Hakone Travel Guide: Best Things to Do, How to Get There, and When to Visit
Last Updated on December 17, 2025 by Charlotte
Just a couple of hours from Tokyo, Hakone feels like a totally different world, one filled with steaming onsen baths, ropeways that glide over volcanic valleys, pirate ships on mountain lakes, and (on a clear day) postcard views of Mount Fuji. It’s no surprise that Hakone is one of the most popular getaways in Japan for locals and travelers alike. Whether you’re heading there as a day trip, an overnight, or a full-on 3-day escape like we did, this guide has everything you need: how to get there, what to do, what the Hakone Free Pass actually covers, where to eat and stay, and more.
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Hakone Trip Planning Essentials
Before diving into where to stay, what to do, eat, and explore, here’s everything you need to know to plan your visit to Hakone smoothly, from the best season to visit to how to get there and around once you arrive.
Reaching Hakone is surprisingly easy, whether you’re coming from Tokyo, Osaka, or somewhere in between. Most travelers head for Hakone-Yumoto Station, which serves as the main entry point to the region. From there, you can ride a winding mountain train, cable car, ropeway, bus, and even a pirate ship, but we’ll get to that in a bit.
By Train From Tokyo
Via the Odakyu Romancecar
If you’re starting from Tokyo, the most straightforward option is the Odakyu Romancecar. It’s a comfortable, scenic limited express train that runs directly from Shinjuku to Hakone-Yumoto in about 80–90 minutes. You’ll need to pay a small surcharge on top of your base fare or Hakone Free Pass, but the convenience and reserved seating are usually worth it, especially if you’re traveling with luggage or during peak season.
Via train with a Japan Rail Pass (JR Pass)
If you’re traveling with a Japan Rail Pass (JR Pass), your best bet is to take the Tokaido Shinkansen from Tokyo Station to Odawara, a short and smooth ride that clocks in at just 35 minutes. From Odawara Station, you’ll transfer onto the local Hakone Tozan line for the final leg to Hakone-Yumoto. Just note that the JR Pass doesn’t cover any transport inside Hakone itself, so you’d still need to buy the Hakone Free Pass in person separately at Odawara Station if you want to do the full sightseeing loop.
Heads up! The JR Pass only covers transit up to Odawara Station, and from there you need to either pay the local train fare, or purchase the Hakone Free Pass.
By Train From Osaka or Kyoto
Coming from Osaka or Kyoto? You’ll follow a similar Shinkansen route: take the bullet train to Odawara Station, then transfer to the Hakone Tozan line. The journey takes about 2 to 2.5 hours total and is fully covered by the JR Pass up to Odawara Station. It’s a long day, so I highly recommend spending at least one night in Hakone if you’re coming from Kansai region.
By Overnight Bus
And if you’re traveling on a tight budget or looking to skip a night of accommodation, there’s also the overnight highway bus option. Buses run from cities like Tokyo and Osaka to Odawara or Hakone-Yumoto, often arriving early in the morning. While not luxurious, it’s an efficient and affordable way to maximize your time, just don’t expect a full night’s rest.
The Hakone Free Pass is a transportation pass that covers nearly all major transit in the Hakone area, including trains, cable cars, ropeways, buses, sightseeing cruises, and discounts at local attractions. In this section, we’ll cover how much it costs, where to buy it, what it includes, and where you can use it, plus tips to gauge whether it’s worth it for you.
Hakone Free Pass 2025 Pricing
| Origin | 2-Day Pass | 2-Day Pass Child | 3-Day Pass | 3-Day Pass Child |
| From Odawara Station | ¥6,000 | ¥1,500 | ¥6,400 | ¥1,750 |
| From Shinjuku Station | ¥7,100 | ¥1,600 | ¥7,500 | ¥1,850 |
- Pass prices last updated on October 21, 2025. Please drop me a comment if you see that prices have changed! I do my best to update things to reflect price increases.
- NOTE: If you want to take the Limited Express Romancecar, you’ll need to pay an extra limited express surcharge, typically, ¥1,200–¥1,400 one way depending on the time and seat type.
