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Things to Do in Hakone, Japan
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Plan language: EnglishMost popular attractions in Hakone, Japan
Things to do in Hakone, Japan include visiting the Hakone Open Air Museum, where outdoor sculptures harmonize with beautiful mountain scenery. Tourists can also explore Hakone Shrine, renowned for its torii gate on the edge of Lake Ashi. For those seeking adventure, the Hakone Ropeway provides spectacular views of the volcanic activity in the Owakudani Valley.
1. Hakone Open Air Museum
Art enthusiasts will delight in over 120 sculptures set against stunning natural backdrops. Enjoy a visual treat that combines world-class art with magnificent landscapes.
Quick facts: Outdoor art lovers can discover more than 120 sculptures spread across 70,000 square meters of beautiful scenery. The museum combines art with the natural environment, offering views of the nearby mountains and hot springs.
Highlights: A massive, colorful Picasso sculpture welcomes guests right at the entrance, catching the eye with its playful shapes and lively colors. The museum's distinctive Open-Air Hot Springs exhibit allows you to soak while surrounded by art, an uncommon pairing found here.
2. Hakone Shrine
Walk under a striking crimson gate rising from the lake's surface. Enjoy tranquil paths lined with towering ancient trees and a sense of traditional spiritual calm.
Quick facts: A tall red torii gate stands prominently in the calm waters of a lake, inviting visitors with timeless appeal. Centuries of spiritual traditions quietly linger in the ancient cedar trees lining the paths.
Highlights: According to legend, the grand gate marks a passage between the physical world and sacred spaces, glowing in the misty mornings and creating a magical feel. The shrine's path winds beneath a canopy of old trees whose shadows dance in the filtered sunlight.
3. Owakudani Valley
Discover surreal volcanic scenery and famous black eggs said to add years to your life. Inhale sulfur-scented breezes and take in breathtaking views of Mount Fuji nearby.
Quick facts: Located in a volcanic valley with steaming vents and bubbling pools, this site is known for its sulfur hot springs and black eggs boiled in the natural hot water. A cable car ride offers stunning views of Mount Fuji on clear days, adding a breathtaking backdrop to the unusual landscape.
Highlights: The volcanic activity here is so strong that steam rises from cracks everywhere and sulfur perfumes the air, giving a true sense of nature's raw force. Local legend claims that eating one of the black eggs, cooked in the hot springs, extends your life by seven years, making the visit both fun and mystical.
4. Lake Ashi
Enjoy beautiful mountain reflections and a peaceful boat ride. Capture iconic sights while exploring scenic trails and cultural landmarks.
Quick facts: A large volcanic crater lake often has a mysterious mist rolling over its surface, creating a calm and otherworldly atmosphere. The lake is well known for views of Mount Fuji reflected on its waters, attracting photographers from around the world.
Highlights: Brightly colored pirate ships float on the lake, offering boat tours with panoramic views of the mountains, including the iconic silhouette of Mount Fuji. Near the shore, a quiet cedar-lined path leads to a historic shrine with a vivid red torii gate that seems to float on the water at high tide.
5. Hakone Ropeway
Soar over volcanic valleys boasting epic views. Take in awe-inspiring landscapes and a refreshing breeze unlike any other.
Quick facts: Soaring above volcanic valleys and steaming vents offers jaw-dropping panoramic views that stretch to Mount Fuji on clear days. The ride spans about 4 kilometers, connecting several scenic spots with ease.
Highlights: Glide over the Owakudani volcanic valley, where sulfur vents shape a dramatic and ever-changing landscape beneath you. Enjoy the striking contrast of bright green forests against steaming crater fields that pulse with geothermal energy.
6. Polà Museum of Art
Explore exquisite Impressionist artworks displayed in a forest sanctuary. Experience the seamless harmony of art and nature surrounding you.
Quick facts: The museum features more than 10,000 artworks including French Impressionist paintings and traditional Japanese arts. It harmonizes nature and art beautifully, set within a lush forest with glass walls providing stunning views.
