Hakone is one of Japan’s classic onsen resort destinations, perfect for relaxing in nature, soaking in onsen, and enjoying Mt. Fuji views on a clear day. Hakone is a long-standing escape from bustling Tokyo. Visiting Hakone on a day-trip from Tokyo has become easier over time, with tickets like the Odakyu Hakone Freepass allowing unlimited access to Hakone public transport rides.
But Hakone isn’t just about onsen and the Hakone Loop route! Hakone has a number of things to do like exploring unique museums, historic teahouses, Japanese gardens, and more. This guide highlights things to do in Hakone, including unique things that will make your trip more memorable than just following the standard Hakone Loop.
Whether you’re visiting on a day-trip or staying overnight in a Hakone ryokan, here’s how to experience the best of Hakone.
Tip: If you plan to stay overnight, be sure to read my post on where to stay in Hakone and my Japanese onsen etiquette guide.
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1. The Hakone Loop Route
Ok so let’s get the basics out of the way first. The top thing to do in Hakone, especially if you’re short on time or visiting on a day-trip, is the Hakone Loop. Purchase the Odakyu Hakone Freepass to get access to Hakone’s unique rides that make a loop around all of Hakone’s key neighborhoods.
This includes:
- Exploring Hakone Yumoto, a historic and lively onsen village and where visitors usually start the Hakone Loop.
- Ride the Hakone Sightseeing Cruise or pirate ship across Lake Ashi.
- Visit Owakudani valley and eat Hakone’s famous black eggs, the main stop on the Hakone Cable Car
- Ride the Hakone Tozan Cable car to Gora
Even though it’s one of the most popular things to do in Hakone, the Hakone Loop is still a must-do, especially for first-timers, as it neatly ties together the area’s highlights in one scenic journey.
Read more about the Hakone Loop including a detailed itinerary on my post here.
2. Visit the Hakone Open Air Museum
The Hakone Open Air Museum is another one of the most famous things to do in Hakone.
Opened in 1969 as Japan’s first open-air museum, the Hakone Open Air Museum features large-scale sculptures dotted around landscaped gardens. It blends contemporary art with lush mountain scenery, making it an enjoyable point of interest for casual visitors as well as art lovers.
Here, you’ll find art and sculptures by international and Japanese artists plus a dedicated Picasso Pavilion showcasing an impressive Picasso collection. One of the most famous installations here is the stained-glass tower. Climb the spiral staircase inside the tower to reach a beautiful vantage point at the top.
Bonus: There’s a cafe, buffet restaurant, and souvenir shop on site, as well as a foot bath so you can soak your feet in onsen water after exploring!
Buy discounted tickets in advance from Klook here.
3. Visit Yunessun, an onsen theme park
When people think of Hakone, they think of onsen. Yunessun takes Hakone’s hot spring culture to the next level with its onsen theme-park! On the Yunessun side, swimsuits are allowed, making it fun and accessible for couples, families, or anyone who feels shy about traditional Japanese onsen bathing (that is, without clothes). You can soak in quirky themed baths like a wine onsen, coffee onsen, and green tea baths, alongside regular outdoor pools with mountain views.
For a more authentic experience, the Yunnessun complex also includes Mori no Yu, a traditional onsen area with gender-separated baths where you bathe nude, just like at a classic Japanese hot spring. Here you’ll find indoor and open-air baths surrounded by nature, offering a calm and restorative contrast to the playful theme-park atmosphere. This day-use onsen in Hakone is the perfect place to experience both a fun side, and a traditional side of Hakone’s onsen culture.
Be sure to read my ultimate guide to Japense onsen etiquette before you visit.
4. Visit the Hakone shrine (and snap a pic at Hakone’s floating torii gate)
One of Hakone’s most photographed spots is the vermilion torii gate standing in the waters of Lake Ashi. This “floating torii,” is a famous Instagram spot, especially on clear days when the lake is calm. But there’s much more to Hakone Shrine than just the photo opp!
