Why Hakone Should Be on Your 2026 Japan Itinerary
Want to see it for yourself?
Nestled in the mountains of Kanagawa Prefecture, just 80 kilometers southwest of Tokyo, Hakone is one of Japan's most beloved destinations. This volcanic hot spring resort town offers a remarkable concentration of natural beauty, cultural attractions, and relaxation opportunities that can easily fill two or three days — or even more. From steaming geothermal valleys and serene lakeside scenery to world-class art museums and legendary onsen, the things to do in Hakone appeal to every type of traveler.
Whether you're planning a day trip from Tokyo or a multi-night stay, this comprehensive guide covers the 25 best things to do in Hakone in 2026, organized to help you plan an unforgettable visit.
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Hakone: The Ultimate Travel Guide for 2026 — Hot Springs, Mt. Fuji Views & Scenic Drives
Why Hakone Should Be on Every Japan Traveler's List Hakone is one of the most beloved destinations near Tokyo, offering a rare combination of volcanic hot springs, world-class art museums, ancient shrines, and breathtaking views of Mt. Fuji. Located in the mountainous southwestern corner of Kanagawa Prefecture, this resort town has drawn travelers for centuries — from feudal lords traversing the old Tokaido highway to modern-day tourists seeking a rejuvenating escape from the Tokyo metropolis. Whether you are planning a day trip or a multi-night stay, Hakone rewards visitors with experiences that shift dramatically from season to season. In spring, ...
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Natural Wonders and Scenic Experiences
1. Walk Through the Volcanic Valley of Owakudani
Owakudani is Hakone's most dramatic natural attraction — an active volcanic zone created during Mount Hakone's last eruption approximately 3,000 years ago. The landscape is otherworldly: sulfurous steam billows from rocky vents, the air carries a distinctive mineral scent, and the barren terrain stands in stark contrast to the surrounding lush forests. A short walking trail leads to the hot spring pools where the famous black eggs (kuro-tamago) are boiled. Legend says each egg adds seven years to your life.
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Owakudani Hakone 2026: Black Eggs, Ropeway & Mt Fuji View
What Is Owakudani in Hakone? Owakudani — literally translated as "Great Boiling Valley" — is one of the most dramatic natural landscapes in the greater Tokyo region. Situated roughly 1,044 meters above sea level on the slopes of Mount Hakone, this active volcanic zone was created approximately 3,000 years ago when the volcano's last major eruption blew open the northern wall of Kamiyama, the highest peak in the Hakone caldera. Today, Owakudani is a must-visit destination within the Hakone area, drawing hundreds of thousands of visitors each year who come to witness its sulfurous steam vents, bubbling hot springs, and ...
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2. Cruise Across Lake Ashi
Lake Ashi (Ashinoko) is a scenic caldera lake formed by the same volcanic eruption that created Owakudani. The Hakone Sightseeing Cruise operates pirate ship-style vessels that cross the lake, offering breathtaking views of Mount Fuji on clear days. The cruise connects Togendai, Hakone-machi, and Moto-Hakone ports, making it a practical and beautiful way to travel between Hakone's key areas. Morning departures typically offer the best chances of seeing Fuji reflected in the calm waters.
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Lake Ashi Hakone: Complete Guide to Sightseeing, Cruises & Views in 2026
What Is Lake Ashi in Hakone? Lake Ashi — known as Ashinoko (芦ノ湖) in Japanese — is a scenic crater lake nestled in the caldera of Mount Hakone, approximately 80 kilometers southwest of Tokyo. Formed roughly 3,000 years ago by a massive volcanic eruption, the lake sits at an elevation of about 723 meters above sea level and stretches roughly 7 kilometers in length. It is the centerpiece of the Hakone region and one of the most visited natural landmarks in the Kanto area. What makes Lake Ashi truly iconic is its relationship with Mount Fuji. On clear days, the ...
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3. Take the Hakone Ropeway.
The Hakone Ropeway stretches 4 kilometers between Sounzan and Togendai, passing directly over the Owakudani volcanic valley. This aerial gondola ride provides one of the most spectacular panoramic views in the Kanto region, with Mount Fuji, Lake Ashi, and the Owakudani steam vents all visible from above. The ride takes approximately 30 minutes in total and is included in the Hakone Free Pass, making it an essential part of any Hakone loop itinerary.
