Hakone

Travel Guide

Lake Ashi which includes sailing, a lake or waterhole and a sunset
Hakone
Hakone
Hakone
Hakone

Located around an hour outside of Tokyo, visitors flock to this town to relax in the natural hot springs and explore the mountains and lakes of Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. 

Hakone is a small town and park located in the Kanagawa Prefecture in Japan’s southern Kantō region. Nestled into lush mountains, Hakone is a fantastic base for exploring the dramatic landscape. Discover lakes, waterfalls, Shinto shrines and steaming hot springs amidst the dense forests in this region.

The volcanically active Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is Hakone’s top destination. The park consists of several natural attractions around Lake Ashinoko. Lake Ashi, as locals call it, is a crater lake with striking views of Mount Fuji. Explore the lake on a pleasure boat, designed in the style of a sailing warship.

Situated near to lakes, coastlines, hot springs and volcanic mountains, Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park is full of varied natural beauty. Visit the mythical looking Shiraito Falls or traverse the volcanic island of Izu Oshima.

Take the aerial tram at Hakone Ropeway up to the hot springs and sulphur vents at the Great Boiling Valley. Eating the local specialty of an egg hard-boiled in the hot springs which is said to increase longevity. 

Visit Hakone Shrine at the foot of Mount Hakone. This Shinto shrine is hidden in the forest and shrouded by the mountain’s mist. Don’t miss its massive torii gates. The large red entrance gate looms over the shore of Lake Ashinoko. 

For a unique cultural experience, stop by Hakone Open Air Museum. Seamlessly blending art with nature, this museum features over 1,000 pieces of art. Wander through the extensive Henry Moore sculpture garden or examine some 300 pieces created by Pablo Picasso. 

Tokyo is just 50 miles (80.5 kilometers) to the west of Hakone. Several train options will bring you to the town in about an hour. Most trains require a transfer at nearby Odwara, a pleasant hot springs town that is a destination of its own.

Where to stay in Hakone

Gora featuring street scenes and signage

Gora

4.5/5(38 area reviews)

Gora is known for its ample dining options, and you can make a stop by Hakone Gora Park and Ōwakudani while in the area.

Gora
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Yumoto

4.5/5(8 area reviews)

While visiting Yumoto, you might make a stop by sights like Gyokuren Shrine and Tenzan Onsen.

Yumoto
Hakone which includes a gondola

Sengokuhara

Unique features of Sengokuhara include the hot springs and mountain views. Make a stop by Sengokuhara Susuki Prairie or Sengokuhara Onsen while you're exploring the area.

Sengokuhara
Ashigarashimo showing railway items

Motohakone

While visiting Motohakone, you might make a stop by sights like Lake Ashi and Hakone Komagatake Ropeway.

Motohakone
Hakone Open Air Museum featuring a monument and a statue or sculpture as well as an individual female

Ninohira

While visiting Ninohira, you might make a stop by sights like Hakone Kowakien Yunessun and Hakone Open Air Museum.

Ninohira
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Kowakudani

While you're in Kowakudani, take in top sights like Chisuji Falls and jump on the metro at Kowakidani Station to see more of the city.

Kowakudani
The Prince Hakone Lake Ashinoko

The Prince Hakone Lake Ashinoko

4 out of 5
144 Moto-hakone, Hakone, Kanagawa-ken
The price is CA $276 per night from Aug 28 to Aug 29
CA $276
CA $337 total
Aug 28 - Aug 29
Stay at this 4-star spa hotel in Hakone. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (778 reviews)
Beautiful
"Really large rooms and beautiful view of the lake. One of my favorite hotels. The free shuttle bus from the train station helps a lot."

Reviewed on Jul. 27, 2025

The Prince Hakone Lake Ashinoko
Hakone Kowakien TEN-YU

Hakone Kowakien TEN-YU

4.5 out of 5
1297 Ninotaira, Hakone, Kanagawa
The price is CA $475 per night from Aug 5 to Aug 6
CA $475
CA $578 total
Aug 5 - Aug 6
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury ryokan in Hakone. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and hot springs on site. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,522 reviews)
"Loved the private hot tub in the room. Hated that they didn't have room service or vending machines after the restaurant closed. We couldn't even get Uber Eats delivered; not much was open around the hotel."

Reviewed on Jul. 29, 2025

Hakone Kowakien TEN-YU
Hotel Indigo Hakone Gora by IHG

Hotel Indigo Hakone Gora by IHG

4.5 out of 5
924-1 Kiga, Hakone-machi Ashigarashimo gun, Hakone, Kanagawa
The price is CA $355 per night from Aug 26 to Aug 27
CA $355
CA $452 total
Aug 26 - Aug 27
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Hakone. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and hot springs on site. Our guests praise the breakfast and the restaurant in our ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (818 reviews)
"Absolutely gorgeous hotel. The rooms were spacious and well thought out. We stayed just one night but could easily have spent more time at the hotel and exploring the area."

Reviewed on Jul. 27, 2025

Hotel Indigo Hakone Gora by IHG
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Rakuten STAY TERRACE Hakone Kowakudani

Rakuten STAY TERRACE Hakone Kowakudani

4.5 out of 5
483-2 Kowakudani, Hakone, Kanagawa
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury apartment in Hakone. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and onsite spa services. Popular attractions Hakone Kowakien Yunessun and Lake ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (63 reviews)
"A very peaceful stay, sad that a lot of the restaurants around the place closes for the day near the time of check in."

Reviewed on Jul. 25, 2025

Rakuten STAY TERRACE Hakone Kowakudani
RakutenSTAY FUJIMITERRACE HakoneAshinoko

RakutenSTAY FUJIMITERRACE HakoneAshinoko

4 out of 5
Mitsutani 2-2, Hakone, Kanagawa
Stay at this 4-star aparthotel in Hakone. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and furnished balconies. Popular attractions Lake Ashi and Hakone Kowakien Yunessun ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (223 reviews)
"Outstanding location with bedroom views of Mt Fuji. Impeccable condition of the unit! Great location close to the town."

Reviewed on Jul. 28, 2025

RakutenSTAY FUJIMITERRACE HakoneAshinoko
Rakuten STAY VILLA Hakone Sengokuhara

Rakuten STAY VILLA Hakone Sengokuhara

4 out of 5
1246-748 Sengokuhara, Hakone, Kanagawa
Stay at this 4-star vacation home in Hakone. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and private hot tubs. Popular attractions Hakone Kowakien Yunessun and Lake Ashi ...
9/10 Wonderful! (130 reviews)
"LOVED the onsen bath, netted area for kids sleeping, and the projection TV. Would stay here again."

Reviewed on Jun. 7, 2025

Rakuten STAY VILLA Hakone Sengokuhara
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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