Hakone, a town extending from the volcanic summit to its foothills, is celebrated as a refreshing summer getaway. Offering an abundance of natural hot springs and a wide range of upscale accommodations with hot spring amenities, Hakone, with its lush natural beauty, is a great choice for travelers exploring Japan.
Welcome to my blog. Today, I’ll be introducing one of my favorite places that I’ve visited multiple times. It’s a beautiful location year-round, but I’ll also be highlighting its seasonal charms, which make it all the more enticing.
Tourist Attractions and Activities
In the naturally abundant Hakone, there are spots to enjoy throughout the seasons. I’ll introduce my favorite five places.
Seasonally enchanting location
Miyagino Cherry Blossoms in Spring
Hakone, a town nestled on the slopes of Mount Hakone, offers a gradual unfolding of cherry blossoms from the lower-altitude areas. Starting from Hakone-Yumoto, Taiheidai, Miyagino, Gora , and finally reaching Moto-Hakone, the cherry blossoms paint a beautiful tapestry throughout the season, ensuring a prolonged enjoyment of their beauty.
One of the standout locations is along the Hayakawa River, a leisurely 15-minute walk from Gora Station, where approximately 120 cherry trees bloom from early to mid-April, complete with an enchanting illumination event.
Odakyu Yama-no Hotel Garden in Spring
Situated on the picturesque shores of Lake Ashi, Odakyu Yama-no Hotel is renowned for its splendid azalea displays in May. During this season, the expansive azalea garden is accessible to the public, extending its warm invitation to all, not just hotel guests. It comes highly recommended for visitors during this period.
On clear, cloudless days, you can also revel in the captivating view of Mount Fuji, with its snow-capped peaks providing a breathtaking backdrop to the azalea garden.
- Opening Hours: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Garden Admission Fee: ¥1,000 (During Azalea Bloom)
Hakone Tozan Railway and Hydrangeas in Summer
In Hakone, aside from using buses from Odawara City, you have the option to explore the area by taking the Hakone Tozan Railway. In addition to its regular train service, the Hakone Tozan Railway offers a cable car that swiftly covers a 209-meter elevation change across 1.2 kilometers between Gora and Sounzan in approximately 10 minutes.
What’s more, from mid-June to early July, you’ll be treated to the sight of beautiful hydrangeas blooming alongside the railway route. During this period, there’s even a captivating event where the hydrangeas are illuminated at night. Special tickets are available for this experience, so when you visit during this period, be sure to fully enjoy this unique event.
Hakone Museum of Art and Forest
Hakone Museum of Art primarily focuses on Japanese ceramics and regularly features special themed exhibitions that seamlessly blend with Hakone’s distinctive environment. It’s a year-round haven for art enthusiasts.
The museum is set amidst a spacious garden that harmonizes beautifully with its natural surroundings, with an especially enchanting atmosphere during the autumn foliage season.
- Opening Hours (April to November): 9:30 AM – 4:30 PM (Last admission at 4:00 PM)
- Opening Hours (December to March): 9:30 AM – 4:00 PM (Last admission at 3:30 PM)
- Closed on Thursdays (Open on public holidays), during year-end and New Year holidays, and on exhibition changeover days.
- General Admission: ¥900
Chouan-ji Temple in Autumn
Chouan-ji Temple, nestled in Sengokuhara (map), is an ancient religious site with origins dating back to 1356. The temple’s grounds and the surrounding wooded hillsides are adorned with a multitude of stone sculptures, each capturing a diverse range of expressions.
Compared to other popular tourist destinations, Chouan-ji Temple typically sees fewer visitors, especially during the early morning hours. This provides an opportunity for a serene stroll through the tranquil forest, allowing ample time to appreciate the artistry of these stone statues.
Furthermore, the temple’s allure is further heightened during the early days of November when the vibrant foliage season graces the area.
Museums
Hakone is home to a wide array of art museums and cultural institutions that draw vacationers throughout the year.
Okada Museum of Art
The Okada Museum of Art houses an impressive collection of around 450 artworks and offers additional attractions like gardens, foot baths, and a café (all with admission fees).
- Operating Hours: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Last entry at 4:30 PM)
- Closed on December 31, January 1, and during exhibition changes
- Admission Fee: ¥2,800 for adults
Hakone Open-Air Museum
Hakone Open-Air Museum presents sculptures in a naturally scenic outdoor setting while also featuring indoor exhibitions.
