Hakone Kanagawa, Japan Travel Guide
Maximize a 24-hour layover with a comprehensive day trip. Arrive early via Odakyu Romancecar, begin the Hakone Round Course, and experience attractions like Hakone Open-Air Museum, Owakudani, and Lake Ashi.
For a weekend, dedicate Day 1 to Hakone-Yumoto and a ryokan stay. Day 2 covers the full Hakone Round Course. Day 3 allows for more peaceful exploration before departure.
Tailor your itinerary to specific interests, focusing on Hakone’s strengths.
Immerse yourself in history by discovering sections of the Old Tokaido Road and visiting the meticulously reconstructed Hakone Checkpoint. Spend time at Hakone Shrine to understand its spiritual and its historical meaning.
Prioritize a stay at a traditional ryokan offering an elaborate multi-course Kaiseki dinner. Taste Kuro tamago (black eggs) at Owakudani, and seek out local Soba or Udon shops.
Dedicate time to hiking trails like Mount Futago or challenging sections of the Outer Rim Trails. Enjoy a peaceful rowboat or paddleboat ride on Lake Ashi. See the one-of-a-kind journey of the Hakone Ropeway.
Visit the Hakone Open-Air Museum, with its engaging outdoor art suitable for all ages. Spend time at Hakone Kowakien Yunessun, an Onsen theme park. Enjoy the Pirate Ship cruise on Lake Ashi.
Art enthusiasts should spend ample time at the Hakone Open-Air Museum, Pola Museum of Art, and Hakone Venetian Glass Museum. For sacred journeys, relax at a traditional Onsen ryokan.
Explore Pola Art museum and Hakone Venetian Glass Museum.
Stay at an Onsen ryokan for relaxation and reflection.
Visit Hakone Shrine and enjoy peaceful walks.
Hakone accommodates various budgets with smart planning.
Stay in hostels or guesthouses. Rely solely on the Odakyu Hakone Free Pass for all local transport. Eat at convenience stores for affordable meals. Focus on free attractions and Free Pass discounts for museums.
Stay in comfortable mid-range hotels or ryokan (perhaps without dinner to save costs). Enjoy a blend of casual local eateries and some nicer mid-range restaurants. Use the Hakone Free Pass for practicality and value.
Indulge in a stay at a luxury ryokan with private onsen baths and multi-course Kaiseki dinners included. Explore fine dining restaurants. Consider private transfers for convenience.
Booking accommodations in advance often secures better prices. Look for lunch specials (Teishoku) at restaurants for value. Walk extra things to save on transport within smaller areas. Take advantage of multi-attraction passes.
Off-peak seasons (early summer, winter holidays excluded) can offer lower accommodation prices and fewer crowds. Consider visiting during these times for a more budget-friendly trip. Some attractions might have seasonal discounts.
Convenience stores offer a wide array of ready-to-eat meals, snacks, and drinks at affordable rates. Supermarkets also provide good options for fresh food. Utilize lunch specials at local restaurants.
Each season in Hakone unfolds with distinct opportunities and attractions.
Cherry blossoms (late March-early April) paint the landscape beautifully. The weather during this period welcomes comfortable hiking and outdoor exploration. Visit sites known for cherry blossoms like Gora Park or along Lake Ashi.
Higher elevations offer cooler temperatures. The hydrangea season (mid-June to mid-July) adds color to the landscape. Visit Hakone Kowakien Yunessun, which is popular for families, and enjoy boating on Lake Ashi.
Spectacular autumn foliage changes the mountains into a riot of color. Skies are often clear, providing ideal conditions for Mount Fuji views. Take the Hakone Ropeway for aerial views of the fall colors and walk through the Sengokuhara Pampas Grass Fields.
Snowscapes, especially at higher elevations, paint a serene and scenic environment. Clear, crisp skies offer the best opportunities for unobstructed Mount Fuji views. Winter is ideal for enjoying the region's onsen with fewer crowds.
Your perfect visit time hinges on your interests. Summer offers a great escape from city heat, while During winter there is open vistas and onsen comfort.
Public holidays (Golden Week, Obon) bring significant crowds and completey booked transport.
Owakudani Ropeway or areas might close due to volcanic gas levels; check ahead.
