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THINGS TO DO IN HAKONE 箱根

Hakone,
at your own pace.

Across the lake, through a garden, into the warmth of an onsen. Choose a few nearby pleasures and give Hakone’s mountain journeys room to become part of the day.

16 handpicked places6 outings to make your own
Queen Ashinoko and Victory sightseeing ships at Hakonemachi Port, with Lake Ashi and Mount Fuji beyond
Mountain air. A little room to breathe.Photo credits

A little planning. Room for discovery. Choose what you love. Keep nearby places together. Leave time for lunch.

How this works ↓

A LITTLE INSPIRATION

A lovely day, already taking shape.

Choose one outing. See how to get there, where to pause and how to make it shorter. Then make it your own.

The main shopping street at Hakone-Yumoto, with shops and mountain slopes beyondA relaxed arrival or a slower second day

Small discoveries & a proper onsen pause 01

A warm welcome to Hakone

About 5 hours · 2 main stops

Browse the gateway town, enjoy a meal and let a relaxing bath become the main event. A gentle first taste of Hakone with very little travelling once you arrive.

A short town stroll, a shuttle ride and time to rest

The octagonal entrance building and surrounding architecture at Hakone Open-Air MuseumArt, fresh air and a leisurely garden finish

The open-air museum & Gora’s garden 02

Art in the mountain air

About 8 hours · 2 main stops

Give the open-air museum a generous morning, stop for lunch and finish among Gora’s terraced flowers and fountain. Two places, with room to enjoy both.

Outdoor museum paths followed by a steep terraced garden

Visitors following the path through Sengokuhara pampas grass in autumnAutumn colour or an unhurried museum morning

Lalique’s beautiful details & the changing hillside 03

Glass and golden grasses

About 8 hours · including the Yumoto approach · 2 main stops

Look closely at beautiful design, enjoy a seated lunch and finish with a small walk into Sengokuhara’s seasonal landscape.

Indoor museum time, a bus connection and an uneven grassland path

Tall cedar trees lining the old Tokaido avenue in HakoneA slower look at the southern lakeshore

A shrine, cedar shade & Hakone’s history 04

The lake and the old road

About 8 hours · including the Yumoto approach · 3 main stops

Follow a small part of Hakone’s older story along the southern shore. A shrine in the trees, a shaded walk and a historic checkpoint make a satisfying day beside the water.

Shrine stairs, uneven cedar paths and optional lookout steps

Queen Ashinoko and Victory sightseeing ships at Hakonemachi Port, with Lake Ashi and Mount Fuji beyondThe classic scenery, with a full day to enjoy it

Cable car, ropeway & a one-way lake crossing 05

From the mountains to the lake

About 8 hours · 3 main stops

Make the journeys themselves the highlight: climb by rail, look across a volcanic valley and let a boat carry you down Lake Ashi. Keep the day open enough for queues, lunch and the view.

Several transport changes, exposed viewpoints and a port connection

A glass entrance walkway framed by trees at Pola Museum of ArtA colourful indoor alternative when clouds gather

Pola & the Glass Museum at an easy pace 06

Art, glass and a long lunch

About 8 hours · 2 main stops

Give two contrasting museums a generous day. Enjoy the galleries, let lunch take its time and add the gardens only when the weather invites you outside.

Indoor galleries, outdoor approaches and a bus or taxi connection

THINGS TO DO IN HAKONE

What catches your eye?

16 places to discover

Visit times exclude travel and breaks. Before you go ↓

The main shopping street at Hakone-Yumoto, with shops and mountain slopes beyond01

Hakone-Yumoto & Tonosawa

Hakone-Yumoto town

The mountains begin with a little browsing

Small food shops, souvenirs and a river valley give Hakone’s gateway its own pleasures. Take a gentle look around, choose something delicious and let the first hour feel like part of the holiday.

◷ 45–75 minTown streets free; food and shopping extra

Busy pavements, road crossings, shop thresholds and optional riverside slopes.

Tonosawa hot-spring neighbourhood beneath green hills, the setting for Hakone Yuryo; this is not the bath facility02

Tonosawa’s hot-spring neighbourhood — the setting for Hakone Yuryo.

Hakone-Yumoto & Tonosawa

Hakone Yuryo

Give the day a warm, unhurried finish

A day-use hot-spring retreat in the wooded Tonosawa area is a lovely reason to slow down. Choose the communal baths or book a private bath, then leave yourself time to rest afterwards.

◷ 90–150 minPaid public baths; private baths separately booked

Bathing facilities with wet floors and changes of level; use the station shuttle.

The octagonal entrance building and surrounding architecture at Hakone Open-Air Museum03

Gora & the open-air museum

The Hakone Open-Air Museum

Let art share the mountain air

Sculpture, open space and indoor galleries make an absorbing visit among the hills. Follow your curiosity through the grounds and choose a few works to enjoy properly, with time to pause between them.