What The Hakone Free Pass Includes
Unlimited rides on 8 types of transport in Hakone, including:
- Hakone Tozan Railway
- Hakone Cable Car
- Hakone Ropeway
- Local buses
- Lake Ashi pirate ship, and more
Discounts at local attractions including the:
- Open Air Museum
- Venetian Glass Museum
- Pola Museum
- Yunessun Spa, and more
Where to Purchase the Free Pass Online
f you’re coming all the way from Tokyo, you can purchase the Hakone Free Pass online in advance. Keep in mind that if you are only going to be passing through Hakone en route to another city (e.g., not doing a return trip to Tokyo), you probably want to purchase the Odawara version of the pass in person.
Where to Purchase the Free Pass In-Person
You can purchase the Hakone Free Pass in person at several major stations and tourist counters:
Shinjuku Station Tokyo:
- Buy at the Odakyu Sightseeing Service Center, located near the West Exit of Shinjuku Station ( 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM )
- Staff can help you choose your pass type and add on the Romancecar surcharge if desired
Odawara Station:
- Purchase at the Odakyu Line Ticket Counter inside Odawara Station
- Look for signs for the Hakone Tozan Line or “Hakone Free Pass” at the entrance area
Hakone Region:
- You can purchase it at Hakone-Yumoto Station, Gora Station, or Sounzan Station
The easiest way to get around in Hakone is via public transit. Hakone isn’t the kind of place where you walk from sight to sight. It’s more like a scenic amusement park stitched together with trains, cable cars, ropeways, buses, and even a pirate ship. And yes, it’s as fun (and sometimes confusing) as it sounds.
You can visit Hakone any time of year, but if you’re hoping for clear views, comfortable walking weather, and not feeling like you’ve just been poached in an onsen, some seasons are better than others.
Fall (October–November)
- Peak season for fall foliage, especially late October to mid-November
- Very popular: book hotels early!
Winter (December–February)
- Crisp views of Mt. Fuji on clear days
- Fewer crowds, cozy ryokan stays, steaming open-air baths
- Some transport disruptions possible due to snow at higher elevations
Spring (March–May)
- Cherry blossoms, cool weather, fewer crowds than fall
- Ropeway + lake cruise are scenic
Summer (June–August)
- Lush greenery, but can be hot and humid
- Good time for higher-altitude onsens and shaded hikes
- Watch out for rain in June (tsuyu)
My personal favorite? Autumn in Hakone is fantastic. The hillsides come alive with fall colors and ruby red maples!
If you really want to enjoy Hakone without rushing through ropeways, volcanoes, and onsens like you’re on the show The Amazing Race, plan to stay in Hakone for 3 days and 2 nights. This gives you enough time to do the full sightseeing loop and slow down enough to enjoy the museums, soak in hot springs, and eat well.
If you’re short on time, you can do Hakone as a day trip from Tokyo (but just barely). You’ll be rushing to squeeze in the ropeway, Owakudani, pirate ship, and shrine before heading back. It’s doable, but not exactly relaxing.
read the Full Itinerary
Hakone Stole My Heart: The Perfect 3 Day Itinerary
Need help planning your days? Check out our detailed 3-Day Hakone Itinerary for exactly how we structured our visit, including when to ride the ropeway, how we avoided crowds, and which onsen we loved most.
Where to Stay In and Around Hakone
Hakone is a cluster of hillside villages, lakeside retreats, and onsen hideaways, with each offering its own distinctive experience. At the entrance to the region, Hakone-Yumoto is known for its easy access and lively streets, whereas the mountaintop village of Gora is quieter, with classic ryokans and sweeping mountain views, while stays near Lake Ashi promise tranquility and Fuji-facing mornings.
Not sure where to stay yet? Use this interactive map to explore hotel options across Hakone, from Lake Ashi to Gora and beyond. Zoom in on your preferred area and check current prices for your dates.
Hakone-Yumoto Town: The Best Town for Easy Access
The most convenient gateway town, especially if you’re arriving by train. You’ll find shops, cafés, and onsen hotels within walking distance of the station. Great for short stays, easy transit, and travelers with luggage.
Check out the best places to stay in Hakone-Yumoto »
Gora Town: Best for Ropeway Access and Onsen Culture
Perched higher in the mountains, Gora is a great choice if you want to soak in a traditional hot spring (onsen) and be close to sights like the Hakone Open Air Museum or the Hakone Ropeway. Many hotels here include onsen facilities and offer shuttle pickups.
