Hakone (Kanagawa)
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7 recommended sightseeing spots in Hakone. We also introduce hidden gems where you can avoid the crowds.

Hakone is a nationally famous hot spring resort. In addition to nature where you can feel the changing of the seasons, it is dotted with historic shrines and famous landmarks. After refreshing yourself by soaking in one of the country's leading hot springs, why not take a stroll through Hakone's famous sites? We will introduce sightseeing spots recommended for those who love natural beauty and history.

Listen to the footsteps of people who traveled the Tokaido during the Edo period.

The stone-paved road from Hatajuku to the shores of Lake Ashi has been preserved and maintained.
A stone-paved path has been preserved and maintained from Hatajuku to the shores of Lake Ashi

During the Edo period, the Tokaido, which connected Edo and Kyoto, was one of the main highways for people. The most difficult section of the Tokaido was what is now the "Old Hakone Road." This mountain path, known as the "steepest in the realm," stretched for about 32 km (about 8 ri) from the Hakone-guchi gate in Odawara to Mishima, and was called "Hakone Hachiri," said to take even an adult a full day to traverse. In 1680 (the 8th year of the Enpo era), the Edo Shogunate paved the muddy mountain pass, where people would sink up to their shins, with stones, making it easier to walk and allowing many people to travel back and forth along the Hakone Hachiri.

The stone-paved paths of the Hakone Old Tokaido Road are recommended even for hiking beginners.

The cedar avenue along the shore of Lake Ashi is popular as a walking path. A stone-paved road runs through cedar trees that are approximately 400 years old.
The cedar-lined path along the shore of Lake Ashi is a popular walking trail. The stone path runs through cedar trees that are approximately 400 years old

Today, the Old Hakone Road is popular as a hiking course that even beginners can easily enjoy. The most popular route goes from near the Hatajuku bus stop on the Hakone Tozan Bus to Lake Ashi, and can be walked in about 90 minutes. Why not take a slow stroll along the stone-paved path while imagining the footsteps of the people who traveled it in the past? The Old Hakone Road shows a different face depending on the changing seasons and the weather of the day. You can enjoy it no matter how many times you visit.

Hakone Old Tokaido Road / Stone Pavement
  • AddressAround Hatajuku, Hakone-machi, Ashigarashimo-gun, Kanagawa Prefecture to around Sasaharanitta, Mishima City, Shizuoka Prefecture MAP
  • AccessApprox. 15 minutes by car from Hakone-Yumoto Station on the Hakone Tozan Railway
  • Bus accessTake a bus from Hakone-Yumoto Station on the Hakone Tozan Railway, get off at "Hatajuku," and walk for about 1 minute
  • TEL0460-85-5700 (Hakone Town General Tourist Information Center)

One of Hakone's most iconic scenic spots. The vermilion torii gate floating on the lake is stunning.

A shot taken from the Motohakone-ko Port side with Mt. Fuji in the background.
A shot taken from the Motohakone-ko Port side with Mt. Fuji in the background

Lake Ashi, located within the caldera of the Hakone volcano, is one of Hakone's most iconic scenic spots. It is said to have been formed about 3,100 years ago when an eruption near Owakudani caused debris to dam up a river. Tourist spots such as the "Hakone Checkpoint" and "Hakone Shrine" are scattered along the lakeshore, and sightseeing boats are also in operation, allowing you to enjoy the scenery from the lake. It is also recommended for fishing enthusiasts, as many fish such as rainbow trout and pond smelt inhabit the lake.

A scenic spot overlooking Lake Ashi

"Taikanzan Observatory" where you can enjoy a 360-degree panoramic view.
The Taikanzan Observatory, where you can enjoy a 360-degree panoramic view

Famous observation spots overlooking Lake Ashi include Onshi-Hakone Park, which is within walking distance from Motohakone Port, and the Komagatake Summit Station, accessible via the Hakone Komagatake Ropeway departing from Hakone-en. While both offer spectacular views, the Daikanzan Observatory is recommended for those traveling by car. Located about a 15-minute drive up Prefectural Road 75 (commonly known as the Tsubaki Line) from Motohakone Port, it allows you to look down over Lake Ashi directly from the front of the parking lot, providing a view of the lake's long, narrow shape stretching from north to south.

