The sights
Hakone Shrine & the lake torii
A shrine founded in the 8th century, reached up a flight of steps between giant cedars. Its vermilion “Gate of Peace” stands in the water at the lake’s edge and is Hakone’s signature photograph.
ℹ️ Shrine grounds free and always open. The queue for a photo in the lake torii can exceed an hour by late morning — go early. Ten minutes’ walk from Moto-Hakone pier. Allow 45 minutes.
Lake Ashi sightseeing cruise
A crater lake formed about 3,000 years ago. Replica sailing warships cross between Togendai, at the foot of the ropeway, and Hakone-machi and Moto-Hakone in about 25–40 minutes, with Fuji visible beyond the northern shore on clear days.
ℹ️ Covered by the Hakone Freepass; departures roughly every 30–40 minutes in daytime. First-class deck costs extra. Services are suspended in strong wind.
Owakudani
The “Great Boiling Valley”, created by an eruption around 3,000 years ago: a hillside of yellow sulphur deposits and roaring steam vents. Eggs boiled in the hot pools turn black and are said to add seven years to your life.
ℹ️ Viewing area free; reached by ropeway or bus. Access is restricted or closed when volcanic gas levels rise — check the day’s status. Strong sulphur smell. Allow 45 minutes.
Hakone Ropeway
Gondolas run about every minute over four kilometres from Sounzan, above Gora, across the Owakudani crater and down to Togendai on Lake Ashi. The stretch over the vents, with Fuji ahead on a clear day, is the high point of the loop.
ℹ️ Usually operates from about 9:00 to 16:15–17:00, shorter in winter. Covered by the Hakone Freepass. Suspended in high winds, with replacement buses.
Hakone Tozan Railway
Japan’s oldest mountain railway climbs from Hakone-Yumoto to Gora in about 40 minutes, reversing direction at three switchbacks and crossing a deep gorge. In June and July thousands of hydrangeas bloom beside the track.
ℹ️ Trains every 15–20 minutes; covered by the Hakone Freepass. From Gora a funicular (the Hakone Tozan Cable Car) continues to Sounzan and the ropeway.
Hakone Open-Air Museum
Japan’s first open-air museum, opened in 1969: more than a hundred sculptures by Rodin, Moore, Miró and others on lawns with mountain views, a Picasso pavilion and a hot-spring foot bath. Children can climb inside several of the works.
ℹ️ Usually open 9:00–17:00 all year. Admission about ¥2,000, with a small discount for Freepass holders. Next to Chokoku-no-Mori Station on the Tozan line. Allow 2 hours.
Onsen
Hakone has more than a dozen hot-spring areas with waters of different minerals. If you are not staying overnight, day-use bathhouses around Hakone-Yumoto and large spa complexes welcome visitors, and many ryokan sell daytime bathing.
ℹ️ Day-use baths typically cost about ¥1,000–2,500. Bathing is nude and separated by sex; wash before entering. Many public baths refuse visible tattoos — private “kashikiri” baths are the alternative.
