Discover the Best Things to do in Hakone for Travelers

When plotting out a journey through Japan, finding that perfect balance between the neon-lit energy of the major cities and the tranquil, deeply rooted nature of the countryside is essential. Tucked away within the Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park, just a short train ride from the bustling heart of Tokyo, lies a mountainous retreat that offers exactly that. If you are seeking spectacular landscapes, rich historical pathways, and the rejuvenating power of nature, I recommend this place wholeheartedly. Determining the best things to do in Hakone is an exciting endeavor because the region offers an incredibly diverse array of experiences, perfectly suited for every type of traveler.

Historically, this area was a formidable and vital mountain pass on the old Tokaido highway that linked Kyoto and Edo (modern-day Tokyo). How it used to be was a rigorous, exhausting trek for samurai, merchants, and feudal lords who had to brave steep inclines and strict security checkpoints. What it is now, however, is one of Japan’s premier hot spring resort destinations. The rugged mountain paths have been supplemented by a charming network of switchback trains, cable cars, and ropeways, making the journey not just accessible, but an integral part of the adventure.

This comprehensive guide is designed to help you navigate this stunning region. From tasting foods cooked in volcanic waters to uncovering hidden lakeside cafes, you will find actionable, detailed advice to craft your perfect itinerary.

Experience the Volcanic Power of Owakudani

Your visit to this mountainous region would be incomplete without witnessing its raw, geothermal energy. Owakudani, which translates to "The Great Boiling Valley," is an active volcanic zone created around 3,000 years ago following the last eruption of Mount Hakone.

Riding the Hakone Ropeway

To reach the valley, you will take the Hakone Ropeway. As your glass-paneled gondola crests the mountain peak, the lush green forests suddenly fall away, revealing a dramatic, scarred landscape of barren rock, billowing white steam vents, and sulfurous rivers. On clear days, this aerial journey offers one of the most magnificent, unobstructed views of Mount Fuji in the entire country. The ropeway typically operates from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, though hours can occasionally be shortened during the winter months or due to severe weather.

Tasting the Famous Black Eggs (Kuro Tamago)

Once you step off the ropeway at the Owakudani station, the unmistakable scent of sulfur will greet you. It is here that you must partake in the local culinary tradition: eating a Kuro Tamago, or black egg. These are regular chicken eggs that are slowly boiled in the naturally occurring hot sulfur springs. The minerals in the water react with the porous eggshells, turning them pitch black. According to local folklore, eating just one of these eggs will add seven years to your lifespan.

Things to keep in mind:

• Do buy a small bag of eggs to share with your travel companions; they are sold in budget-friendly bundles at the gift shop.
• Don't expect the inside of the egg to be black! Once you peel away the dark shell, the inside looks and tastes like a standard, albeit very fresh, hard-boiled egg.
• Do check volcanic activity reports before your visit. Because Owakudani is an active volcanic zone, trails and occasionally the ropeway may temporarily close if gas emissions reach unsafe levels.

Cruise Across the Scenic Waters of Lake Ashi

After descending from the smoking vents of Owakudani, you will arrive at the shores of Lake Ashi (Ashinoko). This stunning crater lake was formed in the caldera of Mount Hakone after its last eruption. Surrounded by dense, rolling mountains, the lake serves as a serene mirror reflecting the sky and the surrounding natural beauty.

The Hakone Sightseeing Cruise

One of the most popular ways to traverse the lake is by boarding the Hakone Sightseeing Cruise. In an interesting visual contrast to the deeply traditional surroundings, the boats are designed to look like elaborate 18th-century Western pirate ships. How it used to be was a quiet lake traversed only by simple wooden fishing vessels; what it is now is a lively waterway offering a fun, scenic transit option between the northern and southern shores.

The ships operate roughly between 9:30 AM and 5:00 PM. Standing on the open-air upper deck as the crisp mountain wind brushes past you is a highly refreshing experience.