Check out the best places to stay in Gora »
Lake Ashi, Moto-Hakone, or Togendai: Best Towns for Scenic Views
If you’re dreaming of peaceful mornings, mist over the water, and the chance to see Mt. Fuji reflected in a crater lake, Lake Ashi might be your perfect base. Stays near Moto-Hakone or Togendai feel more remote and romantic than other areas, with easy access to the pirate ship cruise, lakeside trails, and Hakone Shrine.
Check out the best places to stay near Lake Ashi »
Odawara: Best for Day-Trippers or Budget Stays
Technically just outside Hakone, Odawara is where many Shinkansen lines stop. If you’re arriving late from Osaka or Kyoto, or you want to save a bit on lodging before heading into the loop, it can be a practical choice. There’s not a ton to do here, but the castle and ramen spots are worth a quick stop.
read the Full Guide
The Best Places to Stay in Hakone
Want hotel recommendations and more details on the vibes of the towns in Hakone? Check out my full blog post on where to stay in Hakone.
Things to Do in Hakone
Whether you’re here to ride every ropeway, wander quiet trails, explore open-air art, or simply soak in an onsen and slow down, Hakone offers a little something for every kind of traveler. From steamy volcanic valleys to lakeside shrines and hillside museums, it’s a place where you’re invited to move at your own pace. This section covers the best things to do on your visit to Hakone and walks you through Hakone’s best highlights. We start with the famous Hakone Sightseeing Loop, followed by picturesque shrines, the best museums, steaming onsens, and scenic nature walks.
Ride the Hakone Sightseeing Loop
For Hakone’s Sightseeing Loop, the journey is the destination. The Hakone Sightseeing Loop is a clever chain of scenic transport modes that link many of the region’s top sights. You’ll go from mountain trains to cable cars to ropeways to pirate ships, all in one continuous route.
This loop is what the Hakone Free Pass is built around, and it’s genuinely a ton of fun. Each leg offers a completely different view of the landscape, and when done in order, it feels like a mini adventure through forests and volcanic valleys, over mountain peaks with views of Mt. Fuji, and across lakes.
read the Full Guide
How to Ride the Hakone Sightseeing Loop
Trains, ropeways, pirate ships, and sulfur-steamed black eggs? Here’s our full guide to do the full Hakone Sightseeing Loop (Railway, Ropeway, Pirate Ship & Hakone Shrine) and catch Mt. Fuji views.
Explore the Owakudani Volcanic Valley
This otherworldly volcanic crater is one of the most dramatic stops on the Hakone Sightseeing Loop. Formed by an eruption 3,000 years ago, the area still vents sulfurous steam from the earth today. You can buy the iconic black eggs (kurotamago), that are boiled in the sulfuric hot springs. Legend has it that each one you eat adds seven years to your life (though we stopped after eating two), just in case.
Visit Hakone Shrine
Tucked into a forest of towering cedars, Hakone Shrine is a peaceful lakeside sanctuary with serious postcard appeal. Most visitors come for the iconic red torii gate that rises from the waters of Lake Ashi, though the mossy path through the woods to the main shrine is equally lovely. Be warned: photo lines at the floating gate can get long, so go early if you want a snap without the crowd.
Soak in an Onsen
There’s nothing quite like slipping into a steaming hot spring bath after a day of sightseeing. Hakone is famous for its mineral-rich onsen waters, which have drawn weary travelers for centuries. You’ll find everything from centuries-old bathhouses to sleek, modern ryokan with private tubs overlooking the forest.
Whether you want a quick day soak or the full traditional experience, taking time for an onsen is one of the most memorable and relaxing parts of visiting Hakone. Just be sure to brush up on onsen etiquette before you go!
read the Full Guide
Hakone Onsen Guide: Hot Springs, Onsen Etiquette & Best Places to Soak
Discover Hakone’s best hot springs. In this blog post, we share onsen etiquette, the best day-use spas, and hot spring hotels.
Explore a Museum
Hakone has an unexpectedly fantastic collection of museums, ranging from modern sculpture parks to glittering Venetian glass gardens. Whether you’re an art lover or just looking for something to do on a rainy morning, these spots are worth adding to your itinerary.
