Our 20 Favorite Things We Did in Hakone, Japan 

Are you looking for the best things to do in Hakone?

We spent an extensive amount of time there and did everything from eating soba noodles at hidden gem local restaurants to hiking 400-year old ancient highways and everything in between. This area of Japan is bursting at the seams with things to do, so if you’re just starting your research, I wouldn’t blame you if your head is spinning. 

That’s where we come in! We went and did each of these 20 activities below and included all sorts of things to know, tips, and how to fit them into your itinerary. So keep reading for the ultimate Hakone guide and the best things you can do here!

1. Check out the view from Chureito Pagoda 

Bailey poses for a photo at Chureito Pagoda in Japan
Views of Mt Fuji from Chureito Pagoda
View of Mt Fuji on the walk up to the Chureito Pagoda
On the way up to Chureito Pagoda

We would argue that the Chureito Pagoda has one of the best views of Mt Fuji and it’s for this reason that we put it at the top of this list. Only an hour’s drive away from Hakone, it’s a short commute for one heck of a view.

Considering there’s no entrance fee, it’s easy to see why this is an incredibly popular destination for tourists and locals alike. However, to get the amazing views you have to walk up 398 steps to the pagoda itself. There are handrails, but no benches, and depending on your fitness level, the walk up will take anywhere from about 15 – 30 minutes.

But the view from the top isn’t the only impressive thing to look at. Built as a peace memorial in 1963, I found the architecture of the pagoda stunning. The surrounding nature compliments it perfectly, but heaps of other tourists can take away from the appeal. The only downside to this attraction is that it is incredibly popular, so it can be hard to find a peaceful spot to relax.

If you don’t mind getting up early, we were told sunrise is the best time to go, as well as around sunset for picturesque views during golden hour. We went in the middle of the day and it was breathtaking all the same! I recommend spending at least 2 hours here so you have time to take it all in and get some amazing photos. This spot even made our list of the top Mt Fuji viewpoints in the Mt Fuji area, so you know it’s good!

Parking is free except for during the cherry blossom festival in early April when it costs $6 USD. There are attendants in blue vests who will help you find parking and it’s an organized, straightforward process.

2. Amasake Tea House 

Bailey sits and drinks tea at the Amasake Tea House Hakone Japan
Mmm tea!
Mochi at the Amasake Tea House Hakone Japan
Mochi is delicious

Tea houses are must-visit places in Japan and we always enjoy going to them any chance we get. We can easily say that the Amasake Tea House is the best (and coziest) traditional tea house in Hakone and there are plenty of locals who will back us up on that statement as well. That’s how you know it’s good!

There isn’t a whole lot here besides traditional snacks and drinks so we found it to be a nice place to relax for an afternoon, people watch, and chat with other travellers and locals. The tea is free, but you’ll need to purchase something else as well. I recommend getting mochi, a rice cake filled with sweet or savory flavors that is dangerously good. This tea house is known to make the best in the region, so if you’ve never had it this is the place to start!

Getting here by car is easy, but if you don’t have your own wheels you’ll be happy to know the bus will drop you off just outside the tea house. To get there by bus take Route K from Hakone-Yumoto Station (OH51) towards Motohakone Port. After about 30 minutes there is an official stop at the tea house.

3. Visit the Hakone Shrine 

Hakone Shrine on Lak Aski, Japan
This is the famous photo!
Heiwa no Torii at Hakone Shrine on Lake Ashi Hakone Japan
The shrine from the water

Simply put, Hakone Shrine is one of the most beautiful and ancient Shinto shrines in the region. If you enjoy peaceful walks through nature, stunning scenery, and ancient architecture, this is one you won’t want to miss. Even better, it’s a free activity!

Before being moved to Lake Ashi in 1667, Hakone Shrine was built on the top of Mount Hakone in 757 AD. Yeah, it’s that old! Many famous samurai and military leaders visited the shrine to pay their respects and make offerings which began its rise in fame. 

The most famous part is the Heiwa no Torii located on Lake Ashi and it’s one of the gateways to the shrine itself. It’s incredible to see, but the line to take a picture can sometimes be 45 minutes long, so I recommend going early in the morning.

The shrine can be easily reached from Hakone and we recommend walking there from your hotel to avoid the hassle of parking since it can get busy. Depending on where you’re staying, it should take you about 15 to 30 minutes. 

