Top Hakone Attractions | Complete Sightseeing Guide
Hakone has become an increasingly popular destination in recent years. Beyond its high-quality hot springs, breathtaking landscapes, and distinctive cuisine, it boasts numerous incredible sights that attract countless independent travelers every year.
What are the top attractions in Hakone? Are there must-visit spots you shouldn't miss?
In this guide, I'll introduce the top 12 must-visit attractions in Hakone, recommended itineraries, money-saving tips, and a handy tourist map so you can easily plan an unforgettable trip!
1. Lake Ashi (Lake Ashinoko)
When visiting Hakone, you simply cannot miss Lake Ashi! It is the largest lake in Hakone Town and all of Kanagawa Prefecture, formed in the crater of Mount Hakone after its last eruption 3,000 years ago. Today, travelers can stroll along the scenic lakeshore or board the famous Hakone Sightseeing Cruise (pirate ship) for a relaxing cruise with picturesque views of Mount Fuji and lakeside landmarks.
◎ Address: Motohakone, Hakone-machi, Kanagawa, Japan (Lake Ashi)
◎ One-Way Fare: Hakonemachi-ko/Motohakone-ko to Togendai-ko: Adults ¥1,200, Children ¥600 (Discount Tickets Here)
◎ Schedule: Departs roughly every 35–40 minutes (seasonal variations apply)
◎ Recommended Tours: Mt. Fuji & Hakone Day Tour | Mt. Fuji & Hakone Day Tour 2 | Fuji-Hakone Day Trip
◎ Blog Review: Hakone Sightseeing Cruise
◎ Official Website: Hakone Sightseeing Cruise
(The Hakone Sightseeing Cruise operates across three piers: Motohakone-ko, Hakonemachi-ko, and Togendai-ko. While you can purchase tickets in advance, seat reservations are not available except for groups of 15 or more. Boarding is first-come, first-served, and rides are fully covered by the Hakone Freepass. A one-way trip takes about 25 to 40 minutes.)
(The ships feature pirate-themed decorations and statues that appeal to both kids and adults. You can upgrade to the First Class cabin for an additional fee, though the cruise is relatively short and wandering the open decks taking photos passes quickly, so standard class is usually plenty enjoyable unless you desire extra private space.)
(Lake Ashi is famous for its panoramic views of Mount Fuji, creating iconic postcard vistas with the lakeside torii gate and calm blue waters.)
2. Hakone Shrine
Hakone Shrine serves as the area's spiritual heart and is renowned throughout the Kanto region as a sanctuary for good fortune. Since ancient times, samurai warriors, travelers, and locals have paid homage here. Its highlights include the solemn forest approach lined with massive cedar trees over 600 years old, and the picturesque Heiwa no Torii (Torii of Peace) standing right in Lake Ashi. It's truly a must-visit power spot!
◎ Address: 80-1 Motohakone, Hakone-machi, Ashigarashimo-gun, Kanagawa, Japan (Hakone Shrine)
◎ Admission: Free entry to shrine grounds; Treasure Museum: Adults ¥500, Children ¥300
◎ Blog Review: Hakone Shrine
◎ Official Website: Hakone Shrine
(From July 31 to August 5 each year, Lake Ashi hosts its Summer Festival Week, featuring fireworks displays, portable shrine processions, and taiko drumming centered around Hakone Shrine. If your travel dates match, don't miss it!)
(Hakone Shrine also holds its monthly Tsukinamisai festival on the 13th of every month, attracting pilgrims from across Japan seeking blessings for luck, wealth, career, and relationships.)
(The red torii gate standing submerged in the lake has become an iconic Instagram photo spot, often drawing queues. If you wish to capture this dreamlike scene, arrive early, or enjoy unique views of the gate from the water aboard the sightseeing cruise!)
