Looking to experience traditional Japanese inns (Ryokan) while soaking in a hot spring with an excellent view of Mt. Fuji, set against a pristine lake, and having a ton of cool things to do to occupy you for a few days? Look no further than Hakone, one of the most exciting regions to explore in Japan.
Within this guide, you will find all the information you need to plan a trip to Hakone, from a comprehensive list of things to do, to how to get around, where to stay, and more. Without further ado, here are the 9 best things to do in Hakone for solo travelers:
- Hakone Itinerary Map
- Where to Stay in Hakone?
-
9 Best Things to Do in Hakone
- Stay in a Ryokan
- Stroll Around The Hakone Open-Air Museum
- Take the Hakone Ropeway
- Explore Owakudani
- Cruise Across Lake Ashi on a Pirate Ship
- Check out the Picturesque Tori gate of Heiwa no Torii
- Visit Hakone Shrine
- Check Out the View from the mountaintop shrine of Hakone Mototsumiya
- Watch the Sunset From the Shoreline of Motohakone
- More Hakone Activities
- Japan Travel Video
- How to Get to from Tokyo to Hakone?
- How to Get Around Hakone?
- Can you do day trip to Hakone from Tokyo?
- What to Pack for Hakone, Japan?
- Further Reading for Japan
Hakone Itinerary Map
Tips: Get the Hakone Freepass to have access to all modes of transportation around Hakone, including local buses, trains, cable cars, and cruises across Lake Ashi, for free.
9 Best Things to Do in Hakone
1. Stay in a Ryokan
One of the best experiences you can have in Hakone is to stay in a Ryokan, a type of traditional Japanese inn that typically features tatami-matted rooms, communal baths, and other public areas, providing you with a glimpse of what life was like back in Japan in the old days.
Thanks to the active geothermal activity in the area, you will find many of these Ryokans equipped with onsens, where you can spend the night and enjoy a soothing hot spring in peace while looking out at the incredible nature of Hakone.
There are several awesome ryokans you can stay in Hakone. If you have a bit of a budget, you can check out Mount View Hakone (mid-range) or Gora Kansuiro (high-end), both of which come equipped with private onsens, with the latter having one inside your room.
- Emblem Flow Hakone (Budget)
- Mount View Hakone (Mid-Range) 👍 Top Pick
- Gora Kansuiro (High-End)
- Hakone 6 hour Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide (6 hours)
- Custom Private Tour in Hakone with Optional Hot Springs Experience (6 hours 30 minutes)
- Hakone 8 hour Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide (8 hours)
Even a hostel like Emblem Flow Hakone, with a dorm rate of only 33 USD, comes equipped with an onsen facility that you can use. This makes Hakone one of the best destinations to experience a ryokan in Japan, offering a variety of options across all budget levels.
Where to Stay in Hakone?
2. Stroll Around The Hakone Open-Air Museum
Getting around Hakone is a long process of transferring and switching between modes of transportation, which can take hours before you arrive at Lake Ashi, which is the highlight of Hakone. Thankfully, there are plenty of things to do along the way as you make your way through the rolling hills of Hakone, and one of the best things you shouldn't miss is the Hakone Open-Air Museum.
Situated near Gora, one of the main stops in Hakone, the Hakone Open-Air Museum is a fantastic modern art museum that you should definitely check out. It boasts a beautiful and spacious outdoor sculpture park with an awesome view of the surroundings, where you can take a leisurely stroll as well as check out some of its awesome indoor exhibitions.
My favorite thing about the museum is its outdoor exhibition, where one can stroll around peacefully and check out all the cool art installations and sculptures that are dotted across the open-air space.
I was coming from Tokyo that day, and after standing on a jam-packed train from Odawara to Gora, I was extremely happy to finally get away from the crowds, stretch my legs a little, and go for a little stroll here for half an hour before I continued my journey.
The view from the museum alone makes it a worthwhile stop, in my opinion. If you are looking to take a break from all the traveling and go for a leisurely stroll, be sure to drop by and check out the Hakone Open-Air Museum.
The Hakone Open-Air Museum is open from 9 AM to 5 PM every day, and the entrance fee is 1600 JPY per person. If you hold the Hakone Freepass, you will get a 10% discount on the entrance ticket.
3. Take the Hakone Ropeway
As you continue your journey from Gora, you will arrive at Sōunzan, where you will have to take a cable car along Hakone Ropeway to go down to Lake Ashi. Get your camera ready as the cable car will take you through some of the most stunning sights of Hakone.
Right off the bat, you will finally get a glimpse of the pristine Lake Ashi on your left, and if you are lucky, you might be able to spot the iconic Mt. Fuji towering over you on your right. Unfortunately, when I was there in late October, Mt. Fuji was a little shy as it hid behind a massive cloud for most of the day 😥.
