ฮาโกเนะ Day Guides
Hakone is a peaceful mountain town 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 nice views.
Distance: 15-minute walk 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, some with 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.
Hakone Café – Great spot for coffee, cakes, and sandwiches.
Yamagusuri Café (Vegan-Friendly) – Serves plant-based desserts, herbal teas, and lunch sets.
Itoen Café – Simple and affordable with a local feel.
Distance: 5–10-minute walk from Gora Station
Entrance Fee: ¥1,600
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: ¥1,600
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 – Tasty dumplings with many choices.
Tamura Ginkatsutei – Famous for tofu cutlets (vegetarian-friendly).
Itoh Dining by Nobu – Modern Japanese food with beautiful dishes.
Itadaki Hakone (Vegan-Friendly) – Plant-based Japanese meals, peaceful atmosphere.
Kappei – Serves grilled fish and homemade Japanese food.
Relax and Explore Gora Park
Distance: 5-minute walk from Gora Station
Entrance Fee: ¥550 (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.).
✔ Sit by the fountain and relax.
✔ 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:
Small museum with old Japanese ceramics.
Located inside a peaceful moss garden.
Entrance Fee: ¥900
Try traditional Japanese tea served by a host.
You can learn and enjoy matcha with sweets.
Entrance Fee: around ¥700–¥1,000
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 that are great for vegetarians.
Menya Nanashiki – Cozy ramen shop with tasty broth and noodle bowls.
Nabe Yugyoan – Try hot pot meals cooked with fresh Hakone water.
Veg Out Hakone – Offers vegan meals and smoothies with great views.
Gyoza Center (again!) – Also open for dinner, very casual and friendly.
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.
