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
37 Reviews
the pirate ship is nicely decorated full of the pirate ship experience haha , the ride is good , although the weather was a bit cloudyOwakudani: 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
325 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!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
great views with great collections! Don’t miss it if you have time.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 bathHotels: Save up to 10% (Book online or on Mobile)
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Our Top Picks for Hakone Hotels
5 star
Great618 Reviews
Gora/Sengokuhara Hakone|5.6km from city centre
My main reason for choosing Hotel Indigo was the expectation that a foreign hotel would offer more diverse food options than traditional Japanese cuisine, and that the rooms would be more modern. Both expectations were met, which was great. However, the hotel's location is quite remote, making it difficult to walk to Gora Station. Thankfully, the hotel provides a shuttle service to the station from 10 AM to 6 PM. If you plan to take the shuttle to Odawara, remember to book it in advance at the front desk. There's also an unsightly warehouse-like structure next to the hotel, which is a bit of a letdown considering how secluded the location already is – it really spoils the view. Around 90% of the guests here seem to be Western tourists, likely in groups, as the breakfast area was almost full before 8 AM. For dinner, we decided to eat near Gora Station and had some excellent unagi (eel) rice. A taxi back to the hotel cost us 700 yen. For first-time visitors to Hakone, I'd recommend staying in Hakone-Yumoto instead, as it's livelier, offers more dining choices, and has more convenient transportation. Also, the hotel's public bath is mixed-gender, requiring you to bring your own swimwear or borrow special attire from the front desk, which I found a bit inconvenient, so I didn't end up using it.FromBRL 1,063
Great830 Reviews
Kowakidani/Miyanoshita Hakone|5.7km from city centre
Thanks to other guests for mentioning the transportation in their reviews. Getting to the hotel from Odawara was a bit of a hassle, but once I arrived, I felt it was absolutely the right choice. The hotel's location is excellent, with mountain views from the room, and it's clean and tidy. The free, unlimited ice cream at the hotel is delicious and definitely deserves a special shout-out. Breakfast was plentiful, and the dinner buffet was fantastic, with all-you-can-eat sashimi and unagi don, plus surprisingly tasty lobster, and a wide selection of drinks. That evening, I enjoyed the outdoor hot spring all to myself, facing a waterfall and forest – it was incredibly relaxing. The hotel's shuttle bus is very convenient! The staff were very attentive and detailed in their service, with great attitudes and thorough explanations! Apart from the tricky transportation, everything else was wonderful.FromBRL 1,643
Great47 Reviews
Hakone yumoto Hakone|2.3km from city centre
Hotels in Hakone are generally expensive, but Kai Hakone offers a pretty good value for money.
Room: We booked a standard room. It was newly renovated, clean, bright, and well-designed with a great view. Very comfortable stay.
Onsen: The public bath isn't large, with one open-air bath for men and one for women, both overlooking the valley. It's small but charming. The baths switch locations between morning and evening. The lemon water is delicious.
Other Activities: There's a tea house in the common area with a beautiful view. They offer complimentary tea and snacks in the afternoon, and local shochu in the evening (though it wasn't great). You can also book a local yosegi woodworking activity. The lobby also provides free tea and water all day.
Food: Breakfast and dinner are provided. Post-pandemic, the quality of dining at Kai is not comparable to pre-pandemic times, especially breakfast. Overall, the food is decent with some thoughtful touches, and their desserts are particularly good. I'd recommend staying for 1-2 nights. Currently, the restaurant only offers two dinner menus plus a vegetarian option, and for breakfast, one Chinese and one Western set. So, for our 3-night stay, the dining experience on the third day felt a bit underwhelming.
