I’m sure everyone is familiar with “Hakone.” Located not far from Tokyo and boasting abundant natural scenery and hot spring resources, Hakone has become a top choice for both Japanese and international travelers. This article introduces “10 Must-Visit Attractions in Hakone, Japan,” guiding you through Hakone using various transport modes like the Hakone Tozan Railway, Cable Car, Sightseeing Cruise, Ropeway, and buses!
Transportation to Hakone
Image source: Ting Chiang
To travel to Hakone, you can take the Shinkansen or regular train from Tokyo Station to Odawara, then transfer to the “Hakone Tozan Railway” to reach Hakone-Yumoto Station. Alternatively, take the “Odakyu Romancecar” directly from Shinjuku to Hakone-Yumoto Station, which takes about 50 to 85 minutes. You can also take a direct bus from the Shinjuku Expressway Bus Terminal (South Exit) to Togendai, allowing you to choose the best option based on your itinerary.
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1. Hakone-Yumoto Station
Image source: Ting Chiang
“Hakone-Yumoto Station” can be considered the starting point for all attractions in the Hakone area. Right outside the station is a bustling shopping street and hot spring accommodation area. We recommend planning a three-day, two-night trip starting here. Spend your first day browsing the shops, trying popular hand-grilled rice crackers and tempura, and then enjoying a relaxing soak in the hot springs.
Image source: Odakyu Electric Railway
For the next few days of your itinerary, we recommend purchasing the “Hakone Free Pass” or the “Fuji Hakone Pass.” These allow you to take the Hakone Tozan Railway to Gora Station, the Cable Car to Sounzan, and then transfer to the Ropeway for Owakudani and Togendai Port. Not only do you save time and effort thinking about fares, but the seamless transfers make it incredibly convenient!
Hakone-Yumoto Station
Address: 707-1 Yumoto Shiroishishita, Hakone-machi, Ashigarashimo-gun, Kanagawa
2. Gora Park
Image source: Hakone Gora Park
If you have purchased the Hakone Free Pass, you can enjoy free admission by presenting your ticket. “Gora Park” is Japan’s first French-style geometric garden. Its most prominent features are its symmetrical design and geometric composition, making it a classic representation of European classical garden styles.
Gora Park also features beautiful fountains, a tropical plant pavilion, and a tea house where you can experience matcha, pottery, and glassblowing. It is a fantastic Hakone attraction for families traveling with children.
Gora Park
Address: 1300 Gora, Hakone-machi, Ashigarashimo-gun, Kanagawa
Opening Hours: 09:00 ~ 17:00
3. Hakone Open-Air Museum
Image source: Ting Chiang
Image source: Ting Chiang
There are many art museums in the Hakone area, and the “Hakone Open-Air Museum,” which opened in 1969, was Japan’s first outdoor art museum. It combines vast landscapes with installation art, featuring over 120 works by famous sculptors throughout the grounds. The park also includes a cafe and footbaths, making it an ideal Hakone spot to explore at a slower pace.
Hakone Open-Air Museum
Address: 1121 Ninotaira, Hakone-machi, Ashigarashimo-gun, Kanagawa
Opening Hours: 09:00 ~ 17:00
4. Hakone Venetian Glass Museum
Image source: HAKONE VENETIAN GLASS MUSEUM
The “Hakone Venetian Glass Museum” (also known as the Hakone Glass Forest Museum) is located in Sengokuhara, Hakone, amidst the mountains. It is Japan’s first museum specialized in Venetian glass art, primarily exhibiting works from the 15th to 19th centuries. Exhibitions are curated from a vast collection of over 1,000 pieces, making it highly recommended for glass art enthusiasts.
In addition to the elegant collection, the museum’s garden landscaping is exceptionally beautiful. There is also a cafe on-site, perfect for sitting down after viewing the exhibits to enjoy a leisurely afternoon in Hakone.
