Last Updated on 2026-03-01 by Tsubaki
In the previous article, I introduced a complete guide to Hakone transportation, helping you navigate the region’s many routes and passes. But even after figuring out how to get around, planning the perfect Hakone trip can still be tricky, right? I’ve personally visited Hakone more than five times, including day trips, overnight stays, and hiking routes, and even so, I still haven’t managed to cover every single Hakone attractions! If your schedule allows, I highly recommend spending at least one night in Hakone to fully experience its natural beauty and relaxing atmosphere.
In this article, I’ve put together a list of 18 must-visit Hakone attractions, along with local food spots and souvenir picks you shouldn’t miss. Hopefully, this will help you plan your own Hakone trip with ease and excitement!In this article, I’ve put together a list of 18 must-visit Hakone attractions, along with local food spots and souvenir picks you shouldn’t miss. Hopefully, this will help you plan your own Hakone trip with ease and excitement!
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What Are the Best Places to Visit in Hakone?
Hakone covers a wide area, so I’ve organized the highlights by region to make your trip planning easier. Some Hakone Attractions are absolutely worth a visit, and I’ve marked them with a ★ so you can prioritize those in your itinerary!
Hakone Yumoto Area
Hakone Yumoto is the main gateway to the entire Hakone hot spring region and also its most important transportation hub. If you’re coming from Tokyo, your first stop will most likely be Hakone-Yumoto Station. Many travelers choose to begin or end their journey here, strolling through the onsen town, enjoying local eats, and soaking in a hot spring to unwind after a full day.
The town is lined with a wide range of hot spring inns (ryokan), making it a popular spot for couples or families looking to enjoy a relaxing getaway. But even if you’re not staying overnight, there are plenty of day-use onsen facilities, making it easy to enjoy a stress-free Hakone trip on a day trip as well!
★ Hakone Yumoto Onsen Street
As one of Hakone’s most iconic hot spring towns, Hakone Yumoto boasts a rich supply of inns and natural spring sources, making it a must-visit spot. The area in front of the station is always lively, lined with souvenir shops, food stalls, and restaurants on both sides of the street. It’s the perfect place to shop for gifts or enjoy some local snacks while walking around.
You’ll often see travelers pausing here to wander the streets, sample the street food, and soak in the charming hot spring town atmosphere.
On sunny days, some even take off their shoes and dip their feet into the cool river water under the bridge, a simple pleasure that captures the essence of Hakone.
Every year on November 3, Hakone-Yumoto hosts the Hakone Daimyo Gyoretsu, a re-enactment of the sankin-kotai (feudal lord’s procession) from the Edo period. If your visit happens to coincide with this event, it’s an experience you absolutely shouldn’t miss!
Tsubaki Tip: After exploring the various Hakone areas, I suggest returning to Hakone Yumoto at the end of your trip. Take your time wandering the streets, grab some food, and relax in a hot spring, it’s the perfect way to wind down after a day of sightseeing.
Fukasawa Zeniarai Benzaiten Shrine
Back in the Taisho era, a merchant who often stayed at Tonosawa Onsen had a dream of a white snake. Inspired by the dream, he built a small stone shrine beside the crystal-clear stream, which eventually became this sacred site.
The shrine is located just across from the uphill platform of Tonosawa Station on the Hakone Tozan Railway. If you’re lucky, you can capture a rare shot of the torii gate and a passing train in the same frame, a favorite photo spot for railway and shrine enthusiasts alike.
The spring water here is called “Benten Healing Water.” According to local legend, washing your money in it will multiply your wealth, making it a popular spiritual stop for business owners and entrepreneurs.
✔️Fukasawa Zeniarai Benzaiten Shrine（深沢銭洗弁財天）
Address: 2 Chome-25-16 Sasuke, Kamakura, Kanagawa 248-0017（Google Maps）
Open Hours: 8 AM–4:30 PM
Access:
・20-minute walk from Hakone-Yumoto Station
・2-minute walk from Tonosawa Station on the Hakone Tozan Railway
Miyanoshita & Kowakudani Area
The Miyanoshita area began flourishing as a resort town for foreign travelers during the Meiji era, thanks to the opening of the historic Fujiya Hotel. Beloved by international visitors even today, this neighborhood still retains its old-world charm, with antique shops and Western-style buildings that give it an exotic and nostalgic feel. Taking a stroll through the area feels like stepping back in time to a century ago.
