Mt. Fuji views, hot springs, art, & more await.
The following are the best activities to do during your visit to Hakone.
Thao Vo
Jun 01 2025
14m
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Planning a trip to Japan and looking for the best things to do in Hakone Japan? You've come to the right place! Hakone, a mountain paradise just a short trip from Tokyo, offers a wealth of experiences. Imagine cruising across a sparkling lake, exploring ancient shrines, unwinding in a traditional onsen, and more. This guide from TravelThru will provide you with a curated list of must-see attractions, insider tips, and practical information to help you make the most of your time in this captivating destination. Get ready to discover the ultimate Hakone itinerary!
Riding the Hakone Ropeway would definitely be a highlight of any Japan itinerary. The ropeway offers unparalleled panoramic views of Hakone's natural beauty, including, on a clear day, stunning views of Mount Fuji. It is a must to take photos here.
One of the major stops along the ropeway is Owakudani Station. Here, you can also try their famous black eggs, which are hard-boiled in the naturally hot spring water. Apparently, eating one is said to add seven years to your life!
Cost: A one-way trip from Sounzan to Togendai costs around ¥1,550. Again, this is covered by the Hakone Free Pass.
Opening hours: The ropeway generally operates from around 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, but hours can vary. Check the official website for the latest schedule.
Time needed: The ride from Sounzan to Owakudani takes about 8 minutes, and another 16 minutes from Owakudani to Togendai. Allow time to explore Owakudani, especially if you want to walk around the volcanic area or try the black eggs. If doing the whole route, plan for at least one hour, excluding any time spent at Owakudani.
TravelThru tip: Check the operational status before you go. The ropeway can be affected by volcanic activity or strong winds. Also, go in the morning, you will have the best chance to see Mount Fuji.
Opened in 1969, the Hakone Open-Air Museum was Japan's first outdoor art museum and remains a special place to experience art. Across its vast 70,000 square meters, you'll find around 120 modern and contemporary sculptures, including pieces by Henry Moore and Fernand Léger. There's also a Picasso exhibit inside. It's a great place for families, with some sculptures designed for children to play with.
Getting there: The museum is easily accessible via the Hakone Tozan Railway. Get off at Chokoku-no-Mori Station, which is just a short walk from there.
Cost: General admission is around ¥1,600. Discounts are often available for students and groups.
Tip: Check the museum's website for information on current exhibitions and events. They often have special installations and interactive programs. Also, wear comfortable shoes. You will do a lot of walking to explore the grounds.
A cruise on Lake Ashinoko is one of the best things to do in Hakone! You've got options for how to enjoy the water, from huge, impressive pirate ships to smaller, two-person swan boats and even a fun Ninja bus. We highly recommend choosing to sail on the "Queen Ashinoko," a gorgeous pirate ship decked out in wood and bright colors. The ship "Victory" was also docked nearby.
A one-way trip from Motohakone-Ko to Togendai-Ko takes about 25 minutes. Along the way, you'll see stunning views of Hakone Shrine, Kuzuryu Shrine, and even Mount Fuji on a clear day! You can take a round trip to get back to where you started. And if you're looking for a truly magical experience, try a sunset cruise!
Cost: A round-trip cruise costs around ¥2,220. The Hakone Free Pass covers the fare.
Opening hours: Cruises typically run from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, but it's best to check the official website for the most up-to-date timetable, especially during the off-season.
Time needed: Allow around 30-40 minutes for each leg of the cruise. Suppose you plan to hop on and off at different ports; factor in time to explore each area. A full loop without getting off takes around 70 minutes.
When you arrive in Moto-Hakone after your pirate ship ride from Togendai, don't miss Hakone Shrine and its striking red torii gate on the lake. This shrine is known for bringing luck in battle, and historical figures like Tokugawa Ieyasu believed in its power. A quick ten-minute walk takes you to Kuzuryu Shrine, which has a fascinating history. Legend says a nine-headed dragon calmed a monster in Lake Ashi during the Nara period, and now this shrine is believed to bring luck in both financial and romantic matters.
Opening hours: The shrine grounds are generally open from dawn until dusk. The shrine's office is open from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
TravelThru tip: For a truly magical experience, visit early in the morning before the crowds arrive. The soft morning light filtering through the trees creates an ethereal ambiance.
Want a break from Hakone's tourist crowds? Then, discover the beauty of the Old Tokaido Highway on foot. This ancient path once connected Kyoto and Tokyo during the Edo period. For a scenic and well-preserved section, walk from Hatajuku to Lake Ashinoko, a journey of about 35 minutes. This route takes you through the atmospheric Cedar Avenue, lined with ancient trees. Make sure to stop at the Amazake Teahouse along the way for refreshments – it's one of the top things to do in Hakone, Japan!
