Gora
A mountain resort town famous for hot springs, natural beauty, and iconic views of Mt. Fuji, offering a traditional ryokan experience.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the crowds and enjoy peace
Gora
Best Time
Beat the crowds and enjoy peace
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A mountain resort town famous for hot springs, natural beauty, and iconic views of Mt. Fuji, offering a traditional ryokan experience.
"Experience the magic of Hakone: from serene onsen to breathtaking Mt. Fuji views, it's a must-visit!"
🎯 Get the Hakone Free Pass
Essential for navigating the loop! Covers most transport, saving money and hassle.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking and exploring different terrains.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Hakone Open-Air Museum
Chokoku-no-Mori
A stunning outdoor sculpture park set against the backdrop of the mountains. Art and nature blend beautifully here.
Lake Ashi Cruise
Lake Ashi
Sail across the serene Lake Ashi on a pirate ship replica, with iconic views of Mt. Fuji and the Hakone Shrine torii gate.
Owakudani Volcanic Valley
Owakudani
Witness the active volcanic hot springs and try the famous black eggs, said to add seven years to your life.
Hakone Shrine
Motohakone
Visit the iconic red torii gate standing majestically in Lake Ashi, a truly picturesque and spiritual spot.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Hakone Loop
Beat the Crowds Early
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Get the Hakone Free Pass
Essential for navigating the loop! Covers most transport, saving money and hassle.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking and exploring different terrains.
📸 Capture Mt. Fuji Views
Best chances are from Lake Ashi or during clear weather from various viewpoints.
♨️ Experience a Ryokan
Indulge in a traditional Japanese inn stay with onsen and kaiseki meals. +1
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Get the Hakone Free Pass
Essential for navigating the loop! Covers most transport, saving money and hassle.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking and exploring different terrains.
📸 Capture Mt. Fuji Views
Best chances are from Lake Ashi or during clear weather from various viewpoints.
♨️ Experience a Ryokan
Indulge in a traditional Japanese inn stay with onsen and kaiseki meals. +1
⏳ Start Your Day Early
To avoid crowds and enjoy the best views, begin your Hakone adventure at sunrise.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Hakone for its stunning natural beauty, iconic views of Mt. Fuji, and the unique cultural experience of staying in a ryokan with onsen. The Hakone Loop is a highlight, offering diverse transport and scenic stops. However, some find it can get very crowded, and the cost can add up.
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The most popular way is by taking the Odakyu Romancecar from Shinjuku Station to Hakone-Yumoto. Alternatively, you can take the Shinkansen bullet train to Odawara and then transfer to local lines.
The Hakone Loop involves several modes of transport (train, cable car, ropeway, boat). While components are numerous, signs are generally clear, and the Hakone Free Pass helps. Planning your route beforehand is recommended.
It's a comprehensive pass that covers most transportation within Hakone, including trains, buses, cable cars, ropeways, and the pirate ship cruise on Lake Ashi. It's highly recommended for exploring the area.
Yes, Hakone is a very popular day trip destination from Tokyo. However, spending at least one night allows for a more relaxed experience and the chance to enjoy an onsen ryokan.
The full Hakone Loop can take anywhere from 6 hours to a full day, depending on your pace and how long you spend at each attraction. Starting early is key to completing it comfortably.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
With the Hakone Free Pass, many of the transportation methods are covered. For specific attractions like museums (e.g., Hakone Open-Air Museum), separate admission tickets are usually required.
Opening hours vary by attraction. Museums typically open around 9 or 10 AM and close by 5 PM. It's best to check the specific hours for each place you plan to visit.
Hakone can be expensive, especially if you opt for luxury ryokans or fine dining. However, using the Hakone Free Pass and focusing on free natural attractions can help manage costs.
Yes, enjoying the natural scenery, walking around Lake Ashi, and visiting the Hakone Shrine (exterior) are free. The Hakone Open-Air Museum has an admission fee, but the grounds themselves offer beautiful views.
Yes, you can purchase the Hakone Free Pass online in advance or at major Odakyu stations in Tokyo, such as Shinjuku. This saves time upon arrival.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
Key highlights include the Hakone Open-Air Museum, a cruise on Lake Ashi with views of Mt. Fuji, the volcanic Owakudani valley, and the iconic Hakone Shrine torii gate. +1
A ryokan is a traditional Japanese inn offering tatami mat rooms, futon beds, and often onsen (hot springs). Staying in one is a highly recommended cultural experience. +2
The clearest views of Mt. Fuji are typically seen on crisp, sunny days. Popular spots include the shores of Lake Ashi and viewpoints along the Hakone Ropeway.
The Hakone Ropeway offers stunning aerial views of the volcanic landscape of Owakudani and the surrounding mountains. It's a key part of the Hakone Loop.
