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12 Best Sightseeing Spots in Hakone: The Hot Springs Paradise Near Tokyo

12 Best Sightseeing Spots in Hakone: The Hot Springs Paradise Near Tokyo

Last updated: 30 October 2023

You've probably heard of Japan's “Golden Route” - the standard route to take when traveling in Japan. Over the years it has become quite common with foreign travelers.

We will cover Hakone, one of the spots located along the Golden Route, and its main sightseeing areas of Gora, Lake Ashi, Hakone Yumoto and Yugawara.

Table of Contents
  1. Hakone and its Many Attractions!
  2. Hakone Yumoto: Many Attractions at the Entrance to Hakone!
  3. Gora: Fully Enjoy Art by Visiting Museums and Making an Original Work!
  4. Lake Ashi: Enjoy Hakone at the Lakeside!
  5. Yugawara: Enjoy the Four Seasons and Nature!

Hakone and its Many Attractions!

Hakone map
Hakone map

First, let’s take a look at the Hakone map and see where each area is located.

Here we have the 4 major spots in Hakone - Hakone Yumoto, Lake Ashi, Gora, and Yugawara - and their unique features. Hakone, which has great access from Tokyo by train, has different attractions depending on the area you visit.

With a plethora of various activities, Hakone attracts man repeating visitors from Japan and overseas and claims its position as one of Japan’s major sightseeing destinations. Let’s dive in and take a look at each area.

Hakone Yumoto: Many Attractions at the Entrance to Hakone!

Hakone Enmusubi Fukuya Kuzuryu Mochi

Fukuya’s workshop
Fukuya’s workshop

Hakone Enmusubi Fukuya Kuzuryu Mochi is a gift shop where you can see how the sweets are made at their workshop.

Their main item Kuzuryu Mochi is an amazing gem that only uses domestic ingredients. The “Roasted Mont Blanc” with a large bittersweet chestnut and almond paste is very popular with foreign visitors

Kuzuryu Mochi (150 yen for one, tax included)
Kuzuryu Mochi (150 yen for one, tax included)
Roasted Mont Blanc (380 yen for one, tax included)
Roasted Mont Blanc (380 yen for one, tax included)

Another reason behind Fukuya’s popularity is the foot bath with hot spring water flowing directly from the source (adults 200 yen, elementary school students, and below 150 yen, tax included, towel provided). The simple alkaline hot spring helps ease sore muscles, arthralgia, sensitivity to cold, and relieving fatigue. After looking around for souvenirs, this is the perfect place to relax and rejuvenate.

The footbath in front of the store
The footbath in front of the store
  • Hakone En-Musubi Fukuya Kuzuryu Mochi
    箱根縁結び 福久や 九頭龍餅
    • Address 729 Yumoto, Hakone Ahigarashimo District
    • Nearest Station Access: About a 5-minute walk from Hakone Tozan railway Hakone-Yumoto Station
    • Phone Number 0460-85-8818
    • ・Hours: Weekdays 9 AM - 5:30 PM, Weekends and Holidays 9 AM - 6 PM
      ・Closed: Not scheduled

Amidaji Temple

Amidaji Temple, which is also known as the Hydrangea Temple, was established in the Edo period. In the rainy season, the temple is surrounded by colorful hydrangeas. The temple was founded by Tansei Shonin, who practiced mokujiki. Mokujiki is a practice where a monk only eats nuts and fruits from trees. About 350 meters behind the main hall, there is a cave where Tansei Shonin would meditate.

Another famous feature of the temple is the biwa instrument performance by the 38th head priest. The performance starts from 11 AM until noon every day for groups of 3 ppl and above, and it costs 1,000 yen per person (including tea and souvenirs); it is a great opportunity to feel Japanese culture firsthand.

Also for foreign travelers who don’t understand Japanese, they offer tablets for translation so you can enjoy the performance.

  • Amidaji Temple
    阿弥陀寺
    • Address 24 Tonosawa, Hakone-machi, Ashigarashimo-gun Kanagawa
    • Nearest Station About a 40-minute walk from Hakone Tozan Railway Hakone-Yumoto Station, about 5 minutes by car.
      About 15-20 minute walk from Haknoe Tozan Railway Tonosawa Station
    • Phone Number 0460-85-5193
    • ・Hours: 9 AM - 5 PM
      ・Closed: Open daily
      ・Admission: Free

Hakone Yuryo

Hakone Yuryo is a famous hot spring facility offering large communal open-air baths and private open-air baths, perfect for groups and families on day trips.