Highlights: Imagine strolling along a peaceful forest path before stepping into galleries where Monet and Renoir paintings shine in natural light. The building design blends seamlessly with the greenery, merging indoor and outdoor spaces for a breathtaking experience.
7. Gora Park
Find a peaceful retreat with stunning vistas of Mount Fuji and seasonal blossoms. Partake in a traditional tea ceremony amidst vibrant cherry blossoms.
Quick facts: This park rests on a hillside, offering impressive views of Mount Fuji when the sky is clear. It boasts beautifully landscaped gardens with seasonal flowers that change colors throughout the year.
Highlights: A highlight is the charming tea house overlooking a tranquil pond, where visitors can participate in a traditional tea ceremony. Cherry blossoms bloom in thick clusters here, creating a pink canopy that makes you feel like you have stepped into a fairytale during spring.
8. Odawara Castle
Delve into samurai heritage with panoramic views of Mount Fuji. Stroll through scenic gardens and ancient stone fortifications for an immersive journey back in time.
Quick facts: The castle acted as a strategic defense point against rival samurai clans and endured several sieges during its history. Visitors can admire the strong stone walls and restored keep that showcase its feudal military importance.
Highlights: A special feature is the stunning panoramic views of Sagami Bay and Mount Fuji seen from the top floor. On clear days, the gardens around burst into vivid colors, especially during cherry blossom season, creating a breathtaking scene.
Where to Stay in Hakone, Japan
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Traditional Sweet Dishes
Kuzumochi
Kuzumochi is a jelly-like sweet made from the starch of the kudzu plant, enjoyed for its smooth texture and subtle sweetness, often served with kinako (roasted soybean flour).
Yuba Sweets
Yuba, or tofu skin, is creatively used in desserts in Hakone, combining the delicate soy flavor with sweet ingredients to highlight local soy culture.
Mitarashi Dango
Mitarashi Dango are skewered rice dumplings coated with a sweet soy glaze, a popular treat at Hakone's traditional tea houses and festivals.
Traditional Savory Dishes
Soba Noodles
Hakone's mountainous region provides ideal conditions for buckwheat cultivation, making soba noodles a beloved local staple often served with a dipping sauce or in hot broth.
Onsen Tamago
Onsen Tamago is a soft-cooked egg delicately prepared in the region's famous hot springs, resulting in a creamy texture that is distinctively enjoyed in Hakone.
Kaiseki Ryori
Kaiseki Ryori is a traditional multi-course meal that showcases seasonal ingredients and artistic presentation, deeply rooted in Hakone's culinary heritage.
Traditional Beverages
Hakone Sake
Hakone's pure mountain water contributes to the distinct smoothness and flavor of its locally brewed sake, a prized drink among visitors and locals alike.
Green Tea
Green tea is integral to Hakone's culture, often enjoyed during tea ceremonies and paired with the region's sweets for a balanced taste experience.
Yamato Umeshu
Yamato Umeshu is a plum wine that offers a sweet and tart flavor, made from local ume plums harvested in the Hakone area for a unique regional twist.
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Most popular day trips
Kamakura
Historic town with temples, shrines, and the Great Buddha statue.
Tokyo
Japan’s bustling capital with endless shopping, dining, and entertainment.
Getting there
Train stations
Tokaido Shinkansen, Tokaido Main Line
Hakone Tozan Line
From Haneda or Narita, take the train to Odawara, then transfer to Hakone Tozan Line to reach Hakone.
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Comments (10)
Buy a Hakone Free Pass if you're exploring multiple spots, saves a bunch on transport and entry fees.
Weather was kind of rainy half of my trip, so some outdoor activities were limited, better luck next time!
Hakone's nature was stunning but I visited in early spring and it was chillier than expected, bring layers for sure.
Really enjoyed local soba noodles around the station area, can't beat fresh mountain air and handmade food!
If you're into art, the Hakone Open Air Museum is worth the visit, very peaceful and unique sculptures everywhere.