Holiday in Hakone
Area in Japan — tips, highlights & best time to visit 🇯🇵
Country
Japan
Type
Area
Best time to travel
October–November (autumn foliage), March–May (spring)
Budget/day
100–170 €
Getting there from Germany
Flight to Tokyo, then Odakyu Romance Car from Shinjuku to Hakone-Yumoto (85 minutes).
About Hakone
Hakone, just 90 minutes from Tokyo, is Japan's most popular getaway, combining volcanic landscapes, natural hot springs, art museums, and — on clear days — a postcard-perfect view of Fuji into an irresistible package. The region lies within the caldera of an ancient supervolcano and is dominated by the picturesque Lake Ashi. The Hakone Round Course is the classic route through the region: by mountain railway (Hakone Tozan Railway, the steepest cogwheel train in Japan), cable car, and pirate ship ferry across Lake Ashi, you connect the highlights into a circular tour. The Owakudani Valley, with its steaming sulfur vents, bubbling mud pits, and the smell of rotten eggs, serves as a reminder that an active volcano lies dormant here — the black eggs (Kuro-Tamago), cooked in the hot springs, are said to extend life by seven years. Hakone is also a paradise for art lovers: the Hakone Open-Air Museum showcases sculptures by Picasso, Moore, and Rodin amidst a green mountain landscape, and the Pola Museum of Art presents Impressionists in a glass pavilion in the forest. In the evening, one relaxes in a ryokan (traditional Japanese inn) with its own onsen bath, Kaiseki multi-course menu, and tatami bedrooms. The Old Tokaido Road, with its moss-covered cedar alleys and historic checkpoints, offers beautiful hiking opportunities. The Hakone Free Pass makes exploring the entire region by public transport affordable.
Top 5 highlights in Hakone
The places you absolutely must not miss.
Lake Ashi with Fuji View
The boat ride on the crater lake with Mount Fuji in the background and the red torii at the shore is iconic.
Owakudani
Active volcanic valley with steaming sulfur vents and the famous black eggs – each is said to grant 7 years of life.
Hakone Open-Air Museum
Outdoor sculpture park featuring works by Picasso, Moore, and Japanese artists – unique in the mountain landscape.
Onsen & Ryokan
Hundreds of hot springs and traditional inns offer the most authentic Japan experience – onsen with a view of Fuji.
Hakone Ropeway
The gondola glides over steaming volcanic valleys up to Owakudani – spectacular views.
Hotels in Hakone
Vergleiche tausende Hotels, Apartments und Resorts auf Expedia – mit Bestpreis-Garantie, kostenloser Stornierung und Bonuspunkten.
* Weiterleitung zu Expedia.de. Es gelten die dortigen Nutzungsbedingungen.
Reise-SIM für Hakone
Günstig surfen im Urlaub mit travSIM
Pauschalreisen & Rundreisen
Berge & Meer – 170 Tage Cookie
Best time to travel for Hakone
Recommended travel time
October–November (autumn foliage), March–May (spring)
Summer
Cool, 22–28 °C, refreshing compared to Tokyo
Winter
Cold, -2–7 °C, snow possible, onsen especially enjoyable
How much does a holiday in Hakone cost?
Average costs per person per day
Budget
60–90 €
Hostel, Street food, Public transport
Mid-range
100–170 €
Hotel, Restaurant, Excursions
Luxury
200–500 €
Boutique hotel, Fine dining
Book a package holiday to Hakone
Compare thousands of package holidays to Hakone and find the best deals with flight & hotel.
Compare package holidays now5 travel tips for Hakone
Insider knowledge that makes your holiday better.
The Hakone Free Pass covers all transport in the region – cable car, boat, bus, and train.
Book a night in a ryokan with a private onsen and Kaiseki dinner – the ultimate Japan experience.
Visit Owakudani in clear weather – in fog, you see nothing and the sulfur smell is stronger.
The best view of Fuji is in the morning – clouds often form in the afternoon.
Hakone is crowded in autumn due to the foliage – travel during the week.
Food & drink in Hakone
These specialties you must try!