After passing through a Torii Gate (the entrance) you’ll have an easy but incredible nature walk through the forest and up some steps to the shrine. Surrounded by massive trees, our time here was a wonderful way to spend the afternoon. We were especially big fans of the dragon statues!

4. Eat authentic soba noodles

Soba Noodle Tsukumo in Hakone Japan
Soba Noodle Tsukumo!
Daniel smiles at Soba Noodle Tsukumo Hakone Japan
Time to eat

When you think about Japan what comes to mind, amazing noodles? Yeah, me too! The Hakone region is famous for Soba noodles and for good reason. I’m pretty sure I ate my weight in noodles and I regret none of it. They’re so dang good!

If your stomach is growling already, just read on for our recommendations for the best authentic noodles you can eat.

First, let’s talk about Soba Kihinkan which not only has amazing Soba noodles, but also an aesthetic to match. We seriously loved the vibe of this place as it’s modeled after traditional Japanese houses. Everything is made in-house and we had an amazing experience! There are vegetarian and non-vegetarian options available.

Next, we liked Soba Noodle Tsukumo because they have a large menu with tons of variety. If you’re traveling with a group and not everyone wants noodles, this is a great spot to go. But if you are in the mood for noodles, you’re in for a treat! I’d just download a translator to your phone first because most of the menu isn’t in English.

Located at the north end of Lake Ashi, Kojiri-Chaya Hakone offers incredible views and soba noodles you’ll be dreaming about for years to come. From the moment we walked in, the staff was friendly, helpful, and assisted us in picking out a delicious meal. The pork curry soba was mindblowing, but they also offered vegetarian options as well. We especially enjoyed how local this spot felt and we were the only foreigners there, always a good sign!

Related Read: If you love food, don’t miss taking one of the best cooking classes we found in Tokyo!

5. Visit Owakudani and eat a famous black egg

Daniel eats a black egg with Fuji in the background at Owakudani Hakone Japan
Trying the famous black eggs
A large black egg at Owakudani Hakone Japan
That’s a large black egg!

Formed by a volcano over 3,000 years ago, Owakudani is a volcanic valley that is still active to this day. Used as a place to harvest hot water and minerals, its claim to fame is its black eggs which are said to extend your life by seven years.

Black eggs? Yup! By boiling regular chicken eggs in the thermal waters of the valley, the chemical reaction turns the shells black. You can snag four of them for $3 USD and try them yourself. I didn’t notice a difference in taste, but the black shell was super cool!

Besides eggs, there is a museum that talks about the formation of the area and how it’s used today to harvest minerals from the water. To get into the museum you’ll pay 100 JPY which is a little less than $1 USD. If you like hiking, there is a 7.2-kilometer (4.5-mile) trail that takes about 2.5 hours to complete. We didn’t do it ourselves, but we heard it offers great views of the lake.

To get here, you can either drive or take a bus. But if you want to have an even cooler experience, I suggest parking or taking the bus to Sounzan Station and riding the ropeway (cable car) up. You get incredible views of the surrounding area and can see the thermal vents from way up high! Even if you drive all the way here, I think taking the ropeway to Sounzan Station and back is a worthwhile experience. Tickets are about $5 USD one way and the ropeway takes about 5 minutes to reach Owakudani.

6. Tea ceremony & tea making experience in Hakone 

Daniel and Bailey take a photo at a tea ceremony and tea making experience Hakone Japan
Starting the ceremony
A woman at a Tea Ceremony & Making Experience in Hakone Japan-2
Such a cool experience!

Tea ceremonies are a tradition that goes back over a thousand years. It’s one of the three Japanese classical arts of refinement and is done to bring host and guest together when meeting. Super cool, right?

We had the chance to do several tea ceremonies including this tea ceremony in Hakone. Let me be the first to say it is nothing like making tea back home. The whole process is such a unique experience and the way we prepared the tea is unlike anything I’ve ever done. 

It’s difficult to put into words how involved it is and the amount of attention to detail. We love these ceremonies because it’s such an authentic way to connect with the Japanese culture and the people who run them are absolutely wonderful. 

If you would like to experience it for yourself attending a tea ceremony in Hakone is easy to do through this tour that has you making tea with masters of the art. They include traditional sweets, tea (of course), and a one-of-a-kind experience in Japan. We especially liked this one because unlike most tea ceremonies they teach you how to do it instead of doing it all for you. 

