What to Do in Hakone: Top Activities & Attractions in 2025

Hakone, a scenic gem in Japan’s Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park, is renowned for its hot springs, volcanic landscapes, and stunning views of Mount Fuji. Just 90 minutes from Tokyo, it’s a perfect blend of nature, culture, and relaxation, making it an ideal getaway in 2025.

This guide highlights the top activities and attractions in Hakone, from iconic landmarks to hidden treasures, with practical tips to enhance your experience.

Why Visit Hakone in 2025?

Hakone’s appeal lies in its diverse offerings: rejuvenating onsens, vibrant art museums, and natural wonders like Lake Ashi. In 2025, expect improved English signage, seasonal festivals, and optimal Mount Fuji views in winter (December–February). Explore Japan Like Never Before: Top Travel Tips & Itineraries for 2025

The Hakone Freepass (~$40–$50 for 2–3 days) simplifies travel with unlimited rides on buses, trains, cable cars, and boats, plus discounts at attractions. Whether you’re seeking relaxation or adventure, Hakone delivers.

Top Activities & Attractions 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 is famous for its hot springs, fueled by Owakudani’s volcanic activity. Soaking in mineral-rich waters at places like Tenzan Onsen (~$13, tattoo-friendly) or Hakone Yuryo (~$15) offers relaxation and cultural immersion. Many ryokans, like Hakone Ginyu, provide private onsen experiences with Mount Fuji views.

• Highlights: Scenic outdoor baths, health benefits from mineral waters.
• Insider Tip: Visit public onsens in the afternoon (1–4 PM) for fewer crowds. Bring a small towel (~$3–$5) or rent one on-site.
• Nearby: Hakone-Yumoto Station for dining and souvenir shops.
• Accessibility: 5–15-minute walk or bus from Hakone-Yumoto Station.

Cultural Note: Onsens are typically gender-separated, and nudity is standard. Check tattoo policies, as some facilities are restrictive.

2. 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, with a stop at Owakudani, the “Great Boiling Valley.” This volcanic site, formed 3,000 years ago, features steaming vents and sulfurous pools. Try the famous black eggs (kuro-tamago, ~$5 for 5), boiled in hot springs, said to add seven years to your life.

• Highlights: Panoramic views of Mount Fuji (weather permitting), volcanic landscapes, black egg experience.
• Insider Tip: Check weather conditions, as the ropeway may close during strong winds (December–February maintenance may affect schedules). Visit early (8–10 AM) for clearer Fuji views.
• Nearby: Hakone Geo Museum (~$3) for volcanic insights.
• Accessibility: Cable car from Sounzan Station (reached via Hakone Tozan Train from Gora).

Note: Avoid eating more than 2.5 black eggs, as local superstition suggests it brings bad luck.

3. Cruise Lake Ashi (Ashinoko)

Location: Lake Ashi
Cost: ~$10 (included with Hakone Freepass)
Why Do It: Lake Ashi, a caldera lake formed by Mount Hakone’s eruption, offers stunning views of Mount Fuji on clear days. Take a 30-minute “pirate ship” cruise from Togendai to Moto-Hakone for a fun, family-friendly experience. The lake’s southern edge frames the iconic Fuji-and-torii-gate view.

• Highlights: Scenic boat ride, Mount Fuji vistas, proximity to Hakone Shrine.
• Insider Tip: Board early morning or late afternoon (4–5 PM) for better Fuji visibility and fewer crowds. Bring a jacket, as lake breezes can be cool.
• Nearby: Hakone Shrine with its red torii gate in the water (free).
• Accessibility: Boats depart from Togendai (via ropeway) or Moto-Hakone (via bus).

Pro Tip: Combine with a visit to Hakone Shrine for a half-day itinerary.

4. Visit the Hakone Open-Air Museum

Location: Gora
Cost: ~$15 (discount with Hakone Freepass)
Why Do It: Japan’s first outdoor art museum blends modern sculptures with Hakone’s natural beauty. Featuring works by Picasso, Henry Moore, and Japanese artists, it includes a hot spring foot bath for relaxation. The stained-glass Symphonic Sculpture tower offers panoramic views.

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

Note: Families love the interactive art spaces, but prioritize early visits to avoid crowds.

5. Explore Hakone Shrine and Kuzuryu Shrine

Location: Moto-Hakone, Lake Ashi
Cost: Free
Why Do It: Hakone Shrine, dating back to 757 AD, is a spiritual highlight with its iconic red torii gate in Lake Ashi, a symbol of peace and luck. A 10-minute walk leads to Kuzuryu Shrine, linked to legends of a nine-headed dragon, known for blessings in love and prosperity. Both offer serene walks through cedar-lined paths.

