Overview
Hakone is a hot-spring region in the mountains south-west of Tokyo, around Lake Ashi in a volcanic caldera. Visitors come for the onsen, art museums, old inns and views of Mount Fuji across the water, often with a red torii gate standing in the lake.
A circuit by train, cable car, ropeway and a sightseeing boat links the main sights, including the Owakudani valley, where steam rises from sulphur vents. The Hakone Free Pass and similar tickets cover the loop. It is a popular overnight trip, with traditional ryokan inns in the hills and lakeside hotels.
Highlights
- Lake Ashi and its sightseeing boats, with Fuji in the distance
- Owakudani, a volcanic valley with steaming vents
- Hot springs and ryokan stays
- Art museums such as the Hakone Open-Air Museum
Best time to visit
October to December gives clearer views of Fuji and autumn colour, and spring brings cherry blossom. Summer can be hot and hazy, with fewer views of the mountain. Winter is cold but good for onsen and clear skies.
- JanJanuary: Not ideal
- FebFebruary: Not ideal
- MarMarch: Good
- AprApril: Best
- MayMay: Good
- JunJune: Not ideal
- JulJuly: Not ideal
- AugAugust: Not ideal
- SepSeptember: Not ideal
- OctOctober: Best
- NovNovember: Best
- DecDecember: Good
● Best · ○ Good · blank: not ideal. Conditions vary by year, so check local forecasts and access before you go.
Getting there
Fly to Tokyo (HND), then take the Odakyu Romancecar from Shinjuku to Hakone-Yūmoto, about 85 minutes. The Hakone Free Pass includes trains, buses, the ropeway and boat. Check the status of the ropeway at Owakudani, which can be closed due to volcanic gases.
What to expect
Easy. Transport reaches most sights, and the walks are short. The area is busy at weekends. Weather in the mountains can be cloudy, so Fuji views are not guaranteed.
Practical tips
- Check the Owakudani ropeway status and the weather before you go.
- Book a ryokan with an onsen well in advance for weekends and autumn.
- Buy the Hakone Free Pass if you plan to use several forms of transport.
- Follow onsen etiquette, such as washing before you enter the bath.
Frequently asked questions
Can I see Mount Fuji from Hakone?
Often in cold, clear weather, especially in the morning. It is hidden by cloud on many days.
How long should I stay?
One night is ideal, though a day trip is possible.
Is Hakone suitable for tattoos in the onsen?
Many onsen restrict tattoos. Check with your inn or look for tattoo-friendly baths.
Official sources
Rules, fees, permits and conditions change. Check the official pages below before you travel.
Last reviewed October 2026. Details are for planning only and can change; confirm access, permits and conditions with official sources before you travel. Spotted something out of date? Tell us. Photography: Quercus acuta (CC0) via Wikimedia Commons.