7. Ride the Komagatake Ropeway

A gondola on the ropeway over the owakudani volcanic valley Hakone Japan
Riding the ropeway over Owakudani Volcanic Valley
The Komagatake Ropeway with gondola over the volcanic valley Hakone Japan-2
The steam coming up is so cool!

One of the best parts about Hakone is how interconnected it is with ropeways and other public transportation. It makes getting around the region easy, fun, and surprisingly cheap especially if you don’t have your own vehicle. If you’re the kind of person who loves to see a lot of new things, taking the Komagatake Ropeway is a great way to spend a day.

The Komagatake Ropeway begins at Togendai Station and goes on from there to Owakudani Station then to Sounzan Station. In case you missed it, we talked about Owakudani above, it’s a fun stop to see the volcanic valley, do some hiking, and eat their famous black eggs. I highly recommend it!

The views on the way to Sounzan Station are epic and the whole journey will take about 25 minutes (without stopping) and a round trip ticket costs 1,800 JPY ($11.50 USD). After reaching Sounzan, you can either take one more gondola ride to Gora Station or start using the bus to get from place to place. I recommend just using the bus from here since the final gondola ride doesn’t have many views.

Depending on what you want to do, Hakone is your oyster, but we enjoyed going south. You can eat famous mochi at the Amasake Tea House, explore the ancient Hakone Shrine, and even end the day by taking the scenic cruise (more on that next) from Moto-Hakone back to Togendai Station! 

8. Ride the sightseeing cruise pirate ship 

View from the deck on the scenic cruise on Lake Ashi Hakone Japan 2
Seeing the sights from the main deck
Bailey with the boat of the scenic cruise on Lake Ashi Hakone Japan
Cruise time!

The Hakone region is gorgeous, but even more so when seeing sights like Mt Fuji from Lake Ashi aboard a replica pirate ship. Yeah, you heard that right. This is one of the most memorable things you can do in the area!

What we loved about this experience is that it can easily fit into an afternoon. A one-way trip from the starting point at the southern part of Lake Ashi to Togendai only takes around 25 minutes. We booked a return trip back and it all lasted for about an hour. It’s perfect for families with kids, but I think everyone enjoys it regardless of age.

Standing on the deck of a replica pirate ship is a travel story you’ll be telling everyone, trust me. From start to finish, we had unbeatable views. The inside of the ship is also pirate-themed and just as much fun to poke around in for a while. It’s also a fun place to get some silly pictures! 

Tickets can be bought the day of at the dock for $7 USD one way or $14 USD round trip. If you’re feeling classy you can even upgrade to first class for only $5 USD more! Insider tip, if you plan on using the ropeway the same day as the cruise just snag the Hakone Freepass since it includes everything in one and is cheaper all around.

9. Hike Hakone Hachiri – a 400-year-old highway 

The forest of the Hakone Hachiri hike in Hakone Japan
Such a beautiful hike
An old road sign on a hike of Hakone Hachiri in Hakone Japan
This road sign is 400 years old!

As avid hikers, we were pumped to learn about Hakone Hachiri, a section of the Old Tokaido Highway. Now a hiking trail, it’s one of the best ways to get out into the forest among the Japanese cedar trees and away from the crowded tourist areas. 

What makes the Hakone Hachiri special is that it maintains the traditional characteristics of a highway journey someone would take when it was being used originally. Teahouses, official checkpoints, stone paths, and small towns dot this section of road as they did hundreds of years ago. It’s a fascinating look into the history of Japan and we found ourselves thinking of all the samurai, nobles, and common folk who walked the same path just as we were.

For the most part, the trail is well maintained and easy to navigate with good boots and anyone of a moderate fitness level. There are some rock paths that can get slippery on the way so be careful! If you’d like to do it on your own, you can get all the information you need here. However, I honestly don’t think hiking it solo is the best thing to do because you’ll miss all of the amazing history that is hidden in plain sight. 

We did this hiking tour and we absolutely loved it. Our guide Tony brought Japan’s history to life with fun stops all along the way and explained the significance of everything both big and small. We stopped at the ruins of a castle and at a wonderful teahouse that has been in the same family for 14 generations! He also helped us navigate down “Cedar Avenue” with 400-year-old trees towering above us. I can’t read Kanji, so he really came in handy when we were checking out Edo-era road signs!

