Discover Hakone

Escape to Hakone for a nature-filled getaway featuring some of Japan's best hot springs and breathtaking views of Mount Fuji reflected on Lake Ashi. Ride the Tozan Railway through dazzling forests and cliff-sides to find yourself atop an active volcano. With its enchanting landscapes and rejuvenating hot springs, Hakone promises a truly unforgettable experience.

Things to see and do

Tours and Activities

FAQs

Getting around in Hakone

The easiest way to get around in Hakone is a combination of sightseeing trains, cable cars, ropeways and ferries that bring you around the entire Hakone area. Though, some sights are located a bit further ahead, where a car or public bus might be necessary. If you decide to rent a car, it is advised to do so from the nearest airport in the vicinity. You can use our car rental widget in the FAQ menu below. 

 

Travelers can also opt to buy the following passes to get around:
 

  • Hakone Kamakura Pass

    • Coverage:

      • Round trip from Tokyo (Shinjuku) to Hakone, Enoshima and Kamakura on Odakyu Railways (except for the Romance Car Train)

      • all Enoden and Odakyu stations within the Kamakura / Enoshima area

      • All Odakyu trains, boats, cable cars and ropeways within the Hakone Area

      • Tokai Bus Between Hakone and Mishima

    • Duration: 3 days

    • Price: 7000 Yen

    • Where to buy: Odakyu Sightseeing Service Center in Shinjuku Station

 

  • Hakone 2-Day Free Pass

    • Coverage:  

      • Round trip from Tokyo (Shinjuku) to Hakone on Odakyu Railways (except for the Romance Car Train)

      • All Odakyu trains, boats, cable cars and ropeways within the Hakone Area

    • Duration: 2 days

    • Price: 5700 Yen

    • Where to buy: Odakyu Sightseeing Service Center in Shinjuku Station

 

  • Hakone 3-Day Free Pass

    • Coverage: 

      • Round trip from Tokyo (Shinjuku) to Hakone on Odakyu Railways (except for the Romance Car Train)

      • All Odakyu trains, boats, cable cars and ropeways within the Hakone Area

    • Duration: 3 days

    • Price: 6100 Yen

    • Where to buy: Odakyu Sightseeing Service Center in Shinjuku Station

 

  • Fuji Hakone Pass

    • Coverage:

      • One-way ticket from Tokyo (Shinjuku) to Hakone by Odakayu Railways (except for the Romance Car Train)

      • All Odakyu trains, boats, cable cars and ropeways within the Hakone Area

      • All Fujikyu train lines and buses within the Five Lakes Area

      • One-Way ticket from the Five Lakes Area to Tokyo (Shinjuku) by Fujikyu Highway Bus

    • Duration: 3 days

    • Price: 9780 Yen

    • Where to buy: Odakyu Sightseeing Service Center in Shinjuku Station (only available to foreign tourists)

Getting to Hakone

Public transportation:

To get from Tokyo to Hakone by public transportation, travelers need to take a train. Detailed instructions are as follows:

  • Bullet Train: Take the JR Tokaido Shinkansen from Tokyo Station to Odawara Station. The journey takes approximately 30-40 minutes.

  • Regular Train: Take the Odakyu Limited Express "Romancecar" from Shinjuku Station to Hakone-Yumoto Station. The journey takes approximately 1 hour and 25 minutes.

 


Valid rail passes:

  • Hakone Kamakura Pass

    • Coverage:

      • Round trip from Tokyo (Shinjuku) to Hakone, Enoshima and Kamakura on Odakyu Railways (except for the Romance Car Train)

      • all Enoden and Odakyu stations within the Kamakura / Enoshima area

      • All Odakyu trains, boats, cable cars and ropeways within the Hakone Area

      • Tokai Bus Between Hakone and Mishima

    • Duration: 3 days

    • Price: 7000 Yen

    • Where to buy: Odakyu Sightseeing Service Center in Shinjuku Station

 

  • Hakone 2-Day Free Pass

    • Coverage:  

      • Round trip from Tokyo (Shinjuku) to Hakone on Odakyu Railways (except for the Romance Car Train)

      • All Odakyu trains, boats, cable cars and ropeways within the Hakone Area

    • Duration: 2 days

    • Price: 5700 Yen

    • Where to buy: Odakyu Sightseeing Service Center in Shinjuku Station

 

  • Hakone 3-Day Free Pass

    • Coverage: 

      • Round trip from Tokyo (Shinjuku) to Hakone on Odakyu Railways (except for the Romance Car Train)

      • All Odakyu trains, boats, cable cars and ropeways within the Hakone Area

    • Duration: 3 days

    • Price: 6100 Yen

    • Where to buy: Odakyu Sightseeing Service Center in Shinjuku Station

 

  • Fuji Hakone Pass

    • Coverage:

      • One-way ticket from Tokyo (Shinjuku) to Hakone by Odakayu Railways (except for the Romance Car Train)

      • All Odakyu trains, boats, cable cars and ropeways within the Hakone Area

      • All Fujikyu train lines and buses within the Five Lakes Area

      • One-Way ticket from the Five Lakes Area to Tokyo (Shinjuku) by Fujikyu Highway Bus

    • Duration: 3 days

    • Price: 9780 Yen

    • Where to buy: Odakyu Sightseeing Service Center in Shinjuku Station (only available to foreign tourists)

 

 

Nearest airport: 

The nearest and most convenient airport is Haneda Airport in Tokyo. 

