Things to Do in Hakone
50 curated spots from Hakone itineraries
Activities & Attractions
30 curated experiences
Hakone Open-Air Museum
Spend a slow morning walking the sculpture grounds, gardens, and art pavilions. Stay mostly outdoors for the best match to the forested, jungle-wild vibe.
2h · $15-18 per person
Lake Ashi Sightseeing Cruise
Take the boat ride across the lake for open-water views, mountain scenery, and a calm break in the middle of the day.
1h · $10-15 per person
Hakone Shrine & Lakeside Torii Gate
Visit the forested shrine complex tucked into the hillside, then walk down the cedar-lined path to the iconic torii gate at the water’s edge.
1h 30m · Free
Old Tokaido Cedar Avenue Walk
Walk a short, preserved stretch of the old Tokaido road lined with towering cedars between Hakone-machi and Motohakone; the dense trees, moss, and soft ground make it feel like a tunnel through a mountain jungle, yet the path is well-marked and easy for kids.
1h · Free
Hakone Gora Park
Walk the flower gardens, fountains, and quiet paths; it is an easy romantic pause between bigger sights.
1h · $5-8
Hakone Museum of Art & Moss Garden
Explore simple galleries, then linger in the mossy garden with stone paths, old trees, and a tea house overlooking a carefully arranged landscape.
2h · $8-12
Hakone Ropeway (Togendai to Owakudani and Back)
From Togendai, ride the ropeway up over the trees into Owakudani’s volcanic valley, watching steam plumes and rugged slopes below; continue to the next station or simply return after exploring the viewpoint area.
1h 30m · $15-25 round trip (or included with Hakone Freepass)
Hakone Shrine & Heiwa-no-Torii Lakeside Gate
Walk through dense cedar forest up to the main shrine, then descend to the iconic red torii standing in Lake Ashi; arrive early to avoid lines for photos at the gate.
2h · Free
Hakone Shrine and Torii Gate
Walk the lakeside shrine grounds, then continue to the famous torii gate for an atmospheric, forest-and-water photo stop.
1h 30m · Free
Hakone Tozan Railway Ride
Take the short mountain train stretch for a classic Hakone transition through forested slopes and switchback scenery.
45m · $3-8 per person
Lake Ashi Pirate Ship Cruise
Board the galleon-style sightseeing boat at Tōgendai and cross the lake toward Moto-Hakone. From the open deck you’ll get sweeping views of the crater lake, the surrounding forested hills, and, if you’re lucky, Mt Fuji behind the Hakone Shrine torii.
40m · $12-18
Lake Ashi Sightseeing Cruise (Pirate Ship)
Board the themed ‘pirate ship’ to glide across Lake Ashi, passing forested shores and, on clear days, distant Mt. Fuji; sit on the open deck for fresh air and photos.
1h · $10-15 per person (or included with Hakone Freepass)
Ashi-no-Ko Lakeside Twilight Walk
Stroll the lakeside path as the crowds thin, watching boats and birds with the surrounding forest turning dark and quiet.
45m · Free
Evening Free Time in Gōra
Wander the small streets, pop into souvenir shops, and enjoy the cooler mountain air; head back to your ryokan on foot or via the short train ride.
1h · Free
Evening Onsen Time
Spend the evening at your accommodation’s bath or a nearby day-use onsen, keeping the rest of the night simple and restful.
2h · $10-25 per person or included with stay
Evening Soak at Hakone Yuryo
Visit this forest-surrounded onsen complex for a private or public bath, where outdoor pools are framed by trees and lanterns—accessed via a short shuttle from Hakone-Yumoto Station.
2h · $18-30
Evening Stroll along the Sukumo River
After dinner, wander the short riverside paths and small bridges near Hakone-Yumoto Station, listening to the water and seeing the lights from hillside ryokan; some sections feel enclosed by trees and rocks, giving a cozy, wild-valley feel even close to town.
45m · Free
Final Lake Ashi Stop at Tōgendai
Return to the northern lakeside to relax by the water, take any last short ropeway rides, and enjoy wide views across the lake and hills.
2h · $6-10 per person (if riding the ropeway/boat again)
Free Time in Gora Onsen Town
Stroll slowly around Gora’s small streets, pop into souvenir shops, enjoy another onsen soak at your ryokan, or relax at a café before you depart; keep an eye on the mountain views and the narrow, leafy lanes.
