Hakone
· JP

Hakone

Hakone, Kanagawa, Japan

Hakone, located in Kanagawa, Japan, is a picturesque town nestled in the mountains and renowned for its natural beauty, hot springs, and stunning views of Mount Fuji. This popular tourist destination offers a perfect ble…

#Hot springs#Mountains#Lake Ashi#Onsen town#Traditional ryokans
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Top hotels & flights

Hand-picked stays and the best fares into Hakone.

Top Hotels in Hakone

Top Flights to Hakone

Popular activities

Tours, tickets and experiences travelers book most in Hakone.

Tours

Visit Hakone Shrine

A historical Shinto shrine that stands at the foot of Mount Hakone, offering spiritual ambiance and scenic views.

Hakone Open-Air Museum

An outdoor sculpture museum featuring art pieces harmonized with nature in the scenic Hakone hills.

Owakudani Valley

A volcanic valley with sulfur vents and hot springs, accessible via cable car with panoramic views of Mount Fuji.

Hakone Ropeway Adventure

Take a scenic ride on the Hakone Ropeway, offering panoramic views of the surrounding volcanic landscape and Mount Fuji.

Explore Hakone Shrine

Visit the historic Hakone Shrine, located by the beautiful Lake Ashi and known for its iconic red torii gate.

Shopping

Shop at Hakone Yumoto Shopping Street

A bustling street known for its traditional shops, food stalls, and souvenir stands.

Outdoor

Lake Ashi Cruise

A scenic boat tour on Lake Ashi, offering picturesque views of mountains and the iconic Mount Fuji in the background.

Hiking in Hakone

Explore the lush trails surrounding Hakone, perfect for nature walks and hikes for all skill levels.

Relax at Hakone Yuryo Onsen

Unwind in the traditional Japanese hot springs with scenic views, offering a private and romantic experience.

Location videos

Real reels from travelers, plus longer watches to get the full picture.

From travelers
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Practical info

The essentials for planning your time in Hakone.

Currency
¥ | JPY | Japanese Yen
Population
The approximate estimated total population of Hakone, Kanagawa, Japan is 'Not Available'.
Languages
Japanese, Japanese
Average weather
Hakone
Jan
cold
6°-2°
Feb
cold
7°-2°
Mar
cloud
10°1°
Apr
cloud
15°5°
May
cloud
19°10°
Jun
rain
21°15°
Jul
rain
25°19°
Aug
hot
27°21°
Sep
rain
23°18°
Oct
cloud
18°12°
Nov
cloud
13°6°
Dec
cold
8°1°

Local guide

What travelers love, what to watch for, and a deeper read on Hakone.

What people love

Hakone, located in Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan, is a popular tourist destination known for its stunning natural beauty and relaxing hot springs. Here are some of the pros of traveling to Hakone:

  1. Scenic Views: Hakone is nestled in the Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park, offering breathtaking views of Mount Fuji, Lake Ashi, and lush forests. The area is particularly picturesque during the cherry blossom and autumn foliage seasons.

  2. Hot Springs (Onsen): Hakone is famous for its hot springs, known as onsen. Visitors can relax in outdoor or indoor baths while enjoying the tranquil surroundings. Many ryokans (traditional Japanese inns) in Hakone offer private onsen baths for guests.

  3. Hakone Ropeway: The Hakone Ropeway is a popular way to take in panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and Lake Ashi. The ropeway connects Sounzan Station to Togendai Station and provides a unique perspective of the Hakone region.

  4. Hakone Open-Air Museum: This outdoor sculpture park features works by various artists set against the backdrop of the natural landscape. Visitors can stroll through the park and appreciate the fusion of art and nature.

  5. Hakone Shrine: Located on the shores of Lake Ashi, the Hakone Shrine is a picturesque Shinto shrine known for its iconic red torii gate standing in the water. Visitors can explore the shrine grounds and enjoy serene views of the lake.

  6. Owakudani: Owakudani is a volcanic valley known for its active sulfur vents and hot springs. Visitors can take a ropeway or hike to Owakudani to witness steam rising from the ground and enjoy black eggs boiled in the naturally hot water.