Location: It's located halfway up a mountain, so you'll mostly rely on taxis for getting around. It's about 1500 yen from Hakone-Yumoto Station.FromBRL 1,865
Great226 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.FromBRL 1,280
Great105 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.FromBRL 1,221
Amazing72 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.FromBRL 2,880
Business travel
Great893 Reviews
Hakone yumoto Hakone|0.19km from city centre
This was my second stay at Yumoto Fujiya Hotel, and it's always the hotel with the best environment and largest rooms during my two-week trips to Japan. The room has a tatami area, which is perfect for relaxing and chatting. Waking up in the morning and standing on the balcony, you're greeted by lush greenery and the sound of a gurgling stream – it's an absolute treat for both body and mind. The bathroom and vanity area in the room are well-arranged, highly functional, and very thoughtfully designed. Plus, the breakfast is delicious! 😋FromBRL 918
Great46 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.FromBRL 1,466
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!FromBRL 643
Great462 Reviews
Lake Ashi Hakone|9.95km from city centre
I absolutely loved this hotel! Everything from booking, arranging the shuttle via email, to check-in and check-out, was incredibly smooth. The private onsen, which I reserved in advance via email, was also a wonderful experience. The location is fantastic, right next to Togendai – just a 5-minute walk away. It's super convenient for visiting Owakudani and taking the Hakone Sightseeing Cruise. If the hotel shuttle schedule doesn't work for you, you can easily catch a bus from Togendai to Odawara hub. What's more, the Togendai bus runs every 15 minutes, and it's the starting point, so you'll never have to worry about not getting a seat or a place for your luggage. The hotel's buffet breakfast and dinner, with free-flowing drinks, were also a highlight. Most importantly, my husband left his headphones at the hotel. When we realized, we were already in Kamakura, preparing to head to Yokohama. We immediately called the hotel, and their response was incredibly fast. They quickly located the headphones and sent them via courier to the nearest express pickup point at our Yokohama hotel. We received them successfully before returning home. A huge thank you! I highly recommend this hotel to everyone. There was not a single thing to complain about throughout our stay.FromBRL 1,063
Very Good212 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.FromBRL 702
Amazing408 Reviews
Lake Ashi Hakone|9.21km from city centre
Staying at this hotel again on a rainy day, and the surroundings are still beautiful. This time, I booked a room in the annex. The room was spacious, and I got a fantastic deal on Trip.com – excellent value for money! Most hotels here only allow check-in after 3 PM, so we decided to explore first and then took the Lake Ashi cruise to the hotel's shuttle bus stop to get to the hotel.FromBRL 1,084
Family friendly
Very Good160 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.FromBRL 1,091
Very Good285 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.FromBRL 728
Amazing13 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.FromBRL 2,610
Very Good210 Reviews
Gora/Sengokuhara Hakone|9.3km from city centre
I first stayed at this hotel last year and was very satisfied with the service, environment, and convenient transportation. When I visited Hakone again this year, I chose to stay here a second time. The half-board plan (one night with two meals) was an excellent deal, especially since there aren't many dining options in the immediate area.FromBRL 666
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.FromBRL 1,558
Great105 Reviews
Gora/Sengokuhara Hakone|10.08km from city centre
The hotel is located in Sengokuhara, Mt. Hakone. Located on a mountain road, the brand sign is not obvious. It is dark and the street lights are weak and you can't even see the hotel's sign! I can’t even see the hotel when I reach my destination via navigation! It took me two trips to find it. The South Building is easier to find, but the North Building is really hard to find. After finding the sign for the North Building, you have to turn into an alley and then up a small slope to find it. Because we stayed for two nights in a row, there was a problem with the hotel's check-in tablet, and the staff spoke Chinese, English, and Japanese.
The parking space of the North Building is not in front of the door. We need to take a detour and walk up the mountain. It is dark and there is no car light to pedestrian. They insist on asking us to park the car in this parking lot 15 minutes away. It is too dark and too dangerous. I request We parked in the unloading area for one night and didn't find a parking lot until the next day. We felt that it was dangerous to our safety. Unless it was in broad daylight, there was a lot of noise. For about two hours, the hotel staff did not allow us to park and called twice. Went to the room to find us, the trails they provided were even more impossible to walk at night. The next day we took a day trip, which was also dangerous. After walking for a while, we encountered a deer, which put us in a dilemma. Very angry about the parking issue.
Other than that, the hotel room was ideal. The equipment is complete, but the on-site environment is a bit far from the photos. The hot spring is just a bathtub, and you can adjust the hot water temperature by yourself. 🤣🤣
Overall review: 👍The room is comfortable and well-equipped
👎🏻 Regardless of the parking space, you need to walk on unsafe roads for 15 minutes
👎🏻Road signs are not clearly displayed
👎🏻The hot spring water feels like constant temperature tap water
Figure 1: A small hotel name sign on the road up the mountain
Figure 2: The hotel improves parking lot signage
Figure 3: A trail provided by hotel staff behind a house without street lights
Pictures 4 and 5: We were looking for a parking lot in broad daylight and encountered a deer.
Figure 6: There are no street lights on the entire road, making it very dangerous for pedestrians to walk on the road.