Hakone shrine is a whole complex located within a dense forest. Lanterns and stone steps lead you through the cedar trees to reach the main shrine hall, creating a classic Japanese forest shrine vibe. Even if you come for the torii gate photo, staying to explore the shrine itself and wandering the quiet Hakone shrine grounds will make your visit far more memorable.
5. Take the Hakone Cruise Matcha Party (new Dec 2025)
One of the newest attractions in Hakone is a Lake Ashi cruise with a matcha theme: the Hakone Cruise Matcha Party. Started in December 2025, this sightseeing boat is the perfect way to experience something unique to do in Hakone. Not only do you experience the classic Lake Ashi views, but you also can experience a full matcha-themed menu on board and relax in a tea ceremony-inspired interior.
Enjoy matcha drinks and desserts, alongside more adventurous options like matcha beer and even matcha gin and tonic!
The Hakone matcha cruise is a fun way to elevate your Hakone sightseeing experience. What’s better than sipping on a matcha latte (or a matcha G&T) on Hakone’s famous lake with Mt. Fuji views?
6. Find the perfect view of Mt. Fuji
Speaking of Mt. Fuji views, Hakone is one of the best places to see Mt. Fuji within easy day-trip distance from Tokyo. On a clear day, Mt. Fuji rises dramatically behind the Hakone hills and the mountains surrounding Lake Ashi.
For visitors chasing elusive Mt. Fuji views, I’ve compiled a list of the best Mt. Fuji views from Hakone.
Because Mt. Fuji is often hidden behind clouds, timing really matters when it comes to Fuji-viewing from Hakone. Your best chances are first thing in the morning, which is why staying overnight significantly increases your changes of catching epic Mt. Fuji views. I’ve compiled a list of Hakone ryokan and hotels with Mt. Fuji views to help you plan exactly that kind of stay.
7. Admire the Sengokuhara pampas grass fields (in autumn)
If you’re visiting Hakone in autumn, don’t miss the Sengokuhara pampas grass fields. From late September through November, the hillsides transform into a sea of golden susuki (Japanese pampas grass), swaying gently in the wind. A short walking path leads you right into the fields, making it easy to wander and enjoy this seasonal experience of autumn in Japan.
Sengokuhara is an area in west Hakone, known for its open highland scenery and quieter, more spacious atmosphere compared to Hakone-Yumoto or Moto-Hakone. If you’re deciding where to stay in Hakone, this is a great base for nature lovers and anyone who prefers a calmer setting. In autumn especially, the pampas grass makes Sengokuhara worth the detour.
8. Walk the old Tokaido road
Long before the shinkansen bullet train and cable cars connected Hakone to Tokyo, the historic Tokaido walking path connected Kyoto to Edo (modern-day Tokyo). Today in Hakone, you can still walk this one stone-paved path, which connects to Odawara as a key checkpoint area during the Edo period. The path is lined with centuries-old cedar trees and historic stone markers, creating the feeling that you’ve stepped back in time.
Located along the old Tokaido road is Amazake Chaya, a traditional teahouse that dates back to the Edo period. It still operates today as a rest stop for travellers and serves the same specialty: Amazake, or a non-alcoholic fermented rice drink, along with other more modern sweets and drinks. You can also stop at the reconstructed Hakone Sekisho, a former check point where travellers were inspected during the Edo period.
Walking the Tokaido road is a peaceful and cultural alternative to the busier things to do in Hakone, especially if you enjoy scenic walks with a sense of history.
9. Lunch at Gora Kadan, a three-Michelin key traditional ryokan
Gora Kadan is one of Hakone’s most prestigious and luxurious ryokan, originally built as a retreat for members of the Japanese imperial family. Today, it blends traditional Japanese aesthetics with modern design, and has been awarded three Michelin Keys in recognition of its exceptional hospitality.
