Hakone(Japan) Travel 2026: Cheap Flights, Hotels & Top Attractions

For a tranquil onsen escape in Hakone, consider Kowakien Hanamaki Hotel in Shōro, renowned for its private open-air baths and serene garden views. Another top choice is Hakone Garden Hotel by Lake Ashinoko, offering panoramic views of Mount Fuji and traditional kaiseki dining. Both properties blend Japanese ryokan culture with natural beauty, making them ideal for rejuvenation amidst mountains and lakes.

The Lake Ashinoko area is the prime location for stays in Hakone, offering easy access to major attractions like Oyama Valley and the Hakone Museum of Art. Shōro is perfect for those seeking quiet, deep onsen experiences. Both districts are well-connected via the Hakone Tozan Railway and Odakyu Electric Railway, ensuring seamless exploration across the scenic Hakone region.

Must-try experiences in Hakone include visiting Hakone Shrine for a traditional purification ritual and walking through Shōro Flower Garden's seasonal landscapes. Participate in a local pottery workshop to craft your own Hakone-yaki ceramic piece, preserving centuries-old craftsmanship. At night, enjoy a moonlit stroll along Lake Ashinoko, where illuminated Mount Fuji reflects on the water—a true embodiment of Japanese wabi-sabi aesthetics.

Hakone’s hot springs are famed for their high content of sodium bicarbonate and sulfur compounds, known for skin rejuvenation and muscle relaxation. Shōro Onsen offers clear, mineral-rich waters ideal for long soaks, while Yumoto Onsen features natural fumaroles. Many inns provide private outdoor baths with views of Mount Fuji or the lake, blending nature immersion with therapeutic wellness.

Hakone Asahi Hotel is designed for families, featuring child-friendly facilities like game rooms, family baths, and interactive garden spaces. Another excellent option is Hakone Garden Hotel, which offers spacious family suites and kid-oriented meals. Both are located near Lake Ashinoko, with easy access to the Hakone Ropeway and Chokoku no Mori Art Museum, perfect for shared exploration of nature and culture.

From Tokyo, take the Odakyu Romancecar Limited Express to Hakone-Yumoto Station, a journey of about 2 hours with scenic views. Upon arrival, transfer to the Hakone Tozan Railway or Hakone Ropeway to reach key sites. For flexibility, consider a private car transfer. Book your express tickets in advance to secure a smooth arrival at the heart of Hakone’s onsen district.

Top natural highlights in Hakone include Lake Ashinoko, perfect for boat rides with stunning reflections of Mount Fuji; Oyama Valley, a volcanic vent site famous for its black eggs; and forest trails in Hakone Eight Ridges. The Taizan Observatory offers breathtaking vistas of the lake and mountain range—ideal for photography and experiencing Hakone’s status as a natural heritage site.

Must-try dishes in Hakone are Oyama Black Eggs (slow-cooked in volcanic steam), Hakone Tofu (made with pure mountain spring water), and grilled Lake Ashinoko fish. Many ryokans serve exquisite kaiseki cuisine, featuring seasonal ingredients arranged with artistic precision—showcasing the essence of Japanese culinary tradition.

Try a night cruise on Lake Ashinoko, where lights shimmer across the water and Mount Fuji glows under the stars. Visit Shōro Flower Garden at night, illuminated by lanterns among cherry and maple trees. Some inns also offer nighttime onsen and stargazing sessions, combining tranquility, natural beauty, and celestial wonder.

The best times to visit Hakone are during spring cherry blossom season (late March to early April) and autumn foliage season (mid-November to late December), when scenery is most vibrant. Summer (July–August) attracts visitors seeking cool mountain air, while winter offers peaceful retreats with snow-covered landscapes. Avoid peak holidays and book ryokans and transport in advance for a smooth trip.