- Operating Hours: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Open year-round, last entry 30 minutes before closing)
- Admission Fee: ¥1,600 for adults
Hakone Glass Forest Museum
Hakone Glass Forest Museum is a museum specializes in Venetian glass art. In addition to indoor and outdoor exhibitions, visitors can also participate in hands-on experiences like sandblasting and fusing workshops.
- Opening Hours: 10:00 AM to 5:30 PM (Last entry at 5:00 PM)
- Closed for the winter season from the day after the 2nd Monday of January for 11 days
- Admission Fee: ¥1,800 for adults
Pola Museum of Art
Pola Museum of Art showcases a collection of approximately 10,000 items amassed over 40 years by the late Jiro Suzuki, the second-generation head of the Pola pharmaceutical company. The collection encompasses Western paintings, Japanese Western-style paintings, Japanese paintings, prints, Eastern ceramics, glass crafts, and cosmetics from various time periods and regions.
- Opening Hours: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM (Last entry at 4:30 PM)
- Admission Fee: ¥1,800 for adults
Hakone Lalique Museum
Hakone Lalique Museum showcases jewelry and glass works created by the renowned French craftsman René Lalique. Approximately 230 pieces are on display from a collection of 1500 items.
- Museum Hours: 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM
- Restaurant Hours: 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM
- Closed on the 3rd Thursday of each month (Closed in August, occasional temporary closures for exhibition changes)
- Admission Fee: ¥1,500 for adults
Hakone Geo Museum
Hakone, known for its active volcano, is where you can explore the fascinating world of Hakone’s volcanic activity at Hakone Geo Museum.
- Hours of Operation: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM (Open all year)
- Admission Fee: ¥100 for adults
Narukawa Art Museum
The Narukawa Art Museum features a collection of modern Japanese paintings from the mid-Showa period onward, carefully curated by entrepreneur Minoru Narukawa.
- Hours of Operation: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Closed: Open every day
- Admission Fee: ¥1,500 for adults
Hakone-en Aquarium
Located on the picturesque shores of Lake Ashi, the Hakone-en Aquarium is part of the Hakone-en resort complex. Known for daily sea lion performances at 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM, featuring traditional Japanese acrobatics.
- Operating Hours: 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM (Last entry 30 minutes before closing)
- Admission Fee: ¥1,500 for adults
Hakone Doll House Museum
Hakone Doll House Museum exhibits a collection of dollhouses collected from overseas for exhibition purposes. A dollhouse, which means “small house,” is typically built to a scale of 1/12 of the actual size. The origin dates back to the mid-16th century when German nobles commissioned craftsmen to create dollhouses for their daughters.
- Opening Hours (April to October): 10:00 AM – 5:30 PM (Last entry at 5:00 PM)
- Opening Hours (November to March): 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Last entry at 4:30 PM)
- Closed on Tuesdays
- Admission Fee: ¥1,800 for adults
Hakone Sekisho
In the Edo period, Hakone Sekisho played the role of a checkpoint for travelers entering Edo (modern-day Tokyo). You can visit a facility that faithfully recreates this historic checkpoint.
- Opening Hours: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM (Until 4:30 PM from December to February)
- Admission Fee: ¥500 for adults (Discounted to ¥400 for Hakone Free Pass holders, etc.)
Hakone Parquetry Marquetry Art Museum
Parquetry marquetry art, a traditional technique handed down in the Odawara-Hakone region, involves using the natural colors and wood grain patterns of different types of wood to create a variety of geometric patterns on dishes and crafts.
- Opening Hours: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Closed during the New Year holiday
Engaging Experiences Worth Considering
Rowboats
You can rent rowboats for a leisurely paddle at the harbors around Lake Ashi.
Forest Adventure Hakone
Nestled in the heart of Hakone’s wilderness, Forest Adventure Hakone offers a chance to climb trees and traverse from one tree to another. With seven courses designed to accommodate various heights and difficulty levels, visitors can select the one that best suits their preferences.
Hakone Craft House
Hakone Craft House not only offers glassware and pottery as souvenirs but also provides hands-on experiences like glassblowing and pottery making. While reservations through the internet are preferred, on-the-spot bookings are possible if there is available space. Please note that the finished products may take a few days, and shipping is limited to domestic locations.