3. Owakudani
The volcanic origins that bless Hakone with abundant hot springs are on vivid display at Owakudani, one of Hakone's most iconic geological wonders. Characterized by rugged barren landscapes, active sulfuric vents, and billowing geothermal steam, it offers an unforgettable spectacle. While here, be sure to savor Owakudani's famous black eggs (Kuro-tamago), said to add seven years to your life with each egg you eat!
◎ Address: Sengokuhara, Hakone-machi, Ashigarashimo-gun, Kanagawa, Japan (Owakudani)
◎ Admission: Free
◎ Blog Review: Owakudani
◎ Official Website: Owakudani Kurotamago-kan
(Since Owakudani is a stop along the Hakone Ropeway, most visitors arrive by cable car. The stretch between Sounzan Station and Owakudani Station glides directly over the geothermal valley, providing spectacular aerial views of the smoking fumaroles.)
(Due to its intense volcanic nature, Owakudani was historically called 'Jigokudani' (Hell Valley)—much like the Beppu Hells in Kyushu (Beppu Hells). The sharp scent of sulfur greeting you upon arrival leaves a vivid, lasting impression.)
(Black eggs are a specialty unique to Owakudani. Boiled in the natural hot spring ponds, iron and sulfur adhere to the porous shells, turning them jet-black through a natural chemical reaction. You can buy them at the Owakudani Kurotamago-kan right by the station (¥500 for a pack of 4, salt included) alongside local souvenirs.)
4. Hakone Glass Forest Museum (Venetian Glass Museum)
This is Japan's first museum dedicated to Venetian glass art, housing over 100,000 glass artifacts, including rare historic masterpieces from the 15th to 19th centuries. Alongside the gallery exhibits, the museum features a lovely medieval Venetian-inspired garden where visitors can stroll and relax, feeling as if they've stepped right into old Europe.
◎ Address: 940-48 Sengokuhara, Hakone-machi, Ashigarashimo-gun, Kanagawa, Japan (Hakone Glass Forest Museum)
◎ Admission: Adults ¥1,800, High school & University students ¥1,300, Elementary & Junior high students ¥600, Seniors (65+) ¥1,700 (Discount Tickets Here)
◎ Blog Review: Hakone Glass Forest Museum
◎ Official Website: Hakone Venetian Glass Museum
(The outdoor garden is exquisitely landscaped, making you momentarily forget you are in Japan. The café and restaurant are beautifully appointed, and live Italian musical performances often enhance the tranquil European ambiance.)
(The Hakone Glass Forest Museum consists of two main exhibition halls: one displaying antique glassware from the 15th to 19th centuries, and another showcasing creative works by modern glass artists. The craftsmanship across both galleries is truly stunning.)
(There is an expansive gift shop offering delicate glass vases, tableware, and ornaments, as well as hands-on glass workshops where you can try sandblasting and fusing to create your own keepsake.)
5. Hakone Open-Air Museum
The Hakone Open-Air Museum is Japan's very first open-air art museum, spanning over 70,000 square meters. The grounds blend sculpture seamlessly with nature, placing monumental artworks across sweeping lawns. With dedicated play spaces and interactive installations, it is an exceptional attraction for families with children as well!
◎ Address: 1121 Ninotaira, Hakone-machi, Ashigarashimo-gun, Kanagawa, Japan (Hakone Open-Air Museum)
◎ Admission: Adults ¥2,000, High school & University students ¥1,600, Elementary & Junior high students ¥800 (¥200 discount via official website or Hakone Freepass)
◎ Blog Review: Hakone Open-Air Museum
◎ Official Website: The Hakone Open-Air Museum
(Around 120 monumental sculptures are permanently displayed across the outdoor lawns, inviting visitors to appreciate art up close. Changing seasons, light conditions, and weather subtly shift how each piece looks, making for a captivating visit year-round.)
(I often marvel at how stunning Hakone's art museums are—not just because of the exhibits themselves, but because each museum is nestled in Hakone's lush mountain wilderness, making them favorite photography spots on Instagram.)