◷ 90–150 minPaid museum admission

A substantial outdoor museum with slopes, paths and some indoor galleries.

The circular fountain and mountain backdrop at Gora Park04

Gora & the open-air museum

Hakone Gora Park

A fountain, flowers and a slower afternoon

Terraces, planting and a central fountain offer a different kind of mountain view. Enjoy the garden in its season, with a café pause if open and time to notice the details around you.

◷ 45–75 minPaid admission; selected passes cover entry

Steep terraced garden with many stairs and slopes.

A glass entrance walkway framed by trees at Pola Museum of Art05

Sengokuhara & the museums

Pola Museum of Art

Art held within the forest

Glass, light and woodland frame a museum visit that rewards an unhurried eye. Choose the current exhibitions, enjoy a proper lunch or coffee and add the forest walk only if the weather and paths suit you.

◷ 90–150 minPaid museum admission

Indoor galleries; optional outdoor woodland paths with uneven sections.

The exterior of Hakone Lalique Museum beneath a blue sky06

Sengokuhara & the museums

Hakone Lalique Museum

A world of glass and beautiful detail

Jewellery, glass and decorative design invite a closer look at René Lalique’s work. Let a focused museum visit and a leisurely meal become a complete part of your day in Sengokuhara.

◷ 60–90 minPaid museum admission; special experiences separate

Indoor museum with garden approaches and separate restaurant facilities.

Visitors following the path through Sengokuhara pampas grass in autumn07

Sengokuhara & the museums

Sengokuhara pampas fields

A hillside that moves with the wind

A path through tall grasses opens a different view of Hakone. Enjoy the changing textures and mountain setting, with the famous silver and golden colours at their best in autumn.

◷ 30–60 minPublic path free when open

Exposed grassy hillside path; uneven, sometimes muddy ground and a gentle climb.

Stone museum buildings and a pond in the garden at Hakone Venetian Glass Museum08

Sengokuhara & the museums

Hakone Venetian Glass Museum

A little sparkle in a mountain garden

Venetian glass, garden reflections and distinctive buildings create a playful change of mood. Spend time with the indoor collection, then enjoy the garden as the light and weather allow.

◷ 60–120 minPaid museum admission; meals and workshops separate

Indoor galleries linked with outdoor garden paths, bridges and changes of level.

Steam rising from the volcanic slopes of Owakudani09

Sounzan & Owakudani

Owakudani

See the mountain at work

Steam rising from the volcanic valley makes this one of Hakone’s most striking landscapes. Use the designated visitor areas, enjoy the view and leave time for the ropeway connections that bring you here.

◷ 30–60 minViewpoints generally free; transport and special visits separate

Exposed highland viewpoints, sloping approaches and volcanic-gas restrictions.

The indoor lounge opening onto the outdoor deck at cu-mo Hakone in Sounzan Station10

Sounzan & Owakudani

Sounzan & cu-mo Hakone

Pause before the skyward journey

A mountain interchange becomes a chance to stop, look out and enjoy the changing light. The cu-mo terrace adds a pleasant pause before you continue by ropeway or return down to Gora.

◷ 20–40 minStation viewing area free; transport and purchases separate

Station building and viewing terrace; changing levels and exposed outdoor areas.

Queen Ashinoko and Victory sightseeing ships at Hakonemachi Port, with Lake Ashi and Mount Fuji beyond11

Lake Ashi & the southern shore

Lake Ashi sightseeing cruise

Let the lake become part of the journey

Sail between forested shores on one of Hakone’s distinctive sightseeing ships. Take in the lake and mountains; on a clear day, Mount Fuji may join the view. The crossing is a lovely journey in its own right.

◷ 40–60 minPaid cruise; ordinary cabin included in the Hakone Freepass

Port approaches, boarding ramps and ship decks; indoor seating available.

The red lakeside torii of Hakone Shrine against wooded hills beside Lake Ashi12

Lake Ashi & the southern shore

Hakone Shrine

A cedar-lined approach above the lake

Tall trees and red shrine buildings create a quiet contrast to the open water. Give the main shrine your attention and add the lakeside torii only if the steps, queue and time suit you.

◷ 45–75 minMain shrine grounds free; special facilities separate

Wooded paths, a long flight of shrine steps and separate lakeside steps.

Tall cedar trees lining the old Tokaido avenue in Hakone13

Lake Ashi & the southern shore

Old Tokaido cedar avenue

Walk in the shade of an older journey

A stretch of tall cedars recalls the travellers who once crossed Hakone on the Tokaido road. Enjoy this manageable lakeside section and let the trees set the pace between Moto-Hakone and Hakone-machi.

