Top 10 Must-Do Activities in Hakone, Japan

Hakone, nestled in Japan’s Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park, is a stunning destination known for its hot springs, volcanic landscapes, and Mount Fuji views. Just 90 minutes from Tokyo,

It’s perfect for a rejuvenating escape or cultural adventure. In 2025, Hakone offers enhanced accessibility, eco-friendly tours, and seasonal beauty, from cherry blossoms (April) to winter Fuji vistas (December–February).

This guide highlights the top 10 must-do activities in Hakone, blending iconic attractions with insider tips. For curated guided experiences, visit Japan Ichiban Tours at japanichibantours.com. What Are the Best Things to Do in Kyoto? – in 2025

Why Visit Hakone in 2025?

Hakone’s charm lies in its mix of onsens, art, and nature, drawing over 2 million visitors annually. The Hakone Freepass (~$40–$50 for 2–3 days) covers trains, buses, ropeways, and boats, making exploration seamless.

With improved English signage and new cultural events, 2025 is ideal for experiencing Hakone’s serene landscapes and rich heritage, whether you’re a nature lover, art enthusiast, or relaxation seeker.

Top 10 Must-Do Activities in Hakone

1. Soak in a Traditional Onsen

Location: Hakone-Yumoto, Gora, Sengokuhara
Cost: ~$10–$30 (public onsens), ~$100–$300/night (ryokan with private onsens)
Why Do It: Hakone’s hot springs, powered by volcanic activity, offer relaxation and health benefits. Public onsens like Tenzan (~$13, tattoo-friendly) or Hakone Yuryo (~$15) provide scenic baths, while ryokans like Hakone Ginyu offer private onsen experiences with Fuji views.

• Highlights: Outdoor rotemburo, mineral-rich waters, serene settings.
• Insider Tip: Visit in the afternoon (1–4 PM) for fewer crowds. Bring a small towel (~$3) or rent one. Check tattoo policies.
• Nearby: Hakone-Yumoto for souvenir shops (~$5–$20).
• Accessibility: 5–15-minute walk or bus from Hakone-Yumoto Station (~$2).

Pro Tip: Book a ryokan stay with Japan Ichiban Tours at japanichibantours.com for a luxurious onsen experience.

2. Cruise Lake Ashi (Ashinoko)

Location: Lake Ashi
Cost: ~$10 (included with Hakone Freepass)
Why Do It: Lake Ashi, a caldera lake, offers breathtaking Mount Fuji views on clear days. A 30-minute “pirate ship” cruise from Togendai to Moto-Hakone is a fun, scenic ride, showcasing the iconic Fuji-and-torii-gate vista near Hakone Shrine.

• Highlights: Pirate ship ride, Fuji views, lakeside trails.
• Insider Tip: Cruise early morning or late afternoon (4–5 PM) for better visibility and fewer crowds. Bring a jacket for lake breezes.
• Nearby: Hakone Shrine (free) with its red torii gate.
• Accessibility: Boats depart from Togendai (via ropeway) or Moto-Hakone (via bus).

Note: Combine with a shrine visit for a cultural half-day.

3. Ride the Hakone Ropeway to Owakudani

Location: Owakudani Valley
Cost: ~$15 (included with Hakone Freepass)
Why Do It: The Hakone Ropeway offers a scenic cable car ride from Sounzan to Togendai, stopping at Owakudani, a volcanic valley with steaming vents. Try kuro-tamago (black eggs, ~$5 for 5), boiled in hot springs, believed to add seven years to your life.

• Highlights: Volcanic landscapes, Fuji views, black egg experience.
• Insider Tip: Visit early (8–10 AM) for clearer Fuji views. Check weather, as the ropeway may close during high winds.
• Nearby: Hakone Geo Museum (~$3) for volcanic exhibits.
• Accessibility: Cable car from Sounzan Station (via Hakone Tozan Train).

Note: Avoid eating more than 2.5 eggs, per local superstition.

4. Visit Hakone Shrine and Kuzuryu Shrine

Location: Moto-Hakone, Lake Ashi
Cost: Free
Why Do It: Hakone Shrine, founded in 757 AD, features a striking red torii gate in Lake Ashi, symbolizing peace. A 10-minute walk leads to Kuzuryu Shrine, known for love and prosperity blessings. The cedar-lined paths offer a spiritual retreat.

• Highlights: Heiwa no Torii gate, ancient cedars, prayer rituals.
• Insider Tip: Visit at 7–8 AM to avoid photo crowds at the torii gate. Wear sturdy shoes for uneven paths.
• Nearby: Lake Ashi cruise dock for scenic views.
• Accessibility: 10-minute bus from Hakone-Yumoto Station (~$2) or 5-minute walk from Moto-Hakone Port.