Hakone Mountain Ripper
Embark on guided mountain biking and hiking tours through Hakone’s tranquil forests and along the shores of Lake Ashi with Hakone Mountain Ripper. These tours are tailored to participants’ fitness levels and interests, offering a flexible choice of experiences. As of my research, there are five mountain biking tours ranging from ¥10,000 to ¥15,000 and two hiking tours priced at ¥3,500 and ¥7,000.
Mt. Kintoki
For trekking enthusiasts, Mt. Kintoki is a highly recommended destination. Situated in Sengokuhara, Hakone, this mountain boasts an elevation of 1,212 meters. The summit area features sparse vegetation and offers expansive views, including a majestic panorama that includes Mt. Fuji. Two huts at the peak provide simple meals. The hike to this mountain appears to be relatively moderate in difficulty. While I could only find Japanese websites providing details on hiking routes, you can use your browser’s translation feature if you’re interested.
Natural Beauty
Hakone, with its volcanoes and lakes, is a haven for nature enthusiasts, enchanting visitors with its pristine beauty. Let me suggest a few must-visit spots.
Onsih Hakone Park (Hakone Imperial Park)
Nestled on a peninsula extending into Lake Ashi, Onshi Hakone Park (map) is a stunning destination. Once a private royal retreat, it is now open to the public. Situated on a hillside accessible from the parking area, this park offers panoramic vistas of Mount Fuji, Lake Ashi, and the torii gate of a shrine. In the heart of the park, you’ll find a café that doubles as an observation point, allowing you to unwind while soaking in the views of Mount Fuji.
Hakone Shissei Kaen
Hakone Shissei Kaen is a botanical garden dedicated to wetland plants, including those found in marshes, rivers, and lakefront areas. Featuring approximately 1,700 plant species, including alpine varieties from around the world, it offers a spectacle of blossoming flowers throughout the changing seasons.
- Opening Period: Mid-March to the end of November (Open daily during this period)
- Admission Fee: ¥700 for adults
Sengokuhara Plateau
Sengokuhara Plateau (map) is a locale where susuki, a type of grass native to Japanese grasslands, transforms into a brilliant golden landscape from September to October. While this might be a common sight for those raised in rural areas, the vivid colors offer a mesmerizing experience for urban residents, attracting numerous visitors during this season.
Hakone Ropeway
The Hakone Ropeway connects Hakone’s Gora area to Lake Ashi. Between Sounzan Station and Owakidani Station, there’s a stretch where the ropeway spans a valley, approximately 130 meters above ground, offering an up-close view of volcanic activity, complete with sulfur emissions and steam. On clear days, you can revel in a breathtaking view of majestic Mount Fuji. The period from December to May is particularly enchanting, as you can witness the snow-capped beauty of Mount Fuji from the summit. The ropeway operates at intervals of about 1 minute, from approximately 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The fare for the longest one-way trip, for adults, is ¥1,500 (¥2,500 for a round trip).
Owakidani
Owakidani is situated along the route of the Hakone Ropeway. This terrain was shaped around 3,000 years ago during a massive steam explosion from the Hakone volcano, resulting in a distinctive mountainous landscape. Today, it’s been developed into a tourist attraction where you can observe volcanic activity, including the release of rising smoke. However, please be aware that due to ongoing volcanic activity in Hakone, there can be access restrictions to the Owakidani area during periods of heightened volcanic activity or when volcanic gases are concentrated. For the latest information, please consult the Hakone Ropeway and related websites.
Komagatake Ropeway
The Komagatake Ropeway, connecting the base of Lake Ashi to the summit of Mount Komagatake, offers stunning panoramic views. At the summit, you’ll discover Hakone Motomiya, an observation deck, and a vibrant array of seasonal flowers, making it a delightful visit. From this vantage point, not only can you gaze upon Lake Ashi, but on clear days, you can also behold the city of Odawara and Sagami Bay at the foothills of Hakone’s mountains. If the weather is exceptionally clear, you might even catch a glimpse of the Tokyo Skytree, making it an exceptional viewpoint.
- Operating Hours: Ascent begins at 9:00 AM, Final ascent at 4:30 PM
- Fare: Round-trip for ¥1,800
Hakone's Old Tokaido Cedar Avenue
During the Edo period, one of the major highways traversed along the shores of Lake Ashi, where checkpoints were stationed. Stretching for approximately 500 meters from Moto-Hakone to the Onshi Hakone Park, this historic cedar-lined path has been meticulously preserved. These cedar trees, believed to have been planted in 1618, have endured for nearly 300 years, offering shade and shelter to travelers from the intense summer sun and biting winter winds.
