Hakone Travel Guide: Everything the First-Time Visitor Needs to Know

We were first introduced to Hakone by a Japanese friend who had been going there with his family for holidays since he was a kid. And the first time we went, I remember thinking how stupid we had been for never going before. It's gorgeous, and there's so much to see and do. We've been there with and without the kids, and will definitely go again when we get the chance. Here's the condensed version of everything we've learned and what you need to know for a trip to Hakone.

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Is Hakone worth visiting?

Hakone is one of Japan's most beloved weekend getaway destinations for good reason. Nestled in the Kanagawa Prefecture, about 90 minutes from central Tokyo, this mountain town is famous for its natural hot springs (onsen), stunning views of Mount Fuji, and excellent museums. We find that Hakone appeals to a lot of different types of travellers and interests: it's got beautiful nature, Fuji views, gondola and pirate ship rides, historical sites, temples and shrines and singing roads!

What makes Hakone special?

Hakone isn't just a hot spring town. It's a complete destination, which makes it a great getaway and you don't feel like you're making the journey just for Fuji views, or just for an onsen. The museums are outstanding, the hiking is great, and the scenery is something else. You can be standing in what looks like an alien moonscape in the Owakudani volcanic fields in the morning, cruising Lake Ashi at lunchtime, perusing one of the world's largest Picasso collections in the afternoon, and finishing the day off with an exquisite kaiseki dinner in an Imperial villa.

Of course, the hot springs are super too!

How many days should you spend in Hakone?

Day Trip (8–10 hours):

Definitely possible as a day trip from Tokyo but you'll spend 2+ hours travelling each way. A guided tour, either from Tokyo or from Odawara is recommended to save time.

Overnight (1–2 days):

Good option. Spend a full day sightseeing, relax in an onsen in the evening, enjoy a traditional breakfast, and return to Tokyo on day 2.

Two Nights (2–3 days):

Recommended. Gives you time to explore multiple attractions, relax without rushing, and experience Hakone's slower pace.

Where to stay in Hakone

Hakone is an area rather than a town. The main hubs are:

• Yumoto - good variety of accommodation, including budget options, lots of restaurants, bars and small shops

• Gora - up on the mountainside, lots of luxury accommodation with excellent views, close to the museums

• Moto-Hakone - down at the lakeside, with plenty of hotel options, restaurants and souvenir shops.

• Hakone-machi - not far from Moto-Hakone, has a large bus terminal and is also the starting point for the pirate ships.

Our absolute must-sees in Hakone

Hakone Open-Air Museum

Large-scale sculptures and installations scattered across 70,000 square meters of mountain landscape. This is the home of the Picasso Museum we mentioned above and has a lot of interactive exhibits for kids.

Owakudani (Volcanic Valley) & Hakone Ropeway

Take a rope-way high above Hakone for panoramic views and an up-close encounter with active volcanic sulfur vents. The black volcanic eggs, boiled in hot spring water, are iconic.

Lake Ashi (Hakone Lake) & pirate ships

One of Japan's most photographed lakes, especially with Mount Fuji in the background and a sightseeing pirate ship sailing past the bright-red, lakeside torii of Hakone shrine.

Choanji Temple

One of Hakone's best autumn-leaf-viewing spots but also famous for its 500 very photogenic little rakan statues, each with a different facial expression.

Have a look at our Top 25 Things to See and Do in Hakone for more ideas.

Getting around Hakone: rent a car or use public transport?

The short answer: you don't need a car in Hakone. The attractions in the area are very spread out but mostly reachable by public transport and the Hakone Free Pass covers rail, cable car, rope way, bus, and boat. That said, renting a car can save time if you're visiting multiple attractions over several days and gives you the freedom to explore lesser known spots.

Planning your trip to Hakone? Check out our other Hakone posts:

• Take a look at our 25 top things to see and do in Hakone for ideas for families, nature-lovers, museum and art fans, onsen addicts and more

• Wondering if you're going to need a car for Hakone? Our Hakone transportation guide sets out all of the public transport options

• With so much to see and do in Hakone, staying overnight is always a good idea but accommodation is very spread out. Our Hakone accommodation guide explains where the best spots to stay are.

• Just in case you're undecided: here's why we think a trip to Hakone is definitely worth it but why some visitors may want to save it for next time

• And here are, in our opinion and experience, the best times of the year to visit Hakone

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