Hakone Open Air Museum
If you visit just one museum in Hakone, make it this one. Set in a wide valley surrounded by mountains, the Hakone Open Air Museum features massive sculptures, playful installations, and a stained-glass tower you can climb. It’s a perfect blend of culture and landscape, and it’s even a favorite even among people who don’t usually enjoy museums.
- Price: ¥1,800 per adult (online), ¥2,000 per adult (same day) (Discount available with Hakone Free Pass)
- Hours: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm (last entry 4:30 pm)
- Access: 2-minute walk from Chokoku-no-Mori Station on the Hakone Tozan Railway
- Perfect for: Art lovers, families with active children, photography enthusiasts
- Offical Website
read the Full Guide
Why You Have to Visit the Hakone Open-Air Museum
Venetian Glass Museum (Garasu no Mori)
The Hakone Venetian Glass Museum combines delicate Italian glass art with a whimsical garden strung with shimmering glass threads. It’s especially beautiful in the morning light or during seasonal events when the garden is lit with special installations.
- Price: ¥1,800 per adult (Discount available with Hakone Free Pass)
- Hours: 10:00 am – 5:30 pm (last entry 5:00 pm)
- Access: 20-minute bus ride from Odawara Station or Hakone-Yumoto
- Perfect for: Couples, those who appreciate delicate craftsmanship, visitors seeking peaceful garden views
- Official Website
Pola Museum of Art
Tucked into a forest clearing, the Pola Musum of Art is a sleek, modern museum that houses a private collection of Impressionist and contemporary works, including pieces by Monet, Renoir, and Picasso. The museum was designed to harmonize with its natural setting, and even the walking path through the woods to reach it is peaceful.
- Price: ¥2,200 per adult (Discount available with Hakone Free Pass)
- Hours: 9:00 am-5:00 pm (last entry 4:30 pm)
- Access: Take the “P” bus from Gora Station or Hakone-Yumoto
- Perfect for: Serious art enthusiasts, architecture lovers, those seeking a quieter museum experience
- Official Website
Go On a Guided Tour
Take a Nature Walk
If you’re feeling saturated with ropeways and pirate ships (or just need a breather between museum visits), Hakone has some surprisingly peaceful walking trails tucked into its forests and lakeshores.
Most of these walks, like the Tokaido Road and Hiryu Falls aren’t strenuous hikes, but they do offer quiet, scenic breaks that many travelers miss.
read the Full Guide
Moss, Mist, and Mountain Bliss: The Best Nature Walks in Hakone
Where to Eat in Hakone
Let’s be honest: Hakone isn’t exactly a foodie capital, but you can eat well here if you know what to look for. Many visitors eat most of their meals at their hotel or ryokan (especially if meals are included), but there are also some tasty spots scattered around the loop.
Bakeries and Cafés
The area around the Hakone Sightseeing Loop has a handful of nice bakeries and kissaten-style cafés, great for a snack or light breakfast before you start the day. Pastries in Japan are seriously next level!! I think I ate the best croissant of my life in Japan.
Here are some spots that you’ll want to save for your visit:
- Bakery Aya-pan (ベーカリーあやぱん) – A hidden gem near Hakone-Yumoto Station serving freshly baked Japanese-style bread, savory pastries, and melt-in-your-mouth melon pan, perfect for a quick breakfast or to-go snack before hitting the loop.
- Timuny (ティムニー) – A cozy and artsy café tucked just a few minutes from Hakone-Yumoto Station, known for its strong coffee, eclectic vintage décor, and warm toast or curry rice plates
- Bakery & Table Hakone (near Lake Ashi) – Famous for lakeside seating and footbaths while you eat!
- 7-11 – There are 7-11s scattered around the Hakone area, providing both cold and hot drinks, snacks like croquettes, and pretty nice meals which can be heated up for an affordable price.
Lunch and Dinner Spots Around the Hakone Sightseeing Loop
Sightseeing all day means you’ll probably want a quick, comforting lunch between transport legs.
Places to Eat in Hakone-Yumoto
- Yubadon Naokichi (湯葉丼 直吉) – Specializes in hot yuba (tofu skin) rice bowls.
