Hakone: onsen, Mount Fuji and the ryokan experience

The most accessible window onto nature from Tokyo, with volcanoes, lakes and hot springs.

Owakudani volcanic valley with columns of steam at dusk in Hakone

Hakone at a glance

Hakone is the quintessential getaway from Tokyo. Within a small radius it packs hot springs, views of Mount Fuji, a lake with a torii, an open-air art museum and the best ryokan to begin the experience of sleeping in traditional Japanese accommodation.

Hakone is the perfect stop between Tokyo and Kyoto if your route runs by shinkansen. It also works as a one- or two-night getaway from Tokyo: the Odakyu Romancecar train departs directly from Shinjuku in about 85 minutes. Many travellers book their first ryokan-with-onsen night here, one of the essential experiences of the trip.

How many days should you spend in Hakone?

Calculate your budget and split your nights automatically.

Plan my trip

Key Hakone areas

Hakone has its own transport pass (the Hakone Free Pass) that covers the mountain train, cable car, funicular and lake ferry. The most practical way to move between its attractions.

Lake Ashi and Mount FujiThe volcanic Lake Ashi offers the most iconic views of Mount Fuji, with the torii of the Hakone-jinja shrine emerging from the water. Sightseeing boats cross it and connect with the cable car within the Hakone Free Pass circuit.
OwakudaniThe active geothermal area of Hakone: a valley of sulphurous fumaroles created by ancient eruptions. Here the black eggs (kuro-tamago) are cooked in hot springs, and you arrive by cable car with views of Fuji on clear days.
Onsen and hot springsHakone is one of the most celebrated hot-spring destinations in Japan: its natural springs rise at different temperatures and colours depending on the minerals underground. Bathing in a rotenburo (outdoor onsen) at a traditional ryokan is one of the essential experiences of the area.

Activities and experiences in Hakone

Recommended plans, sights and experiences, with budget guidance and direct links.

Lake Ashi cruise with views of Mount Fuji

Nature, Viewpoints · A 30-min pirate-ship crossing of the volcanic lake with views of Mount Fuji on clear days; ticket ~1.200 ¥.

1,700 ¥ Book now View on Google Maps

Hakone Open-Air Museum

Museums, Nature · Japan's largest open-air sculpture museum with works by Picasso, Rodin and Maillol in a natural park; admission 1.600 ¥.

2,000 ¥ Book now View on Google Maps

Hakone Shrine (floating torii on Lake Ashi)

Nature, Temples & castles · Shinto shrine with the wooden torii rising from the lake, framed by the park's cedar forest; free access.

Free View on Google Maps

Hakone Tozan rack railway (the only one in Japan)

Nature, Viewpoints · Japan's only rack railway climbs from Hakone-Yumoto to Gora with three zigzag switchbacks through the forest; ~730 ¥ per leg.

1–1,499 ¥ View on Google Maps

Hakone Kowakien Yunessun (hot-spring theme park)

Onsen, Theme parks · Hot-spring theme park in Hakone with baths as curious as wine, green tea or coffee, plus a traditional onsen; from around 2.500 ¥.

2,500–4,999 ¥ Book now View on Google Maps

Hakone Venetian Glass Museum

Museums · Japan's first museum dedicated to Venetian glass, with a garden of crystal sculptures that sparkle in the sun in the Hakone forest; admission around 1.800 ¥.

1,800 ¥ Book now View on Google Maps

How to fit Hakone into your itinerary

Hakone fits perfectly between Tokyo and Kyoto as a one- or two-night stop. Taking the shinkansen from Odawara (20 min by train from Hakone) is the most convenient way west. Many travellers book the ryokan before any other accommodation on the route, and combine it with Kamakura by taking advantage of the stop at Odawara. To see where it fits within the trip, check the itineraries by duration.

Frequently asked questions about Hakone

How do you get to Hakone from Tokyo?

The most convenient option is the Odakyu Romancecar train from Shinjuku, which reaches Hakone-Yumoto in about 85 minutes without transfers. With a JR Pass, the alternative is the shinkansen to Odawara and then connecting with the Hakone mountain train. See the Japan transport guide →

Does the JR Pass cover transport in Hakone?

The JR Pass covers the shinkansen to Odawara (the nearest station), but not the Odakyu Romancecar train or most of the internal transport in Hakone. The Odakyu Hakone Free Pass is more convenient for getting around the area. Work out whether the JR Pass is worth it →

What is the Hakone Free Pass and is it worth it?

It is an Odakyu pass that covers unlimited use of the mountain train, the funicular, the cable car and the Lake Ashi ferry, plus the journey from Shinjuku. As almost the entire Hakone sightseeing circuit uses these transports, it usually pays off even for a single day of visiting.

How many nights should you stay in Hakone?

One or two nights. With one night there is time to do the Lake Ashi circuit, Owakudani and the open-air museum, and to enjoy the ryokan onsen. A second night makes sense if you are after total disconnection or want a margin in case Fuji appears clear on another day.

Can you always see Mount Fuji from Hakone?

No. Fuji is often hidden among clouds, especially in summer. The months with the highest chance of clear skies are January, February and October. Check the forecast before planning specific viewing activities.

What is the difference between a public onsen and a ryokan with onsen?

Public onsen (sento or shared baths) are inexpensive and culturally very authentic. Upmarket ryokan include a private onsen in the room or on a terrace, which means more privacy at a higher price.