Discover Hakone’s Best Hiking Trails with Breathtaking Views

Steam drifts off a volcanic valley, a red torii gate stands in a still lake, and on a clear morning Mount Fuji rises behind the ridgeline. That is Hakone, one of the easiest places near Tokyo to trade the city for the mountains. Hakone sits in Kanagawa Prefecture as part of Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park, and you can reach it from Tokyo in roughly 90 minutes by train, which makes it a natural day trip or a relaxed overnight with an onsen stay.

The Hakone mountains formed around an ancient volcanic caldera, so the terrain shifts quickly from cedar forest to lakeshore to steaming geothermal vents. Some paths are gentle walks through peaceful forest, others climb for a proper workout and wide mountain views.

Kintoki mountain in Hakone, Kanagawa, Japan

Best Time To Hike In Hakone

Spring, from March to May, is the peak hiking season, with mild weather and cherry blossoms across the lower slopes. Autumn, from September to November, brings cool air and strong foliage color through the forests and around Lake Ashi.

Summer in Hakone is hot and humid, so start early and carry extra water if you hike in July or August. Winter days are colder but often the clearest of the year, and a crisp winter morning gives you the best odds of a sharp Mount Fuji view over the lake.

Top Hiking Trails To Explore In Hakone

1. Old Tokaido Road: The Hakone Hachiri Trail

The Old Tokaido Road is a historical trail that was once part of the main route connecting Tokyo (then Edo) to Kyoto. This path was heavily traveled by samurai, merchants, and pilgrims during the Edo period (1603-1868). Today, the preserved sections of the road in Hakone offer a walk through history, surrounded by centuries-old cedar trees and stone pavements.

Along this trail, you'll find the Hakone Checkpoint, an important historical site where travelers were inspected during the Edo period. The trail also passes by the Amazake Chaya, a traditional tea house that has been serving travelers for over 400 years.

• Difficulty: Easy to moderate

• Duration: 2-3 hours

• Starting Point: Hakone-machi

• Best Time to Visit: Spring and autumn

2. Mount Kintoki

Mount Kintoki is named after the legendary folk hero Kintaro. Climbing Mount Kintoki offers hikers views of Mount Fuji and the surrounding landscape. The trail is known for its wildflowers in spring and autumn foliage. Reaching the summit rewards hikers with a small shrine dedicated to Kintaro and a teahouse serving traditional snacks.

• Difficulty: Moderate

• Duration: 2-3 hours

• Elevation: 1,212 meters (3,976 feet)

• Best Time to Visit: Spring for cherry blossoms and autumn for foliage

3. Hakone Shrine Trail

The Hakone Shrine Trail offers a serene hike through a forest of towering cedar trees. Hakone Shrine has been a spiritual center since the Nara period (710-794). The trail starts at the Hakone Shrine grounds and loops around part of Lake Ashi. The iconic red torii gate standing in the lake has become a symbol of Hakone. On clear days, you can see Mount Fuji in the background.

• Difficulty: Easy

• Duration: 1-2 hours

• Starting Point: Hakone Shrine entrance

• Best Time to Visit: Early morning for fewer crowds

4. Mount Komagatake: The Hakone Ropeway Hike

Mount Komagatake provides some of the best panoramic views of the Hakone area, including Lake Ashi, Mount Fuji, and the surrounding mountain ranges. The hike begins with a Hakone Komagatake Ropeway ride. The summit is home to the Hakone Mototsumiya Shrine.

• Difficulty: Easy to moderate

• Duration: 1-2 hours

• Elevation: 1,356 meters (4,449 feet)

• Best Time to Visit: Year-round, with the clearest views in winter

5. Daimonji-yama Hiking Trail

The Daimonji-yama trail is a hidden gem in Hakone, offering sweeping views of Lake Ashi and the surrounding mountains. The trail provides a relatively gentle ascent, passing through forests and meadows. From the summit, hikers can enjoy views of Mount Fuji on clear days. This trail is less crowded compared to others in Hakone.

• Difficulty: Moderate

• Duration: 2-3 hours

• Starting Point: Near Hakone-machi

• Best Time to Visit: Spring and autumn

6. Gora to Sounzan: Hakone's Nature Walk

This trail offers a half-day hiking experience starting from the charming town of Gora. The path winds through thick forests, small streams, and natural hot spring areas. The trail is well-marked, making it suitable for families and those new to hiking. The path ends at Sounzan Station, where you can continue exploring Hakone via the ropeway.

• Difficulty: Easy

• Duration: 2-3 hours

• Starting Point: Gora Station

• Best Time to Visit: Spring for cherry blossoms and autumn for fall colors

7. Owakudani Nature Trail

Owakudani is known for its geothermal activity, with steaming vents and bubbling hot springs. The nature trail provides a close-up view of this volcanic area. Owakudani was formed around 3,000 years ago during the last eruption of Mount Hakone. Along the path, you'll find observation points to watch the sulfurous steam rising from the ground. The famous black eggs, boiled in the hot springs, are said to add seven years to one's life if eaten.

• Difficulty: Easy

• Duration: 30-60 minutes

• Starting Point: Owakudani Station

• Best Time to Visit: Year-round (check for closures due to gas levels)

8. Miyanoshita Nature Trail

Miyanoshita is a charming area known for its traditional ryokan and hot springs. The nature trail here provides a peaceful hike through dense forests, wooden bridges, and bubbling streams. After the hike, you can explore Miyanoshita's old streets and traditional onsen.

• Difficulty: Easy

• Duration: 1-2 hours

• Starting Point: Near Miyanoshita Station

• Best Time to Visit: Spring for blooming flowers and autumn for foliage

9. Lake Ashi Loop Trail

Lake Ashi was formed in the caldera of Mount Hakone after its last eruption. The loop trail around the lake offers a mix of forest paths and lakeside walks. On clear days, you can see Mount Fuji reflecting on the lake's surface. The trail connects to several attractions, including Hakone Shrine, the Pirate Ship Cruise dock, and hot spring resorts.

• Difficulty: Easy

• Duration: 2-4 hours

• Starting Point: Hakone-machi or Moto-Hakone

• Best Time to Visit: Spring and autumn for the best views

Hakone Shrine

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Getting Ready For Your Hakone Hike

Good preparation turns a Hakone hike from a scramble into a smooth day out. Wear sturdy, broken-in footwear, since several trails cross uneven stone, forest roots, and steep sections. Carry enough water for the whole route, especially in the humid summer months. Mornings and evenings in the mountains run cold even when the afternoon is mild, so pack a warm layer and a rain shell you can add or remove as the weather shifts.

Bring some cash. The traditional teahouses along routes like the Old Tokaido Road, including the 400-year-old Amazake Chaya, do not always take cards. Before you set out on the Owakudani Nature Trail, check whether the route is open, because sections around the volcanic vents close from time to time when sulfurous gas levels rise.

Planning Your Trip And Getting Around

Getting between the trailheads is part of the fun in Hakone, where a loop can link a mountain railway, a cable car, a ropeway, and a boat in a single day. The Hakone Freepass covers unlimited use of the local trains, the cable car, the ropeway, the Lake Ashi sightseeing cruise, and area buses, so you can hop between trails without buying separate tickets each time.

Hiking

Hakone Ropeway

Owakudani Valley

Miyanoshita in Autumn