Top 7 Things to See & Do in Hakone

Home to attractions like Lake Ashinoko, the Hakone Open-Air Museum and Owakudani Valley, the mountainous town of Hakone makes an incredible escape from Tokyo. Here’s what you can experience there.

If you have spent a few days in Tokyo and feel in need of escaping the jostling crowds for some peace and quiet, we have a solution for you.

Say hello to Hakone, a beautiful town nestled in the mountainous region, just around 80 minutes from Shinjuku by the Odakyu Limited Express Romancecar. An additional limited-express ticket is required for the Romancecar, and all seats must be reserved.

This popular mountain escape is dotted with a variety of onsen (hot springs) and offers splendid views at every turn. Before you begin your journey, consider getting a Hakone Freepass. The two- or three-day pass provides unlimited rides on eight designated transport systems around Hakone, including the Hakone Tozan Train, buses, cable car, Ropeway and Sightseeing Cruise. Passes departing from Shinjuku also include one return journey on the Odakyu Line, although the Romancecar surcharge is not included.

The two-day pass currently costs ¥7,100 from Shinjuku or ¥6,000 from Odawara. It also provides discounts at approximately 70 participating attractions and businesses. Compare the pass with your planned route before buying, particularly if you are only visiting a few places.

Here’s my take on the top seven things to see and do on your visit to Hakone:

1. Take in nature’s grandeur at Lake Ashinoko

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The first stop on this list is one of the highlights of Hakone: Lake Ashi. On a clear day, the lake is one of Hakone’s most famous places from which to view Mt. Fuji. However, cloud cover frequently hides the mountain, so do not assume that it will be visible throughout your visit.

The stunning view of the mountain rising beyond the lake is truly a remarkable sight to behold! I definitely recommend having a picnic along the lake to indulge in the grandeur of nature at your own pace.

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For a different viewing experience and more photo opportunities, go for a sightseeing cruise on board a pirate ship. The iconic Hakone pirate ships ferry people between Togendai, Hakone-machi and Moto-Hakone ports. A one-way journey takes approximately 25 to 40 minutes, depending on the route and timetable, and offers a fun way to experience the lake.

The Hakone Freepass covers your fare for the pirate ships but is limited to seats within the regular cabin. For an additional charge, you can enter the less crowded special or deluxe cabin and its private viewing area.

Cruises may be suspended because of poor weather, so check the operating status before planning the rest of your route around a particular departure.

2. Take the Hakone Ropeway

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The Hakone Ropeway delivers quite the sightseeing experience! The service features gondolas that can hold up to 18 passengers each, departing at approximately one-minute intervals from each station.

Enjoy the magnificent aerial view of Mt. Fuji, Lake Ashinoko and Owakudani Valley on your approximately 30-minute journey from Sounzan Station to Togendai Station.

The fare for the Hakone Ropeway is covered with your Hakone Freepass!

The Ropeway generally operates from 9am to 5pm between February and November and until 4.15pm in December and January. Services may be suspended because of strong winds, bad weather, inspections or volcanic conditions, so check the live transport status before setting out.

3. Feast on the famous black eggs of Owakudani Valley

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Owakudani Valley, also known as the “Valley of Hell”, is a volcanic valley created during an eruption of Mount Hakone around 3,000 years ago. Active sulphur vents continue to send steam and volcanic gases into the air.

Your ability to visit this place really depends on luck. The last time I was here, the entire area was closed due to bad weather conditions and the potential “grumpiness” of the volcano. Closures can still occur when the weather, volcanic activity or gas levels make access unsafe.

Visitors with respiratory or heart conditions, pregnant visitors and anyone otherwise affected by volcanic gases should read the latest health warnings carefully before entering. A face mask does not eliminate the risks associated with volcanic gas.

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Once you have reached Owakudani, you can enjoy the views and shops around the Ropeway station without joining a hike. Access to the volcanic steam zone itself is now controlled through the approximately 700-metre Owakudani Nature Research Trail. It can only be entered as part of a supervised group and requires an advance reservation. The walk takes around 40 minutes and may be cancelled at short notice.

Here, you can sample the famous black eggs, which are boiled using the naturally heated spring water before being steamed. The eggs emerge blackened because the iron and sulphur compounds in the water react with the eggshells.