Overall, traveling to Hakone offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, cultural attractions, and relaxation, making it an ideal destination for those looking to unwind and immerse themselves in Japan's scenic wonders.

What to know

Some potential cons of traveling to Hakone in Kanagawa, Japan may include:

  1. Weather conditions: The weather in Hakone can be unpredictable, with frequent rain and fog especially in the mountains. This can impact outdoor activities and visibility of the scenic views.

  2. Crowds: Hakone is a popular tourist destination, particularly during peak seasons such as cherry blossom season and autumn foliage. This can lead to crowded attractions, traffic congestion, and difficulty finding accommodations.

  3. High cost: Hakone is known for its luxurious hot spring resorts and ryokans, which can be quite expensive. Additionally, transportation costs within the area, such as the Hakone Free Pass or cable car rides, can add up quickly.

  4. Limited English signage: While Hakone is a popular destination for international tourists, some areas may have limited English signage and language barriers can be a challenge when communicating with locals.

  5. Natural disasters: Hakone is located near Mount Fuji and is known for its volcanic activity. Visitors should be aware of the potential risks of earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and other natural disasters in the area.

It's important to note that these are potential cons and may not apply to every traveler's experience. It's always a good idea to research and plan ahead to minimize any potential challenges during your trip to Hakone.

Hakone, located in Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan, is a town with a rich history and cultural significance. It is part of the Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park and is renowned for its hot springs, natural beauty, and historical landmarks.

Historical Overview

  1. Ancient and Feudal Era:

    • Hakone has been a significant area since ancient times due to its strategic location. It served as a checkpoint on the Tokaido, the main road connecting Edo (now Tokyo) with Kyoto during the Edo period (1603-1868). The Hakone Sekisho (Hakone Barrier) was established in 1619 to control travel and maintain security.

  2. Edo Period:

    • During the Edo period, Hakone was a popular stop for travelers and feudal lords (daimyo) on their mandatory journeys (sankin-kotai) to and from the shogun's court in Edo. The town developed infrastructure to accommodate these travelers, including inns and teahouses.
    • Hakone's hot springs became well-known for their healing properties, attracting visitors seeking relaxation and rejuvenation.

  3. Meiji Restoration and Modernization:

    • Following the Meiji Restoration in 1868, Hakone continued to be a popular resort area. With the development of railways, accessibility improved, further increasing its popularity as a tourist destination.

Significant Events and Figures

  • Hakone Ekiden:

    • The Hakone Ekiden is a prominent university relay marathon run between Tokyo and Hakone, held annually on January 2nd and 3rd. It is one of Japan's most famous long-distance relay races and draws significant attention each year.

  • Influential Visitors:

    • Over the years, Hakone has hosted numerous influential figures, including artists, writers, and political leaders, who were drawn to its natural beauty and tranquility.

Important Landmarks

  1. Hakone Shrine:

    • Founded in 757, Hakone Shrine is one of the most important Shinto shrines in the area. It is located at the foot of Mount Hakone and is known for its beautiful setting by Lake Ashi. The iconic torii gate standing in the lake is a famous symbol of Hakone.

  2. Lake Ashi:

    • This crater lake, formed after a volcanic eruption, is a central feature of Hakone's landscape. It offers stunning views of Mount Fuji, especially from the sightseeing boats that operate on the lake.

  3. Owakudani:

    • Owakudani, or the "Great Boiling Valley," is an active volcanic valley with sulfur vents and hot springs. It is a popular tourist site where visitors can experience geothermal activity up close.

  4. Hakone Open-Air Museum:

    • Opened in 1969, this museum showcases a vast collection of modern and contemporary sculptures set against the backdrop of Hakone's natural beauty.

  5. Gora Park:

    • A French-style landscape park located in the Gora area, known for its seasonal flowers and stunning views of the surrounding mountains.

  6. Hakone Sekisho (Checkpoint):

    • Restored to reflect its Edo period appearance, the checkpoint provides historical insights into the travel and security measures of the time.

Hakone remains a blend of cultural heritage and natural beauty, making it a beloved destination for both domestic and international tourists. Its historical significance and scenic landscapes continue to captivate visitors, preserving its legacy as a cultural and natural landmark in Japan.