- Bus Stop: Alight at Hakone Shisho-mae, just a short walk away
- map: here
Lake Ashi and Hakone Sightseeing Cruise
Hakone, a town nestled around a volcano, boasts Lake Ashi, believed to have originated around 3,100 years ago from a colossal steam explosion that obstructed a river’s course.
Lake Ashi, now an expansive water body, connects key locations including Moto-Hakone Port, where you’ll find Togendai Station for the Hakone Ropeway, as well as Hakone Port, home to the Komagatake Ropeway, and the Hakone Checkpoint. The fare for the longest one-way trip is ¥1,200.
Kuzuryu Forest
Kuzuryu Forest is a 3-kilometer nature trail along Lake Ashi, centered around the Kuzuryu Shrine. It’s a cherished spot for nature enthusiasts, offering the opportunity to immerse yourself in the forest’s tranquility while listening to the gentle lapping of the lake and birdsong. Accessible from both Lake Ashi and Moto-Hakone sides, it entails a roughly 20-minute stroll. Tucked away in this manner, it tends to receive fewer visitors, with most coming to pay their respects at the Kuzuryu Shrine. The admission fee, which also includes entry, is ¥600, and it’s open from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
Shrines
Kuzuryu Shrine
Comprising two locations, the Shingu (New Shrine) within the grounds of Hakone Shrine and the Hongu (Main Shrine) nestled in the forest along the shores of Lake Ashi near Motohakone, this shrine is dedicated to Kuzuryu Okami, the guardian deity of Lake Ashi. An annual festival takes place on July 31st.
Hakone Shrine
Hakone Shrine boasts an ancient history, dating back to the year 757. Its origins lie in being a focal point for mountain worship. Over time, especially with the construction of nearby roads, it became widely recognized by travelers from all over.
Hakone Mototumiya
This sacred site of mountain worship traces its roots back nearly 2,400 years. Perched atop Mount Komagatake, you can reach this shrine via the ropeway.
Foot Baths
In Hakone, where hot springs bubble up from the foothills of volcanoes, there are numerous accommodations with hot spring facilities. Additionally, the practice of “Ashiyu” or foot baths, where you soak only your feet in hot spring water, has become popular in Japan. Many places in Hakone offer foot baths. While not all of them are free, restaurants, cafes, art galleries, and museums also provide this experience. Here are some options, and it’s a good idea to bring your own towel, as it might not always be provided.
cu-mo Hakone
On the second floor of Sounzan Station, you’ll find a foot bath and an observation terrace. The seating is limited, but anyone can use it for free. Please visit the website for more information
NARAYA CAFE
After getting off at Miyanoshita Station on the Hakone Tozan Railway and descending a slope, you’ll come across a place with a foot bath, a cafe, galleries, and shops. You can enjoy the foot bath freely during their opening hours. Please visit the website for more information.
Hakone Open-Air Museum
They have a foot bath area on their outdoor grounds, which is available to anyone visiting the museum. Please visit the website for more information.
Okada Museum of Art
At the foot bath cafe attached to the museum, you can use the foot bath for a fee of ¥500. Visitors to the museum can use it for free. Please visit the website for more information.
Bakery & Table Hakone
This shop in Moto-Hakone has a bakery on the first floor, a cafe on the second floor, and a restaurant on the third floor. There are foot bath counter seats on the terrace, where you can enjoy your purchases. Please visit the website for more information.
GORA BREWERY & GRILL
Located in Gora, this restaurant specializes in teppanyaki and craft beer. If you’re a patron, you can use the foot bath available at the storefront. Please visit the website for more information.
Yubadon Naokichi
Situated in the hot spring town of Hakone-Yumoto, this restaurant specializes in yuba cuisine. In addition to their dishes, they offer sweet treats like zenzai. There’s a foot bath at the entrance, which you can use during waiting times or before heading home. Please visit the website for more information.
Dining Guide
In bustling Hakone, where hordes of visitors converge, a plethora of delectable meals and sweets await. Today, we’ll introduce you to some of the standout options:
Snack
Kuro Tamago (Black Eggs)
In Japan, eggs boiled in hot spring water are known as “Onsen Tamago.” When you boil eggs in Hakone’s Ōwakidani Valley hot springs, minerals from the springs interact with the eggshells, resulting in the creation of black eggs. An analysis of their composition has revealed a richer, more robust savory flavor. Please visit the website for more information.
