Hakone: Hot Springs, Art, and Mountain Lakes Near Tokyo

History

Hakone’s story is tied to its geology and its position on the old Tōkaidō road, the main route between Edo (now Tokyo) and Kyoto. For centuries travelers, pilgrims and feudal processions stopped here to rest and bathe in the therapeutic hot springs that bubble up from the volcanic activity of Mount Hakone. Over time Hakone evolved from a strategic checkpoint and pilgrimage stop into a resort area prized for health, leisure, and spectacular views of Mount Fuji.

Current status

Today Hakone is a well-developed tourism cluster that balances natural scenery with cultural attractions and modern amenities. It remains extremely popular with domestic and international visitors, offering convenient access from Tokyo by train and highway while preserving quieter mountain and lakeside retreats. Infrastructure such as the Hakone Tozan Railway, cable car, ropeway, and sightseeing boats make it easy to explore a lot in a short visit.

Local culture

Local culture in Hakone is shaped by ryokan hospitality and onsen tradition: respectful, relaxed, and focused on restorative rituals like soaking, seasonal kaiseki meals, and ryokan service. Art appreciation is also central — small museums, sculpture gardens, and private collections are woven into the landscape, encouraging a slow, contemplative style of travel. Visitors are expected to follow simple etiquette: cleanse before entering baths, speak softly in shared spaces, and respect private inns and temple grounds.

Food

Hakone’s cuisine highlights regional ingredients and the ryokan kaiseki tradition, where multi-course meals change with the seasons and showcase local produce. A curious culinary local specialty is the kuro-tamago (black egg) from Owakudani — hard-boiled eggs cooked in sulfuric hot springs that turn the shells black and are said to bring longevity. Simple mountain soba, freshwater fish dishes, and sweets made with locally harvested ingredients round out the dining scene, from casual cafes to refined inn dining.

Attractions

Hakone Shrine sits at the edge of Lake Ashi beneath a canopy of cedar trees and is famous for its vermilion torii gate that appears to float on the lake. The shrine’s peaceful grounds and historic atmosphere make it an evocative stop for reflection and photography, especially on misty mornings.

A sightseeing cruise on Lake Ashi lets visitors take in sweeping views of the lake, surrounding mountains, and — on clear days — Mount Fuji. The boat rides are available as part of popular circuit routes and provide a relaxing, scenic way to connect other Hakone sites.

Owakudani, the volcanic valley created by Hakone’s active geothermal system, offers dramatic sulfur vents, steaming pools, and interpretive trails explaining the area’s geology. Visitors often sample the famous black eggs and can learn about volcanic hazards and the science of hot springs while hiking short paths around the site.

The Hakone Open-Air Museum combines sculpture and nature in a hillside park that features large-scale works, interactive pieces, and a notable Picasso collection. Its layout encourages wandering and discovery, with sculptures framed by seasonal foliage and distant mountain views.

Riding the Hakone Tozan Railway, then transferring to the cable car and ropeway, is both transportation and attraction: the rail climbs steep switchbacks through mossy forests, while the ropeway offers panoramic vistas over valleys and the sulfurous landscapes near Owakudani. This combination of rides provides an accessible way to experience the region’s verticality and changing scenery.

Gōra and its surrounding parks and gardens offer manicured respite, tea houses, and horticultural displays that contrast with the wilder volcanic zones. Gōra Park, with its European-style layout and seasonal blooms, is a pleasant stop for families and those seeking a tranquil garden interlude.

Enjoy Hakone at a relaxed pace: soak in an onsen, linger over seasonal meals at a ryokan, and use the scenic transport links to sample mountainsides, lakeside shrines, volcanic valleys, and world-class outdoor art without rushing.

Hakone — Practical Travel Tips

Local customs

• Greet with a slight bow and polite "konnichiwa"; use basic Japanese phrases (please, thank you).
• Remove shoes where indicated (ryokan, some restaurants, temples); socks should be clean and hole-free.
• Be quiet and respectful in public transport, on trails, and in onsen areas—keep phone volume low.
• Follow onsen rules: wash and rinse thoroughly before entering, no swimsuits, tie up long hair, tattoos may be restricted—cover if required.
• Dispose of trash by sorting into burnable/non-burnable/recycling where marked; carry small change for vending machines.

Transportation options

• Hakone Freepass (if available) gives discounted rides on trains, buses, ropeways, cable cars, and boats—buy before arriving or at major stations.
• Odakyu Romancecar from Shinjuku (Tokyo) is a direct, comfortable option; reserve seats in advance for weekends/holidays.
• Local buses reach most attractions; check schedules (less frequent late evening) and have exact fare or IC card ready.
• Use the Hakone Tozan Railway for scenic mountain travel—expect steep, winding tracks and photo stops.
• Pirate-ship on Lake Ashi and the Hakone Ropeway give quick access to sights; plan for wind or fog delays on the ropeway.
• Taxis are convenient for short hops or luggage but cost more; consider shared services or station lockers to avoid carrying large bags.

Safety

• Weather can change quickly in the mountains—bring layers, waterproof jacket, and sturdy shoes for hiking.
• Volcanic activity can affect the Owakudani area; follow local advisories and obey closed-area signs.
• Onsen safety: avoid alcohol before bathing, enter slowly if you have high blood pressure or heart issues, and stay hydrated.
• Keep valuables secure; pickpocketing is rare but standard precautions apply—use hotel safes for passports and extra cash.
• Emergency numbers in Japan: 110 (police), 119 (fire/ambulance); have your accommodation address written in Japanese.

Insider tips

• Stay at a ryokan for a full experience: early booking for rooms with private onsen is recommended.
• Visit early morning or late afternoon to avoid tour-bus crowds at popular photo spots (Lake Ashi, Hakone Shrine torii).
• Carry cash (small bills and coins); some small shops and buses don’t accept cards or foreign IC cards.
• Try local specialties: black eggs (where available), soba, and regional sweets—ask staff for recommendations.
• Use coin lockers at Hakone-Yumoto or Odawara to explore hands-free; many hotels offer luggage transfer services to/from Tokyo.
• Check sunrise/sunset times and weather before planning ropeway or lake activities—views can be spectacular but short-lived.
• If hiking, bring a trail map and water; some trail sections are narrow and can be muddy after rain.
• Learn a few polite phrases in Japanese and show appreciation—staff often go out of their way to help.

Packing checklist (compact)

• Comfortable walking shoes, light waterproof layer, small daypack, reusable water bottle, cash/coins, portable charger, copies of accommodation details in Japanese.

Enjoy Hakone: balance sightseeing with relaxation time in an onsen and allow flexibility—mountain weather and crowds affect plans quickly.