Lake Ashi
  • AddressMotohakone, Hakone-machi, Ashigarashimo-gun, Kanagawa Prefecture MAP
  • AccessApprox. 25 minutes by car from Hakone-Yumoto Station on the Hakone Tozan Railway
  • Bus accessTake a bus from Hakone-Yumoto Station on the Hakone Tozan Railway and get off at "Motohakone-ko"

The colorful, blooming azaleas and rhododendrons are breathtaking

There are about 3,000 azaleas of about 84 varieties and 300 rhododendrons of about 42 varieties collected and planted from both Japan and abroad.
There are about 3,000 azalea plants of approximately 84 varieties, and about 300 rhododendron plants of 42 varieties, collected and planted from both Japan and abroad

This prestigious hotel is located in a magnificent setting where you can look down over Lake Ashi and see the majestic Mount Fuji in the distance. The vast garden, inherited from the villa of Baron Koyata Iwasaki, a businessman of the Taisho and early Showa periods and the fourth head of the Mitsubishi zaibatsu, is blanketed in a colorful carpet of azaleas that bloom all at once in early May. By skillfully utilizing the undulating terrain and planting shrubs of various sizes trimmed into round shapes known as 'tamazukuri,' the garden creates a landscape where the surrounding scenery and flowers blend beautifully. The rhododendrons, which reach full bloom shortly after the azaleas, are also stunning.

The century-old giant trees and rare varieties are also a must-see

Among those planted during the Baron's villa era, there are large bushes that are 3 meters in length and width.
Among those planted during the time of the Baron's villa, there are large plants measuring 3 meters in both height and width

The garden is rich in rare varieties, including old azalea cultivars created during the Edo period and Western rhododendrons said to be the first imported into Japan. With ancient shrubs over 100 years old and large specimens taller than a person, it is a rare and valuable garden recognized as a 'National Collection' by the Japan Association of Botanical Gardens as a botanical heritage to be preserved for future generations. It is easy to understand why the Baron would invite and entertain many guests when the flowers were in full bloom.
The grounds are dotted with highlights such as the 'Fujimi no Oka' (Fuji-viewing hill), the 'Momiji no Komichi' (Maple path), a chapel, and a lawn plaza. Paved walking paths accessible to wheelchairs and strollers ensure a comfortable flower-viewing experience.

Odakyu Hotel de Yama Garden
  • Address80 Motohakone, Hakone-machi, Ashigarashimo-gun, Kanagawa Prefecture MAP
  • AccessApprox. 25 minutes by car from Hakone-Yumoto Station on the Hakone Tozan Railway
  • Bus accessFree shuttle bus available from Motohakone-ko
  • Business hoursGarden 9:00–16:00 (last admission)
  • ClosedOpen daily *May close temporarily for statutory inspections
  • Admission FeeFree
  • TEL0460-83-6321
  • ParkingFree

Travel back in time to the Edo period

The Kyoguchi-gomon Gate is a particularly popular photo spot at the Hakone Checkpoint. The imposing gate, standing 6 meters tall, overwhelms visitors.
The Kyoguchi-gomon Gate is a particularly popular photo spot at the Hakone Checkpoint. The imposing gate, standing 6 meters tall, overwhelms visitors

The reason Hakone was called the "steepest place in the world" was not just because of the rugged mountain pass. During the Tokugawa Shogunate, the Tokaido road was subject to particularly strict inspections, making it difficult to travel through easily. The "Hakone Checkpoint," an important historical site from the Edo period, has been restored. Once you step onto the grounds, you can experience the atmosphere of the Edo period and enjoy photogenic exhibits. The view from the lookout hut (Tomiban-sho), which overlooks Lake Ashi and Mount Fuji, is magnificent and is a highly recommended photo spot.