Cafe KOMON
Nestled on the shores of Lake Ashi, overlooking Hakone-machi Harbor, this restaurant is home to a Japanese-style cafe. Among their popular offerings are seven types of rice cakes, including matcha, cherry blossom, and mugwort flavors. They’re grilled on a special shichirin grill at your table, allowing you to adjust the cooking to your liking. Please visit the website for more information.
Meal
Restaurant Yamagusuri
The name of this restaurant is derived from “Yamagusuri,” which is the traditional Japanese medicinal term for “wild yam.” Traditional Japanese medicine, known as Kampo, has its roots in ancient Chinese medicine and has evolved uniquely in Japan over the years. Wild yam, rich in nutrients and easily digestible, has long been appreciated by the Japanese for its health benefits. At this establishment, you can savor dishes featuring wild yam and other locally-sourced ingredients. Please visit the website for more information.
Yubadon Naokichi
This restaurant serves a donburi (rice bowl) made with yuba, a soybean-based processed food known for the delicate film that forms on the surface when soy milk is heated. Yuba is an essential ingredient in Japanese Shojin cuisine and is commonly used in hot pots or enjoyed with soy sauce. The restaurant uses pure water from Mount Hakone to prepare its yuba dishes. Please visit the website for more information.
Tamura Ginkatsutei
This unique establishment offers a dish called “Tofu Katsu-ni,” a twist on the traditional Japanese dish “tonkatsu,” which involves coating pork with breadcrumbs and deep-frying it. Here, they replace pork with tofu, sandwiched with minced meat and then fried. It’s further enhanced by simmering it in a flavorful broth. Please visit the website for more information.
Sweets
Kuri-Mushi Yokan
In Hakone, you’ll discover an abundance of shops offering Kuri-Mushi Yokan, a delightful steamed sweet created by combining wheat flour, arrowroot, and sweet bean paste. It’s a subtly sweet Japanese confection, and each shop offers its unique flavors and aromas. If you have a sweet tooth, don’t miss the opportunity to give it a try.
Café: Amasake Chaya
At Café: Amasake Chaya, you can indulge in more than just amasake; they offer a variety of traditional Japanese light snacks and beverages as well. This café has a rich history, dating all the way back to the Edo period and even featuring in Meiji-era woodblock prints. You can savor the timeless flavor of amasake while immersing yourself in the café’s historical ambiance, which has remained unchanged since the days of old Edo. You can easily reach it by taking the Hakone Tozan Bus (Route K), which is just a brief 5-minute ride from the Moto-Hakone Kou Bus Stop. However, please keep in mind that this bus operates at roughly one-hour intervals.
Accommodation
Hakone Town, in addition to its hot springs and stunning natural beauty, boasts a wealth of museums that draw numerous visitors in search of a summer retreat and relaxation. As a result, the town provides a diverse array of lodging options, encompassing not only hotels but also traditional Japanese ryokans. These accommodations offer amenities such as open-air baths and rooms with private hot springs, all easily accessible through online booking. Prices may vary, ranging from ¥10,000 to ¥100,000, though many options are available within the ¥20,000 to ¥40,000 range.
Moreover, due to its convenient proximity to Odawara at the mountain’s base, you can explore alternative lodging choices in the broader Hakone area if securing accommodations within the town itself proves challenging.
Transportation
Hakone offers multiple transportation options for travelers.
Common Routes
The most common route takes you from Odawara, located at the base of Mount Hakone, to Hakone-Yumoto, the gateway to Hakone.
Getting to Odawara Station from Different Locations
You can reach Odawara Station by taking the Shinkansen (bullet train) or local trains operated by JR from various locations. Another option is to use the Odakyu Electric Railway from Tokyo. To continue from Odawara to Hakone-Yumoto, you’ll hop on the Hakone Tozan Railway.
Traveling from Nagoya or Osaka
When it comes to the Shinkansen, there are three types: ‘Nozomi,’ ‘Hikari,’ and ‘Kodama.’ The main difference is the stations they stop at, but they all have the same fares. Just a heads-up, if you’re traveling from Osaka or Nagoya to Odawara, most people take the ‘Nozomi’ or ‘Hikari’ Shinkansen to Shin-Yokohama and then switch to the local ‘Kodama’ train to get to Odawara. However, some ‘Hikari’ trains, which usually don’t stop at Odawara, make a few stops there. So, if you want to save time and money, keep an eye out for those ‘Hikari’ trains that do stop at Odawara, which run about every two hours.
