Top 20 Best HAKONE TOURIST SPOTS + Things to Do & Places to Visit
Hakone Tourist Spots: Top Things to Do and Attractions to Visit in Hakone, Japan
Hakone is a picturesque town located in the Kanagawa Prefecture of Japan. It is a popular tourist destination for its hot springs, natural beauty, and cultural attractions. Located just a short distance from Tokyo, it is an ideal day trip destination for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the city.
Hakone, Kanagawa, Japan by Raphael Lopes via Unsplash
There are numerous things to do in Hakone that cater to all types of travelers. Nature lovers can explore the town’s many hiking trails, while history buffs can visit the Hakone Open-Air Museum to learn about Japanese art and culture. The town is also famous for its hot springs, and visitors can indulge in a relaxing soak at one of the many traditional ryokans located throughout the area.
Getting to Hakone
Hakone is about 100 kilometers southwest of Tokyo. There are several ways to get to Hakone from Tokyo, including by train, bus, or car.
By Train
The most convenient way to get to Hakone from Tokyo is by train. Visitors can take the Tokaido Shinkansen from Tokyo Station to Odawara Station, which takes about 35-50 minutes, depending on the train. From Odawara Station, visitors can transfer to the Hakone Tozan Railway to reach Hakone Yumoto Station. The entire journey takes about 90 minutes and costs around ¥4000.
By Bus
Another option to get to Hakone is by bus. Visitors can take a direct express bus from Shinjuku Station in Tokyo to Hakone Yumoto Station. The journey takes about 2 hours and costs around ¥2000.
By Car
Visitors can also drive to Hakone from Tokyo, which takes 2-3 hours, depending on traffic. It is recommended to rent a car in Tokyo and go to Hakone, as public transportation is limited in the area.
Distance
Hakone is located about 100 kilometers southwest of Tokyo, and the journey takes about 90 minutes by train or 2 hours by bus.
Hakone Yumoto Station
Hakone Yumoto Station is the gateway to Hakone and the starting point for many of the area’s attractions. Visitors can transfer to the Hakone Tozan Railway, which takes them up the mountain to attractions such as Owakudani and Lake Ashi.
Shinjuku
Shinjuku is a major transportation hub in Tokyo and the starting point for the express bus to Hakone. Visitors can take the bus from the Shinjuku Expressway Bus Terminal, which is located near the south exit of Shinjuku Station.
Hakone Tozan Railway
The Hakone Tozan Railway is a scenic railway that takes visitors up the mountain to Hakone’s attractions. The railway starts at Hakone Yumoto Station and ends at Gora Station, with stops at attractions such as Owakudani and the Hakone Open-Air Museum.
Top Attractions in Hakone
Here are some of the top attractions in Hakone that are worth visiting.
Torii of Hakone Shrine at Lake Ashi by Syuhei Inoue via Unsplash
Hakone Shrine and Lake Ashi
Hakone Shrine is a popular Shinto shrine located on the shores of Lake Ashi. This shrine is known for its beautiful torii gate that stands in the water. Visitors can take a boat tour of the lake and get a close-up view of the torii gate. The lake also offers stunning views of Mount Fuji on a clear day.
Owakudani Valley by Yusheng Deng via Unsplash
Owakudani Valley
Owakudani Valley is a volcanic valley located in the Hakone region. Visitors can take a cable car ride to the valley and witness the place’s natural beauty. The valley is known for its hot springs and the “black eggs” that are boiled in the hot springs. According to local legend, eating one of these eggs can add seven years to your life.
Hakone Open-Air Museum by Steve Sharp via Unsplash
Hakone Open-Air Museum
The Hakone Open-Air Museum is a unique museum with outdoor sculptures and artworks. The museum is over 70,000 square meters and has more than 100 sculptures. The museum also has indoor galleries that showcase contemporary art and sculptures.
Hakone Ropeway by K Soma via Unsplash
Hakone Ropeway
The Hakone Ropeway is a cable car ride that takes visitors on a scenic journey through the mountains of Hakone. The ride offers stunning views of Mount Fuji and the surrounding landscape. The cable car stops at various points along the way, allowing visitors to explore the area.
Hakone Sightseeing Cruise photo via KLOOK
Hakone Sightseeing Cruise
Book Hakone Sightseeing Cruise Ticket via KLOOK
The Hakone Sightseeing Cruise offers a picturesque 25-40 minute cruise from Togendai-ko to Hakone-machi-ko/Moto-Hakone-ko, providing stunning views of the Hakone scenery from the lake.
A one-way trip costs 1,000 yen for individuals aged 13 and above and 1,840 yen for a round trip. The cruise sails around Lake Ashi, offering views of the Hakone Sekisho Checkpoint and the red torii archway of Hakone-jinja Shrine (Hakone Japan).
Cultural Experiences
Hakone is a destination that offers a rich cultural experience. Visitors can immerse themselves in the art, history, and tradition of Japan by visiting its many museums and cultural attractions. Here are some of the must-visit cultural experiences in Hakone:
Hakone Gora Park by Al Soot via Unsplash
Hakone Gora Park
Hakone Gora Park is a beautiful park that is home to a variety of gardens, fountains, and sculptures. Visitors can stroll through the park and enjoy the beauty of nature, or they can visit the park’s many museums and art galleries. The park is especially known for its rose garden, which features over 1,000 varieties of roses.
Pola Museum of Art by 663highland via Wikimedia cc
Pola Museum of Art
The Pola Museum of Art is one of the most famous art museums in Japan. It is home to a collection of over 10,000 works of art, including paintings, sculptures, and ceramics. The museum’s collection includes works by many famous artists, such as Monet, Renoir, and Picasso. Visitors can also enjoy the museum’s beautiful architecture and stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
Hakone Venetian Glass Museum photo via KLOOK
Hakone Venetian Glass Museum
Book a Ticket to Hakone Venetian Glass Museum via KLOOK
The Hakone Venetian Glass Museum is a unique museum showcasing Venetian glass’s beauty and artistry. Visitors can view various glass art, including vases, bowls, and sculptures. The museum also offers glassblowing demonstrations, where visitors can watch skilled artisans create beautiful glass objects.
Lalique Museum Hakone
The Lalique Museum Hakone is dedicated to the work of the famous French jewelry designer René Lalique. The museum features a collection of Lalique’s jewelry, glassware, and other decorative objects. Visitors can learn about Lalique’s history and artistry and see firsthand the beauty and intricacy of his work.
Natural Wonders
Hakone is blessed with natural beauty that attracts tourists from all over the world. The town is surrounded by mountains and lakes, making it an ideal destination for nature lovers. In this section, we will discuss two of the most popular natural wonders of Hakone: Hakone Botanical Garden of Wetlands and Onshi Hakone Park.
Hakone Botanical Garden of Wetlands by 663highland via Wikimedia cc
Hakone Botanical Garden of Wetlands
Hakone Botanical Garden of Wetlands is a paradise for nature lovers. The garden is spread over an area of 17 hectares and is home to a wide variety of plants and flowers. Visitors can take a leisurely stroll through the garden and enjoy the beauty of nature. The garden is divided into different sections, each with its own unique flora.
One of the highlights of the garden is the wetland area. Here, visitors can see a variety of wetland plants, including the Venus flytrap and the pitcher plant. The garden also has a greenhouse where visitors can see tropical plants and flowers.
