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5 incontournables à Hakone

5 Days in Hakone Itinerary – Complete Travel Guide & Tips

Hakone 5-Day Itinerary: the best way to enjoy this wonderful area ! Many travelers visit Hakone on a single day trip from Tokyo. A quick escape to tick off the lake, the ropeway, and—if luck is on your side—a glimpse of Mount Fuji. But Hakone deserves more than just a few stolen hours.

I chose to spend five days there, a stopover on my journey between Kyoto and Tokyo, to slow down, work in peace, and explore the many sides of this surprisingly rich mountain region.

Why plan a Hakone 5-Day Itinerary?

Visiting Hakone over 5 days lets you fully enjoy its volcanic landscapes, museums, hot springs, and villages without rushing. By taking your time, you can vary your activities, increase your chances of seeing Mount Fuji on a clear day, and discover less crowded spots. It’s also the perfect way to alternate between relaxation and exploration for a more balanced trip… especially since there’s so much to do. Hakone isn’t a single city, but a collection of villages, each with its own atmosphere.

Here’s my 5-day Hakone itinerary, based on real, on-the-ground experience as a digital nomad. By working on a European time zone, I was able to dedicate my days to exploring and my late afternoons and evenings to work.
A balanced program designed for curious travelers, art lovers, nature enthusiasts… and anyone traveling while still working, without sacrificing immersion.

Using the Hakone Free Pass? A must!
Find out why

5-Day Hakone Itinerary — At a Glance

  • Day 1 — Arrival in Gora
  • • Stroll through Gora Park
  • Evening onsen
  • Day 2 — Classic Route to Lake Ashi
  • • Funicular → Ropeway → Owakudani
  • • Pirate boat cruise on Lake Ashi
  • • Visit Motohakone: torii gate, shrine, Narukawa Museum
  • Day 3 — Art & Slow Travel
  • • Hakone Open-Air Museum
  • • Footbath with a view & Picasso gallery
  • • Local shops near Gora Station
  • Day 4 — Return to Lake Ashi, New Discoveries
  • • Hakone Checkpoint & Onshi Park
  • • Okada Art Museum
  • Day 5 — Museums & Nature in Sengokuhara
  • • Botanical garden walk
  • • Lalique Museum
  • • Venetian Glass museum
  • • Pola Art Museums
  • Day 6 — Departure to Tokyo
  • • Return via local train or with your Hakone Free Pass

Day 1 — Gora Arrival and First Impressions

After a few busy days in Kyoto, I headed to Hakone. The trip requires some planning: Shinkansen to Odawara, then a local train to Gora, but the fresh mountain air on arrival is worth every transfer.

I checked into a peaceful guesthouse on the hillside and made my way to Gora Park—Japan’s first Western-style park, opened in 1914.
Set on a steep slope, its layout is unusual but charming, with flower beds, greenhouses, walking paths, and terraces.

Downhill, I stopped at Gora Crafthouse, a shop and workshop space for traditional Japanese crafts. A great place for handmade souvenirs or a short creative break between visits.

The rest of the day was for wandering through Gora and Sounzan, getting a feel for the atmosphere.

As the sun began to set, I headed to my first onsen (hot spring bath), wearing the hotel’s yukata. An outdoor soak surrounded by green hills, soft light, and cool air—a perfect start to unwind.

Day 2 — Hakone’s Iconic Route to Lake Ashi

This is Hakone’s classic scenic loop: funicular → ropeway → volcanic valley → lake cruise → shrine.

1 - From Gora to Owakudani

From Gora, the funicular climbs to Sounzan, where you transfer to the ropeway toward Owakudani.
Just before the station, the clouds opened… and there it was: Mount Fuji—vast, majestic, almost unreal. One of those travel moments you never forget.

At Owakudani, you can walk up to the active volcanic vents, where white steam rises from the rocks. It’s rugged and lunar.
There are small snack shops, a geological museum, and the chance to try the famous black eggs cooked in sulfur steam—legend says each one adds seven years to your life.

Using the Hakone Free Pass? Essential!
Find out why

2 - From Owakudani to Lac Ashi

From there, the ropeway continues to Togendai, on the northern shore of Lake Ashi. Hop on a pirate-themed sightseeing boat to Hakone-machi, then walk along the lake to Motohakone.
Here, you’ll find cafes and convenience stores, perfect for a lunch break.

Gallion, bateau pirate de Hakone

3 - Discover Motohakone

Then comes the popular Peace Torii gate, rising from the lake. You can wait in line for the iconic photo—or skip the queue and walk straight to Hakone Jinja, a serene forest shrine just a few minutes away.

I ended the day at the Narukawa Art Museum, with a lovely collection of Japanese art and a glass-walled lounge offering panoramic views of the lake and Mount Fuji. One of my favorite moments.

