From soaking in natural hot springs to seeing the famous Hakone Open Air Museum or Hakone Shrine, here’s a detailed list of the top things to do in Hakone, Japan!
What if I told you there is a magical place in the mountains of Japan where you can relax in a hot spring full of red wine?
It may sound like something out of a dream, but that’s exactly what you get in Hakone!
Located just 100 km west of Tokyo, Hakone makes for a great escape from the big city.
With mountains, lakes, and plenty of hot springs, it’s no wonder this is a popular weekend getaway.
Thanks to the excellent rail system in Japan, visiting Hakone is a breeze. Hakone Yumoto Station is well connected to lots of other nearby cities.
It only takes a few hours to get from the bustling centre of Tokyo to the peaceful mountain vibe of Hakone.
There are plenty of reasons to visit Hakone during a trip to Japan.
First of all, the town is home to several onsens (hot springs). A hot spring is just what you need after a busy 3 days in Tokyo!
In addition, Hakone also boasts hiking trails, the scenic Lake Ashi, and views of Mt. Fuji.
Oh yeah, and did I mention you can ride a freaking pirate ship here? More on that later…
If that all sounds good to you, then read on for a jam-packed Hakone travel guide. I’ll share some of the best things to do in Hakone as well as tips on where to stay and eat.
12 Awesome Things to Do in Hakone
Although you can easily take a Hakone day trip from Tokyo, it’s best to spend at least one night here.
With so many excellent ryokan (traditional Japanese inns) here, why wouldn’t you stay overnight?
There’s enough to see and do in Hakone to keep you busy for a while.
Soak in a hot spring, admire Hakone Shrine, enjoy lakeside views of Mount Fuji, and more.
Spend your days exploring the scenic beauty of the Hakone area, which is easily done via cable car, Hakone ropeway, boat, bus, and train.
Don’t forget to buy your JR Pass for the most efficient way to travel Japan!
Speaking of getting around here, your best bet is picking up the Hakone Free Pass.
These are valid for either two or three days.
The Hakone Free Pass includes round-trip train tickets from Shinjuku in Tokyo as well as unlimited rides on all the local transport in Hakone.
You also get discounts at many local attractions, making it a great deal.
Now that you know how to get around, let’s dive into our list of the top…
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