Situated within the Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park, this serene resort town is the perfect counter to Tokyo’s hustle and bustle.
This is one of the very best places in Japan for views of famous Mount Fuji; whether you’re relaxing in a hot spring, taking a sightseeing cruise on Lake Ashinoko, or enjoying the aerial views from the Hakone Ropeway.
Popular with Japanese and international visitors alike, Hakone is famous for its hot springs. There are over a dozen here, which provide fresh hot water to the many onsen (spa) and ryokan (Japanese inn) houses. One of the most iconic attractions is the Hakone Shrine and accompanying magnificent torii gates. While another not-to-be-missed sight is the huge field of silvery pampas grass at Sengokuhara.
Visit Owakudani, a crater caused by the eruption of Mount Hakone over 3,000 years ago; today the area is still volcanically active, filled with sulphurous gases, hot springs and rivers. Adventurous guests can try sulfur-blackened eggs, cooked naturally in the thermal water! The breathtaking Lake Ashinoko was also formed by the volcanic event and is best explored by sightseeing cruise.
Many of Hakone’s main attractions are accessible by the Tozan Railway, which climbs the steepest rails in the country, and offers expansive views out over the valley and Hayakawa River. At Kowakidani Station you can visit Hakone Kowakien Ynessun, the hot spring theme park and public bath; while at Chokoku-no-Mori Station you’ll find the Hakone Open Air Museum, home to outdoor sculptures and the Picasso Pavilion. The Tozan Railway terminates at Gora, where nearby attractions include the Hakone Museum of Art and Gora-Koen Park, where you can admire seasonal flora or try your hand at making pottery or blowing glass.
Greig
Travel Specialist
Japan travel information
When to visit Japan
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Best time
Good time
Ok time
- Time zone: +9 GMT
- Flight time: 17 hours
- Recommended airlines: British Airways, Japan Airlines, Emirates, Turkish Airlines
- Currency: Japanese yen
- Tipping guideline: Not expected
- Health considerations: There is a risk of altitude illness when travelling to destinations of 2,500m or higher. There is a risk of dengue.
- Capital: Tokyo
- Population: 122,631,432
- National languages: Japanese
- Electricity and plugs: Type A & B, 100 V
- Mobile phone coverage: Excellent
- UK passport visa requirements: You don't need a visa for Japan if you have a British passport - for a maximum of 90 days
Would you like to speak to a Hakone expert?
Contact our Travel Specialists for a bespoke quote or some first-hand knowledge.
Christmas Eve: 9am - 3pm
New Years Eve: 9am - 3pm
25th Dec, 26th Dec & 1 Jan: CLOSED
Monday - Friday: 9am - 7:30pm
Saturday: 9am - 5pm
Sunday: 10am - 4pm
Why Inspiring Travel?
Premium & Exclusive
- Only the best private travel experiences
- Hand-picked collection of world-class luxury resorts
- Diverse portfolio of bespoke & tailored itineraries
Personal & tailored
- Every holiday created to be entirely bespoke
- Exclusive experiences arranged on your behalf
- Personal contact to tailor every aspect of your holiday
Exceptional service
- 24/7 support while you're travelling
- Every detail handled by our concierge team
- Lounge passes, airport meet & greet and private transfers included
First-hand expertise
- The experts in tailor-made travel for 50 years
- Team of well-travelled specialists offering first-hand knowledge
- Network of trusted luxury travel partners
For the latest travel advice from the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office check www.gov.uk/travelaware