This tour was such an amazing way to learn about some of Japan’s history with a passionate guide. This tour is $192 USD and should be booked in advance.

10. The Hakone Open-Air Museum

Bailey walks down the stairs at the Hakone Open-Air Museum Hakone Japan
It’s a beautiful place to explore
A large head at the Hakone Open-Air Museum Hakone Japan
That’s a big head!

We love a good art museum and if you feel the same way making a trip to the Hakone Open-Air Museum should be a priority. 

As the name would suggest, a good deal of this place is outside and different exhibits are separated by walking paths. We went on a beautiful day and going from place to place was a treat itself since the museum is surrounded by mountains and lush forest. There’s even a lovely cafe you can take a break at if you need to!

Sculptures are the highlight here and you’ll see pieces that range from small and intriguing to massive and weird. One of my favorites was “Sleep” which was of the artist’s cat sleeping, simple but so well done! There’s even a whole pavilion here that houses some of Picasso’s works and having never seen any of his work in person, this was such a treat. 

The museum is suitable for adults and children alike, so if you’re traveling with family don’t hesitate to spend an afternoon here with the kiddos. There’s even a hands-on art room for kids to run around in and just be themselves without the worry of damaging any art.

Tickets for adults are around $12 USD and there’s usually a line to get in on the weekends so consider buying tickets online beforehand.

11. Go on a guided sightseeing tour

Bailey and Daniel smile at Owakudani Hakone Japan
Owakudani is a must visit on a tour
Hakone Shrine Temple in Hakone Japan 2
The Hakone Shrine

We enjoy guided sightseeing tours in Japan because there’s so much history and culture here that you miss out on otherwise. They also make it super easy to do multiple things in a day and not waste time scratching your head figuring out how to get there, where to get tickets, when events start, etc.

My two recommendations are this 6-hour private tour or this 8-hour private tour. Both options are a good fit for people who want to see some of the highlights like Hakone Shrine, Lake Ashi, or Owakudani Volcanic Valley. Plus, they both have tons of 5-star reviews (just click the tour name above to read them) that mention the outstanding guides.

How these tours work is after you book, you pick 3-4 stops you want to make in Hakone. Your guide meets you and then assists you in getting where you want to go as well as tells you all about the places you visit. You’ll have to cover the costs of travel and entrance fees, but I actually like this because it’s cheaper than a tour that has a private vehicle and you get to experience public transportation like the ropeways! Consider picking up a Hakone Freepass before your tour to save on transportation costs.   

If you only have 2-3 places you want to visit I say go for the 6-hour private tour. Just keep in mind that 6 hours goes by faster than you think! But if you really want to dig into Hakone and have time to make additional stops for something like Soba noodles, I recommend the 8-hour private tour. Both have English-speaking licensed guides and flexible start times.

12. Narukawa Art Museum

Bailey at the Narukawa Art Museum Hakone Japan
There are a ton of sculptures
Paintings in Narukawa Art Museum in Hakone Japan
Paintings too!

I find that a country’s art can really help me understand more about the culture as a whole and the Narukawa Art Museum has tons of excellent exhibitions that do just that. The art on display here is nihonga which literally means Japanese-style painting.

I’m a casual art observer, so some of the meanings behind the paintings were lost on me, but they were beautiful nonetheless. It’s a style of art Japan is well known for and chances are you’ve seen it before. Besides paintings, they have jade and stone carvings on display that have incredible amounts of detail for how small they are.

What I really enjoyed was the cafe that has outdoor seating and panoramic views of Lake Ashi. It’s incredibly peaceful and you can even see the Heiwa no Torii and watch the replica pirate ships sail past as you sip tea or coffee. If you are there on a clear day, there are some incredible views of Mt Fuji in the distance!

If you’re staying in town, it’s only a short walk away, so it’s an easy activity to fit into the day. Tickets are 1,500 JPY ($10 USD) but I’d bring some extra cash (Japanese Yen) for a coffee by the lake!

13. Soak in an onsen 

Bailey soaks in an Onsen in Hakone Japan
Having a private onsen is so relaxing

Soaking in an onsen is another one of those experiences we think is a must-do in Japan and a highlight of Hakone. An onsen is a hot spring where people go to socialize, relax, and rejuvenate, and is an activity that has been a part of the culture for a very long time.