Capturing the Perfect Mount Fuji View

For travelers chasing the iconic view of Mount Fuji, Lake Ashi is a premier vantage point. However, seasonal considerations play a massive role here. If you visit during the humid summer months, the mountain is frequently obscured by thick clouds and haze. The best time to catch a crystal-clear view of Fuji towering behind the lake is during the colder months of late autumn and winter, particularly in the crisp, early morning air.

If you are looking for a great spot to spend time on the lake's edge, I recommend stopping by Bakery and Table Hakone in the Motohakone area. You can purchase freshly baked, premium-range pastries and enjoy them on the outdoor terrace, which remarkably features a built-in footbath (ashiyu). Soaking your tired feet in warm thermal water while sipping coffee and gazing out at the pirate ships sailing across the lake is a blissful experience.

Step Back in Time at Hakone Shrine and the Floating Torii Gate

Hidden within a dense forest of towering, ancient cedar trees on the shores of Lake Ashi lies the Hakone Shrine. Founded in 757, this Shinto shrine has provided spiritual protection and safe passage to travelers and samurai for over a millennium.

The Heiwa no Torii (Gate of Peace)

The most iconic feature of the shrine is the Heiwa no Torii, a massive vermilion gate that stands directly in the waters of the lake. It creates a stunning visual illusion, appearing as if it is floating on the water's surface.

Insider Tips and Etiquette:

• Timings: The shrine grounds are open 24 hours a day, while the amulet shop and treasure house generally operate from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
• Because the floating gate is incredibly popular for photography, a line forms very quickly during the day. I highly recommend visiting early in the morning, around 7:30 AM or 8:00 AM, to enjoy the tranquil, misty atmosphere of the lake without the large crowds.
• Do bow slightly before passing under the torii gates on the forest path leading to the main shrine, as a sign of respect to the enshrined deities.
• Don't be disruptive or loud while waiting in line for photos, and be mindful of not taking an excessive amount of time when it is your turn, to respect the travelers waiting behind you.

Walk the Ancient Tokaido Highway and Cedar Avenue

For those who want to physically connect with the history of the region, walking a preserved segment of the Old Tokaido Highway is an absolute must.

The Hakone Checkpoint (Sekisho)

During the Edo period, the Tokugawa shogunate established strict security checkpoints to control the flow of weapons and people, particularly to monitor the movement of feudal lords' families. The Hakone Checkpoint was one of the largest and most important of these barriers. Today, it has been meticulously reconstructed using traditional methods and original blueprints. Operating from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM (closing at 4:30 PM in winter), the facility allows you to explore the inspection rooms, prison cells, and lookout towers, offering a stark reminder of how tightly controlled travel used to be.

Amazake Chaya: A Historic Rest Stop

After exploring the checkpoint, take a walk along the nearby Cedar Avenue (Kyu-Kaido), a path lined with massive, 400-year-old cedar trees planted to shade weary travelers. If you continue along the hiking trail, you will eventually reachAmazake Chaya, a traditional tea house that has been serving travelers for over 13 generations.

Inside this rustic, atmospheric building with a thatched roof and earthen floor, you can enjoy amazake, a warm, sweet, non-alcoholic fermented rice drink, paired with soft, charcoal-grilled chikara-mochi (rice cakes). It is a highly authentic, budget-friendly culinary experience that tastes exactly as it did centuries ago. The tea house typically opens from 7:00 AM to 5:30 PM.

Immerse Yourself in Art at the Hakone Open-Air Museum

One of the most surprising and delightful attractions in the region is the Hakone Open-Air Museum. Breaking away from the confines of traditional indoor galleries, this expansive park elegantly integrates world-class art with the surrounding natural mountain landscape.

As you stroll through the meticulously manicured lawns, you will encounter over a hundred large-scale sculptures by renowned international and Japanese artists. The way the sculptures interact with the changing seasons—dusted with winter snow, surrounded by autumn foliage, or gleaming under the summer sun—makes every visit entirely unique.