Experience the elegance of Gora Kadan without paying the high price for an overnight stay by booking a lunch course, presented as a seasonal kaiseki (multi-course meal). Gora Kadan also offers a day-use onsen plus lunch plan, so you can enjoy a luxury private onsen in Hakone and a high-end meal. It’s a rare chance to sample ultra-luxury ryokan culture, even on a day-trip to Hakone – just be sure to make a reservation in advance.
If you’d prefer the full experience, staying overnight is one of the best ways to make your Hakone trip truly unforgettable. You can check the latest prices and availability here.
10. See performing geisha
Hakone Yumoto, as a historic onsen town, also has a long-standing geisha tradition. However, requesting a geisha performance or attendance at a private banquet can be tricky and expensive. Hana Geisha Cafe Bar presents live geisha performances in a more casual and accessible setting. Visitors pay an entree fee to enjoy traditional geisha dance, music, and cultural performances.
It’s a rare opportunity to experience this refined art form without needing Japanese connections or an introduction. If you’re looking to add a cultural experience to your list of things to do in Hakone, this is a memorable way to do it.
11. Take Hakone’s second ropeway to Mount Komagatake
Most visitors to Hakone ride the Hakone Ropeway to Owakudani valley because it’s part of the Hakone Freepass and famous Hakone Loop route. Hakone actually has a second ropeway that’s well worth the detour! The Komagatake Ropeway takes you from the shores of Lake Ashi up to the summit of Mount Komagatake, offering amazing panoramic views along the way.
At the top, you’ll find an open grassy plateau, a mountaintop shrine, and on clear days, incredible views of Mt. Fuji, Lake Ashi, and even Suruga Bay (towards Tokyo) in the distance.
This ropeway is a quieter alternative to Owakudani valley on the main Hakone Loop, making it feel more spacious and peaceful. If you’re looking for a less crowded Fuji-view spot in Hakone, this is a fantastic alternative.
12. Visit Hakone Gora Park
Hakone Gora Park is a beautifully landscaped French-style garden located in the heart of Gora, Hakone. Opened in 1914, it was the first Western-style park in Japan and offers an elegant contrast to Hakone’s rugged volcanic landscapes. The central fountain, symmetrical pathways, and seasonal flower displays make it a calm and photogenic place to wander.
Depending on when you visit, you’ll find roses, hydrangeas, or colourful autumn foliage. The park is also home to a tropical greenhouse and the Hakone Crafthouse, which hosts hands-on craft workshops like glassblowing, and pottery.
It’s an easy stop along the Hakone Loop and a relaxing break between ropeways, museums, and onsen visits.
13. Enjoy the Shinsenkyo Gardens at the Hakone Museum of Art
Just a short walk from Gora Park, the Hakone Museum of Art offers a beautiful contrast to its French-style neighbour. Instead of symmetrical lawns and fountains, here you’ll find a traditional Japanese landscape garden designed to highlight natural textures, moss, and stone. It’s one of the best gardens to experience the seasons in Hakone.
While the museum itself can feel a little underwhelming, the real charm lies in the Shinsenkyo Gardens outside.
The moss garden is particularly stunning, with winding paths leading past a serene koi pond and a small tea house tucked quietly into the grounds. It’s a peaceful space that feels worlds away from the busier Hakone Loop attractions, and a lovely way to experience classic Japanese garden design.
14. Soak in a day-use onsen
You shouldn’t visit Hakone without experiencing an onsen, and you don’t need to stay overnight at a Hakone ryokan to do it. Enjoy a day-use onsen, which allows you to soak in the onsen and have a rest and a meal, then continue exploring. It’s the perfect onsen solution if you’re visiting Hakone on a day trip from Tokyo.
From scenic private baths surrounded by forest to spacious traditional bathhouses, there are plenty of options depending on your level of comfort and budget. A daytime soak is also a great way to break up the Hakone Loop and rest your legs after ropeways and sightseeing.
I’ve put together a full guide to the best day-use onsen in Hakone, including private onsen. I also have a guide on on Japanese onsen etiquette and what to expect, so you can easily add a relaxing onsen soak to your list of things to do in Hakone.