• Highlights: Heiwa no Torii gate, ancient samurai history, tranquil forest trails.
• Insider Tip: Visit early morning (7–8 AM) to avoid long photo lines at the torii gate. Wear sturdy shoes for uneven paths.
• Nearby: Lake Ashi cruise dock for scenic views.
• Accessibility: 10-minute bus ride from Hakone-Yumoto Station or 5-minute walk from Moto-Hakone Port.

Pro Tip: Pair with a lake cruise for a cultural and scenic morning.

Attraction	Location	Cost	Highlight	Best Time to Visit
Onsen	Hakone-Yumoto, Gora	$10–$30	Hot spring relaxation	Afternoon (1–4 PM)
Owakudani	Owakudani Valley	$15	Volcanic views, black eggs	Early morning (8–10 AM)
Lake Ashi	Lake Ashi	$10	Pirate ship cruise	Early morning/late afternoon
Open-Air Museum	Gora	$15	Outdoor art, foot bath	Midweek mornings
Hakone Shrine	Moto-Hakone	Free	Red torii gate	Early morning (7–8 AM)

Additional Activities for 2025

Hike the Old Tokaido Trail

Location: Hakone Hachiri
Cost: Free
Why Do It: Walk a historic section of the Edo-period Tokaido Road, lined with ancient cedars. The trail from Hakone-Yumoto to Moto-Hakone (~2–3 hours) offers a moderate hike with cultural significance.

• Highlights: Cedar Avenue, Amazake-Chaya teahouse (~$5 for tea).
• Insider Tip: Start at Amazake-Chaya for a flatter, family-friendly path (~1 hour). Wear comfortable shoes.
• Accessibility: Bus to Amazake-Chaya from Hakone-Yumoto (~$5).

Visit the Pola Museum of Art

Location: Sengokuhara
Cost: ~$18 (discount with Hakone Freepass)
Why Do It: This museum showcases 10,000 pieces, including Impressionist paintings and Japanese ceramics, set against Hakone’s hills. Its hot spring foot bath and seasonal exhibits make it a cultural gem.

• Highlights: Monet and Renoir artworks, outdoor foot bath.
• Insider Tip: Visit on rainy days for an indoor escape. Allow 1–2 hours.
• Accessibility: 20-minute bus ride from Hakone-Yumoto Station.

Experience a Tea Ceremony at Gora Park

Location: Gora
Cost: ~$10–$20
Why Do It: Participate in a traditional tea ceremony in a serene garden setting. Learn to whisk matcha and enjoy wagashi sweets, a quintessential Japanese experience.

• Highlights: Cultural immersion, peaceful park views.
• Insider Tip: Book in advance for small-group sessions. Pair with the Open-Air Museum.
• Accessibility: 5-minute walk from Gora Station.

Practical Tips for Hakone in 2025

Getting Around

The Hakone Freepass (~$40–$50) covers unlimited rides on Hakone Tozan Train, buses, ropeway, and Lake Ashi cruises. 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 try local 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) to avoid tour groups. Weekdays are quieter than weekends.

• Pro Tip: Use Navitime’s congestion tracker for real-time updates.
• Hack: Explore Sengokuhara’s art museums for less crowded experiences.

Seasonal Highlights

• Spring (March–April): Cherry blossoms at Miyanoshita and Chureito Pagoda (~1-hour drive, free).
• Summer (June–August): Hydrangea blooms along Hakone Tozan Train (June–July, ~$5 for special trains).
• Autumn (October–November): Vibrant foliage at Owakudani and Lake Ashi.
• Winter (December–February): Clearer Mount Fuji views and cozy onsen visits.

Troubleshooting Challenges

Navigating Hakone

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

• Pro Tip: Carry a bilingual map or write destinations in Japanese.

Weather Considerations

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

Language Barriers

English signage is improving, but learn basic phrases like “Konnichiwa” (hello) or “Arigato” (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 depth, and relaxation. From soaking in onsens to cruising Lake Ashi and exploring Owakudani’s volcanic wonders, these top activities offer something for every traveler. Pair them with art museums, historic shrines, or scenic hikes for a well-rounded adventure. With the Hakone Freepass and these insider tips, your Hakone visit will be a seamless and unforgettable journey.

FAQs

What are Hakone’s top attractions in 2025?
Owakudani, Lake Ashi, Hakone Open-Air Museum, Hakone Shrine, and onsens like Tenzan are must-visits for their unique blend of nature and culture.

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

What’s the best way to get around Hakone?
Use the Hakone Freepass (~$40–$50) for unlimited rides on trains, buses, ropeways, and boats. Rent a bike (~$10/day) for shorter distances.

How can I experience Hakone’s culture?
Soak in an onsen (~$10–$30), join a tea ceremony at Gora Park (~$10–$20), or visit Hakone Shrine for spiritual history.

When’s the best time to visit Hakone?
Autumn (October–November) for foliage and winter (December–February) for Mount Fuji views offer ideal scenery and fewer crowds.