Another highlight of taking the Hakone Ropeway is seeing the Great Boiling Valley of Owakudani from above. It is one of the most active geothermal spots in the region, and it is the place we will be visiting next.
Tours & Tickets You Might Like
If you are looking for more activities to do here, be sure to check out some of the available tours and day trips:
4. Explore Owakudani (Eat Black Eggs and Live Forever!)
As you take the cable car over the rolling hills of Hakone, you will start to see fumes and smoke as you ascend above a mountain ridge. You have arrived at the Great Boiling Valley or Owakudani, a volcanic valley with active sulfur vents and hot springs in Hakone created by the explosion of Hakone Volcano around 3000 years ago.
This unique and geothermally active area is renowned for its hot springs, sulfurous fumes, and scenic views, with walking trails, cafes, restaurants, and other facilities for you to enjoy as you marvel at the incredible power of Mother Nature.
One of the best things to do here is to try out Kuro-tamago or black eggs. These eggs are hard-boiled from the hot springs here and are believed to add seven years to your life when consumed. The shells turn black due to the sulfur in the water, and you can buy them from the souvenir shops at the ropeway station. If you want to live forever 😂, be sure to buy a dozen of these black eggs and eat them while you are there.
The Hakone Ropeway is open from 9 AM to 4:15 PM every day. A one-way ticket for the ropeway costs about 2000 JPY per person, but you will have access to it for free if you decide to buy the Hakone Freepass, which is highly recommended.
Be sure to get off at the Owakudani Ropeway Station and go for a little stroll around these geothermal wonders before we continue our journey and finally make it to Lake Ashi.
5. Cruise Across Lake Ashi on a Pirate Ship
One of the best ways to explore Lake Ashi and its pristine shoreline is to get on one of these pirate ships and go on a 45-minute cruise across the entire length of the lake.
The ships leave from Tōgendai Port, which is directly connected to the Togendai ropeway station. To get on one, all you have to do is walk straight to the port and start queuing up for the ship. It's all in the same building, so you do not have to find your way to get there.
The ship leaves every 45 minutes starting from 9:30 AM to around 3:50 PM every day, and the ship will take you to Hakonemachi Port and Motohakone Port in about 45 minutes. If you want to continue following my travel guide, you will be closer to the next tourist attractions if you get off at Motohakone Port.
Along the way, you will get to see some really cool tourist attractions in Hakone, like the famous Heiwa no Torii gate and Komagatake mountain, as well as Mount Fuji looming behind you. There are plenty of seats on the ship, but if you want to enjoy the view, you can go straight up to the deck and secure one of the few benches up there.
The price for a one-way trip across Lake Ashi is around 1200 JPY for an economy cabin, which is situated on the backside of the ship. However, if you pay 600 JPY more, you will get access to the premium front cabin with a better view of the lake.
You will get access to the economy cabin for free with the Hakone Freepass or pay only 400 JPY more to get the first-class upgrade. Personally, I found the view in economy to be more than sufficient for taking photos, but it does get a little crowded sometimes.
6. Check out the Picturesque Tori gate of Heiwa no Torii
After you cross Lake Ashi, you will arrive in Motohakone, a small town on the other side of the lake and a final stop of the Hakone Loop. While here, be sure to go for a little stroll along the lake's shoreline and check out the iconic Heiwa no Torii, a big Torii gate, located photogenically by the lakeside.
This Torii gate is considered to be one of the most picturesque spots in Hakone, so much so that you might find yourself having to queue up to get that iconic photo of you and the gate. I was there right around sunset, and the place is jam-packed with people, lining up to get that money shot.
Nothing turns me off more than having to line up to get the same photo as everyone else. But if, somehow, you are there when there are no people around (say, at sunrise), be sure not to miss out on taking that iconic photo of yourself with the Torii gate.
7. Visit Hakone Shrine
Not too far from Heiwa no Torii, you'll come across the beautiful Hakone Shrine, nestled in the lush forest, surrounded by some of the oldest trees of Hakone. It is a great place to stop by as you explore the shoreline of Lake Ashi in Motohakone.
At the temple, you will find yourself surrounded by stunning red-painted Shinto structures, with the main temple being the Kuzuryu Shrine, built to honor the nine-headed dragon that was once said to live in the adjoining Lake Ashi.
It is a great place to stroll around and discover the small shrines and Torii gates that are dotted around the temple complex. The temple is open from 8:30 AM to 5 PM every day, and it is free to enter.
8. Check Out the View from the mountaintop shrine of Hakone Mototsumiya
If you have time to spare and you are looking for a great viewpoint to get a clearer view of Mount Fuji and see Lake Ashi from above, you might want to take the Hakone-en cable car up and check out the mountaintop Hakone Mototsumiya Shrine.