◷ 25–45 minPublic walking path free

Uneven earth, roots and stone surfaces; can be muddy or slippery.

Reconstructed checkpoint buildings below the lookout at Hakone Sekisho beside Lake Ashi14

Lake Ashi & the southern shore

Hakone Checkpoint

The mountain gateway of old Japan

Reconstructed buildings and displays make the old road’s controls and travellers easier to imagine. Look at the everyday details, then enjoy the lakeside setting before continuing your day.

◷ 45–75 minPaid checkpoint and associated museum admission

Historic-site grounds and buildings; the lookout involves a steep climb.

The Lakeside Observation Building in the gardens of Onshi Hakone Park15

Lake Ashi & the southern shore

Onshi-Hakone Park

A garden above the water

Paths through a former imperial villa landscape open onto lake and mountain views. Choose a modest loop, pause where the outlook invites you and enjoy the park even when Fuji stays behind the clouds.

◷ 45–90 minPark admission free

Hilly park with stairs, slopes and uneven paths; different entrances offer different approaches.

The thatched-roof Amazake Chaya teahouse beside the old Hakone road16

The old Tokaido road

Amasake Chaya teahouse

A warm cup on the old mountain road

A thatched teahouse and a simple pause recall Hakone’s older journeys. Enjoy the house speciality and a small snack, with time to sit and appreciate a place that has welcomed travellers for generations.

◷ 30–60 minFood and drinks purchased separately

Roadside approach, traditional thresholds and seating; surrounding old-road paths are uneven.

The main shopping street at Hakone-Yumoto, with shops and mountain slopes beyond

A LITTLE LONGER IN HAKONE

Make room for a slower evening.

A warm bath, a good meal and the feeling of a day well spent. Stay near Yumoto for selected dinner spots, or enjoy Yuryo’s later bathing hours. If your ryokan has dinner waiting, let that be the evening’s pleasure.

Leave time for dinner. Check menus, reservations and your journey back.

THE PLACES ARE ONLY THE BEGINNING

A lovely day.
Even better with Fumi.

Knowing where to go is a start. Understanding what’s on your plate, finding a thoughtful gift and connecting with someone you meet can make the day unforgettable.

The thatched-roof Amazake Chaya teahouse beside the old Hakone road

A richer food experience

Let a little pause tell a story.

A mountain teahouse, a bowl of soba or a beautifully presented ryokan dinner. Fumi can explain the food, help you ask about ingredients and make the meal part of discovering Japan.

The main shopping street at Hakone-Yumoto, with shops and mountain slopes beyond

Shopping with confidence

Find a little of Hakone to keep.

A local craft or a gift from a small shop becomes more meaningful when you understand it. Ask Fumi to help you talk with the shopkeeper and discover the story behind your choice.

The indoor lounge opening onto the outdoor deck at cu-mo Hakone in Sounzan Station

A companion between the sights

Feel more at home along the way.

Ask Fumi about a sign, a station change or the landscape around you. She can help you ask questions and enjoy the conversations that make a day feel like your own.

YOUR CHOICES. YOUR OWN WONDERFUL HAKONE.

Choose your day here. Take Fumi along.

The Fumi app is your interactive companion for the day. Tell her which places you’d like to visit, then talk with her about the sights, the food and the little discoveries along the way.

Get the Fumi app Fumi gives you free credits to start. No credit card required.
Buy more credits when you want to keep exploring.

THE LITTLE THINGS THAT HELP

Before you step out.

Useful now, and easy to find again on your phone.

01

Hakone is a region, not one town

Yumoto, Gora, Sengokuhara and Lake Ashi sit in different parts of the mountains. Choose one area or one connected transport route. A place that looks close on the map can still need a long bus journey.

Understand the Hakone transport network ↗
02

The journey is part of the day

The mountain railway goes to Gora, the cable car continues to Sounzan, and the ropeway crosses Owakudani to Togendai. Ships cross Lake Ashi; buses connect its southern shore with Yumoto. These are different services with separate final departures.

Ropeway route & station information ↗
03

Check the sky and the service status

Mountain wind, cloud and volcanic restrictions can change the scenic route. Check operation before leaving and keep a museum or Yumoto alternative in mind. Fuji is a possible clear-day pleasure, not a promised view.

Check live transport operation ↗
04

Choose a pass for the day you want

The Hakone Freepass covers specified trains, buses, cable car, ropeway and ordinary sightseeing-ship cabins. Compare it with your chosen outings. Romancecar reserved-seat travel and special ship cabins cost extra; a pass is not a reservation for every experience.