Cost: Hiking the Old Tokaido Road is free.
Opening hours: The road is accessible 24/7, but it's best to hike during daylight hours for safety and visibility.
Time needed: The length of your hike depends on the section you choose. The walk from the Amazake-chaya Teahouse to Moto-Hakone takes about 30-40 minutes. Allow more time if you plan to explore other sections or stop frequently along the way.
What we find so special about Hakone is its unexpected blend of old-world Japanese charm and European influences. One moment, you're immersed in a Western fairytale at the Hakone Glass Museum, and the next, you're strolling through Gora Park, feeling as though you've stepped into the French countryside. Remarkably, this beautiful French-style park dates back to 1914 and features a captivating rose garden maze, a magnificent azure fountain, and grand old trees that evoke a sense of being in a classic French story.
Opening hours: The park is generally open from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with slight variations depending on the season. Check the official website for the current schedule.
Our Tip: If you're visiting during a popular season, try to go early in the morning or later in the afternoon to avoid the largest crowds. Also, the park is built on a slope, so be prepared for some uphill walking.
Don't miss the Sengokuhara Pampas Grass Field in Hakone! This stunning field on Mount Hakone's western slope offers breathtaking views, especially in autumn when the susuki grass turns a shimmering gold. A single path leads you through the field, offering panoramic vistas. While beautiful year-round, the field's colors change with the seasons, from summer green to autumn gold. A spring burning keeps the pampas grass thriving.
TravelThru tip: The pampas grass is at its peak in autumn, typically from late September to early November. This is when you'll see the fields in their full golden glory. Check the forecast, as the golden hue is most apparent under the sunlight. Also, there are not any shops there, so make sure to bring your own drinks.
Located in Fuji Hakone Izu National Park, the Hakone Botanical Garden of Wetlands showcases over 1700 varieties of Japanese marsh and alpine plants. Established in 1976, the garden features boardwalk paths winding through various wetland habitats, with informational signs in both English and Japanese. While popular in June when the Nikko Kisuge (daylilies) bloom, the garden is closed during the winter.
Getting there: The garden is accessible by bus. Take the Hakone Tozan Bus bound for Togendai and get off at the Hakone Botanical Garden (Hakone Shokubutsu-en) bus stop.
Cost: Entrance to the garden is around ¥700 for adults.
Opening hours: The garden is typically open from 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM (last entry at 4:00 PM). It is open daily during the rest of the year, except from December 1st to March 19th. Check the official website for any variations.
The Pola Museum of Art houses an impressive collection of around 10,000 pieces, ranging from French Impressionist paintings and Japanese art to Oriental ceramics, glassware, and cosmetic tools. Notable works include Monet's "Water Lily Pond," Renoir's "Girl in a Lace Hat," and Picasso's "Mother and Child by the Sea."
The museum building, designed by Nikken Sekkei, is also an architectural highlight. The gift shop offers 2,000 items, including those featuring artwork from the collection. For dining, Restaurant Array offers full meals, while Café Tune provides lighter fare and scenic views of the Hakone mountains.
Opening hours: The museum is typically open from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM (last entry at 4:30 PM). It is open every day. Check their website to make sure.
Our tip: Check the museum's website for information on current exhibitions. They often have special exhibits that complement their permanent collection. Also, take advantage of the museum's restaurant or cafe. They offer stunning views and are a great place to relax after exploring the galleries.
The Narukawa Art Museum in Hakone specializes in nihonga, a style of Japanese painting that uses traditional techniques and materials. While initially created to distinguish Japanese art from Western styles, nihonga has evolved to incorporate some Western techniques. Beyond its art collection, the museum has a panorama lounge and cafe with stunning views of Lake Ashinoko, Mount Fuji (on a clear day), and the iconic floating torii gate of Hakone Shrine.
Cost: General admission is around ¥1,300. Discounts are available for students.
The Okada Museum of Art in Hakone is a vast museum showcasing a wide range of Japanese, Chinese, and Korean art across five floors and 5,000 square meters. Its collection spans from ancient to contemporary pieces, offering a comprehensive overview of East Asian art history. The current exhibition highlights the four seasons through 100 works, including paintings, ceramics, and lacquerware. The perfect way to end your visit? Relax in the outdoor hot spring foot bath and enjoy the view of a magnificent mural of the wind and thunder gods.