4. Hike the Old Tokaido Road and Cedar Avenue
History buffs and nature lovers alike will appreciate a walk along the preserved section of the Old Tokaido Road near Moto-Hakone. This ancient highway once connected Edo (Tokyo) to Kyoto during the feudal era. The cedar-lined avenue, with trees planted over 350 years ago, creates a hauntingly beautiful canopy that transports you back in time. The trail is relatively flat and takes about 30 minutes to complete.
5. See Mount Fuji from Hakone's Best Viewpoints
On clear days, Hakone offers some of the most iconic views of Mount Fuji in all of Japan. The best vantage points include the Hakone Ropeway (especially the section near Owakudani), the northern shore of Lake Ashi, and the Taikanzan observation point near Hakone-en. Autumn and winter mornings tend to provide the clearest visibility, while summer haze can often obscure the mountain. Arriving early in the day significantly improves your chances of a Fuji sighting.
6. Explore the Hakone Geopark
The entire Hakone region is designated as a geopark, and there are multiple geological trails and information centers that explain the area's volcanic history. Walking tours through areas like Sengokuhara and the caldera rim provide a deeper understanding of the forces that shaped this landscape. The Hakone Geomuseum at Owakudani is a compact but informative stop that adds context to what you see throughout the region.
Art, Museums, and Cultural Attractions
7. Discover the Hakone Open Air Museum
The Hakone Open Air Museum (Chokoku no Mori) is Japan's first open-air art museum and remains one of its finest. Spread across a spacious hillside garden, the museum features over 120 sculptures by renowned artists including Henry Moore, Auguste Rodin, and Taro Okamoto. The Picasso Pavilion houses an impressive collection of more than 300 works. The combination of art and mountain scenery makes this a must-visit, and the foot bath at the entrance offers a uniquely Japanese touch.
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The Hakone Open Air Museum: A Complete Visitor's Guide for 2026
What Is the Hakone Open Air Museum? The Hakone Open Air Museum (箱根彫刻の森美術館, Hakone Chokoku no Mori Bijutsukan) is Japan's first open-air art museum, established in 1969 amid the scenic mountains and volcanic valleys of Hakone. Spread across roughly 70,000 square meters of lush, manicured grounds, the museum showcases an extraordinary collection of sculptures and installations by some of the most influential artists of the 19th and 20th centuries, including Henry Moore, Auguste Rodin, Pablo Picasso, and Niki de Saint Phalle. What makes this museum truly unique is its seamless fusion of art and nature. Rather than confining masterworks within ...
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8. Visit the Hakone Art Museum
The Hakone Art Museum, operated by the MOA Museum of Art, specializes in Japanese ceramics and pottery spanning from the Jomon period to the Edo era. However, the real showstopper is the museum's moss garden, which is particularly stunning during autumn when the surrounding maple trees burst into vivid reds and oranges. The tea room overlooking the garden is the perfect place to pause and soak in the serenity.
9. Explore the Pola Museum of Art
Tucked into the forest near Sengokuhara, the Pola Museum of Art houses an impressive collection of Western and Japanese art, including works by Monet, Renoir, Picasso, and Yokoyama Taikan. The building itself is an architectural marvel, designed to blend seamlessly into the surrounding woodland. A nature trail winds through the beech forest around the museum, making the visit as much about the journey as the destination.
10. Stroll Through the Lalique Museum Hakone
Dedicated to the glass artistry of René Lalique, this museum showcases stunning Art Deco jewelry, glass, and decorative objects. A highlight is the restored Orient Express car decorated with Lalique panels, where visitors can enjoy afternoon tea in an atmosphere of vintage luxury. It's a refined and elegant experience that appeals to art and design enthusiasts.
11. Visit Hakone Shrine
Hakone Shrine (Hakone Jinja) is one of the most photographed spots in the region. Its iconic red torii gate stands partially submerged in the waters of Lake Ashi, creating a mystical scene especially when morning mist drifts across the lake. The shrine grounds are set within a dense cryptomeria forest, and the main hall sits at the top of a stone staircase. The adjacent Kuzuryu Shrine, dedicated to a nine-headed dragon, is a popular secondary stop.