  • by car: approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes

  • by public transport: approximately 1 hour and 50 minutes

  • by bullet-train: approximately 1 hour and 22 minutes

 

Rental Cars:

How long to stay in Hakone

We recommend staying in Hakone for about two days.
 

Hotels in Hakone

Flights to Hakone

The nearest and most convenient airport is Haneda Airport in Tokyo. 

  • by car: approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes

  • by public transport: approximately 1 hour and 50 minutes

  • by bullet-train: approximately 1 hour and 22 minutes

Seasonal information

Hiking:
The hiking season typically runs from Spring until Autumn.

 

Cherry blossoms:
The best time to see cherry blossoms in Japan is usually between late March and early April. Although the blooming period can vary slightly from year to year. 

 

Scenic rides:

  • Hakone ropeway: click here to go the official website

  • Komagatake ropeway: click here to go the official website

  • Hakone Sightseeing Cruise: click here to go the official website

  • Lake Ashi Cruise: click here to go the official website

 

Festivals in Hakone

There are several festivals here throughout the year. Please be advised that the following list is based upon previous entries of those festivals and that the dates might have changed slightly in the following year. It is also possible that the entire festival is cancelled in the case of heavy rainfall or a natural disaster. Please check with the official organisers' website for the most up-to-date information. 
​​​​​​
For the exact location of any of the festivals listed here, you can consult our map above by clicking on the icon in the upper most corner of the map to open the map legend. Festivals are hidden by default but can be made visible by clicking on the "Festivals" checkbox in the map legend.

 

  • Lake Ashi New Year Celebration Fireworks Festival

    • Date: January 1st

    • Time: 00:00 - 00:15

 

  • Lake Ashi Setsubun Celebration Fireworks Festival

    • Date: February 2nd

    • Time: 19:30 - 19:50

 

  • Hakone Tozan Railway Hydrangea Illumination

    • Date: June 14th until July 7th

    • Time: 18:30 - 22:00

 

  • Lake Ashi Summer Festival

    • Date: July 31st

    • Time: 20:00 - 20:30

 

  • Hakone-en Summer Night Fireworks Festival

    • Date: August 2nd and 3rd

    • Time: 20:00 - 20:30

 

  • Taiko Gourd Festival

    • Date: August 3rd

    • Time: 16:30 - 20:30

 

  • Lake Ashi Kojiri Ryujinsai Fireworks Festival

    • Date: August 4th

    • Time: 19:30 - 20:00

 

  • Hakone Gora Summer Festival

    • Date: August 16th

    • Time: 19:30 - 20:10

 

  • Sengokuhara Susuki Festival

    • Date: September 24th

    • Time: 15:00 - 20:00 (Fireworks: 19:30 - 20:00)

 

  • Odakyu Hakone Parent-Child Railway Exhibition

    • Date: September 28th

    • Time: 10:00 - 15:00

 

  • Hakone Ropeway Fureai Festival

    • Date: September 29th

    • Time: 10:00 - 15:00

 

  • Lake Ashi Christmas Twilight Fireworks

    • Date: December 24th and 25th

    • Time: 17:15 - 17:30

Getting mobile data in Japan

Day trips from Hakone

Nestled in the shadow of the iconic Mount Fuji, there are tons of exciting activities. Try your hand at paragliding or rafting, or enjoy leisurely strolls along Tanuki Lake, Shiraito ...

Travel time:

Distance, km: 44.83

Read More

Located in Tokyo, Mount Takao offers a refreshing escape from the bustling city life. Explore the area's natural beauty, visit the serene local temple, and take in the picturesque landscape ...

Travel time:

Distance, km: 46.99

Read More

Off the beaten path, Higashi-Izu and Kawazu are wonderful, small coastal towns with some pristine hot springs as well as great outdoor activities. Discover the natural beauty of this charming ...

Travel time:

Distance, km: 51.44

Read More

Just a short distance from Tokyo, Yokohama offers a distinct charm and character of its own. With a population of nearly 4 million, it is a bustling metropolis that still ...

Travel time:

Distance, km: 54.44

Read More

Koshu is renowned for its world-famous Koshu grapes, which are considered a near-perfect complement to sushi. October is the ideal time to embark on wine-tasting tours at any of the ...

Travel time:

Distance, km: 58.35

Read More

Nishi Izu and Matsuzaki are both coastal towns with stunning geological wonders, including several hot springs and sea caves. You can embark on a tour of the unique tectonic features ...

Travel time:

Distance, km: 58.80

Read More

For those seeking a scenic getaway from Tokyo, the Izu Islands provide an idyllic retreat. Hop on a ferry from Tokyo and arrive at these nature-filled islands, perfect for adventurous ...

Travel time:

Distance, km: 62.27

Read More

Escape the hustle and bustle of city life with a visit to Mount Nokogiri, a serene destination not far from Tokyo. Take the ropeway up to the viewing platform and ...

Travel time:

Distance, km: 65.80

Read More

Shimoda and the broader Minami Izu area, are home to numerous hot spring resorts and stunning sandy beaches that are perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and scuba diving. Take the Shimoda ...

Travel time:

Distance, km: 65.93

Read More

History buffs will find Kofu to be the perfect destination. Delve into the past by learning about the Takeda clan at Takeda Shingen, which played a significant role in ending ...

Travel time:

Distance, km: 69.42

Read More