Hakone Checkpoint is the only one among the nation's former checkpoint sites to be restored to such a high degree

The guardhouse features figures of officials who were in charge of daily operations, offering a glimpse into what inspections were like at the time.
The guardhouse features figures of officials who were in charge of daily operations, offering a glimpse into what inspections were like at the time

According to some documents from the Edo period, there were 53 checkpoints across the country, but they were all abolished in 1869 (the second year of the Meiji era), and the buildings were all demolished. This Hakone Checkpoint is the only one that has been recreated, including the shape and color of the buildings, their original locations, and the surrounding environment. Because Edo-period craftsmanship and tools were used in its restoration, you can see a version that is almost identical to the original. Inside, life-sized figures are placed to show scenes of the strict inspections of the time, along with historical materials. Please note that photography is permitted everywhere except for the Hakone Checkpoint Museum.

Hakone Checkpoint
  • Address1 Hakone, Hakone-machi, Ashigarashimo-gun, Kanagawa Prefecture MAP
  • AccessApprox. 25 min by car from Hakone-Yumoto Station on the Hakone Tozan Railway via Hakone Shindo
  • Bus accessApprox. 40 min by bus from Hakone-Yumoto Station on the Hakone Tozan Railway, get off at "Hakone Sekisho-ato" and walk approx. 2 min
  • Business hours9:00–17:00, Dec–Feb 9:00–16:30 *Last admission 30 minutes before closing
  • ClosedOpen every day
  • Admission FeeAdults 500 yen, elementary school students 250 yen
  • TEL0460-83-6635
  • ParkingNone

A prestigious shrine that has watched over Hakone for 1,260 years

The Fourth Torii gate is located near the chozuya (water pavilion). Climb the 90 steps that continue beyond it to reach the main shrine building.
The fourth torii gate near the chozuya (water pavilion). If you climb the 90 steps that continue beyond it, you will reach the main shrine building

Hakone Shrine is visited by many people traveling to Hakone. It is a historic shrine founded in 757 (the first year of the Tenpyo-hoji era of the Nara period) by Priest Man-gan, who received a divine oracle from the Hakone Okami. Surrounded by rich nature, including ancient cedar trees over 600 years old and Lake Ashi, the shrine grounds exude a solemn atmosphere.
Particularly popular within the grounds is the "Peace Torii Gate," located at the bottom of the stairs leading down from the main hall. It is a photo spot frequently featured in travel guides, where you can take a wonderful picture with the bright red torii gate floating on Lake Ashi.

One of the Kanto region's premier power spots. Visit the shrines and temples in search of good fortune

The Ryujin-sui water, which is said to wash away all impurities.
"Ryujin-sui" (Dragon God Water) that washes away all impurities

Hakone Shrine and its sub-shrine, Kuzuryu Shrine, are famous as power spots for matchmaking. It is said that by performing the "Ryosha Mairi" (pilgrimage to both shrines), you can receive even greater divine blessings. It takes about 40 to 50 minutes to walk northwest along "Jinja-dori" street from Hakone Shrine to the Kuzuryu Shrine main shrine. If you are short on time, you can visit the "Kuzuryu Shrine Shingu" located right next to Hakone Shrine to complete the pilgrimage to both shrines.
Additionally, on the 13th of every month, the monthly festival (Tsukinami-sai) is held at the Kuzuryu Shrine main shrine, attracting many worshippers from all over the country.

Hakone Shrine
  • Address80-1 Motohakone, Hakone-machi, Ashigarashimo-gun, Kanagawa Prefecture MAP
  • AccessApprox. 30 minutes by car from Hakone-Yumoto Station on the Hakone Tozan Railway
  • Bus accessTake a bus from Hakone-Yumoto Station on the Hakone Tozan Railway and get off at "Hakone-jinja Iriguchi," then walk for about 10 minutes.
  • TEL0460-83-7123
  • ParkingFree
  • NotesOnly on the day of the Kuzuryu Shrine Hongu Monthly Festival (the 13th of every month), the Hakone Ashinoko Pleasure Boat operates a "Kuzuryu Shrine Pilgrimage Boat," allowing you to travel from Moto-Hakone Port to near the Kuzuryu Shrine Hongu by boat.