The shrine is located right at the top of Komagatake mountain, and you can access it via an old cable car from Hakone-en Station. The roundtrip ticket for the cable car is 1800 JPY, and it will take you about 20 minutes to get to the top. Unfortunately, this cable car is not included in the Hakone Freepass.
To get to the cable car station from Motohakone, you can take the local bus straight from Motohakone Port. The bus runs every 2 hours and it should cost you around 200 JPY. Unfortunately, when I was there, the cable car was under renovation, and I was unable to travel up to the mountaintop myself. However, if you happen to be there when the renovation is completed, be sure to get up there and marvel at the incredible view of Lake Ashi and Mount Fuji.
9. Watch the Sunset From the Shoreline of Motohakone
Last but not least, be sure to stay for the sunset in Hakone. The place is absolutely incredible during the golden hour, with the sky turning orange and the lake glistening in the last sunlight of the day.
Right by the Motorhakone Port, you will be able to get some incredible shots of Heiwa no Torii Gate set against the backdrop of Mt. Fuji (not pictured, thanks to all the clouds covering Mt. Fuji the entire time I was there, because I'm unlucky like that sometimes 😂). It is quite a sight to behold.
Depending on the season you visit, the sunset can be as early as 4:30 PM in the winter or around 7 PM in the summer, so be sure to plan your time carefully.
How to Get to from Tokyo to Hakone?
To get from Tokyo to Hakone, you have two options. You can either use the Limited Express Romancecar from Shibuya Station to travel directly to Hakone in about 80 minutes and costs 2,470 JPY. It is the fastest and most convenient way to get to Hakone, but the train doesn't run as often as regular trains, and you will have to book the seat in advance.
If you are a JR Pass holder, you can travel from Tokyo JR Station or Shinagawa JR Station to Odawara JR Station via one of the many Shinkansen bullet trains and for free. Once you arrive in Odawara, you can then take the local train to Hakone-Yumoto Station, where the Hakone loop begins.
How to Get Around Hakone?
Getting around Hakone requires a lot of time and patience, as you will be switching between several modes of transportation - from local trains to cable cars to buses and more. It can get pricey real fast if you are not careful.
One of the best ways to get around Hakone affordably is to get the Hakone Freepass, a 1-day pass that will give you unlimited access to local trains and buses, as well as a single trip on the cable car, mountain train, and the ship across Lake Ashi.
The Hakone Freepass costs about 5000 JPY and you can either buy it online here or get it from the tourist information at Odawara Train Station.
With the Freepass, you can traverse the Hakone Loop that goes around the lake, starting and ending in Odawara. You can take the local train to Hakone Yumoto and Gora, access the mountain car to Sōunzan, traverse the Hakone Ropeway to Lake Ashi, cross the lake on a pirate ship, take the local bus back to Gora, and a train back to Odawara Station, all for free.
If you plan to do the Hakone Loop, getting the Hakone Freepass will save you a ton of money and time. You will also receive a 10% discount on other tourist attractions around Hakone, such as the Hakone Open-Air Art Museum and more. Be sure to get the Hakone Freepass for your trip to Hakone.
If you do not want to deal with any of this, and trust me, I completely understand, you can also opt in for an organized tour instead. That way, you will get to see many of these tourist attractions without having to always be worried about your next move. You can browse for organized day trips from tokyo here.
Tips: If you are a train pass holder like JR Pass and want to only see train routes that you can use with a JR Pass, try NAVITIME app. You can filter train routes based on the train pass you hold. Highly recommended.
Can you do day trip to Hakone from Tokyo?
It is possible as I also visited Hakone as a day trip, but my god is it exhausting to do it this way. I definitely did not expect that many transitions between modes of transportation in a day.
You will be switching from a bullet train to a local train, then to another local train before you have to take a mountain car up the mountain, get on a cable car down. Only after that, you will arrive at Lake Ashi. Even then, you still have to cross the lake with a ferry before you get some time to relax in Motohakone.
I arrived in Odawara at 10 AM and, along the way, I stopped at Hakone Open-Air Museum and Owakudani for a little stroll. By the time I arrived in Motohakone, it was almost sunset (5 PM since I was there in October), and I barely had time to enjoy the attractions around the area before nightfall.
Personally, I think it is too rushed, and you will have a much more relaxing time if you spend at least a night or two in Hakone. You will also get to enjoy the Ryokans and the hot springs, which is what Hakone is famous for. If not, be sure you know what you are getting yourself into and prepare for a jam-packed day!
What to Pack for Hakone, Japan?