12. Visit the Hakone Checkpoint Museum
During the Edo period, the Hakone Checkpoint (Hakone Sekisho) served as a critical security barrier on the Tokaido Road. The reconstructed checkpoint and its museum provide fascinating insights into feudal-era travel restrictions, smuggling tactics, and daily life. Life-size mannequins and replica documents bring the history to vivid life.
Onsen and Relaxation
Reading vs. riding
13. Soak in a Traditional Onsen Ryokan
Hakone is first and foremost an onsen (hot spring) destination, and staying overnight in a ryokan with private or communal baths is the quintessential Hakone experience. The town's hot springs draw from multiple volcanic sources, each with distinct mineral compositions. Areas like Hakone Yumoto, Miyanoshita, Gora, and Sengokuhara each have their own bathing character. Many ryokan offer kaiseki (multi-course) dinners paired with their onsen experience.
14. Try Day-Use Onsen Facilities
If you're visiting Hakone as a day trip, you can still enjoy the hot springs at numerous day-use facilities. Hakone Yumoto, the gateway to the region, has several options including Kappa Tengoku and Tenzan Tohji-kyo. These facilities range from simple communal baths to elaborate onsen theme parks with multiple pools, saunas, and rest areas. Most welcome tattoos, though it's worth confirming in advance.
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Hakone Japan Onsen Guide: Best Hot Springs, Etiquette & Where to Soak in 2026
Why Hakone Is Japan's Premier Onsen Destination Nestled in the mountainous terrain of Kanagawa Prefecture, Hakone has been one of Japan's most celebrated hot spring regions for centuries. With over 20 distinct onsen sources scattered across the area, Hakone Japan onsen culture offers an extraordinary diversity of mineral-rich waters — each with different properties, temperatures, and therapeutic benefits. The combination of volcanic geology, stunning views of Mount Fuji, and proximity to Tokyo (just 80–90 minutes away) makes Hakone the ideal onsen destination for both first-time visitors and seasoned hot spring enthusiasts. Hakone's onsen waters are fed by the volcanic activity ...
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15. Experience an Ashiyu (Foot Bath)
For those who aren't comfortable with full onsen bathing, Hakone has several free and paid foot baths scattered throughout the region. The ashiyu at Hakone Yumoto Station is a popular quick stop, and there's a scenic one built into the grounds of the Hakone Open Air Museum. Simply roll up your pants, dip your feet into the warm mineral water, and let the stress of travel melt away.
Scenic Drives and Transportation
16. Drive the Hakone Turnpike
For car enthusiasts, the Hakone Turnpike is one of the most rewarding driving roads in the greater Tokyo region. This toll road climbs through the mountains with sweeping curves, elevation changes, and — on clear days — jaw-dropping views of Mount Fuji and Sagami Bay. The Jukoku Pass viewpoint at the summit is a must-stop. The road is popular with sports car and motorcycle enthusiasts, and driving it in a JDM car adds an authentic layer to the experience.
17. Ride the Hakone Tozan Railway
Japan's oldest mountain railway, the Hakone Tozan Railway, climbs from Hakone Yumoto to Gora using a series of switchbacks. The train zigzags up the steep mountainside, passing through tunnels and over bridges with views of cascading ravines. In late June and early July, the hydrangeas along the tracks are in full bloom, earning this stretch the nickname "Hydrangea Train." It's a slow, scenic ride that perfectly complements the relaxed pace of a Hakone visit.
18. Take the Hakone Tozan Cable Car
Connecting Gora Station to Sounzan, the Hakone Tozan Cable Car covers a steep 200-meter elevation gain in just 10 minutes. The funicular railway passes through the Gora Park area and offers increasingly dramatic mountain views as it ascends. It forms the link between the mountain railway and the ropeway, making it part of the classic Hakone loop route.
Food, Shopping, and Local Experiences
19. Eat black eggs at Owakudani.
No trip to Hakone is complete without trying the iconic black eggs (kuro-tamago) at Owakudani. Regular chicken eggs are boiled in the natural sulfuric hot spring pools, which turns the shells jet black while the inside remains a perfectly cooked egg. They're sold in bags of five at the Owakudani shops and are said to be especially good for longevity. The experience of eating them against the volcanic backdrop is unforgettable.