Figure 7: Large hot spring bathtub
Picture 8, 9: Overgrown footbath
Figure 10, 11, 12: Indoor layout
Figures 13 and 14: The hotel’s roadside sign
Just think about it, it is very difficult to find your hotel destination in the dark night without street lights or clear instructions and relying only on navigation.
Figure 15: Unloading area
Figure 16: The lens of the tablet is blocked!FromBRL 1,695
Breakfast
Great269 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!FromBRL 882
Great107 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.FromBRL 726
Very Good104 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.FromBRL 1,060
Great1111 Reviews
Gora/Sengokuhara Hakone|5.68km from city centre
Overall, my stay was very satisfying. The hotel environment is quiet and comfortable; the moment you walk in, you feel a sense of relaxation, making it perfect for a weekend getaway. The room was clean and tidy, with a cozy atmosphere, and the bedding was soft, ensuring a very comfortable sleep.
The hot springs are definitely the highlight of this hotel. The water is clear, and the temperature is just right, leaving you feeling completely relaxed after a soak. The different pools are also thoughtfully designed, with unique characteristics for both indoor and outdoor options. The outdoor hot springs, in particular, offer a truly delightful experience in a natural setting.
Service also deserves praise. The staff were friendly and patient in answering any questions, making me feel well looked after.
All in all, it was a very relaxing and pleasant stay. If I have the chance in the future, I would definitely consider coming back and highly recommend it to anyone looking to rest well and enjoy some hot springs.FromBRL 907
Great121 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.FromBRL 1,418
Great458 Reviews
Lake Ashi Hakone|8.33km from city centre
This hotel is super convenient if you're driving, located just 2km away from the bustling areas, so you can get there in only 5 minutes by car. All the rooms face Lake Ashi, and the grounds are full of azaleas. It's a shame I missed the blooming season. I booked dinner and breakfast at the hotel; the portions were quite small, just enough to fill me up, and honestly, neither the French nor the Japanese options were particularly tasty. The hot springs have both indoor and outdoor pools, which are fine when it's not crowded. The men's sauna is dry, and the women's is steam. The hotel itself and the surrounding scenery are beautiful, making it perfect for a vacation.FromBRL 749
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.FromBRL 1,219
Great62 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!FromBRL 229
Amazing78 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.FromBRL 3,338
Amazing0 Reviews
Gora/Sengokuhara Hakone|7.26km from city centre
Experience an abundance of unparalleled facilities and features at hakonegora guamdog honten. For visitors traveling by automobile, complimentary parking is available.Kindly note that smoking is prohibited in the ryokan to ensure fresher air for all visitors. At hakonegora guamdog honten, every guestroom is provided with convenient amenities and fittings to ensure a comfortable stay. Enhance your experience at ryokan with the knowledge that certain rooms are equipped with linen service and air conditioning for your convenience. At hakonegora guamdog honten, each visit offers an array of intriguing room configurations, featuring accommodations with separate living room and balcony or terrace, ensuring a distinct experience every time. Certain rooms boast in-room amusement features such as television, in-room video streaming and cable TV, offering guests an enjoyable stay. In select rooms within the ryokan, a refrigerator, a coffee or tea maker, bottled water and mini bar is available to cater to your requirements when desired. In the ryokan, certain guest bathrooms come equipped with essential bathroom amenities, such as a hair dryer, toiletries and bathrobes, ensuring a comfortable stay for guests. At the ryokan, an assortment of easily accessible and delicious meal choices are available to satisfy your appetite whenever it strikes. During your stay at ryokan, an array of engaging activities and amenities guarantees a delightful experience.Discover the fitness amenities at ryokan to maintain your health and strength during your getaway.FromBRL 1,019
Great122 Reviews
Hakone yumoto Hakone|0.86km from city centre
I was so surprised that I could stay in such a nice hotel for this price! My friend and I went together, and it even included an all-you-can-drink alcohol and soft drink option, which we really enjoyed! I'd love to stay here again the next time I visit Hakone!FromBRL 1,036
Great78 Reviews
Gora/Sengokuhara Hakone|5.76km from city centre
Very clean and comfort for our stay!!
Comes with Japanese style tatami bed, sleep super well. Just cross an underground stair will get to Gora station which is super convenient for us to hang out during daytime. Night time have lots of star in the sky, look up!
They deserve more than 5 stars.FromBRL 177
🌸 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.
田むら銀かつ亭
4.8/542 Reviews
📍1300-739 Gora, Hakone, Ashigarashimo District, Kanagawa 250-0408, Japan
Average spend
BRL 84
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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🧩 Explore Hakone & Beyond
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