We highly recommend experiencing the Finnish loyly sauna. Aromatic water is poured over hot stones, and you enjoy the steam. However, at Hakone Yuryo, a fan blows the hot steam on you to promote more sweating. It is popular as it leads to the promotion of metabolism.

Also at Irorisaryo Hachiri, you can experience authentic irori (hearth-cooked) cuisine, by the head chef who formerly worked at an Odakyu Group hotel.

Japanese food made with natural ingredients
Japanese food made with natural ingredients
  • Hakone Yuryo
    箱根湯寮
    • Address 4 Tonosawa, Hakone-machi, Ashigarashimo-gun Kanagawa
    • Nearest Station Three minutes via the free shuttle bus from Hakone Tozan Railway Hakone-Yumoto Station
      (By car)
      About 10 minutes from Odawara-Atsugi Road Hakoneguchi IC
      About 45 minutes from Tomei Expressway Gotemba IC
      Free parking (92 vehicles)
    • Phone Number 0460-85-8411
    • ・Hours: Weekdays 10 AM - 8 PM (Final admission 7 PM), Weekends and Holidays 10 AM - 9 PM (Final admission 8 PM); Dining facility: 10 AM onwards; Relaxation: 11 AM - 8 PM (Final admission 7 PM)

      ・Closed: None (irregular maintenance)

      ・Prices: Communal Open-Air Bath: Adults (Junior High School Students and Above): 1,600 yen (1,900 yen on weekends and holidays), Children (Elementary School Students): 900 yen; Private Open-Air Bath: Up to 2 people, 18m²: Weekday: 9,400 yen, Weekend and Holiday: 10,400 yen, 30 minutes extension: 2,350 yen (weekday), 2,600 yen (weekend and holiday); Up to 4 people, 24m²: Weekday: 11,400 yen, Weekend and Holiday: 12,400 yen, 30 minutes extension: 2,850 yen (weekday), 3,100 yen (weekend and holiday); Up to 4 people, 32m²: Weekday: 13,400 yen, Weekend and Holiday: 14,400 yen, 30 minutes extension: 3,350 yen (weekday), 3,600 yen (weekend and holiday); All prices include tax, Usage time is 120 minutes for all rooms.

Gora: Fully Enjoy Art by Visiting Museums and Making an Original Work!

Hakone Open-Air Museum

Hakone Open-Air Museum

Hakone Open-Air Museum was ranked in the top 10 for the “Popular Sightseeing Spots in Japan by Foreign Visitors.” It is the first open-air museum in Japan and has about 120 sculptures on its large premises.

There are many art collections, such as works from the world-famous sculptor Henry Moore, and there are also art pieces where you can play on, which is great for families with children.

Children playing on a soap bubble castle
Children playing on a soap bubble castle

The most popular spot at Hakone Open-Air Museum is the Symphonic Sculpture. It’s a large tower covered in stained glass, and entering the tower feels like going inside a kaleidoscope.

  • Hakone Open-Air Museum
    彫刻の森美術館
    • Address 1121 Ninotaira, Hakone-machi, Ashigarashimo-gun Kanagawa
    • Nearest Station About a 2-minute walk from Hakone Tozan Railway Chokoku-no-Mori Station
    • Phone Number 0460-82-1161
    • ・Hours: 9 AM - 5 PM (Final admission 30 mins before closing)
      ・Closed: None
      ・Admission: General 1,600 yen, university and high school students 1,200 yen, junior high school students and elementary school students 800 yen.

      Group discount available.
      Admission prices include tax.

Hakone Museum of Art

The Hakone Museum of Art is a great place for experiencing Japanese culture and traditions. Unlike the Hakone Open-Air Museum, this museum offers a variety of beautiful gardens that reflect the four seasons. You can enjoy the moss garden and Ishirakuen, a traditional garden with large stones.

Moss garden in summer
Moss garden in summer

In autumn when the leave colors change, the garden is filled in bright colors with over 200 maple trees. The breathtaking view mesmerizes many visitors.

Moss garden in autumn
Moss garden in autumn

They also have important cultural property on display, such as haniwa (clay figure) and Jomon doki (straw-roped pattern pottery) from ancient Japan, and pottery from the Kamakura and Muromachi periods. If you would like to start looking around from the garden, we recommend taking the route from the left going along the moss garden, team room, ishirakuen then to the museum.

  • Hakone Museum of Art
    箱根美術館
    • Address 1300 Hakone-machi, Gora, Kanagawa
    • Nearest Station Near Hakone Tozan Cable Car Line Koen-Kami Station
    • Phone Number 0460-82-2623
    • ・Hours: 9:30 AM - 4:30 PM, December - March: 9:30 AM - 4 PM; Final admission is 30 minutes before closing.
      ・Admission: General: 1,300 yen, High school and university student: 600 yen, Under junior high school student: Free, Senior discount: 1,100 yen, Disabled discount: 800 yen; Group discount available (for groups with more than 10 people); Admission prices include tax.
      ・Closed: Thursday (open if Thursday falls on a holiday, during November), New Year's holiday.