1h 30m · Free (excluding additional onsen fees if any)
Free-Explore Time in Gora Park and Back Streets
From Chokoku-no-Mori or Gora Station, wander up to Gora Park—a hillside garden with greenhouses, trees, and views—then explore the surrounding lanes with small cafés, craft shops, and glimpses into forested slopes; rest on benches and let kids run a bit.
2h · $0-5 (park entry small fee, depending on area and pass)
Gora Park
Take a slow walk through the formal garden paths, greenhouse areas, and hilltop views before dinner or after the museum.
1h · Free
Gora Pottery Workshop
Hands-on pottery class with a master craftsperson creating traditional Hakone ceramics. Create your own piece as a luxury souvenir of your retreat.
2h · $80-120 per person
Hakone Botanical Garden of Wetlands
Explore boardwalks over marshy ground with labeled plants, small streams, and shaded corners, all backed by forested hills.
1h 30m · $5-7
Hakone Checkpoint
Explore the reconstructed checkpoint and small museum to get a better sense of the old road and the region’s history.
1h 15m · $5-10 per person
Hakone Checkpoint (Sekisho) & Cedar Avenue
Visit the reconstructed Edo-era checkpoint overlooking Lake Ashi, then walk the nearby old Tōkaidō path under towering cedars that feel like a natural tunnel.
2h · $4-6
Hakone Checkpoint (Sekisho) & Lakeside Forest
Explore the reconstructed Edo‑period checkpoint buildings and climb up to the viewpoint over Lake Ashi, then wander the nearby wooded slopes and paths connecting back toward town.
1h 30m · $4-6 entry
Hakone Kowakien Yunessun (Onsen Theme Park Area)
Enjoy the swimsuit area’s playful pools and outdoor sections set among trees and rock; treat it like a water park with a strong onsen flavor.
3h · $20-30 per person (swimsuit area)
Hakone Museum of Art
Explore the compact museum and its mossy garden setting for a quieter, more contemplative art stop than the larger open-air museum.
1h 30m · $10-15 per person
Hakone Ropeway (Sōunzan to Tōgendai via Ōwakudani)
Ride gondolas over forested slopes and sulphuric fumaroles, with views down into the ‘Great Boiling Valley’ and across to Lake Ashi and Mt Fuji when skies are clear.
1h 30m · $20 (covered or discounted with Hakone Freepass)
Hakone Ropeway and Owakudani
Ride over the volcanic valley and take in the steam vents, dark rock, and dramatic mountain scenery from the viewing areas.
2h · $10-15 per personRestaurants & Food
20 local favorites
Bakery & Table Hakone
Pick meat-free pastries and confirm the ingredients; pair with coffee or tea before heading out on the lake side.
45m · $15-25 per person
Yubadon Naokichi
Choose the vegetarian tofu or yuba-set options, and confirm the broth and seasonings are halal-compatible before ordering.
1h 15m · $18-30 per person
Tamura Ginkatsutei
Go for a light breakfast nearby before the museum; if available, choose tofu-based and vegetable sides only after confirming halal handling. Keep it simple and early.
45m · $15-25 per person
Itoh Dining by NOBU
Book only if the restaurant explicitly confirms halal-friendly accommodation in advance; otherwise choose a clearly halal-accommodating set menu with seafood or vegetable dishes only.
1h 30m · $40-50 per person
Naraya Café
Cozy café beside the old railway with terrace seating overlooking trees. Order coffee or tea with sweet or savory baked goods, and stick to vegetarian options like anko (sweet red bean) or plain pastries to keep it safely halal.
45m · $10-15 per person
7-Eleven Hakone-Yumoto Station Front
Grab a quick halal-friendly breakfast of yogurt, fruit, plain breads, egg sandwiches, and coffee before catching your bus, carefully avoiding meat and gelatins.
20m · $6-10 per person
Amazake-chaya Teahouse
400-year-old teahouse along the old Tokaido road in a forest setting. Enjoy amazake (sweet non-alcoholic or very low-alcohol rice drink—ask specifically for the non-alcoholic version), green tea, and simple snacks like rice cakes; confirm no pork or meat is used in any side dishes.