They are currently sold at ¥500 for a packet of four rather than five. Each black egg is said to add seven years to one’s lifespan. Could this be a step towards immortality? Just kidding.

4. Soak in quirky baths at Yunessun Spa

As mentioned, Hakone is dotted with a variety of onsen. However, if I could only recommend one, I would definitely pick Hakone Kowakien Yunessun because of the unique experience it offers.

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Image credit: Yunessun Facebook Page

This amazing place is almost like an onsen theme park, giving you the opportunity to soak in swimwear-friendly themed baths such as its wine and coffee baths. The indoor and outdoor areas also include larger pools, play areas and water slides.

Image credit: Yunessun Facebook Page

For those who prefer something more conventional, Mori no Yu is the facility’s traditional, separated hot-spring area where swimwear is not worn. It includes indoor baths and open-air baths overlooking the surrounding mountains.

Admission varies according to the section, package and selected date. Entry to the swimwear area currently starts from ¥2,500 for adults and ¥1,400 for children, while combined tickets that include Mori no Yu cost more. Check the official ticket page for the latest price and operating hours.

5. Wander around the Hakone Open Air Museum

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Art lovers, rejoice! Hakone is not only known for its natural beauty, but also for its variety of museums and galleries.

For a unique museum experience, visit the Hakone Open-Air Museum, which creates a harmonious balance between nature and art by displaying approximately 120 works by modern and contemporary sculptors across its expansive outdoor grounds.

The sculptures are set against a backdrop of the surrounding valley and mountains. The attraction also contains indoor galleries, the Picasso Pavilion, a stained-glass tower and a hot-spring footbath.

The museum opens daily from 9am to 5pm, with last admission at 4.30pm. Same-day adult admission is currently ¥2,000, while an advance online ticket costs ¥1,800.

6. Feel the Italian vibes in Hakone Glass no Mori

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Image credit: Kentaro Ohno

The Hakone Venetian Glass Museum, also known as Hakone Glass no Mori, is another impressive attraction that is worth visiting.

Get ready to step into a whole new world. This little compound mimics the streets of Italy, with Italian-style buildings housing the Glass Museum, shops and a café. There are also charming, well-sculpted gardens where you can take a leisurely stroll.

Glass ornaments adorn the trees and the area around the pond, giving you a gorgeous view of the grounds which are exceptionally enchanting, especially under the sun.

Take your time to explore the museum, which displays Venetian glassware dating from the 16th century to modern times, along with ancient glass, perfume bottles and contemporary works.

The museum generally opens from 10am to 5.30pm, with last admission at 5pm. Same-day adult admission is currently ¥1,800, while official online tickets are available at a lower price. It closes for approximately 11 days following Coming of Age Day each January and may also close while exhibitions are changed.

7. Explore the historic Odawara Castle

If your budget is a little tight, I recommend swapping the museums mentioned above for Odawara Castle. Odawara is outside Hakone itself, but its station is a major gateway to the area, making the castle an easy stop at the beginning or end of your trip.

The castle grounds are especially picturesque during the cherry blossom season, although the former claim that this is one of the best places to view Mt. Fuji should be removed.

Be sure to head to the castle’s observation deck to be treated to panoramic views across Odawara, Sagami Bay and the surrounding mountains when you reach the top!

The former Odawara Castle Historical Museum has been transformed into the interactive NINJA Museum, which introduces the history of the Fuma ninja associated with the Hojo clan. The Tokiwagi Gate SAMURAI Museum displays armour and swords and is now included with admission to the castle keep.

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Don’t miss a photo stop during your visit! Armour, ninja outfits, uchikake robes and jinbaori coats are available to rent at Tokiwagi Gate for ¥500 per person. The rental generally operates until 4pm, with the last costumes issued at 3.30pm.

As of March 2026, admission to the castle keep costs ¥1,000 for adults and ¥300 for primary and junior-high-school students and includes entry to the SAMURAI Museum. The NINJA Museum requires a separate ticket costing ¥500 for adults and ¥200 for children.

So take your pick from our list and craft your perfect itinerary, be it for a day trip or longer. Rest assured you’ll return to Tokyo refreshed, ready to take on the rest of Japan. Trust us, Hakone is a place you definitely do not want to miss.