What to do in Hakone? And why stay more than just a day?
Visiting Hakone, just two hours from Tokyo, is a chance to slow down. Hot springs, volcanic landscapes, and breathtaking views of Mount Fuji make this nature-filled escape truly unique. It’s a favorite getaway for Tokyo locals, and a popular day trip for tourists. But Hakone deserves much more than a quick visit.
chose to spend five days in Gora to explore the nearby villages at my own pace, wander through the museums, soak in the onsen, and wait for that perfect moment when Mount Fuji appears between two layers of mist.
Here are my favorite spots and activities, along with all my tips to make the most of your stay in Hakone.
Located less than two hours from Tokyo, Hakone is one of the top getaways from the Japanese capital. It’s also an ideal stop along the Shinkansen route between Osaka, Kyoto, and Tokyo.
People come here for the views of Mount Fuji, the relaxing onsen baths, and the unique volcanic landscape of mountains, lakes, and steaming valleys. I came mostly to take a break between Kyoto and Tokyo, and to soak up the calm, peaceful atmosphere.
But Hakone is more than just a postcard-perfect destination. The region is rich in art and history: open-air contemporary art museums, European-inspired collections (like the Venetian Glass Museum or the Lalique Museum), and the historic Hakone Checkpoint — a former Edo-period inspection station.
As for local specialties, the famous black egg from Ōwakudani is a must-try. Boiled in sulfuric hot springs, it’s as intriguing as it is amusing.
You don’t have to tick every box to enjoy the experience. In Hakone, I had time to slow down and explore without rushing. Over five days, I found my essentials: scenic views, museums, gardens, and that unique atmosphere you never quite forget. Here are my 5 favorite spots.
This iconic route links the heights of Gora to the shores of Lake Ashi, combining three very different yet complementary modes of transport: funicular, cable car, and boat. It’s a gentle journey through mountain forests, volcanic valleys, and peaceful waters. Each leg has its own mood, its own view, its own kind of magic.
The Hakone funicular, in service since 1921, is one of the oldest in Japan. It climbs slowly up the mountainside, stopping at several small hillside stations along the way. It’s a short but steep ride that sets the tone right away: here, you’re in for a serious uphill journey!
At Sōunzan, the cable car takes over. It crosses the Ōwakudani Valley, a still-active volcanic area. The cabin glides over a lunar landscape, dotted with yellow rocks and rising steam vents. On a clear day, a white silhouette sometimes appears on the horizon: Mount Fuji. So majestic!
In fact, the route includes two connected cable cars, allowing for a stop at Ōwakudani. A viewing platform offers a stunning panorama of the volcanic scenery. You’ll also find the Hakone Geo Museum, which explores the region’s geology, and several restaurants where you can try the famous black egg of Ōwakudani.
Further down, Lake Ashi awaits, lined with cedar trees and peaceful villages. The crossing is made aboard a ship styled like a European galleon — deliberately over-the-top. These pirate-inspired vessels were designed to create a playful contrast with the natural surroundings. A little kitschy, perhaps, but the experience is both refreshing and surprisingly fun.
This three-part journey, fully covered by the Hakone Free Pass, is one of the most immersive ways to experience the region. It’s one of my best memories from the trip. In fact, I did it twice — just for the joy of it (and to increase my chances of catching a clear view of Mount Fuji!).
An unexpected mix of history, nature, and a touch of whimsy.
Practical info:
Hakone Tozan Cable Car
Runs from 8:45 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. (schedule may vary depending on the season — times are posted at all stations).
Trip from Gora Station to Sounzan takes about 15 minutes.
Fare: ¥450 — free with the Hakone Free Pass.
Hakone Ropeway
Operates from 9:00 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. between Sounzan and Togendai. It connects to Lake Ashi in about 45 minutes.
One-way fare: ¥1,480 / Round-trip: ¥2,600 — included with the Hakone Free Pass.
Lake Ashi ferry
Three boats: Royal II, Victory, and Queen Ashinoko. Three ports: Hakonemachi-ko, Motohakone-ko, and Togendai-ko.
In service daily from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Crossing time: approx. 30 minutes.
One-way fare: Adults ¥1,200 / Children ¥600
Round-trip: Adults ¥2,200 / Children ¥1,110 — free with the Hakone Free Pass.
Accessible for people with reduced mobility.
The Hakone Open-Air Museum is one of the region’s most iconic cultural sites. Nestled in a lush setting between Gora and the surrounding mountains, this open-air museum showcases over a hundred modern sculptures and artistic installations spread throughout a vast landscaped garden.
Several indoor galleries complement the outdoor collection, including a pavilion entirely dedicated to Picasso. It offers a lesser-known side of the artist, with sketches, ceramics, and more intimate works — far from his most famous paintings.
An open-air footbath, located at the heart of the museum, invites visitors to take a contemplative pause — a typically Japanese moment of well-being between two artworks.
It’s a lovely place to wander, where art and nature blend harmoniously without competing for attention. Even though I’m not a huge fan of modern art, I found the experience surprisingly enjoyable and very accessible.
Practical info:
Access:
3-minute walk from Chokoku-no-Mori Station (Hakone Tozan Railway).
10-minute walk from Gora Station.
By bus:
From Hakone Yumoto or Odawara Station, take bus lines H, J, or Z and get off at Ninotaira-iriguchi.
Opening hours:
Open year-round from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (last entry at 4:30 p.m.)
Admission:
Adults: ¥2,000 / Teens: ¥1,600 / Children: ¥800
Get ¥100 off with the Hakone Free Pass.
Motohakone, set along the shores of Lake Ashi, brings together some of the region’s most iconic images. The famous red Torii of Peace, standing in the water, draws as many glances as camera lenses.
There’s a well-marked area guiding visitors toward the must-have photo. But honestly? Not for me. Waiting in line for a shot that’s already been taken a thousand times didn’t hold much appeal.
Just a short walk away, the Hakone-jinja shrine hides in the forest and offers a much more peaceful atmosphere. A path lined with cedar trees, moss-covered stones, damp steps… Simple, but beautiful and truly authentic.
I also really enjoyed the Narukawa Art Museum, perched above the bay. It’s quiet, intimate, and home to a lovely collection of contemporary Japanese art. But its true highlight is the large picture window overlooking the lake. Comfortable chairs, and on a clear day — Mount Fuji in all its glory.
My favorite place in Motohakone? The lakeside, quite simply. But a word of advice: it’s not equally scenic everywhere! You’ll need to walk a bit out of the village center — head toward [insert exact location] for the perfect view of the lake, Mount Fuji, and the Torii of Peace all in one frame.
Practical info:
Hakone-jinja Shrine & torii on Lake Ashi:
Accessible on foot — about 10 minutes from Motohakone along the lakeside path.
Shrine grounds are open all day (outdoor access).
Treasure Hall: 9:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. (sometimes closed for renovations).
Admission: ¥500 (¥300 for children).
Narukawa Art Museum:
2-minute walk from Motohakone port (ferry or bus stop).
Admission: ¥1,500 (¥1,300 with the Hakone Free Pass — temporary exhibitions not included).
There’s also a café upstairs.
The Pola Museum of Art is located just a few kilometers from Gora, in the heart of the forest. Its minimalist architecture — a glass cube bathed in light — creates a serene setting to discover artworks from around the world. The museum houses a beautiful collection of both Western and Japanese art, sometimes set aside to make room for large-scale temporary exhibitions, which are just as impressive.
A must-visit for any art lover passing through Hakone — and even more so for impressionism enthusiasts, like me.
I had the chance to see the Colors exhibition, which filled all the museum’s galleries. It offered a journey through the history of modern art and how artists approached color over time. Absolutely stunning. I was genuinely surprised to find a museum of such international caliber tucked away in a small countryside town in Japan.
Without a doubt, the Pola Museum offers a program on par with those of major world capitals.
Practical info:
Access:
Free shuttle from Gora train station, or take the Hakone Tozan Bus to the “Pola Museum” stop — included with the Hakone Free Pass.
Opening hours:
Open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (last entry at 4:30 p.m.). May close temporarily between exhibitions.
Admission:
Adults: ¥2,200 / Children: ¥1,700
¥200 discount with the Hakone Free Pass.
Gora Park is one of the oldest Western-style parks in Japan. It was inaugurated in 1914, during the Taishō era, at a time when Hakone was beginning to grow as a popular holiday destination.
Its location is rather surprising: clinging to the mountainside in one of Gora’s steepest areas. This topographical constraint gives the park its unique character — a terraced garden that follows the slope and unfolds in gentle stages.
You’ll find a rose garden, fountains, a large tropical greenhouse, a Japanese garden, a tea pavilion, and a few perfectly placed benches. It’s not a huge park, but it’s a very pleasant one to explore.
A lesser-known highlight: the Hakone Craft House, located right inside the park. This hands-on workshop offers creative activities for all ages — glassblowing, pottery, Kiriko bead-making, ceramic painting… Sessions last between 15 and 60 minutes and cost between ¥2,500 and ¥4,500.
The Komamonoya shop, on site, sells handmade crafts and items produced in local workshops. A fun and original way to leave with a personalized souvenir.
Bonus: entry to Gora Park is free with the Hakone Free Pass, making it a perfect, easy stop between two visits.
Practical info:
Access:
On foot from either Koen-Shimo Station (to enter uphill into the park) or Koen-Kami Station (for a downhill walk through the park) on the funicular line.
Opening hours:
Open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (last entry at 4:30 p.m.)
Admission:
Free with the Hakone Free Pass.
Without the pass: ¥650 for adults (~€3.77). Free for children under 12.
In five days in Hakone, I discovered much more than just a popular day trip. Between museums, hot springs, mountain walks, and ever-changing views, the region revealed its own unique rhythm — one that invites pause and quiet contemplation.
I expected crowds. What I found was peace. And that rare kind of joy that comes from waiting — alone — for the clouds to part and reveal Mount Fuji.
Taking your time here means experiencing it differently. Stepping a little away from Tokyo. Letting the mist slowly lift from the mountain. Walking, observing, savoring.
So no, I didn’t “see it all” in Hakone — but I found what spoke to me.
And that’s probably the best advice I can give: stretch time a little, skip the perfect itinerary, and create your own.
If you don’t have much time, focus on:
– The funicular + cable car + boat route from Gora to Lake Ashi
– The Hakone Open-Air Museum
– A walk in Motohakone to see Mount Fuji and the Torii of Peace
Not from Hakone-Yumoto, no. But there are some great viewpoints where you might catch a glimpse of Mount Fuji — on a clear day:
– The Ōwakudani ropeway
– The shores of Lake Ashi in Motohakone
– The panoramic window at the Narukawa Art Museum in Motohakone
Mount Fuji is only visible about 50 to 60% of the time, mostly in the morning or just after the rain. So be patient — and a bit lucky!
You can visit the Hakone area in just one day — but I highly recommend staying at least 2 to 3 days… or even longer.
I spent 5 days there — check out my full itinerary to see how I made the most of it!
No, except for the Romancecar from Tokyo, which is better to book in advance.
Transportation within Hakone — trains, funicular, cable car, and boats — runs continuously and is included in the Hakone Free Pass.
I explain everything about the pass in my article!
Each town has its own charm:
Gora – central and convenient, with museums and onsen nearby
Motohakone – surrounded by nature, with lake views and a calmer atmosphere
Hakone-Yumoto – lively and the easiest to reach from Tokyo
Check out all my tips in my article on where to stay in Hakone.
© 2025 Voyages & Co — A digital nomad’s travel log
