What are the best things to do in Hakone?
Top picks in Hakone include Hakone Jinja Shrine, Lake Ashi, Hakone Open Air Museum, Pola Museum of Art. See the full list and itinerary on this Hakone travel guide.
Photo: Quercus acuta · CC0
Why visit Hakone
Travel guide for Hakone, Japan — practical tips, places to visit, and planning help.
Hakone is a stop in Japan, not a country-in-a-weekend. Plan about 2 days. If time is short, prioritise Hakone Jinja Shrine, Lake Ashi, Hakone Open Air Museum instead of racing the whole list. Mid-range ground costs are about 100–220 USD per person per day, excluding international flights. Best time: November–March for cooler, drier conditions. Rankings, stay length and cost bands on this page come from Global Itinerary’s trip-planning models.
Best time
November–March for cooler, drier conditions
Weather
Varies from tropical to temperate depending on the season
Experiences
Things to do in Hakone
1
Hakone Jinja Shrine
2
Lake Ashi
3
Hakone Open Air Museum
4
Pola Museum of Art
5
Hakone Museum of Photography
6
Hakone Museum Of Art
Budget travel
Free things to do in Hakone
Hakone Jinja Shrine
Lake Ashi
Mostly free or pay-what-you-like — always double-check opening times and any seasonal fees before you go.
Plan your trip
Hakone itinerary (2 days)
- 1
Day 1
Icons & landmarks
- Visit Hakone Jinja Shrine
- Visit Lake Ashi
- Visit Hakone Open Air Museum
- Eat at Black eggs
- 2
Day 2
Culture & neighborhoods
- Visit Pola Museum of Art
- Visit Hakone Museum of Photography
- Visit Hakone Museum Of Art
- Eat at Sagamiya
Budget
Hakone trip cost
Budget
USD 45–75
per person / day
Mid-range
USD 100–220
per person / day
Luxury
USD 255–420+
per person / day
Typical on-the-ground spend in Hakone, Japan. Hostel/guesthouse + local meals ≈ budget; comfortable hotels + mix of dining ≈ mid-range; luxury hotels and fine dining ≈ luxury. Figures exclude international flights.
Trip budget estimator
Typical mid-range for Hakone
Estimated total (USD)
$2,880
≈ $1,440 per person · $411 per day group total
Ground costs ≈ $160/person/day (lodging + food + transport + activities)
Defaults match Hakone mid-range ground costs (budget 45–75 · mid 100–220 · luxury 255–420+ USD/day). Edit freely — flights vary by origin.
Where to eat
Local favourites
Black eggs
Sagamiya
Nukafuku
Tamura Ginkatsu-Tei
Where to stay
Tourist favourites & top-rated
Hotel Suimeisou
Hotel Okuyumoto
Hotel Okada
Hotel Nanpuso
Hotel Senkei
Shopping
- Hakone Yosegi Zaiku
Nightlife
- Hakone beer
- PUBSTOP Pizza & Bar
Museums & culture
- Hakone Jinja Shrine
- Hakone Open Air Museum
- Pola Museum of Art
- Hakone Museum of Photography
- Hakone Museum Of Art
In pictures
Hakone gallery
Photos: Quercus acuta, 663highland, No machine-readable author provided. Fg2 assumed (based on copyright claims). — via Wikimedia Commons
Good to know
Hakone travel FAQs
When is the best time to visit Hakone?
November–March for cooler, drier conditions.
How many days do I need in Hakone?
Plan at least 2 days in Hakone for the highlights on our suggested itinerary; add more time for day trips.
Where should I stay in Hakone?
Popular stays in Hakone include Hotel Suimeisou, Hotel Okuyumoto, Hotel Okada. Book central areas if you want to walk to major sights.
How much does a trip to Hakone cost?
On the ground in Hakone (excluding international flights), budget travellers often spend about 45–75 per person per day, mid-range about 100–220, and luxury about 255–420+ (USD). Typical on-the-ground spend in Hakone, Japan. Hostel/guesthouse + local meals ≈ budget; comfortable hotels + mix of dining ≈ mid-range; luxury hotels and fine dining ≈ luxury.
Keep exploring