- Daichan (居酒屋だいちゃん) – A friendly neighborhood izakaya popular with locals, offering grilled skewers, sashimi, and cold beer in a cozy, no-frills setting just a short walk from Hakone-Yumoto Station.
- Yakiniku ROCK – Stylish and highly rated yakiniku restaurant offering premium A5-ranked Japanese Black beef, private dining rooms, and a memorable dinner experience just steps from Hakone-Yumoto Station. My friend ate here every single night of the trip!
- Hatsuhana Soba Honten (はつ花 本店) – Famous for their mountain yam soba (tororo soba) and riverside setting. Expect a wait during peak times.
Places to Eat in Gora
- Tamura Ginkatsutei (田むら銀かつ亭) – A Gora staple, known for tofu cutlet (tofu katsu). Comforting and unique to the area.
- Itoh Dining by Nobu – Upscale steak house that is a fusion of Japanese flavors and Western presentation. Great quality for the price.
- Gora Brewery & Grill – Casual Western-Japanese fusion menu with house-brewed craft beers. Good for couples or groups.
- Gyoza Center – A casual and fun spot known for all kinds of dumplings, from classic pork to shiso or shrimp. (Closes early, so go on the early side.)
Places to Eat Around Lake Ashi
- La Terrazza – Italian fare with a view of Lake Ashi. Great pasta, coffee, and pizza. Very popular with couples and families.
- Tsutsuji no Chaya (つつじの茶屋, Hotel de Yama) – A refined Japanese restaurant with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking Lake Ashi, serving beautifully plated seasonal kaiseki meals in a serene, garden-side setting.
- Bakery & Table Hakone – Famous for lakeside seating and footbaths while you eat, but very very popular! When I tried to visit, there was a 1h30 wait for a table.
- Daimasa Honten (だいまさ本店) – A long-standing Japanese seafood restaurant near Moto-Hakone offering comforting classics like tempura, soba, and rice bowls in a laid-back, family-run setting with views of Lake Ashi.
- Gongen Karamemochi (権現辛餅本舗) – A humble noodle shop and sweets store near Hakone Shrine, serving warming bowls of soba and udon alongside their signature karamemochi (a chewy, spicy-sweet red bean rice cake that’s been a local favorite for generations).
Ryokan Meals (Dinner & Breakfast Included)
If you’re staying in a traditional ryokan, there’s a good chance your stay includes dinner and/or breakfast, and these are often the best meals you’ll have in Hakone. Expect beautifully plated multi-course kaiseki-style meals featuring tofu, mountain vegetables, miso, and local fish.
- Check meal times when booking your Ryokan, as dinner is usually served around 6–7 PM and breakfast is served early
- These meals are part of the ryokan experience, so try to schedule your sightseeing around them
What to Pack for Hakone
Hakone’s weather and terrain can shift quickly, especially if you’re climbing in elevation, soaking in onsens, or hopping between buses and boats. Here’s a practical packing list to help you stay comfy and prepared:
- Clothing & Layers
- Light jacket or fleece
- Rain jacket or a compact umbrella
- Scarf or extra layer (especially in fall/winter)
- Comfortable walking shoes (sneakers or lightweight hikers)
- Flip-flops or slippers for your ryokan (optional, most Ryokan’s provide them)
- Essentials & Toiletries
- Small towel
- Sunscreen (There is stronger UV at higher elevations, like Owakudani)
- Reusable water bottle
- Cash
- Power bank or phone charger
- Onsen-Specific Items
- Hair ties (don’t let your long hair touch the water)
- Waterproof tattoo patches
Final Thoughts
I honestly wasn’t expecting to love Hakone as much as I did. I thought it would be touristy, or overly structured, or just a filler stop between Tokyo and Kyoto. But it completely surprised me. Between the ropeways and volcanic valleys, the quiet shrine walks, the open-air art, and those long, steaming soaks in the onsen, Hakone somehow felt both adventurous and peaceful. And while it’s not exactly “undiscovered,” it still feels like a bit of a hidden gem, especially if you stay overnight and give yourself time to slow down. If you’re on the fence about including Hakone in your Japan itinerary, I’ll just say this:
I’d go back in a heartbeat.