Yes, Hakone is famous for its numerous hot springs. Many hotels and ryokans offer private or public onsen facilities for guests to relax and rejuvenate. +2
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Hakone offers a range of Japanese cuisine. Don't miss trying the black eggs at Owakudani, fresh seafood, and traditional kaiseki meals if you stay at a ryokan. +2
Yes, you'll find restaurants and cafes near major transport hubs like Hakone-Yumoto and around Lake Ashi. Many ryokans also offer excellent dining experiences.
These are eggs boiled in the hot springs of Owakudani. The sulfur in the water turns the shells black, and they are believed to prolong life.
Dining prices can vary. Casual eateries and cafes are more affordable, while fine dining at ryokans or upscale restaurants can be quite pricey.
While traditional Japanese cuisine often features fish and meat, many restaurants are becoming more accommodating. It's advisable to check menus or inquire about vegetarian options in advance.
📸 📸 Photography
The Hakone Shrine's torii gate in Lake Ashi, the volcanic landscape of Owakudani, the sculptures at the Hakone Open-Air Museum, and panoramic views of Mt. Fuji are all incredibly photogenic. +1
Early morning offers the best light and fewest crowds, ideal for capturing serene landscapes. Golden hour in the late afternoon can also provide beautiful lighting.
A smartphone camera is sufficient for most visitors, but a DSLR or mirrorless camera will allow for higher quality shots, especially in varying light conditions.
Generally, photography is allowed in most public areas. However, always be respectful of private property and any posted signs regarding photography, especially inside museums or ryokans.
Expect a mix of natural landscapes, cultural landmarks, art installations, and potentially iconic shots of Mt. Fuji. The variety makes Hakone a photographer's delight. +1
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider staying in a ryokan that offers family-friendly amenities or private onsen options for a more comfortable experience. While the Hakone Loop involves several transfers, it's generally manageable with children. Packing snacks and drinks is always a good idea, and starting the day early can help avoid meltdowns from crowds and fatigue.
🚗 Road Trippers & Car Enthusiasts
For car enthusiasts, seeing the Toyota GR86 Hakone Edition in its namesake region might be a unique draw, though this is more of a niche interest related to specific car models rather than a general Hakone attraction.
🧘♀️ Relaxation Seekers & Onsen Lovers
Beyond ryokans, there are public onsen facilities and hot spring resorts where you can enjoy a rejuvenating soak. The tranquil mountain setting and the therapeutic properties of the mineral-rich waters make Hakone an ideal escape for unwinding. Consider booking a ryokan with a private onsen for the ultimate secluded relaxation experience.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating the Hakone Loop
Key components of the loop include the Hakone Tozan Railway, the Hakone Tozan Cable Car, the Hakone Ropeway (offering views of the volcanic Owakudani valley), and the Hakone Sightseeing Cruise (often on pirate ship replicas) across Lake Ashi. The order can be flexible, but many opt for a clockwise or counter-clockwise route starting from Hakone-Yumoto or Odawara. Planning your route in advance, perhaps by downloading a map or using a travel app, can significantly smooth the experience and ensure you don't miss any key stops.
While the loop is designed to be straightforward, some visitors find the sheer number of transfers and options a bit daunting. Signs are generally present at each station indicating the next leg of the journey, but having a general understanding of the sequence is beneficial. Redditors often share tips on the most efficient order or suggest skipping certain segments if time is limited. The goal is to enjoy the journey and the stunning scenery, not to rush through it.
The Ryokan Experience in Hakone
Travelers rave about the tranquility and immersive nature of ryokan stays. The experience goes beyond just accommodation; it's about embracing a slower pace, enjoying the serene atmosphere, and often soaking in private or communal onsen baths. Some ryokans, like Hakone Gora Byakudan, are noted for including all meals and snacks in their overnight fees, offering excellent value.
When choosing a ryokan, consider its location relative to the Hakone Loop attractions and the type of onsen experience you desire (private vs. public, indoor vs. outdoor). Booking in advance is highly recommended, especially during peak seasons, as popular ryokans fill up quickly. Embracing the ryokan culture, including the etiquette around onsen use and dining, will enhance your overall experience.
Capturing Hakone's Iconic Views
Beyond the shrine, the Hakone Ropeway provides breathtaking aerial perspectives of the steaming vents and sulfurous landscape of Owakudani. This is a dramatic and visually striking area, perfect for capturing the raw power of nature. Nearby, the Hakone Open-Air Museum offers a unique juxtaposition of art and nature, with sculptures set against the backdrop of the surrounding mountains.
For those hoping to glimpse Mt. Fuji, clear days are essential. The best vantage points are often from the shores of Lake Ashi or from higher elevations along the ropeway. While some visitors have captured impressive shots from the Mishima Skywalk, which is a bit further afield, the classic views are best sought from within the core Hakone area.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit