Top Things to Do in Hakone: Best Activities & Must-Sees
Fancy a nature break less than two hours from Tokyo? Hakone is the dream getaway! From its mountain scenery and proximity to Mount Fuji to cruises on Lake Ashi, hot springs and open-air museums, the region brings together everything travellers come to Japan for: tranquillity, traditions and the art of living!
🏞️ Popular Activities in Hakone and Great-value Prices
- 🌊 Lake Ashi ⛴️ – Shore access is free, cruises from £8 – Volcanic lake with views of Mount Fuji
- 🌋 Owakudani 🥚 – Access included with passes/cable car – Steaming volcanic valley and sulphurous black eggs
- 🚡 Hakone Ropeway 🏔️ – From £9.61 – Panoramic cable car over the mountains and the crater
- 🎨 Hakone Open-Air Museum 🖼️ – Prices vary by season – Open-air sculpture park + Picasso Pavilion
- ♨️ Hakone Kowakien Yunessun 💦 – From £10.09 – Fun hot spring water park with themed baths
📅 How to Visit Hakone in 1 or 2 Days?
Smaller than its neighbouring towns, with only 10,000 residents, Hakone can be explored on a day trip from Tokyo or by spending one or two nights. Ideally, to fully enjoy the onsen (the famous Japanese hot springs) and the relaxed mountain rhythm, it’s best to devote at least two days.
Here are some simple, practical itinerary ideas based on your traveller profile and your preferences:
Length of stay | Couples | Family | Friends | Solo |
1 day | Lake Ashi + cruise + Hakone Ropeway + Owakudani + onsen | Lake Ashi + pirate ship + Hakone Open-Air Museum | Lake Ashi + Owakudani + cable car + Hakone-jinja Shrine | Lake Ashi + Owakudani + cable car + onsen |
2 days | Day 1: Lake Ashi tour + Owakudani + ropeway Day 2: open-air museum + onsen in a ryokan | Day 1: pirate ship + ropeway + Owakudani Day 2: Yunessun hot spring water park + stroll around Hakone-Yumoto | Day 1: Lake Ashi + Owakudani + ropeway Day 2: hike + communal onsen | Day 1: classic loop + open-air museum Day 2: temples, cafés, writing or reading in peace and quiet |
👉 How many days should you spend in Hakone?
- In 1 day, you can easily visit Hakone and take the time to stop at the main sights.
- In two days, you’ll have time to take a breather, go to the museum and enjoy the thermal baths as well: it’s most certainly the best compromise!
🎁 Get 5% off & save up to £2 on your first Hakone Attractions & Tours booking! 👇
Hakone's Top Attractions and Tours
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🔥 Top 5 Activities and Landmarks in Hakone
You’ll realise it once you’re there: Hakone is still a very small town. Even so, we’ve handpicked a few must-see sights and unmissable activities to do so you can fully enjoy your day or stay.
Lake Ashi: a postcard-perfect view of Mount Fuji
Lake Ashi (Ashinoko) is undoubtedly the symbol of Hakone. Bordered by wooded mountains, it offers, on clear days, a dreamy view of Mount Fuji silhouetted on the horizon.
The best activity near Lake Ashi? Its cruises! Weather permitting, plenty of cruises are on offer around the lake for a soothing experience with dreamy scenery.
Along the lakeshore, don’t miss Hakone-jinja Shrine and its grand red torii planted in the water—one of the region’s most iconic photo spots. The shores also offer several short walks, cafés with a view, and viewpoints perfect for immortalising your stay.
📌 Tips : some boats are shaped like pirate ships, much to the delight of families and children!
Lake Ashi Cruise
4.6/5
35 Reviews
the pirate ship is nicely decorated full of the pirate ship experience haha , the ride is good , although the weather was a bit cloudy£8
Owakudani: the steaming valley of black eggs
Second unmissable spot in Hakone: Owakudani! It’s actually an active volcanic valley, where you’ll almost certainly see sulphurous steam rising from the ground. The scenery is rocky, sometimes shrouded in steam, with the mountains as a backdrop and, on clear days, Mount Fuji (the view is spectacular!).
You’ll notice it straight away: the smell of sulphur is hard to miss as you approach the volcano, a vivid reminder that you’re on a volcanic site that’s very much alive. Specially built observation platforms let you stroll safely while admiring the fumaroles rising from the grey rocks. With a bit of luck and on a clear day, the contrast between Owakudani’s lunar landscape and the majestic Mount Fuji in the background is simply magical!
When you're there, make sure you don't miss the famous black eggs (kuro-tamago) cooked in the sulphurous hot springs. Rest assured, their black colour simply comes from the shell, which blackens on contact with the minerals, but the inside remains perfectly normal and delicious.
📌Fun fact: legend has it that eating a black egg adds seven years to your life… it’s up to you how many you take home!
Owakudani
4.6/5
324 Reviews
Don't leave Hakone without visiting Owakudani
Walk through the smoky sulfur valley and try the famous Black Eggs, boiled in natural volcanic waters. Legend has it that eating one egg adds 7 years to your life so I definitely had to grab some.The Hakone Ropeway: the panoramic cable car
From the moment you arrive, the very first thing you’ll almost certainly want to do is hop aboard these charming traditional little cable cars! The Hakone Ropeway links several key spots in the region, including Lake Ashi, Owakudani and Sounzan. The cabins soar over forests, valleys and volcanic areas to offer one of Hakone’s most beautiful panoramas.
The full ride takes around 30 minutes and lets you soar above the mountain landscapes surrounding Hakone. The modern, all-glass cabins offer 360° views of the surrounding nature. A breathtaking view!
As you gradually ascend towards Owakudani, you’ll see fumaroles appear in the distance. And finally, on clear days, you’ll very likely catch sight of Mount Fuji, the surrounding mountains, and the changing colours of the seasons: delicate spring greens, flamboyant autumn hues, and sometimes a blanket of snow in winter. The journey is an integral part of the Hakone experience—both a way to get around and an activity in its own right!
Hakone Ropeway
4.7/5
30 Reviews
No need to change planes, just scan the code to enter – so convenient!£10
The Hakone Open-Air Museum: art and the mountain
The Hakone Open-Air Museum (musée en plein air de Hakone) is often a delightful surprise for travellers. Relatively little-known, this one-of-a-kind museum will transport you out of time. Set in a large, rolling park, it showcases monumental outdoor sculptures that blend seamlessly into the landscape. You’ll also find indoor galleries, including a pavilion dedicated to Picasso (more than 300 pieces are on display!).
The way the artworks blend into the natural landscape creates a unique, soothing atmosphere. You wander between giant sculptures, artistic fountains and contemporary installations, all set against the backdrop of Hakone’s mountains. Some pieces invite interaction; others encourage contemplation. You’ll indeed see plenty of locals who sometimes come to meditate on site beside these masterpieces.
This visit is delightful in every season, whether you’re with family, travelling solo or as a couple. At the end of the route, you can enjoy a hot spring foot bath with mountain views. An ideal moment to unwind before getting back on the road.
The Hakone Open-Air Museum
4.8/5
101 Reviews
The open-air museum is worth visiting.£9
Hakone Kowakien Yunessun: traditional and unique onsens
Fancy trying onsen without having to follow all the strict rules of traditional baths? Hakone Kowakien Yunessun is a hot-spring water park that blends a spa atmosphere with playful fun! You’ll find outdoor pools with mountain views, plus aromatised baths (wine, coffee, green tea…), water slides, and a covered indoor area.
It's the perfect spot for a relaxing day with family or friends, especially if you're travelling with people who are uneasy about the nudity in classic onsen. The complex also includes a more traditional section, separated by gender, so you can enjoy a more authentic Japanese experience.
Hakone Kowakien Yunessun
4.6/5
17 Reviews
Nice place, I liked open bath£6
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Our Top Picks for Hakone Hotels
5 star
Great608 Reviews
Gora/Sengokuhara Hakone|5.6km from city centre
The hotel is located near Gora Station, and they offer a shuttle service. We were on a self-driving trip, and navigating there required a bit of careful attention, but there's parking available right outside the hotel. I give very high marks for the hotel's ambiance, the staff's service attitude, and the comfort of the rooms. The room was spacious, and the single beds were also very wide. The toilet and bathroom were separate, and there was a private onsen on the balcony. We ordered breakfast at the hotel, which was a Japanese-Western selection, pretty similar to what you'd find at a typical Western buffet.From£170
Great884 Reviews
Kowakidani/Miyanoshita Hakone|5.7km from city centre
The moment our car pulled up, a staff member rushed out to help with our luggage, smiling all the while. They guided us through check-in, even offering a warm towel and welcome tea – talk about a fantastic first impression! Just outside the lobby, there's a lush, green mountain view. Lounging on the beanbag chairs there, just chilling out, was incredibly therapeutic 🌿.
The room itself was a typical Japanese style, spacious and spotless. The balcony even had an open-air private onsen tub, so if you didn't feel like going to the public baths, you could soak in your own hot spring while enjoying the view – maximum privacy. The hotel also provided yukata robes, and wearing them around the premises really added to the whole experience 👘.
The onsen facilities were definitely the highlight! The public baths on the fifth and sixth floors alternate daily for men and women. The open-air onsen on the sixth floor had an absolutely stunning view – mountains by day, starry skies by night. Soaking in the hot spring with a towel on my head, just zoning out, felt exactly like something out of an anime. The toiletries were POLA, with everything from makeup remover to toner and lotion provided. My skin felt so smooth after the bath, I just went straight back to my room and passed out ♨️✨.
For dinner, we chose the teppanyaki. The chef cooked each dish right in front of us, meticulously explaining every course in English. The ingredients were fresh, the seasoning precise – you could really taste the care put into it. Breakfast was a buffet, and having unlimited sashimi rice bowls was pure bliss. Seafood donburi lovers, rejoice! 🍣
On checkout day, a staff member stood at the entrance, bowing goodbye and waving until our car was far out of sight. That feeling of being genuinely cared for truly makes you want to come back again and again.From£292
Great235 Reviews
Kowakidani/Miyanoshita Hakone|4.55km from city centre
Every city's soul resides in a hotel.
The Peace Hotel in Shanghai, the Imperial Hotel in Tokyo, the Ritz Paris.
These masterpieces, born from local spirit, aesthetics, and a unique mission, are irreplaceable classics, forever one-of-a-kind.
They are undeniably the ultimate experiences to explore in these great cities.
In 1871, a 20-year-old Japanese man moved to America for work.
After saving enough money, he returned to Japan during the Meiji Restoration and enrolled at Keio University.
There, he was enlightened by Fukuzawa Yukichi, the father of modern Japan,
and first realized the importance of international tourism.
In the same year (1874), Emperor Guangxu was only 3 years old; the gears of history began to turn.
Fukuzawa's portrait is still on Japan's highest denomination banknote today.
The young man, Yamaguchi, realized that Japan didn't have a true hotel for foreigners.
So he picked up a blank piece of paper and began to draw the blueprint for Japan's future state guesthouse:
1. A place foreigners would love most.
2. Close to Tokyo, with beautiful scenery.
3. Must have natural hot springs.
The intersection of these three coordinates landed in the Miyanoshita area of Hakone.
In 1878, Japan's first resort hotel – Fujiya Hotel – was born.
However, fate was cruel; just 5 years later, a major fire engulfed the hotel,
along with all records since its opening, turning everything to ash.
The once eternal legacy became as thin as a wisp of smoke.
Fortunately, Yamaguchi resolutely chose to rebuild.
In 1891, the new building was completed and has been operating ever since.
The symmetrical facade and main entrance portico emphasize a solemn ”frontality.”
Inside, there are sofas, fireplaces, and radiators.
Even the height of the doorknobs and beds was customized to suit the stature of Westerners.
Yet, at the same time, the graceful curves of the Japanese roof, vermillion railings, and dragon wood carvings
constantly remind you – this is Japan.
No other hotel
can better interpret the four characters ”Wa-Yo setchū” (a blend of Japanese and Western styles) than Fujiya Hotel.
During the war, it interned over 70 European and Central/South American diplomats.
Over a hundred years, the countless celebrities, dignitaries, and royals it hosted are dazzling:
Charlie Chaplin, John Lennon, Albert Einstein, Yukio Mishima,
The King of Belgium, the Crown Prince of Sweden, the Duke of Windsor,
Emperor Hirohito, the Last Emperor Puyi, Chiang Kai-shek...
For nearly 150 years, Fujiya Hotel has witnessed the collapse of countless colossal powers.
How many kings and generals once stood by its west-facing windows,
witnessing the twilight of their empires?
I checked in during early summer, like pushing open a door to time.
The hustle and bustle had long faded,
but it still retained its former glory,
humbly yet proudly refusing to awaken.
Time stands still here,
leaving amber-like imprints,
as if nothing has ever truly left.From£153
Amazing105 Reviews
Gora/Sengokuhara Hakone|6.62km from city centre
The hotel's shuttle service made getting around incredibly easy. We pre-booked it on Ctrip, and the shuttle to/from Odawara was right on schedule. It also offered flexible pickups and drop-offs at several attractions. After returning to the hotel, a soak in the hot spring was the perfect way to unwind and wash away the day's fatigue.From£239
Amazing75 Reviews
Kowakidani/Miyanoshita Hakone|5.43km from city centre
The place was spotless, the environment was beautiful, and the staff were incredibly friendly and helpful. Even though English wasn't their strong suit, they used translation apps effectively to communicate. We weren't aware they offered a pick-up service, so we took a taxi there. However, they kindly provided a drop-off service to the station when we left. They also patiently explained which station had luggage lockers, as we were planning to move on to a different location the next day. If we hadn't already made other plans, staying two nights would have been ideal. The dining experience felt like a hotel's set course meal. While dinner was a little slow, the overall experience was excellent, and the dining staff were all wonderful. We also had pleasant encounters with local Japanese people in the public baths; they were very friendly. One even waited outside to recommend some ice cream to us! Overall, I had a fantastic impression of Hakone.From£389
Great74 Reviews
Gora/Sengokuhara Hakone|8.8km from city centre
The hotel is located in a very secluded mountainous area. I stayed in an open-air hot spring villa with a large courtyard, and soaking in the hot spring was incredibly relaxing and wonderful, whether it was cloudy or sunny, day or night. The courtyard was beautiful on rainy days. The entire villa area was almost completely silent; aside from occasionally seeing people at mealtimes, I barely saw anyone else, which was very pleasant. The hot springs were also excellent, leaving my skin feeling smooth and moisturized. The room had a living room with a fireplace and a Bluetooth speaker, making it spacious and warm. This was the hotel's biggest draw.
However, some small details were lacking. Some villas don't have parking, like mine, and walking to the parking lot was quite a trek. The bathroom area wasn't well-heated; the shower and toilet rooms were very cold unless the door was left open. The hotel's toiletries need improvement; the cotton pads were unusable, of very poor quality, falling apart into shreds when I tried to wipe my face. The bedding was also quite mediocre, not comfortable at all, and the mattress felt saggy. However, the linens were very clean and fresh, which was good.
Cleanliness was so-so. Both the hot spring pool and the shower room, being made of wood, are prone to mold, and the hotel should clean them more thoroughly.
The Kaiseki dinner was very ordinary. The taste and ingredients were unremarkable, though the price was also reasonable. There's no need to eat the hotel's Kaiseki if you have other options.
The service was decent. They thoughtfully sent champagne for our anniversary, which was a nice touch. Check-in and check-out were handled in the room, and other services were quite proactive.From£320
Business travel
Great882 Reviews
Hakone yumoto Hakone|0.19km from city centre
The room was a bit small, making it difficult to fully open two suitcases. However, the hotel's prime location was a big plus; it was easy to find and close to the station, which was convenient for dragging luggage. Breakfast was just okay, with too many cold options – I left feeling disappointed. There were also too few public baths, but the water temperature was good. The front desk even offered Chinese-speaking service. The concierge was proactive in greeting guests.From£110
Great42 Reviews
Hakone yumoto Hakone|1.39km from city centre
Yama No Chaya has its own beauty and serenity. I personally don’t find it hard to locate - 2 bus stops away from Hakone Yumoto station + a 5 minutes walk are worth the stay. (Bus service stopped for one of the days due to bad weather and we walked for 20 minutes to Hakone Yumoto Station - all good)
The team is very hospitable - they also have some English and Chinese speaking staff otherwise simple English is not an issue to communicate. Our butler - Sandip always carry a smile with him, and he ensured we are very well taken care of. Every morning, the team will prepare heat pack and umbrellas for us (it was raining and snowing). In the evening, they made tea and prepared snacks (vary from mochi to sushi) for us upon our returned.
The room we booked is Yamano Ichigo (main wing) - just nice for 2. The viewing platform was where we relaxed every evening and we soaked our tiredness away in our very own private onsen at the basement. Despite of having our own private onsen, I still went to visit 3 other public onsen within the Ryokan - you will not be disappointed.
Our room came with daily breakfast and we added on dinner for 1 night. I must say the chef and culinary team put in their passion and effort to prepare all the dishes. It’s not common for a visitor like me to taste Kaisekai cuisine which I enjoyed very much. You need to take time and an empty stomach to full experience it :) However, my partner and I weren’t used to heavy breakfast and our butler noticed it - we get to change to western style for the rest of the stay which was equally delicious. We are thankful that we minimised food wastage.
Overall, we felt pampered during our stay at Yama no Chaya :) I will return again in the future when I visit Hakone.From£317
Very Good250 Reviews
Hakone yumoto Hakone|1.19km from city centre
I booked a one-night, two-meal package at this hotel. The room was a Japanese-style tatami room. The hotel is a 12-minute walk from Hakone-Yumoto Station and has a very distinctive ambiance with its courtyard, waterfall, and koi fish. The staff were attentive and detail-oriented. The dinner offered a wide variety of dishes, including sashimi, sushi, and tempura. What left the deepest impression was the natural hot spring, which provided a truly delightful and relaxing experience for both body and mind!From£112
Great484 Reviews
Lake Ashi Hakone|9.95km from city centre
OMG, there were bugs everywhere in our room, and for the price we paid, it was extremely disappointing.
The buffet offered a wide variety of food options, which was a positive, but the sheer number of guests made the experience feel crowded, noisy, and far less premium than we expected from a hotel in this price range.
Another frustrating issue involved some items my family accidentally left behind. My brother left an Apple charger adapter, and my father left a dental kit in the room. After checking out, we asked our next hotel to call and notify the property. We then spent around 30 minutes traveling back to retrieve the items, only to be told by the front desk that nothing had been found. What was even more disappointing was being told that it was ”not possible” for us to have left the items there because they would have been found if they had been left behind.
Rather than helping investigate the situation, the staff seemed more interested in dismissing our concerns. Whether the items were misplaced, overlooked during housekeeping, or genuinely not found, being told that our account of events was impossible was both frustrating and unprofessional.
Overall, this stay fell well below our expectations, especially considering the price point. Unfortunately, the issues with room cleanliness, the crowded atmosphere, and the handling of our lost-property inquiry left us with a very negative impression.From£202
Very Good210 Reviews
Hakone yumoto Hakone|1km from city centre
Facilities: The hotel's facilities are pretty good, even better than where I stayed in Lake Yamanaka.
Cleanliness: Not bad.
Environment: Hakone is very comfortable.
Service: I booked a private onsen, which I found very refreshing for 3000 yen. Since it was off-season, it was available on the day, but I recommend going during daylight as it's pitch black at night. Japanese cuisine is all about presentation; it's not particularly tasty, and the breakfast wasn't great either. It just looks good, that's all. I booked it for over 1800 during the off-season and didn't choose a tatami room; the bed was comfortable.From£93
Amazing398 Reviews
Lake Ashi Hakone|9.21km from city centre
This hotel was by far the best one we stayed at during our trip to Japan. The breakfast offered both Japanese and Western options; while the selection wasn't huge, which is a common trait of Japanese hotels, the environment was absolutely stunning. I checked in at night, and when I woke up in the morning, I was completely amazed by the beautiful scenery outside the window. I couldn't even sleep in; I quickly got up to enjoy the view in the garden. The staff were very friendly, and there was a lovely ********* lady who helped us communicate without any issues. She even brought our luggage all the way to our room and thoughtfully explained everything, which was incredibly helpful. The room was spacious too. We booked a double room, but since their beds are 1.4 meters wide and there were three of us, the hotel thoughtfully converted the sofa into a separate bed for us, turning a double into a triple! I loved it so much. I'll definitely recommend it to friends and I'll stay here again next time I visit Japan! 🎉From£150
Family friendly
Very Good162 Reviews
Hakone yumoto Hakone|1.51km from city centre
My husband and I stayed at Hotel Okada for 2 nights for our honeymoon, and it was a truly wonderful experience.
• Honeymoon Surprise: The staff provided excellent service and even prepared a thoughtful welcome gift for our honeymoon, which made us feel very special.
• The Room & Amenities: Our room was spacious, spotless, and very quiet. The highlight was definitely the private open-air bath in the room—so relaxing and peaceful. We were also pleasantly surprised to find complimentary skincare sets and facial masks provided in the room. It shows great attention to detail.
• Dining: Both the breakfast and dinner buffets offered a wide variety of delicious options.
• Location: Getting to the train station is easy with the shuttle bus that runs on a reliable schedule. If you prefer to walk, it's a pleasant 19-minute walk.From£134
Very Good296 Reviews
Hakone yumoto Hakone|1.6km from city centre
One of our best stay in Japan! The set meal, especially the dinner are awesome (at least for us Asian). We also enjoyed the room, amenity provided and flawless service.
Hot spring is great, combined with free massage chair is heaven.
It’s on a steep slope so if you don’t drive that would be some challenge.From£74
Great387 Reviews
Hakone yumoto Hakone|0.61km from city centre
Great hotel! I like the environment and service. Their children's yukatas are very beautiful. I booked one night with two meals. The food was very good, beautiful and delicious. I ate a lot, but the wine and drinks need to be paid separately, but the price is reasonable. The plum wine is delicious. My parents like it very much. They said that staying for one night is too little. The room we stayed in was very large. We had 3 tatami mats for 3 adults and 2 children. There was also a small room with two beds for each of us to sleep separately without affecting each other. There was also a room dedicated to suitcases and yukatas, which was very convenient. There was an indoor hot spring in the room, which could be filled with water by itself like a bathtub. I think I could soak my feet at night, but there was no need. At first, when I booked the hotel, I thought it was a courtyard hot spring where I could take pictures. I was disappointed when I arrived at the hotel. It was actually an indoor bathtub. Fortunately, there was a public hot spring next to it, which was very convenient. It was just like taking a bath in the room. It was just a few steps away, but I couldn't take pictures. There was no scenery. This hot spring hotel is in the Japanese courtyard style. It looks good to take pictures. You can take beautiful pictures in your own room and courtyard. It's very photogenic! Although the language communication is all in Japanese, they will use their mobile phones to translate for you, so you can understand it better.From£381
Very Good168 Reviews
Hakone yumoto Hakone|0.53km from city centre
I was quite worried before my visit, having seen many mixed reviews online. However, I decided to stick with this hotel, primarily due to its excellent location very close to Yumoto Station, which makes getting around incredibly convenient.
Upon arrival, I personally found it to be excellent. First off, the room was very spacious. Although the amenities were a bit dated (still using traditional button switches instead of a modern key card system), the vintage charm of this traditional Japanese-style room was actually quite nice.
Secondly, staying in a room with a private outdoor onsen at the foot of the mountain during summer, I was delighted to find no mosquitoes. I only spotted one unidentified bug on the day I checked in, and never saw another insect afterwards. What's more, the onsen water was continuously circulating, so the surface was always clean with no debris. Enjoying a hot spring bath at night while stargazing was truly blissful.
The breakfast and dinner portions initially looked small, served as individual dishes, but by the end, I was completely stuffed and couldn't finish it all! (𖦹.𖦹)
Finally, the overall service was impeccable, from the check-in process at the front desk to the staff attending to us during breakfast and dinner.From£75
Great210 Reviews
Gora/Sengokuhara Hakone|9.05km from city centre
I booked a private hot spring room, 800 a night for a twin bed. The surroundings are really nice, and the air is fresh. The front desk offers complimentary drinks and an ice machine. The only, *only* downside is that the bottom part of the private hot spring's door frame is corroded by water, but it doesn't affect the stay. I hope the hotel gets it fixed soon. After booking, they immediately sent a confirmation and followed up with multiple email reminders and notifications, which was very thoughtful. There's a bus stop right next door. The only other minor inconvenience is that the nearest convenience store is a bit far, but the hotel also has vending machines and a restaurant, so you generally don't need to go to a convenience store. It's well-suited for those traveling by chartered car or in groups. The room is also very spacious. Overall, it was a great experience.From£104
Amazing47 Reviews
Kowakidani/Miyanoshita Hakone|5.84km from city centre
I took a bus from Odawara Station, got off at the “Verde no Mori” bus stop, and reached the property in about an 8-minute walk.
As it was my first time visiting Hakone, walking uphill from the bus stop while carrying a suitcase made me feel a bit uneasy at first. However, once I arrived, I was warmly welcomed with a welcome drink, and they kindly accommodated an early check-in, which was a big relief.
The room was spacious with a beautiful view, and I was thrilled to finally experience a semi-open-air bath, something I had always dreamed of. The location is extremely quiet, making it a perfect place to truly relax and enjoy a peaceful escape from everyday life.
There isn’t much around the property. If you have a car, this won’t be an issue, but for those without one (like me this time), I recommend bringing some snacks just in case. Although I didn’t use it, the hotel also seems to offer shuttle service to nearby bus stops.
Dinner, which I reserved in advance, was served in a private dining room and featured a kaiseki-style menu. During my stay in late January, the sashimi course originally included bluefin tuna, amberjack, and ark shell. However, because “a Japanese guest (me!) was visiting,” they thoughtfully prepared usubahagi, a fish I had never encountered before. I was truly impressed by this considerate gesture.
The sakura shrimp rice cooked in a small clay pot was another highlight. When I couldn’t finish it all, they kindly made rice balls for me to take, which was such a warm and thoughtful touch. Breakfast was also confirmed the day before, and I was able to receive some additional service. Both meals were excellent in quantity and flavor—I enjoyed everything immensely.
The flowing hot spring bath in the room requires mixing in cold water and adjusting the temperature yourself, but by running the cold water about 5–7 minutes before bathing, it was not inconvenient at all.
Honestly, this is a place that may divide opinions depending on personal preference. For me, however, it was a wonderful stay, and I definitely plan to return.
Unfortunately, I didn’t catch his name, but the Japanese male staff member who took care of our meals was gentle, polite, and answered all my questions clearly, which made me feel very comfortable. There was also a young Southeast Asian female staff member; while there were minor communication misunderstandings, she worked very hard. As someone who also works abroad, I sincerely hope she continues sharing the beauty of Hakone and Japan with international guests visiting this inn.
Next time, I will definitely stay for multiple nights!From£358
Breakfast
Very Good288 Reviews
Lake Ashi Hakone|8.68km from city centre
The hotel room is spacious, and on a clear day, you can see the snow-capped Mount Fuji directly from the seaside garden – it's absolutely stunning! This foldable makeup mirror is super cool! If you get a front-facing lake view room, you can literally lie down and enjoy the entire panorama from your room! The hotel is right next to the pirate ship pier and the H bus terminal! It's also really convenient to get to Gotemba Outlet; just transfer from the H line to the M line. For returning to Hakone-Yumoto Station, you can ride the bus all the way to the end, and there's a bus stop right in front of the hotel! Overall, I'm extremely satisfied!From£147
Great104 Reviews
Gora/Sengokuhara Hakone|10.6km from city centre
Hi everyone,
It was very beautiful place to stay, very peaceful, clean and comfortable. Large room, beautiful view and onsen was very good.
To those not travelling by car, you need to get a bus Hakone freepass to get around. You can purchase it online, this is a big help.
One of the biggest problem was when we arrived the bus station at bus stop no. 252 ( Sengoku-kogen), we called the hotel to arrange to be pick up from the bus station no. 252, we have terrible language problems. They don't understand where was bus stop 252. They don't recognise there is a coffee shop, Lawson and little police station. Finally we have to pull our luggageas all the way to the hotel. Majority of the road was uphill and very little lighting ... Near bus stop number 252, you can see Lawson, a coffee shop and little police station.
On the second day, the shuttle bus service took us out to the musuem. We walked back from the museums, it took about 90mins to walk back to the hotel. We were told the bus ticket have to purchase at the counter Tokendai. We were stucked in the hotel for two days, because we really don't know where to apply which bus tickets.
On the third day, the hotel shuttle took us to another musuem, we were very thankful a lady from a musuem inform us we can get the ticket Hakone free pass online.
On the fourth day, we just realised Tokendai ( cruise) very close to the hotel. Luckily we managed to get around for the last day of our stay.
Overall we enjoyed the stay. The receptionists were very polite and tried to help. We have communication breakdown, they were continually apologises.
Big thank you for the trip.com to solve the problem.From£114
Very Good105 Reviews
Gora/Sengokuhara Hakone|6.44km from city centre
The location was out of town so not so many shop around the hotel and you have to take a tram to town to get groceries etc. Buffet breakfast was nice so dont hae to stress. Private Onsen was great but need more instructions especially english. There was a shuttle service but no way to communicate with them unless you have a local sim. It was great stay but you need to be prepared for some logistics and walking or plan ahead with food/snacks etc.From£116
Great114 Reviews
Hakone yumoto Hakone|0.35km from city centre
The biggest advantage is probably its proximity to Yumoto Station. You don't even need to go upstairs from the second floor; just walk to the end, turn left, take the elevator down, walk forward, turn left, and you're there in two minutes.
1. I planned to explore Hakone during the day and knew I'd miss dinner, so I only booked breakfast instead of the half-board option. That turned out to be a great decision. I definitely got back to Yumoto after dinner service had ended. The breakfast looked beautiful in photos, but it was hard to eat. There wasn't really anything appealing; just a bunch of miscellaneous small dishes and pickles.
2. The private onsen needs to be booked in advance, but it was just okay.
3. If you have a lot of luggage, staying in Yumoto is more convenient for check-in, and there are other restaurants open at night. If you're traveling light in Hakone, I'd probably choose Gora, book dinner at the hotel, and explore the various museums around Gora. For a day trip, you don't need to see everything; just pick one or two places you like.From£194
Great465 Reviews
Lake Ashi Hakone|8.33km from city centre
The room is spacious as advertised, the hotel is a bit old but overall is still comfortable and relaxing. The in room hot spring is awesome with nice view of the lake. The open air public bath is not very big but it's fine when no crowded. The observatory deck (Take the stairs from 4th floor) is slightly below expectations due to the handprints on the window but it's still a nice place to chill. The food for dinner and breakfast have limited choices but the taste is good. You can have the view of Mt Fuji outside the lounge on a clear sky day. Free shuttle from hotel is available to pick up at Motohakone pier and the bus (Hakone Free Pass) to Hakone Yumoto station is available at the front of the hotel.From£116
Great125 Reviews
Hakone yumoto Hakone|0.86km from city centre
Is a very relaxing onsen hotel with a great companion of free parking, unlimited free flow of drinks and alcohol, free supper ramen and helpful front desk staff assist when check in.. the hotel is just located near to the train station and old town.. really highly recommended and worth it.From£168
Gym
Great50 Reviews
Gora/Sengokuhara Hakone|9.88km from city centre
The service was excellent, professional, and very attentive. The in-room amenities were premium and had a luxurious feel. The towels and hot spring attire were made from high-quality material and felt wonderful. It's an excellent choice for a hot spring inn.From£197
Great63 Reviews
Gora/Sengokuhara Hakone|5.2km from city centre
☀️ When i first arrived, i thought i was at the wrong place - i‘ve never booked something so nice for myself before!
🪲PROS
- chill 4 people bedrooms, with a comfy bed and a big personal shelf + locker and a fridge for the room
- clean facilities and rooms
- towel, toothpaste/toothpaste and yukata were provided as well as shampoo and showergel
- the common room was so cozy and nice, with tea and water always at the ready and a great view of the garden
- i was satisfied with both the dinner and breakfast and the price was fairly cheap (~1200¥ or a bit more, depending on your choices)
- PRIVATE ONSEN that you can book for around 50minutes at night and can use in the morning if nobody else is already using it (costs around 150¥ per use)
- there is a shuttle bus going at pretty regular times in the morning. They offer a ride to both Gora-Station or Hakone-Open-Air-Museum!
🩸CONS
- far from the city-centre/train station
🌱 i really enjoyed my stay. I had cool roomies that became travel companions and absolutely loved the inn, the onsen, the food and the kind staff!
Definitely a recommendation if you ever decide to stay in Hakone - i would book again!From£33
Amazing82 Reviews
Hakone yumoto Hakone|1.64km from city centre
The service attitude and feeling are very good. It is very suitable for traveling with the elders. It is more suitable for relaxation without noisy children.From£561
0 Reviews
Kowakidani/Miyanoshita Hakone|4.93km from city centre
1. Spanning approximately 14 hectares and surrounded by the majestic nature of Hakone, 'HOTEL THE MITSUI HAKONE' will open on December 15, 2026, in Kowakudani, a place steeped in the history of the Mitsui family. Reservations will start from July 15.2. All 126 guest rooms are equipped with natural hot springs and balconies/terraces, offering a high-quality stay that harmonizes with the seasons of Hakone.3. At the thermal springs facing Mount Asama, guests can enjoy a wellness experience in harmony with nature.4. A variety of dining options, including Japanese cuisine at 'Sankei,' offer culinary experiences that make the most of local ingredients.The hotel is located in Kowakudani, where the Mitsui family once had a cluster of villas, inheriting its historical background. This will be the second hotel under the HOTEL THE MITSUI brand, following 'HOTEL THE MITSUI KYOTO.' 'HOTEL THE MITSUI KYOTO' has earned high global recognition, including a Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star rating, three Michelin stars, and selection in the World’s Best 50 Hotels. This new hotel will also open as the Mitsui Fudosan Group's top-tier luxury property.The hotel offers a quiet and relaxing stay where guests can enjoy hot springs, food, and interaction with nature in a vast area with views of Mount Asama and surrounded by Hakone’s magnificent nature.Additionally, by partnering with Marriott International’s luxury brand, The Luxury Collection, which has members worldwide, the hotel aims to welcome many guests from both Japan and abroad.Great80 Reviews
Gora/Sengokuhara Hakone|5.76km from city centre
I was traveling alone, so I booked this hostel. I was a bit apprehensive because there weren't many reviews, but I was pleasantly surprised when I arrived.
The location is super convenient, right next to a station. The front desk staff asked what language I preferred, and I was able to communicate in English with Chinese check-in instructions, making for a smooth check-in.
It had just rained that day, and my shoes were wet, and I was feeling a bit chilly, so I used the hot spring they provided. It's a small pool, and the women's bath can accommodate a maximum of 6 people at a time, but usually, there are only 1-3 people using it, which was very relaxing.
The room was mixed-gender, but everyone was respectful and quietly stayed in their own bunks.
There are a few well-rated restaurants nearby, but be aware that they close at 8 PM, so you'll need to go early if you want to eat there, otherwise, only convenience stores will be open. The hostel's buffet breakfast was fantastic!From£26
Very Good50 Reviews
Hakone yumoto Hakone|0.61km from city centre
fabulous experience - food was interesting and delicious.
the room was lovely looking out to the Mountains with our Private bath...
the service was lovely....
I would recommend this as a Ryokan experience. Just use the luggage transfer service from arrival at the Station in Hakone to save you getting your bags up the hill.....
its easy to come down when leaving.From£243
🌸 Best Time to Visit Hakone
Hakone can be explored all year round, but the experiences vary greatly depending on the season:
Season | Weather | Highlights |
Spring (March–May) | Mild, pleasant | Cherry blossoms, rhododendrons in Gora Park, lush landscapes |
Summer (June–August) | Hot, but less stifling than in Tokyo. | Mountain hikes, refreshing Lake Ashi, summer festivals |
Autumn (Sep–Nov) | Pleasant temperatures, vibrant colours | Spectacular autumn foliage, excellent visibility of Mount Fuji |
Winter (Dec.–Feb.) | Cold, with occasional snow at higher altitudes | Onsen in the snow, often clear skies, crystal-clear views of Mount Fuji, |
Whatever time of year you visit, remember to pack a warm extra layer: evenings can be chilly at altitude, especially near the lake or at the top of the Ropeway!
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🍱 Hakone’s Culinary Specialities
Who said a small town couldn’t have its own traditions and culinary specialities? Yes, Hakone can also be discovered through your taste buds, especially after a day spent between the lake, the mountains and the onsens!
Among the unmissable specialities, there are of course the kuro-tamago, Owakudani’s black eggs cooked in sulphur-rich hot springs. You’ll also find excellent soba, buckwheat noodles made with the local spring water, often served chilled with soy sauce or in a steaming soup.
At ryokan (traditional Japanese inns), kaiseki dinners showcase local produce such as:
- Fish from Lake Ashi (tempura or grilled),
- Tofu and yuba (soya skin),
- Vegetables from the mountains,
- Slow-cooked small dishes served in lovely ceramics.
Tamura Ginkatsu-tei
4.8/542 Reviews
📍1300-739 Gora, Hakone, Ashigarashimo District, Kanagawa 250-0408, Japan
Average spend
£13
Finally, for a sweet snack, let yourself be tempted by onsen manju—little buns steamed by the vapour from the hot springs and filled with red bean paste—which you can buy still warm in the streets of Hakone-Yumoto. An absolute delight!
💡 Practical Tips: Transport and Travel Passes in Hakone
Getting around Hakone is quite straightforward once you understand the idea of the tourist “loop”. From Tokyo (usually from Shinjuku Station), you arrive at Hakone-Yumoto. Then, for each activity, you’ll need to take:
- A mountain train up to Gora,
- A funicular from Gora to Sounzan,
- The Hakone Ropeway to Lake Ashi via Owakudani,
- A boat on Lake Ashi to reach another port,
- A return bus to Hakone-Yumoto or your accommodation
To make life easier, opt for the Hakone Free Pass, which bundles most of the transport for this loop and includes a return journey from Tokyo (depending on the option you choose). It’s a practical and often cost-effective choice if you’re staying for at least a full day!
Have a wonderful trip! ✨
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❓ FAQ – Things to Do in Hakone
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