At a Glance

Route from Gora:
Funicular → ropeway → boat (Hakone Sightseeing Cruise) to Motohakone

  • Allow about 1.5 hours including transfers (longer with stops)
  • Included in the Hakone Free Pass


Owakudani (access via the ropeway)

  • Open 9:00–17:00
  • Shops, snack stands, and a geology museum
  • Specialty: black eggs cooked in sulfur steam (sold in packs of five)


Lake Ashi Cruise

  • Regular departures between 9:00 and 16:30
  • Pirate-style boat, included in the Hakone Free Pass
  • Crossing: approx. 30 minutes
  • Tip: sit on the upper deck in good weather for Mount Fuji views


Peace Torii Gate & Hakone Jinja Shrine

  • Popular lakeside torii: organized queue for photos (often 30–60 min wait)
  • Hakone Jinja Shrine is a 5–10 minute walk from the torii, following signs through the forest


Narukawa Art Museum

  • Open daily 9:00–17:00
  • Admission: ¥1,500 (¥1,300 with Hakone Free Pass)
  • Visit time: 45 minutes


Return to Gora

  • Boat from Motohakone → Togendai, then ropeway and funicular back to Gora
  • Allow 1–1.5 hours for the journey depending on transfers

Day 3 – Art in the Open Air

Hakone Open Air Museum

This day is all about slowing down and letting Hakone’s calm sink in.

I spent the afternoon at the Hakone Open-Air Museum, set on a hillside filled with modern sculptures, open lawns, and shady woods.
You can use a free audio guide app to learn about the works, which makes the visit even more meaningful.

Highlights included the colorful stained-glass tower (climb to the top!) and the peaceful footbath with a mountain view—simple and very Japanese.

Inside, a dedicated Picasso gallery displays ceramics, sketches, and lesser-known pieces in a quiet, reflective space.

Where to Stay in the Hakone Area?
My Tips

End the day with a bit of shopping in Gora

Walk back to Gora Station, where a few shops sell local treats and souvenirs.

A lighter day of sightseeing, leaving time to breathe, relax… or get some work done!

At a Glance

Musée en plein air de

Hakone Open-Air Museum
  • Open daily 9:00–17:00
  • Entry: ¥2000 (¥100 off with Free Pass)
  • Access: 5 min from Chokoku-no-Mori Station, 15 min walk from Gora
  • Footbath and downloadable audio guide included
  • Allow 2–3 hours

Day 4 — Back to the Lake, New Stops

Vue exceptionnelle depuis Motohakone

Day four in Hakone, and another packed itinerary. I set out once more for Lake Ashi, which I’d explored two days earlier—but this time, I followed a different loop.

If Mount Fuji decided to show itself again, I knew I wouldn’t be able to resist stopping at my favorite viewpoints for a longer look. Funicular, ropeway, boat… and then on to the other dock at Hakone-machi to uncover what I hadn’t yet explored.

Hakone Checkpoint & Onshi Park

From the port of Hakone-machi, simply leave the pier and follow the lakeshore to the Hakone Checkpoint. Inside, a faithful reconstruction of an Edo-period inspection post brings to life the daily routines of the guards and travelers along the Tōkaidō road—complete with furnished rooms, documents, weapons, and period artifacts.

After the visit, the walk continues through Onshi-Hakone Park: shaded paths, flower beds, and open viewpoints over Lake Ashi—and, on a clear day, Mount Fuji as the backdrop. It’s a peaceful route that links Motohakone on foot, guided by the scenery.

Hakone Checkpoint and Onshi Park

Okada Museum of Art

After one last look at the shores of Lake Ashi and the stunning panorama that Hakone is so proud of, it’s time to head to the Okada Museum of Art. Just a few minutes away by S bus from Motohakone-ko (included in the Hakone Free Pass), this museum stands out for the richness and quality of its collections: classical Japanese art, ancient Asian works, bronzes, ceramics, folding screens—all beautifully displayed in a sleek, modern building. Photography is not allowed, which makes the experience even calmer and more contemplative.

At the end of the visit, take the same S bus to complete the loop back to Gora. A perfect way to end the day, with another soak in the region’s famous hot-spring baths.

At a Glance

Okada Museum of Art

  • Open daily from 9:00 to 17:00 (last entry at 16:30)
  • Admission: ¥2,800 (adult rate)
  • Access: From Motohakone-ko, take the S bus (Hakone Tozan Bus, included in the pass) to “Kowaki-en” stop
  • Recommended visit time: 1.5 to 2 hours
  • Photography is prohibited throughout the museum
Visit of Hakone Venetian glass museum

Day 5 — Sengokuhara: Gardens & Museums

I took the S bus from Gora to Hakone Botanical Garden, a wetland park with wooden paths winding through ponds and reeds. Each season brings a different palette of flowers and light.

