Hakone Day Guides
Hakone is a peaceful mountain region known for its hot springs, art, and natural beauty. If you're staying in Hakone and want a relaxed day surrounded by waterfalls, outdoor sculptures, and Japanese gardens, this guide will help you plan a perfect day.
Let’s start your day!
Start your morning by going to Gora Station, which is close to many popular places in Hakone.
How to Get There:
From Hakone-Yumoto Station, take the Hakone Tozan Train (about 40 minutes).
You can also take a local bus or a taxi from your hotel.
Tip: The Hakone Tozan Train ride is fun! It moves slowly through the mountains and has stunning views, especially in fall.
Distance: 20-minute walk from Kowakudani Station (along the Hakone Tozan Line) or 5-minute taxi ride from Gora Station.
Entrance Fee: Free
Chisuji Falls is a quiet and peaceful waterfall in the forest. It’s a great way to start your day calmly.
What You Can Do:
✔ Walk along the forest path to see the waterfall.
✔ Take photos and enjoy the sound of water.
✔ Sit on a bench and relax in the cool air.
Optional Nearby Stop:
Kowakien Yunessun – A fun hot spring theme park with indoor and outdoor baths, you can even bathe in wine or coffee baths!
After your nature walk, head back near Gora Station for a short break.
Café Options:
Gora Brewery & Grill – Coffee, craft beer, and snacks are available in a stylish space.
Donburi & Cafe Zen – Cute cafe serving coffee and snacks as well as donburi (rice bowls).
Cafe Douce (Vegetarian-Friendly) – Small and welcoming cafe with certain vegetarian options and friendly staff.
Coffee Camp – Coffee spot with a modern feel easily accessable from Gora Station.
Distance: 5–10-minute walk from Gora Station
Entrance Fee: Same day purchase - ¥2,000 online purchase ¥1,800
This is one of Hakone’s most famous spots. It’s a big outdoor art park with beautiful mountains all around.
What You Can Do:
✔ See big sculptures by famous artists.
✔ Visit the Picasso Pavilion to view rare paintings and ceramics.
✔ Dip your feet in a warm hot spring foot bath.
✔ Take great photos with art and nature.
✔ Kids can enjoy the colorful play area made of nets.
Distance: 5–10-minute walk from Gora Station
Entrance Fee: Same day purchase - ¥2,000 online purchase - ¥1,800
This is one of Hakone’s most famous spots. It’s a big outdoor art park with beautiful mountains all around.
What You Can Do:
✔ See big sculptures by famous artists.
✔ Visit the Picasso Pavilion to view rare paintings and ceramics.
✔ Dip your feet in a warm hot spring foot bath.
✔ Take great photos with art and nature.
✔ Kids can enjoy the colorful play area made of nets.
After visiting the museum, you’ll probably be hungry. Here are some good lunch spots nearby.
Lunch Options:
Gyoza Center – What better than to eat gyoza dumplings whilst watching the iconic Hakone Tozan train go ambling by.
Tamura Ginkatsutei (Vegetarian-Friendly)– Quaint little restaurant famous for tofu cutlets, perfect for a cozy lunch.
Itoh Dining by Nobu – For those looking for a little luxury, this modern Japanese restaurant serves up some stunning steak dishes.
Emblem Flow Dining (Vegan-Friendly) – Modern restaurant with a vegan friendly menu and views out over the greenery.
Relax and Explore Gora Park
Distance: 5-minute walk from Gora Station
Entrance Fee: ¥650 (free with Hakone Free Pass)
Gora Park is a pretty hilltop garden with lots of flowers and nice views.
What You Can Do:
✔ Walk through flower gardens and take photos.
✔ Visit the greenhouse with tropical flowers.
✔ Join a craft workshop (glassblowing, pottery, etc.).
✔ Join in a traditional Japanese tea ceremony
✔ Have tea and cake at the Café Pic inside the park.
Best Time to Visit: Afternoon (less crowded, good lighting for photos)
If you have extra time and energy, here are a few more places to visit:
Try traditional Japanese tea served by a host.
You can learn and enjoy matcha with sweets.
Entrance Fee: ¥750
Small museum with old Japanese ceramics.
Located inside a peaceful moss garden.
Entrance Fee: ¥1,430
Located inside Gora Park.
Make your own pottery, glassware, or jewelry.
End your day with a delicious dinner in Hakone.
Dinner Options:
Yubadon Naokichi – specializes in yuba (tofu skin) dishes showcasing Japan's traditional, simple cuisine.
Mensho Sai – Unique fish ramen restaurant, swapping out classic chashu pork for red sea bream.
Box Burger (Vegan-Friendly) – Highly rated burger diner with delicious vegan burgers on offer alongside succulent beef burgers.
Teppenyaki Zen - A little luxury in Hakone. Enjoy a stunning view and a show, as chefs cook up equisite teppenyaki right in front of you!
After a full day of nature, art, and good food, head back to your hotel. If your hotel has an onsen (hot spring bath), this is a great time to take a soak and relax your body before bed.