In Hakone, because of the amount of geothermal activity, there are public onsens and resorts dedicated to them everywhere. They’re incredible and we loved spending a day soaking in mineral-rich water, especially after traveling so much!

While going to a public onsen is perfectly fine for travelers, there are a couple of important things to know before visiting. First off, if you go to a public onsen, men and women will be separated. Also, most public onsens require that you bathe nude and won’t allow you to wear swimsuits in the spring, but having a towel to wrap around you when walking around is perfectly fine. Finally, public onsens will not allow men or women with tattoos to enter, this was an issue for us since Daniel has tattoos, but there’s an easy workaround.

If any of the above will be a problem for you, I recommend staying at a hotel or resort as the rules are different! Shared bathing areas allow you to wear swimwear, men and woman can share the same space, and tattoos are no problem. Of course, I would double-check with hotels directly, but this is what we found when we stayed at the Fuji-Hakone Guest House. We had a private onsen and it was amazing.

There are tons of hotels and resorts in Hakone that have them, so depending on your budget, you’re sure to find something. We used Booking.com to search through hotels in Hakone and found that it was the easiest way to sort through all the options.

14. Explore Onshi-Hakone Park

Bailey walks at Onshi-Hakone Park Hakone Japan
A lovely place to go for a walk
Bailey enjoys the views at Onshi-Hakone Park Hakone Japan
Can’t beat these views!

Onshi-Hakone Park sits at the southern end of Lake Ashi and is a wonderful place to spend an afternoon. We spent several hours walking around on its many paths, enjoying the incredible scenery of the lake, people-watching, and just relaxing in nature. 

If you’re feeling burnt out from crowds and tourist activities, this free park is a great place to unwind. For us, the highlight of the park was taking quiet trails through the forest to various overlooks. If you don’t mind walking up 200 steps, the Nihyaku Kaidan is a bit of a butt kicker, but the views of Mt Fuji from the top are fantastic. Before it was made a park, this area was actually all a bamboo forest!

There is a famous palace in the park that was built in 1886 for the monarch’s son who was severely ill at the time and needed a peaceful place to recover. The palace you see here now is not the original, but one that was rebuilt after a massive earthquake destroyed the original in 1923. It’s free to go in and look around and we thought it was pretty neat!

15. Hakone Venetian Glass Museum

Bailey smiles at the Hakone Venetian Glass Museum Japan
The outdoor area is stunning!
Glass container at the Hakone Venetian Glass Museum Japan
Very impressive

The Hakone Venetian Glass Museum is a fantastic half indoor/half outdoor museum that has an impressive collection of glassware mostly from 16th Century Venice. We had never been to a glass museum and had a wonderful time spending a couple of hours here and admiring the pieces on display. 

Unlike some museums, we appreciated that this one was compact and easy to get around. All in all, you only need about 2-3 hours to see everything and there is plenty to see. While the older glassware is the highlight for many, I enjoyed the modern glasswork, especially the ones by Dale Chihuly which were like massive glass flowers – they were amazing!

Something we weren’t expecting but absolutely loved was having a meal at their house restaurant La Canzone in the outdoor glass garden. It’s exactly what it sounds like and we had so much fun sipping wine and eating charcuterie while admiring the glass garden art.

Admission into the museum is 1,800 JPY ($11.50 USD) and can be purchased on arrival or online beforehand.

16. Gora Brewery & Grill

Bailey drinks beer at Gora Brewery and Grill Hakone Japan
Cheers!
Food at Gora Brewery and Grill Hakone Japan
The food was delicious

When it comes to good food and beer Gora Brewery & Grill blows it out of the water. Compared to most breweries, our experience here was not what we were expecting, but in the best way possible. 

If you’re solo or just a couple of people, I recommend trying to sit at the bar. There are views of the garden and you can watch the staff make the food and drinks right in front of you. Regardless of where you sit, it would be a good idea to make a reservation beforehand, especially for dinner. 

I should give you the heads up that this is no McDonald’s and food and drinks can be a little pricy, but oh man is it worth it. We ordered lots of little things like shrimp, salmon, and edamame and shared them and it was a great way to try a lot. The beer is excellent and I recommend getting a sampler beer flight of 4 so you can try all of their craft brews. Although I have to say my favorite was their Green Monster IPA!