• Operating Hours: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM (last entry is 30 minutes before closing).
• Highlights: Do not miss the Symphonic Sculpture, a towering cylindrical observation tower constructed entirely of vibrant stained glass. Climbing the spiral staircase inside feels like walking through a kaleidoscope. Additionally, the museum houses the Picasso Pavilion, an impressive indoor gallery featuring over 300 works by the legendary artist, including his ceramics and paintings.
• Family Tip: If you are traveling with children, there are several large, interactive art installations specifically designed for kids to climb on and explore.

Soak in Traditional Hakone Hot Springs (Onsen)

After a long day of hiking ancient trails and exploring museums, there is no better way to conclude your evening than by soaking in a traditional hot spring, or onsen. The mineral-rich volcanic waters of this region have been celebrated for their healing properties for centuries.

Public Baths vs. Private Ryokan Stays

You have two main options for experiencing an onsen. If you are staying at a traditional inn (ryokan), they will typically have their own private or communal baths for guests. Alternatively, there are many day-use public bathhouses scattered throughout the towns of Yumoto and Gora.

A great spot to spend time on a relaxing afternoon is Tenzan Tohji-kyo, a beautiful traditional bathhouse complex nestled against a wooded hillside, featuring multiple outdoor stone pools (rotenburo) where you can listen to the rushing river below.

Essential Onsen Etiquette:

• Do wash and thoroughly rinse your body at the shower stations before entering the communal bath water. This is the most important rule of Japanese bathing culture.
• Don't wear a swimsuit or any clothing into the water. Onsens are experienced completely naked.
• Do keep your small modesty towel out of the bathwater. You can place it on your head or on the rocks beside the pool.
• Things to keep in mind regarding tattoos: Many traditional public baths still have strict no-tattoo policies. If you have tattoos, I highly recommend booking a ryokan that offers a private, reservable bath (kashikiri-buro) to ensure you can enjoy the hot springs comfortably and without issue.

Delight in Local Hakone Cuisine and Cafes

The mountainous terrain and pristine water of the region produce excellent local ingredients. Beyond the black eggs of Owakudani, the area is highly celebrated for its soba (buckwheat noodles) and tofu.

Soba Noodles and Mountain Vegetables

For a truly outstanding lunch, I recommend visitingHatsuhana Soba located in the Yumoto area. Operating generally from 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM (closed on Wednesdays), this historic, mid-range restaurant is famous for incorporating local mountain yam (jinenjo) into their buckwheat noodles. The yam gives the soba a unique, earthy flavor and a highly satisfying, slightly chewy texture. Eating a bowl of cold soba dipped in savory soy-based broth, or a hot bowl topped with crispy mountain vegetable tempura, is an absolute delight.

Sweet Treats and Cozy Cafes

As you explore the Gora area near the Open-Air Museum, take a moment to rest at one of the many independent cafes. You will often find local shops selling manju (steamed buns) filled with sweet red bean paste. Eating one while it is piping hot is the perfect way to warm up during a crisp mountain morning.

Final Thoughts and Practical Tips

To ensure your journey is seamless, I highly suggest looking into purchasing a digital or physical transportation pass tailored for the region. This pass typically covers unlimited rides on the local trains, buses, ropeways, and sightseeing cruises, taking the stress out of buying individual tickets and offering great value.

Additionally, be aware that this mountainous area tends to shut down relatively early. Most museums, shops, and ropeways close by 5:00 PM, and many restaurants outside of the immediate station areas will close their doors around sunset. It is best to start your days early and plan to enjoy a leisurely dinner at your accommodation in the evening.

By immersing yourself in the geothermal wonders, respecting the ancient cultural sites, and indulging in the slow-paced, relaxing atmosphere of the hot springs, your trip to this extraordinary region will undoubtedly be filled with unforgettable memories. Enjoy your adventure discovering the very best things to do in Hakone!