In-the-know sightseers travelling between Tokyo and Kyoto make sure to carve out time for a stop in Hakone. Nestled on the shores of Lake Ashinoko in Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park, this mountainous escape offers a nature-filled mix of trails, hot springs and well-placed art museums in which to pass the time.
A chunk of Hakone sits along the shores of Lake Ashinoko, also referred to as Lake Ashi. Boat tours take in the lake's picture-worthy views of Mount Fuji as well as the eighth-century Shinto shrine marked by a red torii gate rising from the water. The area is also home to Ōwakudani, a geothermal valley that feeds Hakone's onsen. From the Hakone Ropeway – one of many gondola systems that make the hilly town more accessible – you'll be able to take in the volcanic crater's sulphurous steam and bubbling water from above.
Hakone features a tiny village of art museums from which to take in views and masterpieces. If you visit only one, make it the Hakone Open-Air Museum. The outdoor sculpture park uses Hakone's natural beauty as a backdrop for installations by the likes of Joan Miró, Henry Moore, Barbara Hepworth and others. There's also an entire pavilion dedicated to Pablo Picasso and a hot spring foot bath. For something a little more traditional, check out the Pola Museum of Art – full of works by French Impressionists including Cézanne, Matisse, Renoir and Van Gogh – or the Narukawa Art Museum, which specialises in Nihonga-style paintings.
Tonight
From £317 per night
This weekend
From per night
Next weekend
From £159 per night
| Most popular time to visit | October–December |
| Cheapest time to visit | January–March |
| Local currency | ¥1,000 = £5.08 |
| Language | Japanese |
| Average weekend price | £260 per night |
| Average weekday price | £260 per night |
| Typical stay | 1 night |
Hakone Kowakien Yunessun
3.2 miles from city centre
Lake Ashi
5.7 miles from city centre
Hakone Open-Air Museum
3 miles from city centre
HIGHLY RECOMMEND renting a car to explore the surrounding...
26 April 2024
HIGHLY RECOMMEND renting a car to explore the surrounding area. What a delight to discover new little towns and see Fuji at different times throughout the week. LOVED the skyline drive and Melody Lane.
Very good city if you wanna walk around and relax in a very...
26 April 2024
Very good city if you wanna walk around and relax in a very calm city. Also good if you like trekking. Although, it is not so easy to transfer around different spots in the city, and the transportation is a little bit expensive.
One of the highlights of our trip to Japan was visiting...
21 April 2024
One of the highlights of our trip to Japan was visiting Hakone. We would wholeheartedly recommend staying in Gora and doing the loop up to the mountain and then on the sightseeing boat. The Hakone Free-Pass offers great value for money. The Hakone Open Air Museum and Gora Park Crafthouse were amazing
The hakone free pass is excellent and a must for all...
13 April 2024
The hakone free pass is excellent and a must for all visitors. There is an abundance of sites and tourist offerings about the area. We did the railways the open air museum the boat and ropeway and achieved all of this within about 24 hours. It is a beautiful destination and a must from the hustle and bustle of the city life
It’s the perfect break from the city buzz of Tokyo.
10 April 2024
It’s the perfect break from the city buzz of Tokyo. There are arts and nature and the sights to explore. A hidden treasure that will impress those looking for a slower pace to unwind. I feel like kids and teenagers may find it boring.
Hakone is a fun area.
2 April 2024
Hakone is a fun area. It’s very easy to get around on buses, cable car, and ropeway (gondola). The FreePass is a must. The lake and Mt Fuji are beautiful but so is the surrounding forest. The museums are quite nice too. We especially had a fun time at the Open Air Museum.
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