7 recommended sightseeing spots in Hakone. We also introduce some hole-in-the-wall spots where you can avoid the crowds!
Hakone is a hot spring resort famous throughout Japan. Hakone is dotted with historic shrines and places of historic interest, not to mention nature where you can feel the changing of the seasons. After a refreshing soak in one of the nation's most famous hot springs, why not take a stroll through Hakone's famous landmarks? Here are some of the best places to visit for those who love the beauty of nature and history.
<Recommended Sightseeing Spots in Hakone
1Hakone Old Highway
Listen to the footsteps of people who came and went on the Tokaido Highway in the Edo period.
During the Edo period (1603-1867), the Tokaido Highway was one of the main roads connecting Edo and Kyoto. The most difficult part of the Tokaido Highway was what is now known as the "Old Highway of Hakone. In 1680 (Empo 8), the Edo Shogunate paved the muddy pass in Hakone, which used to be a shin-deep muddy road, with stones to make it easier to walk. This made it easier to walk, and many people began to walk along the Hakone Hachi-no-Sato trail.
The cobblestone pavements of Hakone's Old Highway are recommended for beginner hikers.
The Old Hakone Highway is now a popular hiking trail that even beginners can easily enjoy. The most popular route runs from near the Hatajuku bus stop on the Hakone Tozan Bus line to Lake Ashi, and takes about 90 minutes to walk. Why not take a leisurely stroll along the cobblestone path while imagining the footsteps of the people who once passed this way?The Old Hakone Highway reveals different facets depending on the changing seasons and the weather of the day. You’ll find something new to enjoy no matter how many times you visit.
- Hakone old highway, stone pavement
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Near Hatajuku, Hakone-cho, Ashigarashita-gun, Kanagawa Prefecture - Near Sasahara-shinden, Mishima City, Shizuoka Prefecture MAP
Approximately 15 minutes by car from Hakone Tozan Railway Hakone-Yumoto Station
Take a bus from Hakone Tozan Railway Hakone-Yumoto Station, get off at Hatajuku, and walk about 1 minute.
0460-85-5700（Hakone Town Tourist Information Center)
2Lake Ashi
Hakone's most famous scenic spot. The vermilion torii gate floats on the lake.
Lake Ashi, located within the caldera of Mount Hakone, is one of Hakone’s most iconic scenic spots. It is said to have been formed when sediment from an eruption near Owakudani approximately 3,100 years ago dammed a river.Tourist spots such as the “Hakone Checkpoint” and “Hakone Shrine” are dotted along the lakeshore, and sightseeing boats operate to let visitors enjoy the views from the water. The lake is also home to many fish, including rainbow trout and smelt, making it a great spot for fishing enthusiasts.
A spectacular spot overlooking Lake Ashi
Komagatake Summit Station, which can be reached by the "Hakone Komagatake Ropeway" that departs from "Onshi-Hakone Park" and "Hakone-en", both of which can be reached on foot from Moto-Hakone Port. Both offer spectacular views, but the "Daikan-yama Observation Deck" is recommended for those sightseeing by car. Located about 15 minutes up Prefectural Route 75 (commonly known as the Tsubaki Line) from Moto Hakone Port, it overlooks Lake Ashi from the front of the parking lot and offers a view of the lake, which is long and narrow in shape from north to south.
3Odakyu Yamanohotel Garden
Colorful azaleas and rhododendrons in full bloom are breathtaking.
This prestigious hotel is situated in a magnificent location overlooking Lake Ashi, with the majestic Mount Fuji visible in the distance.The vast garden, inherited from the former villa of Baron Koyata Iwasaki—a businessman of the Taisho and early Showa periods and the fourth-generation head of the Mitsubishi Zaibatsu—is filled in early May with azaleas blooming in unison, covering the grounds like a colorful carpet.By skillfully utilizing the undulating terrain and planting azaleas of various sizes—trimmed into round shapes known as “Tamatsukuri”—the landscape beautifully blends the surrounding views with the flowers. The rhododendrons, which reach full bloom shortly after the azaleas, are also magnificent.
Don't miss the huge old trees over 100 years old and rare varieties.
The garden boasts a wealth of rare varieties, including ancient azalea cultivars from the Edo period and Western rhododendrons said to have been the first of their kind imported into Japan. With ancient specimens over 100 years old and massive plants taller than a person, it is a nationally rare and valuable garden recognized by the Japan Botanical Gardens Association as a “National Collection”—a botanical heritage worth preserving for future generations.It’s easy to see why the Baron would have invited and entertained so many guests here during the peak blooming season.