(In addition to the open lawns, Hakone Open-Air Museum features multiple indoor galleries, making it a great rainy-day option. The standout Picasso Pavilion exhibits over 300 works by Pablo Picasso, ranging from paintings and prints to ceramics and gold work.)
6. Pola Museum of Art
Hakone has an extraordinary concentration of world-class art museums! Among them, the Pola Museum of Art is another premier gem. It houses over 10,000 art pieces by renowned masters. Designed around the concept of harmony between architecture and nature, the building sits unobtrusively within the beech forest, bringing natural skylight into chic, minimalist exhibition spaces that contrast pleasantly with typical urban galleries.
◎ Address: 1285 Kozukayama, Sengokuhara, Hakone-machi, Ashigarashimo-gun, Kanagawa, Japan (Pola Museum of Art)
◎ Admission: Adults ¥1,800, Seniors (65+) ¥1,600, High school & University students ¥1,300, Junior high students and below Free
◎ Official Website: Pola Museum of Art
(The collection features works by Claude Monet, Pablo Picasso, Tsuguharu Foujita, and modern masters across Western painting, Japanese-style painting, sculpture, and ceramics. A distinctive hallmark of the Pola Museum is its rich curatorial focus on women-themed art and cosmetic culture.)
(The museum also features a lovely Forest Promenade, where you can stroll along shaded forest boardwalks to admire outdoor sculptures while enjoying fresh forest air and spotting local songbirds.)
7. Hakone Checkpoint (Hakone Sekisho)
During the Edo period, the Tokugawa shogunate established checkpoints along major highways to enforce strict travel controls. The Hakone Checkpoint was one of the largest and most strategically vital. It is the only historic checkpoint in Japan painstakingly reconstructed to its original Edo-era appearance, recreating guard barracks, watchtowers, tea rooms, and interrogation chambers to give travelers a vivid glimpse into samurai history!
◎ Address: 1 Hakone, Hakone-machi, Ashigarashimo-gun, Kanagawa, Japan (Hakone Checkpoint)
◎ Admission: Adults ¥500, Elementary school students ¥250 (¥100 discount with Hakone Freepass)
◎ Blog Review: Hakone Checkpoint
◎ Official Website: Hakone Sekisho
(The primary mandate of the Hakone Checkpoint was to enforce the policy of 'Incoming Guns, Outgoing Women'—preventing illicit weapons from entering Edo and stopping the wives of feudal lords held as hostages from fleeing. Female travelers faced rigorous inspections, detailed physical records were logged, and specialized female inspectors called 'Hitomionna' carried out thorough checks.)
(The adjoining Hakone Sekisho Museum displays approximately 300 artifacts, including travel passports, official wooden noticeboards, weapons, and official seals, making it an educational stop for history enthusiasts.)
(Climbing up to the checkpoint's elevated lookout point rewards you with panoramic vistas over Lake Ashi and Mount Fuji. If you have extra time, take an easy walk over to nearby Onshi-Hakone Park for even more expansive scenery!)
8. Hakone Komagatake Ropeway
While Hakone features several cable cars and railways with impressive vantage points, the Hakone Komagatake Ropeway delivers arguably the most expansive panoramic views in the region. From the summit, you can gaze across Lake Ashi, Suruga Bay, Mount Fuji, Sagami Bay, Owakudani, and on crystal-clear days, even the Tokyo Skytree! If you want a commanding bird's-eye view of Hakone, this is the place.
◎ Address: 139 Motohakone, Hakone-machi, Ashigarashimo-gun, Kanagawa, Japan (Komagatake Ropeway Hakone-en Station)
◎ Round-Trip Fare: Adults ¥1,800, Elementary school students ¥900
◎ Official Website: Hakone Komagatake Ropeway
(Spanning 1,783 meters in length, the ropeway ascends to the 1,356-meter summit in about 7 minutes, treating riders to magnificent full views of Lake Ashi below.)