Traveling from Tokyo
If you’re departing from Tokyo Station or Shinagawa Station, the JR East Tokaido Line is convenient. Opt for the cost-effective local trains, as this line has fewer intermediate stations.
From Shinjuku Station, you can use JR or the Odakyu Electric Railway. Since the Odakyu Electric Railway has more intermediate stations, choose an express train with the same fare as local trains.
From Odawara Station to Hakone
By Train
Upon reaching Odawara Station, transfer to the Hakone Tozan Railway bound for Hakone-Yumoto. The Hakone Tozan Railway will take you through Hakone-Yumoto, Miyanoshita, and Gora starting from Odawara. From Gora, where the terrain gets steep, you’ll switch to a cable car to reach Sounzan. Beyond Sounzan, a ropeway will take you to Lake Ashi. If you’re traveling on the Odakyu Electric Railway’s Romancecar express train, you won’t need to transfer to reach Hakone-Yumoto.
By Bus
Head to the east side of Odawara Station to find a bus terminal. Buses depart from different stops depending on their Hakone destination. For detailed information, visit [here].
Additionally, buses are available to travel from the Hakone Tozan Railway’s train stations to other locations. Given the extensive bus stops and routes, a route map is provided [here].
Route from Lake Kawaguchi
If you’re staying in Lake Kawaguchi, you can reach Hakone by taking a series of buses, passing by renowned attractions like the crystal-clear waters of Oshino Hakkai and scenic Lake Yamanaka, one of the Fuji Five Lakes. Start by taking a bus from Kawaguchiko Station to Gotemba Station (approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes, [bus info]). Then, transfer to a bus heading to Hakone at Gotemba Station (about 20 minutes, [bus info]). This journey offers opportunities to explore various attractions along the way and will bring you to Hakone in no time.
Budget and Transportation Tips
If you’re planning to spend 2 or 3 days in Hakone, you can optimize your expenses by considering discount passes [Free Pass] that grant you unlimited access to public transportation. This pass encompasses the Ashinoko Lake cruise, the Hakone Tozan Railway, cable cars, the Hakone Ropeway, and all bus routes, all bundled into a single ticket.
For a one-day excursion, there’s a specially discounted ticket [Nonbiri] that centers around the Hakone Tozan Railway . The price of this ticket corresponds to the cumulative fare for traveling station by station between Odawara and Gora. In essence, if you intend to make multiple stops at intermediate stations along the Odawara to Gora route, this ticket offers savings. However, for a nearly identical price, there’s also a discount pass [Tokotoko] that includes the cable car.
Furthermore, there’s a one-day exclusive discount ticket [Norimono Light] available for 3,800 yen, enabling you to utilize Hakone’s public transportation system. Please be aware that it’s a one-way ticket, commencing from Miyanoshita Station, proceeding clockwise through Ashinoko Lake, and concluding at Miyanoshita Station.
When planning a visit to the Hakone Glass Forest Museum, you can enjoy a 100 yen reduction in the entrance fee by either printing the page from this link in Japanese or displaying it on your smartphone. Similar initiatives are implemented at other attractions like the Hakone Open-Air Museum.
Additionally, you can explore online ticket purchase services that offer discounts at venues like the Hakone Museum of Art.
Weather Guide
Hakone, nestled in high-altitude terrain, serves as Tokyo’s summer retreat. Summers are brief and pleasant, albeit with a fair share of overcast days. Conversely, winters are extremely cold, with frequent snowfall and plenty of sunny days.
Among the various areas in Hakone, Hakone-Yumoto, near the foothills, experiences a climate similar to that of Odawara and Tokyo. However, in places like Sengokuhara, which boast relatively higher elevations, there can be temperature differences of about 4 to 5 degrees Celsius.
Even during the arrival of spring, from March to April, you might find it necessary to wear a winter coat. May to June typically calls for long sleeves, while July to August means you can usually wear short sleeves. As September rolls around, it’s advisable to don short sleeves during the day and switch to long sleeves in the evening. Around November, the chill sets in, and winter coats become essential. From January to February, you’ll encounter genuinely cold weather, so make sure to prepare with thick down jackets or similar attire.
It’s worth noting that during the winter months, snowfall can accumulate. Be cautious about your choice of footwear to prevent slipping on icy surfaces
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