Hakone Ropeway & Owakudani: A scenic aerial tram that takes you over the Owakudani volcanic valley, where you can see sulfuric vents and hot springs. At the station, you can try the famous black eggs (kuro-tamago), which are regular chicken eggs boiled in the thermal waters, turning the shells black. It’s said that eating one adds seven years to your life. A one-way ticket on the ropeway is around ¥5 USD.
Lake Ashi (Ashinoko): A caldera lake that is the central hub of many Hakone activities. You can take the Hakone Sightseeing Cruise on a replica pirate ship, which offers stunning views of the lake and, on a clear day, Mount Fuji. The sightseeing cruise is covered by the Hakone Freepass.
Hakone Shrine: A historic Shinto shrine with a beautiful setting, famous for its iconic “Torii of Peace” gate standing in the middle of Lake Ashi. Be prepared for a line to take photos at the gate. Admission is free.
The Hakone Open-Air Museum: A sprawling outdoor museum with a collection of sculptures by famous artists, including Henry Moore and Pablo Picasso, set against a backdrop of nature. It’s a fantastic and unique way to experience art. Admission is around ¥1,900 for adults.
Hakone Tozan Railway: A scenic mountain railway that winds its way up the mountain, passing through tunnels and over bridges, offering beautiful views of the surrounding forests. The railway is especially popular during the hydrangea season in June.
Onsen (Hot Springs): Hakone is famous for its hot springs. Many ryokan (traditional Japanese inns) have their own private or public onsens, but there are also public bathhouses. Soaking in an onsen is a quintessential Japanese experience. Prices for public onsens vary, but a day pass can be around ¥1,400.
Hakone Sekisho (Checkpoint): A reconstructed historical checkpoint on the old Tokaido Highway, providing insight into the Edo period when travelers were strictly controlled. Admission is around ¥500.
Amasake Tea House: A historic teahouse on the Old Tokaido Highway that has been serving travelers for centuries. Here, you can enjoy a warm cup of sweet, non-alcoholic amazake and some hot mochi. A bowl of amazake and mochi is very affordable, typically around ¥400-¥500.
What to Eat in Hakone, Japan
Soba Noodles: Hakone is known for its delicious soba, which are buckwheat noodles. You can find them at many local restaurants throughout the area. A meal typically costs around ¥1,000 to ¥3,000.
Owakudani Black Eggs (Kuro-tamago): A must-try tourist food. These eggs are boiled in the sulfuric hot springs of Owakudani, which turns the shells black.
Kaiseki Ryori: Many ryokan offer a traditional multi-course dinner called kaiseki. This is an artistic and delicious dining experience featuring seasonal local ingredients. Kaiseki dinners can be pricey, ranging from ¥5,000 to over ¥10,000 per person.
Kamaboko: A type of fish cake that is a local specialty in the Odawara and Hakone area. You can find shops selling fresh kamaboko to try.
Onsen Manju: Steamed buns filled with sweet bean paste, often sold near hot spring resorts.
TIPS
Hakone Freepass: If you plan to do the Hakone Loop (which includes the ropeway, pirate ship, and various trains and buses), the Hakone Freepass is a fantastic value. It offers unlimited rides on eight different modes of transportation in the area and provides discounts at many attractions. You can buy a 2-day or 3-day pass.
Getting Around: The main attractions in Hakone are connected by a series of trains, cable cars, ropeways, and buses, which make up the “Hakone Loop.” It’s best to start early in the morning, as attractions often close around 4:30 PM.
Views of Mount Fuji: Clear days are best for viewing Mount Fuji. The best spots are from the Hakone Ropeway, Lake Ashi, or the Komagatake Ropeway. Winter (November-February) offers the highest chance of clear skies.
Cash is King: While Japan is becoming more cashless, many smaller shops and restaurants in Hakone, especially in more rural areas, may only accept cash. It’s a good idea to have some yen on hand.
Luggage Forwarding: Consider using a luggage forwarding service (like Yamato Transport) to send your bags from the station to your hotel. This allows you to explore the area unburdened.
HOTELS (Ryokan and Hotels)
Luxury: Hakone Suishoen, Hyatt Regency Hakone Resort and Spa. These hotels often feature a mix of traditional Japanese and modern amenities, including private onsens.
Mid-Range: Mount View Hakone, Ajisai Onsen Ryokan, Hotel Indigo Hakone Gora by IHG. These properties offer a great balance of comfort, service, and price, with many including onsen facilities.
Budget: Hakone Onsen Sanso Nakamura, HAKONE guesthouse gaku. These guesthouses and hotels offer a more affordable way to experience Hakone, often with shared facilities.
YEARLY CALENDAR
January: The Hakone Shrine New Year Celebration Fireworks take place on January 1st over Lake Ashi.
March-April: The cherry blossom season (sakura) starts later in Hakone than in Tokyo due to the higher altitude, typically in the first two weeks of April.
June-July: The hydrangea season (ajisai) makes for a beautiful ride on the Hakone Tozan Railway, as the tracks are lined with blooming flowers.
July: The Ashinoko Kosui Matsuri is a festival with fireworks and offerings to the lake’s dragon deity.
August: The Kojiri Dragon Festival features traditional performances and a fireworks display. Hakone Daimonji-yaki is a traditional festival where a large bonfire in the shape of the kanji character for “big” (大) is lit on a mountainside.
November: The Hakone Daimyo Gyoretsu Parade reenacts the processions of feudal lords from the Edo period, with people in traditional costumes.
Throughout the year: Many ryokan and tea houses offer traditional tea ceremonies throughout the year, which are a great way to experience Japanese culture.