Hakone CRAFTHOUSE

Make glass and small plates at the “Glassblowing Session”
Make glass and small plates at the “Glassblowing Session”

If you are interested in traditional Japanese culture, we recommend Hakone CRAFTHOUSE, where you can experience eight traditional crafts making.

Popular activities among foreign visitors are the “Lampwork Bead” and “Pottery.” The “Lampwork Bead” session is trendy as it is easy to try out. There are over 100 beads you can combine to make an original item. Also, with the “Lampwork Bead,” you can take home what you make on the same day, which is always lovely.

“Lamwork Bead” crafting
“Lamwork Bead” crafting

Also, at Komamonoya Hakone, which opened in July 2019, you can acquire crafts from artists in the Hakone and Odawara area and cute handmade accessories, which are only available here. Stop by, and you might find a special item.

  • HAKONE CRAFTHOUSE
    箱根クラフトハウス
    • Address (In Gora Park) 1300 Gora, Hakone-Machi, Ashigarashimo-gun, Kanagawa
    • Nearest Station About a 5-minute walk from Hakone Tozan Railway Gora Station
      About a minute walk from Hakone Tozan Cable Car Line Koen-Shimo Station
      Right by Hakone Shisetsu Meguri Bus Gora Park Station
    • Phone Number 0460-82-9210
    • ・Open: 9 AM - 5 PM (*Times may vary according to the season); Facility may close due to bad weather such as snow and Typhoon; Final admission is 30 minutes prior to closing; Depending on the activity, the final sign-up times are different. Please contact the facility for more details.
      ・Closed: None
      ・Entrance Fee: Adult: 550 yen, Children (elementary school student or younger): Free; Admission prices include tax.

Lake Ashi: Enjoy Hakone at the Lakeside!

Hakone Shrine

Hakone Shrine

There are numerous spots from where you can enjoy the stunning view of Lake Ashi. Hakone Shrine, situated near Lake Ashi, has been a prominent spiritual site for mountain worship in the Kanto region. Many warlords, including Tokugawa Ieyasu, held this shrine in high regard.

Recently, the Heiwa-no-Torii, which means peace gate, has become increasingly popular. It is a picturesque location where many visitors take photos of the torii gate standing on the surface of Lake Ashi.

Another place to visit with Hakone Shrine is Kuzuryu Shrine. The shrine enshrines a god that brings good fortune to matchmaking, and on the 13th of every month, many ladies attend the monthly festival.

Premium Shop & Salon de thé Rosage

Premium Shop & Salon de thé Rosage
Premium Shop & Salon de thé Rosage

Next is the Premium Shop & Salon de thé Rosage right by the lakeside. Their popular dish is the “Traditional Rosage Hot Apple Pie with Vanilla Ice Cream” (1,800 yen for one, 2,600 yen with the tea set, including pot service). The combination of the textures of the apple and the pie crust, the hot pie and cold vanilla ice cream, and the harmony of sweetness and sourness, the total experience is incredible.

“Dressage” where they draw pictures with fruit sauce in front of you.
“Dressage” where they draw pictures with fruit sauce in front of you.

Also Rosage has been designated as a “delicious tea store” by the Japan Tea Association, and at the select shop there are many people who purchase the “Original Domestic Tea” (1,620 yen ~) and the Tea Strainer (880 yen ~).

Original Domestic Tea
Original Domestic Tea
  • Premium Shop & Salon de thé Rosage
    プレミアムショップ&サロン・ド・テ ロザージュ
    • Address 80, Motohakone, Hakone-machi, Ashigarashimo-gun, Kanagawa
    • Nearest Station 15-Minute walk from Hakone Tozan bus Moto Hakone-ko stop
      *Free shuttle bus
    • Phone Number 0460-83-6321
    • ・Hours: 10:30 AM - 5 PM (Last order 5 PM); December - February, Last order 4 PM.
      ・Closed: Closed on some days in the winter season.

Hakone-en

Located by the lakeside of Lake Ashi, Hakone-en is a consolidated amusement facility that offers activities such as Hakone Komagatake Ropeway, an aquarium, a zoo, a golf course, and panoramic parks.

