Hakone is small town in Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan. The town is famous for the beautiful year round scenery, and plethora of things to see and enjoy. It is located in the Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park, approximately 80 kilometers (50 miles) southwest of Tokyo. Hakone is a popular day or weekend trip for those in Tokyo, as the beautiful mountain scenery is a pleasant change of pace.
Hakone is famous for its onsen, or hot springs, where visitors can relax in traditional Japanese bathhouses while enjoying the therapeutic benefits of the mineral-rich, geothermal waters. Many hotels and ryokans (traditional Japanese inns) in the area have their own onsen facilities.
Hakone offers stunning views of Mount Fuji, especially on clear days. Lake Ashinoko (Ashi-no-ko) is one of the best spots to view the iconic volcano. You can take a cruise on the lake or ride the Hakone Ropeway for panoramic views.
Hakone is not only famous for its natural beauty but also for its cultural and historical significance. It has been a popular retreat for centuries and is a great place to experience traditional Japanese hospitality. Whether you’re interested in relaxing in hot springs, exploring art and culture, or taking in the natural scenery, Hakone has something to offer for a wide range of travelers. See below some of the many things Hakone has to offer!
Where To Stay in Hakone
The Hakone region is renowned for its hot springs, known as onsen, and a visit to Lake Ashinoko wouldn’t be complete without soaking in one. Many traditional ryokan (Japanese inns) around the lake offer onsen facilities, where visitors can unwind in mineral-rich waters while enjoying views of the lake and mountains. The combination of natural beauty and relaxation makes for a quintessential Japanese experience. See our recommended hotel picks below.
Hakone Hotel
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Luxury hotel, featuring rooms with unforgettable lake views, world class dining, and immaculate facilities.
Book Now (Booking.com)Book Now (Agoda)Odakyu Hotel de Yama
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Lake-side hotel, boasting large gardens to explore and relax in, convenient location, just a 5 minute drive from the port.
Book Now (Booking.com)Book Now (Agoda)Guest House Tsutaya
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Modern and fresh Guesthouse located near the Hakone Ropeway, with great shared facilities.
Getting there, and getting around Hakone
The Hakone Free Pass is a tourist pass that allows you to explore in and around Hakone. See sites like Lake Ashinoko, take the iconic scenic sightseeing boat, soar above the ground on the Hakone Ropeway, and many more. With the Hakone Free Pass, you get access to unlimited rides on 8 of the local transport lines in the Hakone area, as well as discounts to over 70 different attractions, sites, and businesses in the area.
The pass is a cost effective way to see this beautiful part of the country, and is highly recommended to anyone wanting to have an unforgettable experience.
More information on the Hakone Free Pass.
The Hakone area sits just inland from the coast, approximately 80km away from Tokyo.
Despite the rural nature of the area, Hakone can easily be accessed via public transport. Many visitors to Hakone depart from Odawara Station along the Hakone Tozan line – a unique rail system that snakes up the side of Mount Hakone. Then, take the Hakone Ropeway, up and over Mount Hakone, then finishing off on the Hakone Sightseeing cruise across the lake the Hakone township.
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