This museum is a delightful surprise, especially for those who love to capture beautiful moments on camera. Unlike many art venues, this hidden gem not only allows photography but practically encourages it.
Its garden is a breathtaking spectacle of countless shimmering crystals – almost too beautiful to be real! The displays change with the seasons: you'll find both autumnal susuki and Christmas trees, with pink crystal cherry blossoms promised for spring. There's even a little nature trail to explore.
And for the ultimate luxurious experience? Enjoy tea or lunch on the terrace while listening to live Italian music. It's the perfect way to feel like royalty for an afternoon.
Tip: Check the museum's website for information on special exhibitions or events. They often have demonstrations of glassblowing or other craft activities. Also, visit the museum shop. It is a good place to get some cool Japanese souvenirs to bring home.
When in Motohakone-ko, don't miss the chance to visit the Hakone Checkpoint, especially if you're fascinated by history. This remarkably preserved checkpoint is a unique treasure, being the only one from Japan's Edo period restored to its original form. It's a truly special opportunity to walk through a piece of Japan's past, an activity you can only find in Hakone.
While technically just outside of Hakone, Odawara Castle is a worthwhile excursion, especially if you're traveling to or from the area. This majestic castle, with its imposing white walls and multi-tiered keep, is a powerful symbol of Japan's samurai history.
The castle is famed for its vibrant floral displays, especially the cherry blossoms in late March to early April, but you'll also find a stunning array of plum blossoms, azaleas, wisteria, irises, hydrangeas, and lotuses. For a more interactive experience, head to the Ninja Museum near the main entrance, where you can test your skills on an obstacle course and learn about ninja life.
You might be surprised, but the most memorable thing to do in Hakone is to experience its incredible onsens! Onsen culture is a vital part of the Japanese experience and shouldn't be missed. Hakone is one of Japan's most celebrated onsen towns, so put aside any concerns about being naked in public and embrace this unique tradition! While many of the finest onsens are found in ryokans and hotels, several public onsens welcome day visitors.
Our tip: If you're new to onsen, do some research on onsen etiquette beforehand. It's important to be aware of the customs and rules to ensure a comfortable and respectful experience for everyone. Also, if you have tattoos, make sure to check the onsen's policy. Some onsen do not allow people with tattoos to enter.
If you're seeking craft beer, delicious food, and a peaceful atmosphere, Gora Brewery & Grill is a must-visit. Developed by the acclaimed NOBU restaurant chain, the restaurant boasts a stylish wooden interior with a contemporary flair. While the dining experience leans towards semi-fine dining, the overall vibe is quite laid-back.
You can savor four distinct locally brewed beers while taking in views of the Japanese garden from the bar. Adding to the unique experience is an outdoor foot bath where you can unwind with your craft beer.
Nestled down a staircase, Fukuju-In temple perches on a concrete cliffside. The temple offers authentic cultural experiences with foreigner-friendly English menus and instructions. The calligraphy class is priced at 2000 JPY per hour. Through personalized consultation, you can select any characters to practice, even without prior knowledge of Chinese or Japanese.
In Hakone, don't miss the opportunity to try amazake, a delicious, sweet, and non-alcoholic fermented rice drink. For a truly authentic experience, visit the Amazake-Chaya Teahouse, a 400-year-old establishment serving amazake made from an original Edo-period recipe.
Historically, this beverage was a favorite among samurai and travelers. Hikers tackling Mt. Kintoki can also enjoy amazake at the summit teahouse, although it's a different experience than at Amazake-Chaya. Amazake is a perfect beverage for any time of year in Hakone, but it is particularly enjoyable during the colder winter months.
TravelThru Tip: Try the chikara mochi (power rice cakes) along with your amazake. They're a traditional snack that's said to give you energy for your journey. Also, take a moment to appreciate the historic building itself. It's a rare surviving example of Edo-period teahouse architecture.
Looking for souvenirs? The shopping arcade in front of Hakone-Yumoto Station is the place to go. Check out Tanakaya for yosegi marquetry boxes, onsen minerals, and unique local finds. For edible gifts, Chimoto, a traditional sweets shop near the onsen area, offers delicious yumochi cakes with a marshmallow-like texture (also available in their café).
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As you can see, Hakone is a destination that truly captivates the soul. The memories you make here, whether it's witnessing the majesty of Mount Fuji from a pirate ship, finding serenity in a traditional teahouse, or feeling the warmth of an onsen on a cool evening, will stay with you long after you leave. We hope this guide has inspired you to explore all the incredible things to do in Hakone, Japan, and that your journey is filled with wonder, discovery, and moments of pure joy.