(At the summit stands Hakone Mototsumiya, revered as the 'shrine in the sky' and an ancient site of mountain worship. At the base station, you can also easily visit Hakone-en and the Hakone-en Aquarium.)
9. Gora Park
Gora Park is Japan's oldest French-style formal garden, boasting over a century of history. It features seasonal flowers blooming all year round, alongside a heated greenhouse, charming cafés, and craft workshops. Visitors can try hands-on cultural activities such as tea ceremony, glassblowing, pottery, and laser engraving. It's fantastic for visitors of all ages, and sits right next to the Hakone Museum of Art if you want to pair them together!
◎ Address: 1300 Gora, Hakone-machi, Ashigarashimo-gun, Kanagawa, Japan (Hakone Gora Park)
◎ Admission: Adults ¥650, Elementary school students and under Free (Free entry with Hakone Freepass)
◎ Official Website: Hakone Gora Park
(Gora Park is located close to Gora Station, or directly accessible from Koen-Shimo Station on the Hakone Tozan Cable Car. Since Gora is a key transit hub in Hakone, stopping by this garden makes for an easy and flexible addition while coordinating your train transfers.)
10. Hakone-Yumoto Shopping Street
After highlighting nature, viewpoints, and museums, it's time for some shopping and street food! The Hakone-Yumoto Station Shopping Street is Hakone's liveliest commercial area, packed with traditional eateries, snack stalls, souvenir shops, and cozy cafes. For a laid-back stroll sampling local delicacies, this is where you want to be!
◎ Address: Yumoto, Hakone-machi, Ashigarashimo-gun, Kanagawa, Japan (Hakone-Yumoto Station Front Shopping Street)
◎ Official Website: Hakone-Yumoto Ekimae Shopping Street
(The shopping street runs directly along the main road outside the station. You'll find Hakone's most beloved edible souvenirs and street eats here, including onsen manju, honey castella cakes, fish cake skewers, sponge rolls, yumochi, Hakone tiramisu, and Yosegi-zaiku marquetry crafts.)
(The street begins right outside Hakone-Yumoto Station. If you haven't finished browsing, the 'Hakone no Ichi' souvenir concourse inside the station also offers a vast selection of boxed gifts and sweets.)
11. Sengokuhara Susuki Grassland
This is a quintessential autumn-exclusive spectacle in Hakone. Sengokuhara boasts the largest pampas grassland in the Kanto region, designated as one of Kanagawa's 50 Scenic Spots and Kanagawa's 100 Floral Landscapes. Between September and November, golden feather-like pampas grass blankets the mountain slopes under sweeping skies. It has become a premier photo spot for those traveling to Hakone in the fall!
◎ Address: Sengokuhara, Hakone-machi, Ashigarashimo-gun, Kanagawa, Japan (Sengokuhara Susuki Grassland)
◎ Official Website: Sengokuhara Susuki Grassland
12. Hakone Kowakien Yunessun
Hakone Kowakien Yunessun is an expansive hot spring resort complex split into two distinct zones: the swimsuit-friendly 'Yunessun' water park and the traditional open-air Japanese onsen 'Mori no Yu'. The water park features thrilling waterslides, waterfalls, lazy rivers, and swimming pools, alongside novelty baths infused with actual wine, coffee, and green tea! It is fantastic for families with kids who want to splash around and safely enjoy Hakone's hot spring culture together.
