Discover Hakone & Odawara

Hakone is one of Japan’s most beloved hot spring resort towns, set against the dramatic backdrop of Mt. Fuji and the volcanic landscape of Owakudani. Just 90 minutes from Tokyo, it combines natural beauty, art museums, and centuries of history along the old Tokaido road. Below, Memory Travel has gathered our recommended 8 Hakone and Odawara attractions to help you plan your visit.

All Attractions

1Lake Ashi

This long, narrow lake with a circumference of 19 kilometers was formed in the caldera of the Hakone volcano approximately 3,000 years ago. It is also famous for its beautiful views, including those of the magnificent Mt. Fuji. The Hakone Sightseeing Cruise ships, modeled after pirate ships, navigate the lake — enjoy a cruise where you can savor the nature of each season.

📍 Map P24 A-3 to C-5

2Hakone Shrine

This shrine was founded in 757 by Manganshonin, who received an oracle from Hakone-no Ookami, the god of Hakone. Today, it is famous for divine virtues such as good luck and warding off evils, and a power spot, as well as the Heiwa no Torii (\”Gate of Peace\”) standing in Lake Ashi. On the grounds, there is also a treasure hall that stores and exhibits national important cultural properties.

📍 80-1 Motohakone, Hakone-machi · 10 min. walk from Motohakone bus stop · TEL 0460-83-7123 · Free admission (Treasure hall ¥500) · Map P24 C-5

3Owakudani

This explosion crater was caused by the last phreatic eruption of the Hakone volcano about 3,000 years ago. Their famous \”Kuro Tamago\” (black eggs) are said to prolong your life by seven years if you eat one. From the Hakone Ropeway, you can see nature, Lake Ashi, the volcanic fumes from Owakudani, and even Mt. Fuji on clear days. The total route is 4 kilometers and takes about 10 minutes between stations.

📍 A few minutes’ walk from Hakone Ropeway Owakudani Sta. · Owakudani park 9:00-17:00 · Map P24 C-3

4Sengokuhara

The scenery of Daigatake, illuminated by the setting sun, is breathtaking from late summer through autumn. A few minutes’ walk from the \”Sengokuhara-kogen\” bus stop.

📍 Map P24

5Onsen & Ryokan (Japanese-style inn)

Hakone has nearly 20 hot springs. There are also many ryokan equipped with large public baths and open-air baths, where you can thoroughly enjoy the atmosphere of Japan.

📍 Throughout Hakone

6Art in Hakone

In Hakone, there are many unique museums exhibiting famous works from Japan and abroad. You can also enjoy cafes, shops, and gardens. About 120 outdoor sculptures are on display at The Hakone Open-Air Museum (Map P24 D-3), and a beautiful garden designated as a site of national scenic beauty can be found at the Hakone Museum of Art (Map P24 C-3), including works such as Claude Monet’s \”Water Lily Pond\” at the Pola Museum of Art (Map P24 C-2).

📍 Map P24

7Tea House & Old Tokaido (Yamanouchi)

A historic tea house from the Edo period along the old Tokaido (Kyukaido) route, where you can enjoy traditional energy refreshments while taking in the surrounding scenery.

📍 Near Old Tokaido (Kyukaido), Map P24

8Hakone Ropeway / Tozan Cablecar Area

Connecting Sounzan Station to Owakudani Station and beyond, the Hakone Ropeway and Tozan Cablecar form the backbone of getting around Hakone’s mountainous terrain — linking Gora, Sounzan, Owakudani, Togendai and Lake Ashi.

📍 Map P24, see Access Guide p.23