There’s a level of attention to detail in food and beverages that makes so much of the dining experience in Japan memorable and this was no exception. Even if you aren’t a beer lover, the food here is some of the best we had in Hakone and it’s somewhere we will go again when we pass back through!

17. Mishima Skywalk

Bailey on the Mishima Sky Walk bridge Hakone Japan
The view of Mt Fuji from here is amazing!
Daniel smiles at the Mishima Sky Walk bridge Hakone Japan
It’s a really long skywalk

The Mishima Skywalk is phenomenal and has spectacular views of the surrounding area, Mt Fuji included!

In terms of a suspension bridge, this one is massive and impressive even without the stellar views. It’s Japan’s longest walking bridge at 400 meters (1,312 feet) and is very popular, so get ready for crowds, especially on nice days. If you want to avoid crowds, arriving at 9 am when they open is the best, but sometimes the views aren’t as great as in the afternoon, since it can be cloudy.  

Besides the bridge, there is an observation area near the parking lot (good for those with a fear of heights) and even ziplining if you’re feeling brave! We didn’t go ziplining, but it looked like a blast.

Unfortunately, the skywalk is pretty far out of town, so you’ll probably need to take a bus or taxi to get there. Entrance to the bridge itself is 1,100 JPY ($7 USD). For these views, we thought it was worth it!

Related Read: If you’d rather take a day trip to get views of Mt Fuji, check out our picks for the best Mt Fuji tours from Tokyo!

19. Have a cheese tart at Hakone Cheese Terrace

Cheese tarts at Hakone Cheese Hakone Japan 2
If you like treats, don’t miss these!
Cheese tarts at Hakone Cheese Hakone Japan
Make sure to get there early before they sell out

Another foodie favorite of ours is the cheese tart, an iconic Japanese treat we ate way too many of. In Hakone specifically, Hakone Cheese Terrace makes the best you can get in the area with fresh ingredients and mouth-watering flavors.

Since they aren’t too big, we snagged several different kinds to try and I’m so glad we did. The original cheesecake flavor was incredible, but I think blueberry was my favorite. There are some other novelty ones like roasted tea flavors we didn’t try but people swear by them.

They are incredibly popular, so I recommend going earlier in the day before they sell out of things. This is a quick stop, so it’s easy to fit into an afternoon of exploring or maybe even grab some as a snack later on! 

They serve plenty of other fantastic things like soft-serve ice cream and bubble tea, so if cheese tarts aren’t your favorite it’s still a shop worth visiting.

20. Get up and get a view of the lake and Mt Fuji

Mt Fuji and Lake Ashi at sunrise from the Mt.Taikan Observation Deck Hakone Japan
Mt Fuji and Lake Ashi at sunrise from the Mt. Taikan Observation Deck

While it was difficult to drag ourselves out of bed first thing in the morning to watch the sunrise over Mt Fuji and Lake Ashi, it was an unforgettable experience. There are a couple of ways to do this depending on how far out of your way you want to go and how early you want to get up.

The easiest option is to get to the Hakone Komagatake Ropeway Station and take the earliest gondola up at 9 am. The sun will have already risen at this point, but the early morning is still stunning from the mountain and the 7 minute ride up in the gondola is spectacular. There is a shrine and some hiking trails at the top, so after you’ve taken in the views you have some more activities to enjoy. A round-trip ticket for the gondola costs 1,800 JPY ($11.50 USD) and can be purchased the day of.

The less accessible option is also the one we recommend since you can catch the sunrise from an even higher observation point. The Mt.Taikan Observation Deck is free to visit and opens at 5:30 am – perfect for sunrise. It has stellar views, although this comes at the cost of it being farther out of town. So we recommend setting your alarm EXTRA early to leave time to drive yourself in a rental car or for a taxi to take you. 

I’d suggest catching the sunset at either of these places, but sadly both of them close at 4 pm. 

Tips for Visiting Hakone

The scenic cruise on Lake Ashi Hakone Japan 2
Watching the replica pirate ships go by on Lake Ashi
Daniel walks to Hakone Shrine in Hakone Japan
Walking up to the Hakone Shrine

Eat dinner early: This is one that we learned the hard way. Most restaurants do their last seating around 7:30 pm and close shortly after. So, I recommend getting to a restaurant no later than 6 pm to be safe. Worst case scenario have some instant noodles in your bag you can eat!

