Top Things to do in Hakone-machi
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What to do and see in Hakone-machi, Kanto: The Best Budget-friendly Things to do
Nestled in the mountains, Hakone's trains, trails, and gondolas showcase the breathtaking vistas of Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park, including close views of Mt. Fuji. The sulfurous steam from the region's volcanic activity fuels natural hot springs, the centerpieces of the many spas and resorts.
Restaurants in Hakone-machi
1. The Hakone Open-Air Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,729 reviews
Art blends with nature at this huge outdoor sculpture park, where works by both Japanese and Western artists are framed by trees, grass and mountains.
Reviewed By rodrigolaniado - Shanghai, China
It was truly amazing It was my first open air museum and won’t be the last The sculptures are incredible and go perfectly with the impecable gardens Also you have plenty Picasso art which gives a good contrast with the outside exposures
2. Hakone Museum of Art
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 239 reviews
Reviewed By venividivice - Ko Samui, Thailand
For many people, the attraction here will largely lie in the exceptionally beautiful gardens. Part of them consist of a shady moss-covered area and part of a more formal display of Japanese shrubs and trees. The whole thing amounts to what I think is the best small garden I have ever visited in Japan. We were there on an overcast day in late May, but I would imagine it would be gorgeous whatever time you visit - autumn especially of course. The museum itself provides a relatively small exhibition of Japanese artefacts that will likely only turn on an expert or aficionado of historically important porcelain and ceramics. For the layman, not much of stunning beauty or interest. Free parking is available across the street, and you can get a discounted joint ticket for the museum/grounds plus Gora Park nearby (also worth a visit)
3. Pola Museum of Art
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 785 reviews
Reviewed By yshargal - Haifa, Israel
The building itself is worth a visit. This is not meant to detract from the interesting, worthwhile exposition of modern art. You can actually walk to it from Gora train station. Don’t miss
4. Tenzan Tohji-kyo
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 351 reviews
Reviewed By HeloiseEliot - Aveiro, Portugal
After being refused from another onsen because in a group of 5 I was the one with tattoos (although very small), and not being allowed in even if covered them up, Tenzan accepted us and were nothing but friendly and kind. So nice and relaxing, despite having (unknowingly) made the mistake of starting with the last "pool" - the hottest. It was an incredible experience to quietly sit outside, in the rain, surrounded by bamboo and with your body submerged in warm water. Beware low blood pressure people! It will make it even lower so be very careful - you will feel dizzy/lightheaded in there and after. A little reading break in the nap/resting room is mandatory, where you can quietly enjoy the sound of the river running through a very small waterfall just outside two massive windows. Very beautiful views. A must-do for those who enjoy doing nothing! Afterwards we tried the food at the restaurant which was equally nice (see photos). First photo was in the morning, last photo was the time we left. That's how good of a time we spent there. Highly recommend!
5. Choanji Temple
6. Lake Ashinoko
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 2,771 reviews
Created 3,000 years ago by a volcanic eruption, this lake is cruised by boats year round and, from its southern edge, offers the view of Mt. Fuji often seen in tourist brochures.
Reviewed By KKgirl93 - Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
If you are blessed with beautiful weather, your cruise on Lake Ashi will be amazing. We were fortunate enough to take a short cruise on a cloudless, blue-sky day, and thoroughly enjoyed the serene surroundings. Mount Fuji was not very clearly in view during our cruise, but we could see her silhouette.
7. Hakone Tozan Railway
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 1,892 reviews
Railroad buffs in particular will enjoy a ride on this small train, which includes two stretches, the more scenic of which is Hakone Yumoto to Gora.
Reviewed By rangaface - Adelaide, Australia
We chose the cable car on the way home as we caught the bus up the hill on the way in and didn’t get to experience the amazing greenery of sights up and down the mountain like you can on the cable car. It may add an extra half an hour to your trip down the mountain - but well worth it.
8. Hakone Shrine / Kuzuryu Shrine Singu
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 1,519 reviews
A striking red gate along the water designates the entrance to this ancient shrine, perched atop Mt. Komagatake, and reachable by cable car or foot.
Reviewed By razorbagel - Baltimore, United States
this serene lakeside shrine has everything - towering cedars, a beautiful torii gate on the shore of lake ashi, and a main shrine complex up a steep flight of stairs to make your pilgrimage worthwhile! there's usually a line to have a picture under the lakeside gate, but waiting is worthwhile and pleasant in the shade. don't be shy about exploring along the lakeshore after you get your photo. remember that this is a place of worship, so act accordingly while you're here.
9. Hakone Sightseeing Cruise
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 853 reviews
Replicas of pirate ships cruise Lake Ashi, offering views of forests, hotels and the striking red gateway to the Hakone Shrine.
10. Hakone Ropeway
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 2,412 reviews
Glide through the skies in the world’s second-longest cable car, whose 13-passenger gondolas offer breathtaking panoramic views.
Reviewed By F2239QNrosec - Melbourne, Australia
The ropeway (in my view more a cable car) provided an excellent morning of views and education, as well as the chance to eat black eggs (which taste like normal eggs), black curry bun (tasty!) and we also sampled a black icecream. However, the main activity was the ride over the thermal vents, and the viewpoint from the end of the ride. There was a geology museum, as well as a number of shops. The trip continued with another ride, this time to Lake Ashi, where there might have been a view of Mt Fuji, except for the customary cloud cover. There were a number of options for a lake trip, but we didn’t do this. The round trip was about $A50, so on the more expensive side for our large family, but worth it. Note: we walked to the base station from the Hakone village, which was a stiff climb of about an hour, and could have been done by bus or car. There was no real benefit to the walk, in that there were no views to speak of, but it was a good work out!
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