a refreshing escape, especially during the humid summer months.

507 Kowakudani, Hakone, Ashigarashimo District, Kanagawa 250-0406, Japan

682 Yumoto, Hakone, Ashigarashimo District, Kanagawa 250-0311, Japan

Hatajuku, Hakone, Ashigarashimo District, Kanagawa 250-0314, Japan

694 Yumoto, Hakone, Ashigarashimo District, Kanagawa 250-0311, Japan

Miyagino, Hakone, Ashigarashimo District, Kanagawa 250-0401, Japan

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

Japan, 〒250-0404 Kanagawa, Ashigarashimo District, Hakone, Miyanoshita, 国道1号

Yumoto, Hakone, Ashigarashimo District, Kanagawa 250-0311, Japan

405 Yumoto, Hakone, Ashigarashimo District, Kanagawa 250-0311, Japan

The Hakone Ropeway is a spectacular aerial cable car that connects Sounzan Station to Togendai, soaring over the active volcanic valley of Owakudani. During the 30-minute journey, passengers enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of Mount Fuji, Lake Ashi, and the dramatic volcanic landscape with steaming sulfur vents below. This is one of Japan's most scenic ropeway rides and an essential part of the famous Hakone Loop, offering unforgettable photo opportunities at every turn.

The Ashinoko Skyline is a scenic toll road that winds through the mountains of Hakone, offering breathtaking panoramic views of Mount Fuji, Lake Ashi, and the surrounding volcanic landscape. This 10.7-kilometer drive reaches elevations over 1,000 meters, with multiple observation points where you can stop to capture stunning photos of the iconic mountain and Suruga Bay. Popular with motorcyclists and driving enthusiasts, the route provides an exhilarating way to experience Hakone's natural beauty from above.