Get the Hakone Freepass: If you plan on taking the bus, riding the ropeway, and enjoying the sightseeing cruise on Lake Ashi, do yourself a favor and get this pass. It gives you unlimited access to all of these for a base price and can be purchased for 2-3 days. It’s cheaper, more convenient, and saves you loads of time.

Stay in Hakone for at least 1-2 nights: Hakone has a lot to see and if you don’t enjoy going full speed all day to try and cram in all your activities, I suggest staying for a couple of days. Some activities like soaking in an onsen can even be done at hotels, convenient! So kick back, relax, and enjoy your time in Hakone to the fullest.

People on the sightseeing pirate ship cruise on Lake Ashi in Hakone Japan
The sightseeing cruise on Lake Ashi is a must do

Rent a car: We had a rental car we took from Tokyo to Hakone and it made getting to certain places so much easier. We used public transportation like the ropeways a lot and it was great, but when it comes to getting farther out, waiting for a bus can be a little inconvenient sometimes. If you’re interested in renting a car DiscoverCars is what we used in Tokyo and it’s a service we use around the world without fail.

Check the forecast: If you are staying for a couple of days and are planning on doing some activities that are best with good weather (scenic cruise, ropeway, Chureito Pagoda) do yourself a favor and check the forecast before you go. Plan certain activities around the weather, so you can make the most of them. Sure, they’re still amazing even if it’s cloudy, but Mt Fuji on a clear day cant be beat!

If you’re limited on time, consider taking a private tour: We’re tour people, but we also love exploring on our own! We’ve learned from experience that tours are the best way to see a lot in very little time. Hakone has a lot to see and if you want to make the most out of a short trip having a local guide is the best way to do that. Our top pick is this 8-hour private tour of Hakone. It has awesome reviews and you’ll learn so much more than if you do everything on your own!

Where to Stay in Hakone

Hotel de Yama Hakone Japan
Photo credit: Odakyu Hotel de Yama

Now that you know how much Hakone has to offer, it’s time to find a great place to stay! Whether you’re looking for a luxury escape or a budget-friendly hotel, we’ve narrowed it down to our top three options.

Odakyu Hotel de Yama – $$$

For a VIP stay in Hakone, Odakyu Hotel de Yama delivers! It’s right next to Lake Ashi and has spectacular Japanese gardens on the property along with indoor and outdoor natural hot springs. It’s all the extras that take this hotel to the next level –  from a free shuttle into town daily, spacious rooms with large windows and two restaurants serving free breakfast with Western and Japanese choices.

Rooms here start around $300 USD/night and can book up quickly. If you’re looking for luxury in Hakone, book a stay online here!

RoheN Resort & Lounge – $$

The location of this hotel is what sold us! RoheN Resort is right on Lake Ashi and it feels tranquil with rooms looking out to the lake. But it’s still close to must-sees in the area including only a 10-minute walk to the Hakone shrine – perfect for a morning walk to beat the crowds! The beds are comfy, the food is yummy, and the lounge area with the fireplace in the center is great for relaxing.

A superior room with a lake view is around $200 USD, but standard rooms and capsule rooms are much cheaper starting at only $50 USD. Check rates and book in advance!

Emblem Flow Hakone – $

For a combo hotel/hostel that’s good for budget travelers, my pick is Emblem Flow Hakone. It’s located right across the street from Gora train station and has its own onsen. It does feel like a more luxurious hostel and the staff members are super helpful. Even if you stay in a bunk here, you get a free robe and towels to take in the onsen. Plus breakfast is included!

Bunks start at only $40 USD/night or private rooms are around $100 USD. For a relaxing place to stay that doesn’t break the budget, easily book a room online with Hostelworld.com or Booking.com.

Thanks for reading!

Bailey and Daniel take a selfie on the Komagatake Ropeway Hakone Japan
Thanks for reading!

I hope you liked our guide on the best things to do in Hakone! There’s such a wide variety of activities here that we always enjoy stopping in for a few days while traveling in Japan. I’m sure we will be adding to this list in the future!

If you’re setting off on your first trip to Japan or just want some tips on exploring new destinations in the country, we can help. Have a look at our blogs on exploring Japan here for tips, tours, and personal recommendations!

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