A valley best visited during the fresh green and autumn foliage seasons

You can enjoy a stroll while taking in the beauty of the valley.
You can enjoy a stroll while taking in the beauty of the valley

The Hayakawa River flows with clear water from Mount Hakone into Sagami Bay. Along the way, the approximately 1.5 km stretch from Dogashima Onsen in Miyanoshita to Kiga Onsen has been developed as the "Dogashima Valley Promenade." The beauty of the valley, carved out by the flow of the Hayakawa River over many years, is sure to soothe your heart just by looking at it. Walking along the promenade, far from the hustle and bustle, you will be enveloped by the sound of water flowing through the gorge and the chirping of birds, making you forget that Hakone is just an hour away from the city center.

The highlights are the weir where water cascades down and the suspension bridge spanning the valley

A weir located near Kiga Onsen. The view from the nearby suspension bridge is exceptionally beautiful.
A weir located near Kiga Onsen. The view from the nearby suspension bridge is exceptionally beautiful

During the seasons of beautiful fresh greenery and autumn leaves, hikers with cameras visit for a stroll. The path features charming scenery, such as a reconstruction of a hermitage said to have been built by an ancient high priest, keeping those who enjoy walking entertained. The highlight of the promenade is the suspension bridge near Kiga Onsen and the weir right in front of it. The suspension bridge, set against the weir with its abundant flowing water, blends perfectly into the valley landscape and is a popular photo spot. It is frequently featured in pamphlets introducing the four seasons of Hakone.

Dogashima Valley Promenade
  • AddressAround Miyanoshita, Hakone-machi, Ashigarashimo-gun, Kanagawa Prefecture to around Kiga, Hakone-machi, Ashigarashimo-gun, Kanagawa Prefecture MAP
  • AccessAbout a 10-minute walk from Miyanoshita Station on the Hakone Tozan Railway.
  • Bus accessTake a bus from Hakone-Yumoto Station on the Hakone Tozan Railway and get off at the "Miyanoshita Station" bus stop, then walk for about 3 minutes.

Relax and enjoy seasonal plants while feeling the nature of Hakone

Located at an altitude of about 650 meters, you can enjoy a cool and comfortable stroll even in midsummer.
Located at an altitude of about 650 meters, you can enjoy a cool and comfortable stroll even in midsummer

The Hakone Botanical Garden of Wetlands grows about 1,700 species of plants on a site of approximately 30,000 square meters. In addition to 200 species of plants from wetlands scattered across Japan, 1,100 species of grassland, forest, and alpine plants, as well as other rare foreign mountain grasses, bloom throughout the four seasons. A walking path is maintained within the garden, allowing you to walk around the entire grounds in about 40 minutes while feeling the changes in vegetation. Also, from March 20 to November 30, 2026, a "Special Exhibition: 50 Years of the Hakone Botanical Garden of Wetlands" (panel exhibition) will be held in the exhibition room.

Popular for its Asian skunk cabbage and dogtooth violet in the spring

In April, in addition to Asian skunk cabbage, you can see dogtooth violets, lady's slipper orchids, and short-fringed galax in full bloom.
In April, in addition to Asian skunk cabages, you can see dogtooth violets, lady's slippers, and shortia galacifolia in full bloom

The park is typically open from spring to late autumn, but the period that attracts the most tourists is early April, when the Asian skunk cabbage blooms. As the Asian skunk cabbage reaches its peak, the variety of flowers, such as marsh marigolds, increases day by day, signaling the arrival of spring in the park. The dogtooth violet, which grows in clusters in the park's deciduous forest area, is a lovely flower with reddish-purple petals. It is said to take an average of 7 to 8 years to bloom. If you are able to see the dogtooth violets in full bloom all at once, you can consider yourself very lucky.

Hakone Botanical Garden of Wetlands
  • Address817 Sengokuhara, Hakone-machi, Ashigarashimo-gun, Kanagawa Prefecture MAP
  • AccessAbout a 15-minute drive from Gora Station on the Hakone Tozan Railway.
  • Bus accessTake a bus from Gora Station on the Hakone Tozan Railway and get off at "Shisseikaen-mae," then walk for about 1 minute.
  • Business hours9:00–17:00 (Last admission at 16:30)
  • ClosedOpen every day (usually closed for winter from December 1 to March 19)
  • Admission FeeAdults 700 yen, elementary school students 400 yen
  • TEL0460-84-7293
  • ParkingFree

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