From there, I visited three nearby museums:

  1. Lalique Museum — a tribute to French glassmaker René Lalique: jewelry, perfume bottles, and Art Deco elegance.
  2. Hakone Venetian Glass Museum — with Venetian-style architecture, blown-glass works, and a lovely flower-filled café garden.
  3. Pola Museum of Art — my favorite: a refined glass building in the forest with a world-class collection of Impressionist and modern art (Monet, Renoir, Cézanne, Picasso…). Outside, a sculpture path winds through the woods.

At a Glance

Hakone Botanical Garden of Wetlands

  • Open daily from March to November, 9:00–17:00 (last entry at 16:30)
  • Admission: ¥700 (¥100 discount with the Hakone Free Pass)
  • Access: From Gora, take the S bus (included in the Hakone Free Pass) to “Shisseikaen-mae” stop
  • Recommended visit time: 45 minutes


Lalique Museum Hakone

  • Open daily from 9:00–17:00 (last entry at 16:30)
  • Admission: ¥1,500 (¥200 off with the Hakone Free Pass)
  • Access: Same S bus stop, “Hakone Lalique Bijutsukan”
  • On-site café-restaurant


Hakone Venetian Glass Museum

  • Open daily from 10:00–17:30 (last entry at 17:00)
  • Admission: ¥1,800 (¥100 off with the Hakone Free Pass)
  • 5-minute walk from the Lalique Museum (accessible via the S bus: “Hakone-garasunomori / Glass Museum”)
  • Flower-filled garden café—perfect for lunch
  • Online tickets available with activity options


Pola Museum of Art

  • Open daily from 9:00–17:00 (last entry at 16:30)
  • Admission: ¥1,800
  • Access: Take the T or S bus to “Pola Bijutsukan-mae” stop (included in the Hakone Free Pass)
  • Free shuttle available to and from Gora Station
  • Recommended visit time: 1.5–2 hours

Conclusion – Hakone: A Journey of Nature, Art, and Contemplation

Originally, this trip was meant to be a nature break between two cities—maybe a glimpse of Fuji if I got lucky.
But Hakone turned out to be so much more: high-quality museums, volcanic landscapes, peaceful neighborhoods, and genuine relaxation.

As a digital nomad, I loved the rhythm: work in the evening, slow exploration during the day. It’s not the place for hustle or checklists—it’s a place to slow down, breathe, and soak it all in.

Key Takeaways for Planning Your Trip to Hakone

  • Ideal Length
  • • 2 days: overview
  • • 3–5 days: deeper, slower experience
  • Getting There
  • • From Tokyo: Odakyu line (with or without Romancecar) or Shinkansen to Odawara
  • • From Kyoto/Osaka: Shinkansen to Odawara, then local train
  • Hakone Free Pass
  • • Covers almost all transport (funicular, ropeway, cruise, buses...)
  • • Offers discounts at major museums
  • • Valid for 2 or 3 days
  • Remote Work Tips
  • • Choose accommodation with good Wi-Fi (generally reliable)
  • • Few coworking spaces or cafés: work from your lodging
  • Fuji Visibility
  • • Only visible in clear weather (early morning or after rain)
  • • Best views: ropeway to Owakudani, Lake Ashi shores, Narukawa Museum

FAQ – Visiting Hakone in 5 Days

How long does it take to visit Hakone?

It’s possible to do a day trip from Tokyo, but to truly enjoy the natural scenery, museums, hot springs, and maybe catch a glimpse of Mount Fuji, it’s best to plan at least 2 days.
A 3–5 day stay allows for a slower, more complete experience.

Yes—if the weather allows! Mount Fuji is visible on clear days, especially early in the morning or after rain.
Top viewpoints include the Hakone Ropeway, the shores of Lake Ashi (Motohakone, Narukawa Museum), and the heights of Owakudani.
However, it’s often hidden behind clouds, especially in the afternoon.

Yes. From two days onwards, the pass becomes very cost-effective. It includes tourist transport (funicular, ropeway, boat, buses…) and offers discounts at several museums and parks—a great way to explore without worrying about tickets.
I explain everything in my article on the Hakone Free Pass.

Gora is an excellent starting point—central and well-connected by transport. It’s also a great choice for those who want to balance sightseeing with quiet moments.
Motohakone or Sengokuhara offer a different vibe, closer to the lake or museums.
Check out my dedicated article for tips on where to stay in Hakone.

Yes, in accommodations. Most hotels, ryokan, or guesthouses offer a good Wi-Fi connection. There are few suitable cafés in the area, so it’s best to choose lodging with a comfortable workspace.

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