As you may already know, I am an advocate of light traveling, and indeed, packing light for a journey like this is a unique art form. Here are some packing tips for your upcoming trip to Hakone, Japan:
- Walking/Hiking Shoes: With all the walking and possible hiking during your travel, a comfortable pair of shoes is a must. I recommend the Timberland 3-Eye Classic Boat Shoes that are my go-to pair for long strolls and hikes.
- Breathable Shirts: Given the potential for hot weather, pack a few breathable shirts for your outdoor adventures.
- Shorts/Jeans: Anticipate lots of walking during your travels? Be sure to pack some breathable shorts and a pair of Levi's jeans for when the weather cools. For women, leggings are excellent for both hot and cold climates, so consider packing some as well.
- Fleece Jacket: For colder weather, layering is the key, and a fleece jacket makes an excellent insulating layer. I recommend the Columbia Steens Mountain Fleece (for women).
- Outer Shell Jacket: An outer shell jacket is great for windy or rainy conditions. I highly recommend the Columbia Watertight Jacket (for women). It's lightweight, breathable, and even comes in a cool orange color.
- Microfiber Towel: A Microfiber towel is the ideal backpacker's towel due to its lightness, quick drying, and compressibility.
- Camera: You should also pack a good camera for your trip so that you can capture all the beautiful experiences you might have. I recommend the Sony a7R V camera together with the Sony 24-70mm f2.8 GM II lens, which is probably the highest-performance camera and lens combination you can get right now.
- Power Bank: Keep your electronics charged on the go with a 20,000+ mAh Power Bank.
- Water Bottle: The Hydro Flask Trail Water Bottle is a great insulated water bottle to have with you in cities or on hiking trails. It is lightweight and can keep your water cold or warm for more than 12 hours. It's a total game-changer.
- Universal Adapter: You'll need just one universal adapter to plug in your electronics in any country you visit.
- Packing Cubes: Packing Cubes will help you save space in your backpack and keep all your belongings organized.
- Daypack: The Langly Alpha Globetrotter is my go-to everyday camera backpack. It's large enough to carry all my travel gear, and it comes with plenty of slots and pouches. Plus, it's stylish as hell!
- Large Backpack: You will need a large backpack to carry all of your stuff. I recommend the Osprey Atmos AG 65L backpack. With excellent weight distribution and a lifetime guarantee, you can't go wrong with Osprey.
For more information on what I pack in my backpack for this trip, check out: My Packing List: 60 Travel Essentials.
Now that we have all the information we need, it's time to start planning your trip! Here are some resources to help you get going:
Are you planning to travel independently? Be sure to check out my guide on How To Plan A Backpacking Trip here.
Further Reading for Japan
Looking for more information for your trip to Japan? Here are a collection of articles about Japan that you might find useful:
- For a complete Japan itinerary, check out: 2 Weeks Backpacking Japan Itinerary.
- Visiting Japan for the first time? Here are a few things I wish I knew before visiting Japan: 13 Important Things To Know Before Visiting Japan.
- Looking for a complete list of things you shouldn't miss when you are traveling in Japan? Check out: 16 Best Things to Do in Japan.
- Want to climb Mount Fuji? Here is a complete guide on how to and not to climb Mount Fuji for a real-life experience.
- What is it like to climb Mount Fuji during a super typhoon? Here's A Backpacking Travel Guide to Mt Fuji and Kawaguchiko.
- Looking for a complete travel guide to Tokyo? Check out: 14 Best Things To Do In Tokyo.
- For a complete itinerary of Tokyo, check out: 3 Days Backpacking Tokyo Itinerary.
- Planning to visit Nikko soon? From hiking to the best temples to visit, here are the 10 Best Things to Do in Nikko.
- Kyoto, the old capital city of Japan, is a one-of-a-kind city that you should not miss. Here are the 16 Best Things To Do In Kyoto.
- For a complete itinerary of Kyoto and Osaka, check out: 3 Days Backpacking Kyoto-Osaka Itinerary.
- There are more to Hiroshima than the war memorial. Here are the 13 Best Things to Do in Hiroshima.
- Want to go off the beaten path in Japan? What about exploring Kyushu island? Here is a 3-day road trip itinerary for Kumamoto and Aso.
- Not convinced by my words about Japan? Watch these videos: Just Japan and Japan Day & Night travel videos.
- Wondering where to go after Japan? How about hopping over to China or visiting the islands of Taiwan or Hong Kong?
- For all articles about Japan, visit the Japan Travel Guide page.
- Looking to travel to East Asia? Check out all my articles about East Asia here: East Asia Travel Guide page.
- You can see all my Asia-related articles here: Asia Travel Guide page.
- For more of my travel guides like this, visit my Destinations page.
Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links.