1h · $10-15 per person
Amazake-chaya Teahouse (snacks only)
Rustic teahouse along the old highway. Enjoy amazake (non-alcoholic sweet rice drink if you request the non-alcohol version) and simple mochi or rice snacks; confirm ingredients and avoid any items cooked with meat or alcohol.
45m · $10-15 per person
Bakery & Table Hakone (Takeaway Section)
Use the ground-floor bakery section to grab simple vegetarian/seafood-friendly items like plain breads, cheese buns, sweet pastries, and coffee/juice to go. Avoid any meat-filled pastries and confirm no bacon or ham inside; these bakery items do not contain pork or alcohol by default but always check labels/ask staff.
45m · $8-15 per person
Bakery & Table Hakone (Vegetarian Corner)
Lakeside bakery with big windows to Lake Ashi. Choose vegetarian baked goods (cheese breads, plain croissants, sweet pastries) and coffee or juice; avoid meat fillings and ask staff to confirm no lard or gelatin in your picks.
1h · $10-15 per person
Bakery & Table Hakone (Vegetarian-Friendly Selection)
Stylish lakeside bakery-café with big windows over Lake Ashi. For halal needs, stick to clearly vegetarian baked items (e.g., tomato & mozzarella bread, plain croissants, simple sweet pastries) and coffee or tea; confirm no lard or animal shortening is used in the dough.
1h · $8-15 per person
Bakery & Table Hakone (Vegetarian‑Friendly Options)
Stylish lakeside bakery‑café with big windows facing Lake Ashi. For halal: stick to clearly vegetarian baked goods (plain baguette, simple breads, cheese pastries, sweet pastries) and coffee/tea or juice; confirm no pork/gelatin in your choices.
1h · $8-15 per person
Café Pic at Hakone Open-Air Museum
Museum café with garden views. Choose vegetarian pasta, salads, or sandwiches without meat, and confirm no bacon, ham, or meat stock in dressings or sauces; pair with soft drinks or tea only.
1h · $12-20 per person
Chimoto Hakone-Yumoto (Traditional Sweets & Tea)
Traditional wagashi (Japanese sweets) shop and café; enjoy plant-based sweets like mochi and yokan with green tea or juice, confirming no alcohol-based flavorings are used—these are typically halal-friendly as they contain no meat or gelatin from animal sources.
45m · $5-10 per person
FamilyMart Convenience Store (Picnic Dinner Fixings)
Build a simple halal-friendly picnic from clearly labeled items: onigiri with plain salted rice or seaweed, salads without meat, plain breads, cheese, yogurt, fruit, nuts, and drinks; avoid anything with meat or suspicious sauces, and check ingredient labels for pork (buta) or alcohol (arukōru, mirin, sake).
45m · $6-12 per person
FamilyMart Hakone Gora Station-mae
Small but useful convenience store just outside Gōra Station. Halal-friendly options: vegetarian onigiri (plain/ume), plain breads, salads without meat, boiled eggs (if acceptable to you), cheese, nuts, and non-alcoholic drinks. Always check labels and avoid bento or fried items with unknown oils or sauces.
30m · $5-10 per person
FamilyMart Hakone-Machi Port
Stock up on halal-friendly vegetarian/fish options like plain or kombu onigiri, egg sandwiches, salads, fruit, and snacks before or after your lake cruise; check labels for meat and alcohol.
20m · $8-12 per person
Gora Brewery & Grill
Choose the vegetarian plates and salads only; confirm no meat stock or alcohol in the sauce if you order any grilled vegetables.
1h · $20-35 per person
Gora Brewery & Grill (for halal-friendly fish/veg)
Wood-heavy interiors with a garden view. Choose grilled local fish, vegetable platters, salads, and rice while clearly avoiding alcohol-based sauces, pork, and non-halal meat; confirm preparation without alcohol or lard and stick to simple grilled items.
1h 15m · $25-40 per person
Gora Brewery & Grill (for vegetarian plates only)
Stylish wood-and-stone restaurant near Gōra Station with a slightly wild, rustic interior. Halal-friendly approach: stick strictly to clearly vegetarian dishes such as seasonal vegetable salads, grilled vegetable platters, fries, and possible Margherita-style or vegetable-only flatbreads; confirm no meat, alcohol-based sauces, or lard/animal stock are used in your chosen items.
1h · $15-25 per person (vegetarian items only)