What the Hakone Freepass includes ↗
05

Make your first onsen feel easy

Choose communal or private bathing, read the bathhouse’s rules and give yourself time to relax. Wash before entering, keep your towel out of the water and leave your phone in the changing area as instructed. Yuryo’s current tattoo policy allows tattoos.

Your first onsen bath ↗
06

Leave room for lunch—and your return

Museum cafés, a mountain teahouse or a ryokan dinner can be part of the pleasure. Ask Fumi about dishes and ingredients, then confirm dietary needs with staff. Check the last useful bus or train before you settle in.

Get the Fumi app ↗

SIMPLE BY DESIGN

From “that looks lovely”
to “let's go there”.

01

Save what you love

The heart keeps a wish list. You don't have to fit everything into today.

02

Shape a comfortable day

Add a few stops to My day. Change their order and leave space for meals and breaks.

03

Take it with you

Share your day, print it, or open directions for each leg. Saved choices stay in this browser.

YOUR NEXT LITTLE HELPING HAND

From the station to the city.

Keep the station map, a few Japanese phrases and your wider trip close at hand.

Japan’s railways, from the basics ↗Hakone’s official transport guide ↗Enjoy your first onsen ↗Useful Japanese for travellers ↗

A FEW GOOD QUESTIONS

Make yourself at home.

What makes a good first day in Hakone?

For a gentle arrival, choose Yumoto and an onsen. For the classic scenery, set aside a full local day for the mountain-to-lake outing and check operation first. Two days let you enjoy a museum or the southern lakeshore without trying to complete every highlight at once.

Can I walk between all these places?

No. Hakone’s hills and spread-out districts make buses, railways, the ropeway and boats important parts of the visit. The planner’s map shows places, not a safe walking route across the mountains. Follow each outing’s transport instructions and check the individual connections.

Which direction does the Lake Ashi cruise use?

Our suggested card boards at Togendai and finishes at Moto-Hakone. Check that the sailing serves Moto-Hakone; it may stop at Hakone-machi first. The return link starts at Moto-Hakone. If you choose a different sailing or port, change your onward journey accordingly.

What can I enjoy in bad weather?

Pola, Lalique and the Glass Museum offer indoor collections, subject to their calendars. A Yumoto meal and Yuryo bath can also be rewarding. The open-air museum, gardens, shrine paths and grassland remain largely outdoors. Strong wind can stop boats and the ropeway.

Can I visit an onsen without staying overnight?

Yes. Hakone Yuryo is a day-use bathhouse with communal baths and separately booked private baths. Its current policy permits tattoos. Children below elementary-school age cannot use the public baths; ask about private family bathing and the toilet-training requirements before booking.

What is there to do in the evening?

Keep it relaxed: Yuryo has later bathing hours and selected Yumoto restaurants serve dinner. Shops, museums, boats and mountain transport generally finish earlier. Check your own return services, or enjoy the dinner included at your ryokan.

Do I need to book through Fumi?

No. This guide and planner are free, and FumiTours receives no booking commissions. Follow the official links and make your own arrangements. You choose your places, pace and travel day.

Can I keep my day on my phone?

Yes. Save places, add stops to My day, change their order and share the day link or save a day sheet. Saved choices stay in this browser. Open the Fumi app separately and tell her the places you would like to visit.

Visitor information & sources

Visitor information reviewed 22 October 2026. Opening arrangements can change; use each venue’s official link for your date. Visit times are Fumi’s estimates. Map pins locate sights or districts; follow the entrance advice for the final approach.

Hakone official tourism ↗ · Hakone Navi: transport & travel ↗ · Hakone Yuryo: bathing & shuttle ↗ · Yumoto dinner: Kin no dashi Sho ↗

Your saved places stay in this browser. Share a day link to open it on another device. Maps and directions use external services; this page does not request your location or store your hotel address.

Photography credits

Real photographs, resized and compressed; layouts may crop their display. Adapted CC BY-SA photographs retain their stated licence.

Fumi, your Japan travel companion

MEET THE FUMI APP

Your Japan companion.
Ready for a conversation.

A wonderful Hakone day starts here. The Fumi app helps you enjoy it as it unfolds.

Fumi is an interactive app for your phone. Talk to her, ask another question and follow your curiosity—from what’s on the menu to what someone has just said.

  • Make more of every meal. Discover dishes, cooking styles and the stories behind them.
  • Find your kind of Japan. Ask about places, shops and choices to suit your tastes and budget.
  • Let a conversation happen. Get help understanding replies and sharing a little of your own story.

SEE FUMI IN ACTION · LESS THAN A MINUTE

0:56 · Getting started with Fumi

A table for two, a favourite seat and a ramen recommendation. See how Fumi helps a conversation unfold.

Get the Fumi app. Make the day your own.

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YOUR HAKONE COMPANION

Make it your day.