Pro Tip: Join a guided cultural tour via japanichibantours.com for deeper shrine insights.

5. Explore the Hakone Open-Air Museum

Location: Gora
Cost: ~$15 (discount with Hakone Freepass)
Why Do It: Japan’s first open-air museum showcases sculptures by Picasso, Henry Moore, and Japanese artists amidst Hakone’s hills. A hot spring foot bath and the Symphonic Sculpture tower with stained-glass views add charm.

• Highlights: Picasso Pavilion, foot bath, outdoor art.
• Insider Tip: Spend 2–3 hours; visit midweek for quieter paths. Wear comfortable shoes for hilly terrain.
• Nearby: Gora Park (~$5) for tea ceremonies.
• Accessibility: 6-minute walk from Chokoku-no-Mori Station (Hakone Tozan Train).

Note: Ideal for families due to interactive art spaces.

6. Hike the Old Tokaido Trail

Location: Hakone Hachiri
Cost: Free
Why Do It: This historic Edo-period trail from Hakone-Yumoto to Moto-Hakone (~2–3 hours) features ancient cedars and Amazake-Chaya, a traditional teahouse (~$5 for tea). It’s a cultural hike with scenic beauty.

• Highlights: Cedar Avenue, teahouse stop, samurai history.
• Insider Tip: Start at Amazake-Chaya for a flatter, 1-hour hike. Pack water and snacks.
• Nearby: Hakone Checkpoint (~$3) for Edo-era history.
• Accessibility: Bus to Amazake-Chaya from Hakone-Yumoto (~$5).

Pro Tip: Book a guided hiking tour at japanichibantours.com for historical context.

7. Visit the Pola Museum of Art

Location: Sengokuhara
Cost: ~$18 (discount with Hakone Freepass)
Why Do It: This museum houses 10,000 works, including Monet, Renoir, and Japanese ceramics, set in a modern building amidst nature. A hot spring foot bath and forest trails enhance the visit.

• Highlights: Impressionist art, foot bath, nature walks.
• Insider Tip: Visit on rainy days for an indoor escape. Allow 1–2 hours.
• Nearby: Venetian Glass Museum (~$12) for colorful exhibits.
• Accessibility: 20-minute bus from Hakone-Yumoto Station (~$5).

8. Experience a Tea Ceremony at Gora Park

Location: Gora
Cost: ~$10–$20
Why Do It: Gora Park’s traditional teahouse offers a serene setting to learn matcha preparation and savor wagashi sweets, immersing you in Japanese culture.

• Highlights: Zen tea ritual, garden views, cultural learning.
• Insider Tip: Book small-group sessions in advance. Pair with the Open-Air Museum for a cultural day.
• Nearby: Hakone Tozan Cable Car for scenic rides (~$5).
• Accessibility: 5-minute walk from Gora Station.

Pro Tip: Enhance your experience with a cultural tour from japanichibantours.com.

9. Wander Odawara Castle

Location: Odawara (Hakone gateway)
Cost: ~$5 (castle keep), ~$10 (combo with museum)
Why Do It: Odawara Castle, a 15th-century fortress, offers samurai history, armor displays, and city views from its keep. The surrounding park blooms with cherry blossoms in spring.

• Highlights: Samurai exhibits, moat gardens, Fuji views on clear days.
• Insider Tip: Visit in April for sakura. Climb the keep for panoramic photos.
• Nearby: Odawara Flower Garden (free) for seasonal blooms.
• Accessibility: 10-minute walk from Odawara Station (30-minute train from Hakone-Yumoto, ~$5).

10. Shop at Gotemba Premium Outlets

Location: Gotemba (near Hakone)
Cost: Free (shopping ~$10–$100)
Why Do It: Japan’s largest outlet mall, with over 200 stores, offers discounts up to 70% on brands like Nike and Coach, with Mount Fuji as a backdrop. Ideal for a shopping break.

• Highlights: Designer outlets, Fuji views, food court (~$5–$15).
• Insider Tip: Visit midweek for fewer crowds. Use tax-free shopping (10% off over ~$50).
• Nearby: Fuji Five Lakes for a day trip (~$20 bus).
• Accessibility: 50-minute bus from Hakone-Yumoto (~$15).

Pro Tip: Book a shopping tour with Japan Ichiban Tours at japanichibantours.com for a hassle-free visit.

