Hakone's Main Attractions

Why go

The main sights show different sides of the same mountain region. Owakudani reveals the volcanic landscape; Lake Ashi leads toward the shrine and old Tokaido history; the Hakone Open-Air Museum pairs art with Gora's mountain setting. A hot spring visit adds time to slow down. These stops work as choices and combinations, with the transport network linking the districts.

Useful to know

• Pair Lake Ashi with Hakone Shrine and the checkpoint area for a focused lakeside visit.
• Use Gora as a base for the Open-Air Museum before crossing toward Owakudani.

The route, stop by stop

1. 01

   Optional · – min

   Hakone Shrine

   Hakone Shrine sits by Lake Ashi, where its lakeside Peace Torii and historic shrine grounds make a natural pairing. Visit for the setting and shrine history, with a separate Treasure Hall for objects.

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2. Walk · 89 min · Estimated

   02

   Optional · – min

   Hakone Open-Air Museum

   Sculpture fills an outdoor garden framed by Hakone's mountains, with indoor collections as a counterpoint. Give it time to walk between works; weather can affect outdoor features.

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3. Walk · 101 min · Estimated

   03

   Optional · – min

   Lake Ashi

   Lake Ashi is Hakone's caldera lake, linking shore walks, the shrine area and boat travel. Mount Fuji may appear beyond the water in clear weather, but the lake rewards a visit without that view.

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4. Walk · 109 min · Estimated

   04

   Optional · – min

   Fujiya Hotel

   Fujiya Hotel is a historic Miyanoshita hotel with an 1891 main building and a museum of its past. Its architecture rewards a short look even if you are not staying overnight.

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5. Walk · 1117 min · Estimated

   05

   Optional · – min

   Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park

   This national park links Hakone's volcanic hills and Lake Ashi with Mount Fuji, the Izu Peninsula and islands. Pick a specific Hakone site or trail; the park is far too spread out for one stop.

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6. Walk · 1156 min · Estimated

   06

   Optional · – min

   Hakone Botanical Garden of Wetlands

   Boardwalks lead through wetland and alpine plant collections in Sengokuhara. This is a slower, plant-focused stop whose reward changes with the season and current flowering conditions.

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7. Walk · 52 min · Estimated

   07

   Optional · – min

   Ōwakudani

   Ōwakudani is Hakone's steaming volcanic valley, with lookout views and black eggs cooked using geothermal heat. Conditions can change quickly, so confirm access before heading up.

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