Hakone Venetian Glass Museum
Address: 940-48 Sengokuhara, Hakone-machi, Ashigarashimo-gun, Kanagawa
Opening Hours: 10:00 ~ 17:30
5. Owakudani
Image source: Ting Chiang
After transferring to the Cable Car at Gora Station and reaching Sounzan Station, you can switch to the Ropeway for “Owakudani.” Along the way, you can see sprawling mountain and sea views. Near the end of the trip, you’ll see the geothermal landscape of Owakudani on the left and Mt. Fuji on the right—truly breathtaking.
Image source: Ting Chiang
Image source: Ting Chiang
Owakudani is a volcanic crater formed by the volcanic activity of Mount Hakone. As a result, you can see white sulfurous gases with a unique scent erupting from numerous vents. Besides admiring the spectacular Mt. Fuji and the geothermal valley up close, don’t forget to eat the classic “Black Eggs.” It is said that eating one can extend your life by seven years!
Owakudani
Address: 1251 Sengokuhara, Hakone-machi, Ashigarashimo-gun, Kanagawa
Transportation: Take the Hakone Tozan Railway to “Gora Station,” transfer to the Cable Car to Sounzan Station, or take the Pirate Ship at Moto-Hakone Port to Togendai and transfer to the Ropeway, getting off at “Owakudani.”
6. Lake Ashi
Image source: Ting Chiang
Image source: Ting Chiang
After visiting Owakudani, take the Ropeway through Owakudani Station to Ubako and then Togendai. From “Togendai Port,” you can board a Pirate Ship to tour “Lake Ashi.” If the weather is clear, you’ll have the chance to admire the dreamlike view of Mt. Fuji and the Hakone Shrine Torii gate from the ship as you approach “Moto-Hakone Port!”
Lake Ashi
Address: Moto-Hakone, Hakone-machi, Ashigarashimo-gun, Kanagawa
Transportation: Take the Hakone Tozan Bus bound for Moto-Hakone/Hakone-machi from “Hakone-Yumoto Station” and get off at “Moto-Hakone Port.”
7. Hakone Shrine & Torii
Image source: Ting Chiang
A 10-minute walk from Moto-Hakone Port brings you to the famous “Hakone Shrine” and its “Torii gate.” If you want to take iconic photos of Hakone, you definitely cannot miss this spot!
Hakone Shrine
Address: 80-1 Moto-Hakone, Hakone-machi, Ashigarashimo-gun, Kanagawa
Office Hours: 08:15 ~ 17:00
8. Narukawa Art Museum
Image source: Narukawa Art Museum
Within walking distance of Moto-Hakone Port is the “Narukawa Art Museum.” This museum focuses on modern Japanese art and houses over 4,000 works. A major highlight is the second-floor observation deck with a 50-meter-long floor-to-ceiling glass window, offering a panoramic view of “Lake Ashi and Mt. Fuji” on clear days!
Narukawa Art Museum
Address: 570 Moto-Hakone, Hakone-machi, Ashigarashimo-gun, Kanagawa
Opening Hours: 09:00 ~ 17:00
9. Onshi-Hakone Park
Image source: Ting Chiang
Image source: Ting Chiang
Another excellent spot near Moto-Hakone Port to view Mt. Fuji is “Onshi-Hakone Park.” Originally built in 1886 as an Imperial villa for the Japanese Royal Family, it is now open as a public park. When the weather is good, you can see a picture-perfect view of Lake Ashi and Mt. Fuji!
Onshi-Hakone Park
Address: 171 Moto-Hakone, Hakone-machi, Ashigarashimo-gun, Kanagawa
Transportation: Take the bus from Hakone-Yumoto Station and get off at “Onshi Koen-mae.”
10. Hakone Checkpoint
Image source: Hakone Sekisho
History buffs may want to head further west to the “Hakone Checkpoint” (Hakone Sekisho). This was a crucial checkpoint during the Edo period, used to control the movement of weapons and people. Today, it is the only checkpoint in Japan reconstructed based on historical records and is open to the public. If you want to better understand local history and culture, don’t miss it!
Hakone Checkpoint
Address: 1 Hakone, Hakone-machi, Ashigarashimo-gun, Kanagawa
Opening Hours: 09:00 ~ 17:00
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