Activity	Location	Cost	Highlight	Best Time to Visit
Onsen	Hakone-Yumoto, Gora	$10–$30	Hot spring relaxation	Afternoon (1–4 PM)
Lake Ashi Cruise	Lake Ashi	$10	Pirate ship, Fuji views	Early morning/late afternoon
Owakudani Ropeway	Owakudani	$15	Volcanic valley, black eggs	Early morning (8–10 AM)
Hakone Shrine	Moto-Hakone	Free	Red torii gate	Early morning (7–8 AM)
Open-Air Museum	Gora	$15	Sculptures, foot bath	Midweek mornings
Tokaido Trail	Hakone Hachiri	Free	Cedar path, teahouse	Spring/autumn
Pola Museum	Sengokuhara	$18	Impressionist art	Rainy days
Tea Ceremony	Gora Park	$10–$20	Matcha ritual	Morning/afternoon
Odawara Castle	Odawara	$5	Samurai history	April (sakura)
Gotemba Outlets	Gotemba	Free	Shopping, Fuji views	Midweek mornings

Practical Tips for Hakone in 2025

Getting Around

The Hakone Freepass (~$40–$50) covers unlimited rides on trains, buses, ropeways, and boats. Buy it at Odawara or Shinjuku Station. The Romancecar from Shinjuku to Hakone-Yumoto (~$20, 1.5 hours) requires an express fee.

• Pro Tip: Use the Odakyu Hakone app for schedules and maps.
• Hack: Send luggage via takkyubin (~$15–$25) to travel light.

Budget Hacks

• Accommodations: Stay in budget ryokans (~$80–$150) like Hakone Pax Yoshino or hostels (~$20–$40) like HakoneHOSTEL1914.
• Dining: Grab konbini meals (~$2–$5) or soba at Kojiri-Chaya (~$10).
• Attractions: Use the Hakone Freepass for ~10–20% discounts on museums and onsens.

Stay Connected

Purchase an eSIM (Airalo, Ubigi, ~$10–$20 for 1–2 GB daily data) for navigation. Download Maps.me and Google Translate for offline use.

• Pro Tip: Carry a portable charger for long days.
• Hack: Free Wi-Fi at Hakone-Yumoto Station and major attractions.

Avoiding Crowds

Popular sites like Owakudani and Lake Ashi get busy. Visit early (7–10 AM) or late (4–6 PM) for quieter experiences. Weekdays are less crowded than weekends.

• Pro Tip: Use Navitime’s congestion tracker for real-time updates.
• Hack: Explore Sengokuhara’s museums for quieter vibes.

Seasonal Highlights

• Spring (April): Cherry blossoms at Miyanoshita and Odawara Castle.
• Summer (June–August): Hydrangea blooms along Hakone Tozan Train (~$5).
• Autumn (October–November): Foliage at Lake Ashi and Owakudani.
• Winter (December–February): Clear Fuji views and cozy onsens.

Troubleshooting Challenges

Navigating Hakone

Hakone’s transport network can be complex. Use the Hakone Freepass map and Odakyu website. Koban (police boxes) at Hakone-Yumoto Station offer assistance.

• Pro Tip: Write attraction names in Japanese for clarity.

Weather Considerations

Mount Fuji visibility is best in winter but can be cloudy. Check forecasts and prioritize early mornings. The ropeway may close during high winds or maintenance (December–February).

Language Barriers

English signage is improving, but learn phrases like “Konnichiwa” (hello) or “Arigatou” (thank you). Google Translate’s camera feature helps with signs and menus.

• Pro Tip: Save key phrases offline for quick access.

Conclusion

Hakone in 2025 is a captivating blend of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and relaxation. From soaking in onsens and cruising Lake Ashi to exploring Owakudani’s volcanic wonders and Hakone Shrine’s spiritual serenity, these top 10 activities offer an unforgettable adventure. Enhance your trip with art museums, historic trails, or shopping sprees. With the Hakone Freepass and these insider tips, your Hakone journey will be seamless and memorable. For expertly curated tours, visit Japan Ichiban Tours at japanichibantours.com.

FAQs

What are Hakone’s must-do activities in 2025?
Onsens, Lake Ashi cruises, Owakudani Ropeway, Hakone Shrine, and the Open-Air Museum are top picks for nature and culture.

How can I see Mount Fuji in Hakone?
Visit Lake Ashi or Owakudani early morning or late afternoon in winter (December–February) for best visibility. Check weather forecasts.

What’s the best way to get around Hakone?
Use the Hakone Freepass (~$40–$50) for unlimited transit. Rent a bike (~$10/day) for shorter distances.

How can I experience Hakone’s culture?
Join a tea ceremony (~$10–$20), visit Hakone Shrine, or explore the Tokaido Trail for Edo-era history.

When’s the best time to visit Hakone?
Winter (December–February) for Fuji views and onsens, or autumn (October–November) for foliage and mild weather.