15. Visit the Hakone Botanical Garden of Wetlands
If you want more slow-paced and nature-focused things to do in Hakone, a stroll around the Hakone Botanical Garden of Wetlands is the perfect experience for you. Located in Sengokuhara, the garden showcases alpine and marshland plants from across Japan, with wooden boardwalks guiding you through seasonal blooms.
The gardens are especially beautiful in spring and autumn, when colours are at their most vibrant. This is a great add-on thing to do in Hakone if you’re already exploring the Sengokuhara area.
16. Hike Mount Kintoki or Mount Myojingatake
If you want to add some active adventure to your Hakone itinerary, consider hiking in Hakone, to Mount Kintoki and/or Mount Myojingatake. These can be done as two separate shorter hikes (about 2 hours round-trip) or one longer one since they’re connected by the same mountain path and are about 1 hour apart on foot.
Mount Kintoki, also known as Mount Ashigara, is the more famous of the two. The trails are well maintained, the climb is beginner-friendly, and there are simple teahouses at the summit where you can refuel while enjoying clear views of Mt. Fuji. Mount Myojingatake offers a quieter alternative with equally beautiful Fuji vistas.
17. Visit waterfalls (Chisuji falls, Hiryu falls, and Hien falls)
Hakone is a great place to go chasing waterfalls!
Chisuji Falls is the easiest to access from the Gora area, with delicate streams flowing over moss-covered rock and a calm, meditative atmosphere.
If you’re up for a short forest hike, Hiryu Falls is the largest waterfall of the three, and offers a more dramatic cascade.
Hien Falls is a quieter stop known for its peaceful setting, and koi swimming near the base.
All three are especially beautiful after rain or during autumn foliage, making them a lovely nature-focused thing to do in Hakone.
18. Explore Onshi-Hakone Park
Located along the southern shore of Lake Ashi, Onshi-Hakone Park was once an imperial villa site and is now a beautifully maintained lakeside park. Walking trails wind through manicured gardens and forested areas, with several observation points offering panoramic views over the lake.
On clear days, it’s also one of the nicest spots to admire Mt. Fuji in Hakone, rising beyond the Lake Ashi waters. It feels spacious and peaceful, making it ideal for a relaxed afternoon stroll, especially if you’re staying in the Moto-Hakone area.
19. Learn about Hakone traditional crafts: Hakone yosegi zaiku
Hakone is famous for yosegi zaiku, a traditional wood marquetry craft that uses intricate geometric patterns made from different natural woods found around Hakone. Rather than paint or dye, artisans combine different coloured woods to precise designs. You’ll often see these patterns on puzzle boxes, trays, coasters, and small souvenirs.
If you’d like to see the craftsmanship up close, visit Hakone Maruyama Bussan and the attached Hakone Karakuri Museum. The museum offers daily demonstrations where you can watch artisans assemble the patterned crafts and learn how the trick boxes work. Some of the most intricate puzzle boxes require up to 72 separate moves before they finally open (!) making them a unique and luxury gift from Japan.
20. Go to the pub at Gora Brewery & Grill
After a day of sightseeing in Hakone, head to the Gora Brewery & Grill for a relaxed evening.
This modern brewpub, with branches in both Gora and Hakone-Yumoto, serves locally crafted beers alongside hearty pub fare like steaks and burgers. It’s a stark and homey contrast to traditional ryokan dining and a great option if you’re staying in Hakone overnight.
Sometimes, the best way to end a day in Hakone is simply with a good beer and some hearty grub!
Although Hakone is famous for the loop route, as you can see there are countless other unique things to do in Hakone. From beautiful gardens to local crafts, experience deeper layers of Hakone on your next trip to Japan’s most famous onsen town.
Whether you’re visiting for a few hours or staying overnight, mixing a few classic highlights with some slower, lesser-known stops will make your Hakone trip far more memorable.
