Hakone Day Guides
by Trip To Japan
How to Spend a Day in Hakone Exploring Chisuji Falls, the Open Air Museum, and Gora Park
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!
Take a Train to Gora Station
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.
Visit Chisuji Falls for a Calm Nature Walk
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!
Enjoy a Morning Drink or Snack
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.
Explore the Hakone Open Air Museum
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.
Explore the Hakone Open Air Museum
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.
Stop for Lunch Around Gora
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)
Optional Extra Activities Nearby
If you have extra time and energy, here are a few more places to visit:
Hakone Gora Park Tea Ceremony Experience
Try traditional Japanese tea served by a host.
You can learn and enjoy matcha with sweets.
Entrance Fee: ¥750
Hakone Museum of Art
Small museum with old Japanese ceramics.
Located inside a peaceful moss garden.
Entrance Fee: ¥1,430
Hakone Crafthouse
Located inside Gora Park.
Make your own pottery, glassware, or jewelry.
Dinner Options in Hakone
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!
Return to Your Hotel and Relax
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.