20. Dine at Bakery and Table Hakone
Overlooking Lake Ashi, Bakery and Table Hakone is a popular lakeside restaurant known for its freshly baked bread and stunning views. The multi-floor restaurant offers different dining concepts on each level, from casual bakery goods on the ground floor to more refined dining upstairs. Arriving early is recommended, as queues form quickly, especially on weekends and holidays.
21. Sample Hakone's Local Craft Beer
The Hakone area has embraced the craft beer movement, with several breweries producing beers that incorporate local spring water. Gora Brewery and various restaurants in the Hakone Yumoto area serve locally brewed ales that pair well with the region's cuisine. It's a refreshing way to cap off a day of sightseeing.
22. Browse Hakone Yumoto Shopping Street
The shopping street leading from Hakone Yumoto Station is lined with souvenir shops, snack vendors, and local specialty stores. Popular purchases include Hakone Yosegi-zaiku (wooden marquetry craft), local manju (sweet buns), and dried fish snacks. The street is compact and walkable, making it an ideal first or last stop on a Hakone visit.
23. Try Hakone Yosegi-zaiku Woodcraft
Hakone is the birthplace of Yosegi-zaiku, a traditional woodworking technique that assembles different colored natural woods into intricate geometric patterns. The Hatajuku area, along the Old Tokaido Road, has several workshops where you can observe craftsmen at work and try your hand at making your own small piece. The secret puzzle boxes (himitsu-bako) make for particularly unique souvenirs.
Parks, Gardens, and Seasonal Highlights
24. Relax in Gora Park
Gora Park is a French-inspired garden located near Gora Station. The park features a rose garden, a tropical plant greenhouse, a craft workshop where visitors can try pottery and glass blowing, and a tea ceremony experience in a traditional tea house. The park sits on a hillside with pleasant views and is included in the Hakone Free Pass, making it a convenient stop between transportation connections.
25. Visit Sengokuhara Susuki Fields in Autumn
From late September through November, the Sengokuhara Plateau transforms into a sea of golden pampas grass (susuki). The tall grasses sway in the autumn breeze, catching the sunlight and creating a shimmering, ethereal landscape. This is one of Hakone's most beautiful seasonal experiences and a favorite among photographers. A walking path runs through the fields, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the scene.
Tips for planning your Hakone trip in 2026
How to Get to Hakone from Tokyo
The most popular route is from Shinjuku Station via the Odakyu Line, which takes approximately 85 minutes on the Romancecar limited express. Alternatively, you can take the Shinkansen to Odawara and transfer to the Hakone Tozan Railway. For those who prefer the freedom of driving, the journey from central Tokyo takes around 90 minutes via the Tomei Expressway, with the added advantage of being able to explore the Hakone Turnpike and surrounding countryside at your own pace.
The Hakone Free Pass
The Hakone Free Pass, offered by Odakyu, is arguably the best value transportation ticket in the Kanto region. It covers unlimited use of the Hakone Tozan Railway, cable car, ropeway, sightseeing cruise, and local buses for two or three days, plus a discounted round trip from Shinjuku. It also provides discounts at many museums and attractions. For most visitors, this pass is the smartest way to navigate Hakone.
Best Time to Visit Hakone
Hakone is a year-round destination, but each season offers a different appeal. Spring (March–May) brings cherry blossoms and fresh greenery. Summer (June–August) is hydrangea season along the mountain railway, though it can be humid. Autumn (October–November) delivers spectacular foliage, particularly at the Hakone Art Museum and Sengokuhara. Winter (December–February) is the clearest season for Mount Fuji views and offers a quieter, more contemplative atmosphere, with onsen bathing at its most appealing.
Day Trip vs. Overnight Stay
While a day trip from Tokyo is feasible, staying overnight unlocks the best of Hakone — particularly the ryokan onsen experience. An overnight stay also lets you enjoy the region in the quieter early morning and evening hours, when crowds thin and the natural beauty feels most personal. Budget at least one night, and ideally two, to fully appreciate everything this extraordinary region has to offer.
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