Hakone is a must on any Japan trip. This mountain town is famous for its hot springs, cozy ryokans, and stunning views of Mt. Fuji. It's the perfect place to slow down and enjoy Japan's onsen.
To make your trip easier, we've created handy Hakone maps, covering travel routes, top attractions, and sample itineraries.
Where is Hakone?
Hakone is located in the Mt. Fuji area, about 90 km (1.5 hours' drive) from Tokyo and about 30 km from the Fuji Five Lakes area.
Hakone's location in JapanHakone Attractions Map—What to See in Hakone?
Hakone itself is stunning, surrounded by incredible natural scenery.
The region is mainly split into three areas: Gora, Hakone-Yumoto, and Lake Ashi.
Most top sights are clustered around Gora and Hakone-Yumoto, including Lake Ashi, Owakudani Valley, and the Hakone Open-Air Museum. These areas are connected by the Hakone Tozan Railway, cable car, and ropeway.
For a classic day tour, you will simply follow a loop. You will start at Hakone-Yumoto, then take the Tozan Railway to Gora, then to lake Ashi for the cruise, and back to Hakone-Yumoto by public bus.
Cruise on Lake Ashi in Hakone with views of Mt FujiHowever, the Tozan Railway can get very crowded during the cherry blossom and foliage seasons—sometimes you may wait more than an hour. To save time, we recommend joining a private tour or using a taxi for part of the journey.
If you enjoy nature, stay one more night to try a light walk on the Old Tokaido Trail, once the main route between Tokyo and Kyoto.
If you have 2–3 days in Hakone, use the Hakone Free Pass to get around. It gives you unlimited rides on buses, trains, boats, cable cars, and ropeways in the area for two or three consecutive days. We can help you purchase the pass if you need it.
Hakone Accommodation Map—Where to Stay in Hakone?
Hakone has three main areas to stay: Hakone-Yumoto, Gora, and Lake Ashi (Moto-Hakone). We recommend Hakone-Yumoto if it's your first visit, as it's in town and very convenient for exploring the region.
Hakone-Yumoto – Best for Short Stays
If you only spend one night, stay in Hakone-Yumoto.
It's the gateway to Hakone with easy access from Tokyo, Osaka, or Kyoto. Around the station, you'll find plenty of ryokans, shops, and restaurants.
Gora—Better for Longer Stays
Nestled in the mountains, Gora sits at the heart of Hakone's attractions. Better for two-night stays, it's perfect for exploring the cable car, ropeway, and nearby museums. It's also well-connected to the Mt. Fuji Five Lakes area.
Note: There aren't many restaurants nearby, so you may need a taxi to Hakone-Yumoto for dining or shopping.
Lake Ashi (Moto-Hakone) – Best for Scenic Retreats
For a peaceful lakeside escape, this area offers luxury hotels and ryokans with stunning views of Lake Ashi and Mt. Fuji. Perfect if you want a quiet retreat surrounded by nature.
Plan Your Hakone Japan Tour With Us
With our private tour, you won't need to worry about transportation—just choose the area that suits your travel style, and we'll handle the rest. Let's design your Hakone trip together!
How to Travel to Hakone from Tokyo？
For the most comfortable trip, we recommend a private car; you can go at your own pace and stop wherever you want along the way.
If you prefer traveling on your own, the Odakyu Railway is the easiest option. Buy a Hakone Free Pass to cover your round-trip from Tokyo and enjoy unlimited rides on trains, cable cars, ropeways, boats, and buses in Hakone.
How to Plan Your Hakone Trip – Hakone Itinerary Map
You can visit Hakone as a day trip from Tokyo or stay overnight for a more relaxed experience. We highly recommend spending one night; it lets you unwind in a hot spring and enjoy the scenic views at a slower pace.
If you're planning a day trip, take a private tour for a smooth and relaxed experience. Using public transportation can be time-consuming and involves quite a bit of walking between sights, which will make your day very rushed
Below are two sample itineraries: a one-day classic route and a two-day leisure plan, to inspire your own Hakone trip.
1-Day Classic Hakone Experience
See all of Hakone's classic highlights in one day.
Itinerary:
- Morning: Travel from Tokyo to Gora and visit the Hakone Open-Air Museum and Owakudani Valley.
- Afternoon: Enjoy the scenic Lake Ashi Pirate Ship Cruise, then visit the Hakone Shrine before returning to Tokyo.
2-Day Hakone Leisure Trip
Enjoy Hakone at a slower pace and soak in its relaxing hot springs.
Day 1:
- Travel from Tokyo to Hakone. Walk part of the Old Tokaido Road (Hakone Hachiri Trail), cruise on Lake Ashi, and visit Owakudani Valley.
- Overnight: Stay in Hakone and relax in a traditional onsen ryokan (hot spring inn)
Day 2:
- Spend the morning exploring the Hakone Open-Air Museum or Gora Park.
- Afternoon: Depart for your next destination—whether it's Mount Fuji, Kyoto, or Tokyo.
Plan Your Hakone Trip with Japan Highlights
All the maps and tips above are designed to help you explore Hakone with ease. But if you want to skip the planning stress and enjoy a truly seamless experience, our private, tailor-made tours are here for you.
Just tell us your travel style and interests, and we'll create the perfect Hakone itinerary for you!
Get Inspired with Some Popular Itineraries
At Japan Highlights, we create your kind of journey — your dates, your destinations, at your pace. You can have any trip tailor made for your travel.
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