The garden is dotted with attractions such as “Fujimi Hill,” the “Autumn Foliage Path,” a chapel, and a lawn plaza. Paved walking paths accessible to wheelchairs and strollers allow visitors to enjoy the flowers in comfort.
- Odakyu Yama no Hotel Garden
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- 80 Moto Hakone, Hakone-cho, Ashigarashita-gun, Kanagawa MAP
- Approximately 25 minutes by car from Hakone Tozan Railway Hakone-Yumoto Station
- Free shuttle bus available from Moto-Hakone Port
Garden Hours: 9:00 AM–4:00 PM (last admission)
Open daily *Temporary closures may occur due to mandatory inspections
Free of charge- 0460-83-6321
Free of charge
4Hakone Sekisho
Travel back in time to the world of the Edo period!
The steepness of the mountain pass is not the only reason why Hakone was called "steep under the sun. During the reign of the Tokugawa Shogunate, the Tokaido Highway was subject to particularly strict checkpoints, making it impossible for visitors to come and go easily. Hakone Sekisho, an important site in the history of transportation during the Edo period, has been restored. Stepping into the site, visitors can enjoy the atmosphere of the Edo period and the photogenic exhibits. The view from the watchtower (=Tomibansho) overlooking Lake Ashi and Mt. Fuji is spectacular, and is a recommended photo spot.
Of all the former checkpoint sites across Japan, only the Hakone Checkpoint has been restored to such a high standard
According to some data, there were 53 barrier stations in Japan during the Edo period (1603-1868), but they were all abolished in 1869 (the 2nd year of Meiji era) and all the buildings were demolished. The Hakone barrier is the only one that has been recreated, including the shape, color, location, and surrounding environment of the buildings. The reconstruction also uses the skills and tools of Edo period craftsmen, so you can see almost the same thing as the real thing. In addition, life-size dolls are placed in the museum, and visitors can see a scene of the severe checkpoint inspection at that time along with other materials. Photography is allowed in all areas of the museum except for the Hakone Customs House Museum.
- Hakone Sekisho (barrier station)
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- 1 Hakone, Hakone-cho, Ashigarashita-gun, Kanagawa MAP
- Approximately 25 minutes from Hakone Tozan Railway Hakone-Yumoto Station via Hakone New Road by car.
- Approximately 40 minutes by bus from Hakone Tozan Railway Hakone-Yumoto Station, 2 minutes walk from Hakone Sekisho Ato bus stop.
- 9:00-17:00, Dec-Feb 9:00-16:30 *Last admission 30 minutes before closing
- No holidays
- Adults 500 yen, elementary school students 250 yen
- Hakone
- None
5Hakone Shrine
A shrine that has been watching over Hakone for 1260 years.
Hakone Shrine is visited by many visitors to Hakone. The shrine was founded in 757, the first year of the Tenpyo-Hoji Era (the Nara Period) by Manmaki Shonin, a Buddhist priest who received an oracle from the Great God of Hakone and made a request to the God of Hakone. The shrine is surrounded by rich nature, including a 600-year-old cedar tree and Lake Ashinoko, creating a solemn atmosphere.
The "Heiwa no Torii" (Gate of Peace), located at the end of the stairs leading to the main shrine, is particularly popular among visitors to the shrine. It is a photo spot often introduced in tourist guides, where you can take a wonderful picture with the bright red torii gate floating on Lake Ashi.
One of the most popular power spots in the Kanto region. Visit shrines and temples in search of a good marriage.
Hakone Shrine and its subsidiary shrine, “Kuzuryu Shrine,” are also famous as power spots for matchmaking. It is said that visiting both shrines—known as “Ryosha-mairi”—will grant you even greater divine blessings. From Hakone Shrine to the main hall of Kuzuryu Shrine, it takes about 40–50 minutes to walk northwest along “Shrine Street.”If you’re short on time, you can perform the “Visiting Both Shrines” ritual by visiting “Kuzuryu Shrine Shingu,” located right next to Hakone Shrine.
Additionally, on the 13th of every month, the Monthly Festival (Tsukinami-sai) is held at Kuzuryu Shrine’s Main Shrine, attracting many worshippers from across the country.
- Hakone Shrine
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- 80-1 Moto-Hakone, Hakone-cho, Ashigarashita-gun, Kanagawa MAP
- Approximately 30 minutes by car from Hakone Tozan Railway Hakone-Yumoto Station
- From Hakone Tozan Railway Hakone-Yumoto Station, take a bus and get off at "Hakone Shrine Iriguchi" and walk about 10 minutes.
- 0460-83-7123
- Free of charge
On the 13th day of every month, Hakone Ashinoko Sightseeing Boat operates the "Kutouryuu Shrine Worship Boat" to take you to the main shrine of Kutouryuu Shrine by boat from Moto Hakone Port.