Komagatake Ropeway and Lake Ashi
Komagatake Ropeway and Lake Ashi

The aquarium is located at the highest elevation in Japan and has three areas: Seawater Hall, Freshwater Hall, and Baikal Seal Square. They also have scheduled shows such as the “Bika Seal Show,” “Underwater Sow in the Large Tank,” and the “Shake Hands with the Asian Small-Clawed Otter.”

A unique seal show with Japanese elements
A unique seal show with Japanese elements

Many people fall in love with the baby otter that was born in late 2018. Getting a glimpse of the adorable otter will be a great addition to your trip.

  • Hakone-en Aquarium
    • Address 139, Motohakone, Hakone-machi, Ashigarashimo-gun, Kanagawa, 250-0522
      View Map
    • Nearest Station Odawara Station (Tokaido Shinkansen Line / JR Tokaido Main Line / JR Shonan Shinjuku Line / JR Ueno Tokyo Line / Odakyu Odawara Line / Hakone Tozan Railway / Izuhakone Railway Daiyuzan Line)
    • Phone Number 0460-83-1151

Yugawara: Enjoy the Four Seasons and Nature!

Manyo Park

Manyo Park full of vibrant green
Manyo Park full of vibrant green

Let's visit Yugawara and explore the area. Our first stop should be Manyo Park, which is considered as one of the top 100 historical parks in Japan. Yugawara Onsen, which is mentioned in Japan's oldest poem Manyoshu, is also located here. The park has many plants mentioned in the poem and is known as a relaxing place for visitors.

Manyotei is located near the park entrance and is a tea room designed to imitate the ancient architecture of the Manyo period. You can have a cup of matcha green tea and sweets for just 500 yen, and it's an excellent spot to unwind.

Manyotei
Manyotei

Further in the park there is the Doppo no Yu, a place where you can enjoy 9 foot baths. It uses hot spring water and said to help ease 9 different troubles.

Doppo no Yu
Doppo no Yu
  • MAN'YOUKOUEN
    • Address 704, Miyakami, Yugawara-machi, Ashigarashimo-gun, Kanagawa, 259-0314
      View Map
    • Nearest Station Yugawara Station (JR Tokaido Main Line / JR Ueno Tokyo Line)
    • Phone Number 0465-63-2111

Fudo-Taki

Fudo-taki waterfall is located upstream of the Fujiki River, a tributary of the Chitose River. It is a small 15 m water fall located in the bamboo forest, however the volume of water flowing is quite extraordinary, and surprises many visitors.

Fudo-taki is also famous for discovering the Yugawaralite, a new stone discovered in 1931 at the waterfall basin. Since the stone minerals are almost identical to Yugawara onsen’s hot spring source, they believe that Yugawaralite is connected to the hot spring.

Small but powerful Fudo-taki
Small but powerful Fudo-taki

After absorbing the negative ion from the waterfall, head to the Migawari-Fudoson on the left and Shusse Daikokuson to the right and make a prayer. There is also a tea shop where you can take a break on your way back.

Tivoli Yugawara Sweets Factory

After enjoying the scenery of Yugawara, how about spicing your trip up by visiting a sweets factory? Tivoli Yugawara Sweets Factory is a consolidated facility that has a shop, cafe, factory and a cookie buffet, which is run by the famous baked confectioneries company.

The “Mini Factory Visitor's Course” is popular with all visitors. You don’t need to make a reservation so you can stop by anytime and see how cookies and other baked confectioneries are made.

Mini Factory Visitor's Course
Mini Factory Visitor's Course

Another course we recommend is the “Sweets making experience,” available for children above 3 years old. Children below 5 years must join with a guardian. Here you can draw on a cookie with a sugar pen and make an original cookie! However this course requires a reservation.

  • Tivoli Yugawara Sweets Factory
    ちぼり湯河原スイーツファクトリー
    • Address 1-15-4, Doi, Yugawara-machi, Kanagawa
    • Nearest Station 3-minute walk from JR Yugawara Station
    • Phone Number 0465-63-0404
    • ・Hours: 10 AM - 8 PM
      ・Closed: None (will close a few times a year for maintenance, and New Year’s Holidays)
      ・Fee: Tivoli Cookie Drawing Course: 1,000 yen (tax included), Cookie Buffet: 660 yen (tax included), All you can eat for 60 minutes, comes with one drink.

We covered 3 popular spots in the 4 major areas of Hakone Yumoto, Gora, Lake Ashi and Yugawara. These popular destination can be congested at time, but please follow the rules and be mindful of others while you enjoy your visit.

*This article was written based on infomation available in April 9, 2019 and updated in October 2023.

*This information is from the time of this article's publication.
*Prices and options mentioned are subject to change.
*Unless stated otherwise, all prices include tax.

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