◎ Address: 1297 Ninotaira, Hakone-machi, Ashigarashimo-gun, Kanagawa, Japan
◎ Admission: Passport (Both Zones): Adults ¥3,500, Children ¥1,800; Yunessun Water Park: Adults ¥2,500, Children ¥1,400
◎ Savings Guide: Discount Ticket 1 | Discount Ticket 2
◎ Official Website: Hakone Kowakien Yunessun
(Swimsuits are required for the Yunessun water park zone, and rentals are available on-site if you don't bring your own. In contrast, the 'Mori no Yu' area is a traditional Japanese bathhouse where guests bathe completely unclothed. Please keep this distinction in mind! [Photo by Japan National Tourism Organization])
In addition to the 12 highlighted sights above, travelers with extra days looking for deeper exploration can also consider Forest Adventure Hakone, Okada Museum of Art, Daikanzan Observation Deck, or the Hakone Botanical Garden of Wetlands. Feel free to weave them into your route!
◎ Hakone Freepass Guide
Now that you know Hakone's top attractions, let's explore how to save significant money when getting around: the indispensable Hakone Freepass!
The Hakone Freepass grants unlimited rides on 8 major transit systems across Hakone for 2 or 3 consecutive days, includes a round-trip ticket on the Odakyu Line (between your departure station and Odawara Station), and offers discounts at around 70 attractions throughout the area.
In short, having this pass lets you explore nearly all of Hakone effortlessly. Beyond transit savings and convenience, it provides roughly 10% to 20% discounts on admission tickets across many popular paid attractions, quickly adding up to substantial savings.
◎ Prices: 2-Day Pass: Adults ¥7,100, Children ¥1,600; 3-Day Pass: Adults ¥7,500, Children ¥1,850 (Prices starting from Shinjuku Station; fares vary by station, check Official Website)
◎ Where to Buy: Odakyu Line ticket stations, Odakyu Sightseeing Service Center, Hakone-Yumoto Station, Ticket Vending Machines, EMot Digital Ticket Portal, etc. (Full List of Locations)
◎ Savings Guide: Hakone Freepass Discount Ticket | Hakone Freepass Discount Ticket 2
◎ Important Notes: The Odakyu Romancecar requires an extra limited express surcharge, and the Hakone Komagatake Ropeway is not covered by the Freepass. Furthermore, passes run on calendar days rather than 24-hour clocks, so starting early in the morning yields the best value.
(This transit map illustrates the transit grid across Hakone; following these routes easily connects all major sights. With the Hakone Freepass, you can hop freely between ropeways, buses, mountain trains, and cruise ships. The official booklet also details every connecting bus route.)
◎ Recommended Hakone Itineraries
While a day trip to Hakone is common, many travelers opt for a 2-day or 3-day getaway to fully unwind. Here are three recommended day-by-day sample routes that you can easily tailor to your total travel days and hotel location:
- Day 1: Depart Tokyo (via Odakyu Romancecar or express train) → Hakone-Yumoto → Hakone Shrine → Board Lake Ashi Sightseeing Cruise to Togendai → Owakudani → Hotel check-in or soak in Hakone Yuryo onsen
- Day 2: Hakone Open-Air Museum → Gora (visit Gora Park or Hakone Museum of Art, or enjoy a gourmet lunch) → Hakone Glass Forest Museum
- Day 3: Hakone Komagatake Ropeway → Hakone Mototsumiya → Pola Museum of Art → Sengokuhara Susuki Grassland (Autumn only, or swap with other favorite spots)
(While a Hakone day trip from Tokyo is entirely feasible, fitting in all highlights requires cutting several sights and rushing between transfers. I strongly recommend spending at least two days so you can comfortably tour the classics while having ample time to savor gourmet meals and tranquil hot spring baths.)
◎ Hakone Attractions Map
Finally, I've organized all the featured Hakone sights and neighboring Kanto highlights into a custom Google Map with essential travel markers. Feel free to toggle layers, bookmark it, and share it with fellow travel companions!
Link: Hakone Attractions Map
That wraps up this comprehensive guide to Hakone's top sights! Hakone is packed with diverse areas to explore, making it easy to see why it remains one of Japan's most beloved hot spring destinations. I would gladly return anytime, and I encourage anyone visiting the Kanto region to experience the unique allure of Hakone firsthand!