6Dogashima Canyon Trail
The best time to visit the valley is during the season of fresh green and autumn leaves.
The Hayakawa River flows into Sagami Bay from Hakone. Along the way, the 1.5-km stretch from Dogashima hot spring in Miyanoshita to Kiga hot spring is maintained as the Dogashima Gorge Trail. The beauty of the canyon, carved by the Hayakawa River over a long period of time, is sure to soothe the soul just by looking at it. Walking along the promenade, away from the hustle and bustle of the city, you will be surrounded by the sound of water flowing through the gorge and the chirping of birds, and you will forget that Hakone is only an hour away from the center of the city.
The weir where water cascades down and the suspension bridge over the canyon are highlights.
During the beautiful season of fresh green leaves and autumn foliage, hikers with cameras come here to take a stroll. Along the way, there are recreations of hermitages said to have been built by high priests in the past, and other elegant scenery that will keep visitors' eyes busy as they stroll. The highlight of the trail is the suspension bridge near Kiga Hot Spring and the weir in front of it. The suspension bridge, with the weir in the background and an abundance of water flowing down, blends in well with the valley scenery and is a popular photo spot. It is often featured in pamphlets introducing Hakone's four seasons.
- Dogashima Canyon Trail
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- Near Miyanoshita, Hakone-cho, Ashigarashita-gun, Kanagawa Prefecture - Near Kiga, Hakone-cho, Ashigarashita-gun, Kanagawa Prefecture MAP
- 10 min. walk from Miyanoshita Station of Hakone Tozan Railway.
- Take the bus from Hakone Tozan Railway’s Hakone-Yumoto Station, get off at the “Miyanoshita Station” bus stop, and walk about 3 minutes
7Hakone Wet Flower Garden
Enjoy the natural beauty of Hakone and view the seasonal plants in a relaxed atmosphere.
The “Hakone Wetland Botanical Garden” spans approximately 30,000 square meters and is home to some 1,700 species of plants. In addition to 200 species of wetland plants found throughout Japan, 1,100 species of grassland, woodland, and alpine plants, as well as rare mountain plants from abroad, bloom throughout the four seasons.Well-maintained walking trails run through the garden, allowing visitors to complete a full loop in about 40 minutes while enjoying the changing vegetation. Additionally, from March 20 to November 30, Reiwa 8, the exhibition hall will host a “Special Exhibition: 50 Years of the Hakone Wetland Botanical Garden” (panel exhibition).
Mizubashou (Asian skunk-cabbage) and katakuris (dogtooth violet) are popular in spring
While the garden is typically open from spring through late fall, the peak tourist season is early April, when the Japanese skunk cabbage blooms. As the Japanese skunk cabbage reaches its peak bloom, the variety of flowers—such as the Japanese squill—increases day by day, heralding the arrival of spring throughout the garden.The dogtooth violets, which grow in clusters in the garden’s deciduous and autumn-colored forest area, are charming flowers with reddish-purple petals. It is said that it takes an average of 7 to 8 years for them to bloom. If you are able to witness the dogtooth violets blooming all at once, you can consider yourself quite fortunate.
- Hakone Wet Flower Garden
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- 817 Sengokuhara, Hakone-cho, Ashigarashita-gun, Kanagawa MAP
- 15 minutes drive from Gora Station on the Hakone Tozan Railway
- Take a bus from Gora Station on the Hakone Tozan Railway and get off at "Shuseibanaen-mae" bus stop. 1 minute walk from the bus stop.
- 9:00-17:00 (last admission at 16:30)
- Open all year (usually closed during the winter season from December 1 to March 19)
- Adults 700 yen, elementary school students 400 yen
- Hakone
- Free of charge
MAP
- <Recommended Sightseeing Spots in Hakone
- Hoshino Resorts facilities nearby
Local Guide who was in charge of this article
- Kawai, Tetsuyu A chef you can count on
Hoshino Resorts KAI Hakone
Hakone-Yumoto hot spring, Kanagawa
Hot spring ryokan where you can experience "Hakone Gokochi" and enjoy the charms of Hakone to the fullest!
Access by bus Approximately 7 minutes by cab from Hakone Tozan Railway Hakone-Yumoto Station
- Example of Accommodation Rates
- 1 person per night From 38,000 yen
Hoshino Resorts KAI Sengokuhara
Kanagawa-ken Sengokuhara hot spring
Guest rooms overlooking the magnificent nature are all equipped with Outdoor hot springs. Encountering works of art stirs your inner desire to express yourself.
Access by bus 15 minutes by cab from Gora Station on the Hakone Tozan Railway
- Example of Accommodation Rates
- 1 person per night From ¥57,500