The area is also home to many hot spring ryokan and traditional inns. If you’re planning to stay in Hakone for more than a day, this is a great place to book a room, you’ll get to enjoy not just the relaxing hot springs, but also the retro atmosphere of a bygone era.
Hōraien Garden at Hakone Kowakien
Located next to Mikawaya Ryokan, Hakone Kowakien Hōraien Garden was built in the early Taisho era by Kyōzō Enomoto. The garden spans about one hectare and features around 30,000 azalea and camellia plants, with over 40 varieties in total. Every spring and early summer, the garden bursts into color, making it one of the hidden gems for seasonal flower viewing. It’s also a quiet, lesser-known spot for enjoying autumn foliage.
While Hōraien is rich in history, it’s not usually crowded like other major attractions. So if your itinerary allows, it’s a lovely attraction to take a walk and enjoy a peaceful break from the more touristy areas.
✔️Hakone Kowakien Hōraien Garden (小涌谷蓬莱園)
Address: Kowakudani, Hakone, Ashigarashimo District, Kanagawa 250-0406 (Google Maps)
Open Hours: 24 hours
Admission: Free
Access:
・20-minute walk from Kowakudani Station (Hakone Tozan Railway)
・Get off at Hōraien bus stop via Hakone Tozan Bus
Chisuji Falls (Chisuji-no-taki)
Chisuji Falls is located upstream along the Jakotsu River, cascading down a rock wall about 3 meters high and stretching 20 meters wide. Rather than falling in a single drop, the water fans out horizontally, flowing in thin, delicate streams that resemble a water curtain woven into the rock face. The water here is crystal clear, but be aware, it’s not drinkable!
This scenic spot was once forgotten during the Taisho era. It was the founder of Mikawaya Ryokan who took the initiative to restore the trail and surrounding landscape, hoping to bring this hidden gem back into the spotlight for more people to enjoy.
✔️Chisuji Falls (千条の滝)
Address: 507 Kowakudani, Hakone, Ashigarashimo District, Kanagawa 250-0406 (Google Maps)
Open Hours: 24 hours
Access:
・20-minute walk from Kowakudani Station (Hakone Tozan Railway)
・10-minute walk from Hōraien bus stop via Hakone Tozan Bus
Estimated visit time: Around 10–15 minutes
The Hakone Open-Air Museum
The Hakone Open-Air Museum has become a must-visit destination in recent years. Its most iconic feature is the stunning glass tower, but what makes it truly special is that it was the first museum in Japan dedicated to outdoor sculpture installations. With over 120 works of sculpture displayed across spacious grounds, I highly recommend adding this stop to your Hakone itinerary.
Art lovers will also appreciate the Picasso Pavilion, which houses an impressive collection of Picasso’s works, including ceramics, paintings, and sketches. In addition, the museum features a café and a restaurant, making it a perfect place to spend a relaxing morning immersed in art and nature.
✔️The Hakone Open-Air Museum (彫刻の森美術館)
Address: 1121 Ninotaira, Hakone, Ashigarashimo District, Kanagawa 250-0493 (Google Maps)
Opening Hours: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Admission: ¥2,000
・Discounted price available via Asoview (¥200 off)
・Additional ¥100 discount for Hakone Free Pass holders
Access:
・2-minute walk from Chōkoku-no-Mori Station (Hakone Tozan Railway)
・Get off at “Chōkoku-no-Mori” bus stop via Hakone Tozan Bus
Estimated visit time: 2–3 hours
Related article
[My visit to the Open-Air Museum]
Gora Area
Located in the heart of Hakone, Gora developed into a hot spring resort town after the Hakone Tozan Railway extended service to the area in 1919. It later became a retreat for politicians, artists, and cultural elites. In spring, the riverside area of Miyagino is lined with around 120 Somei Yoshino cherry trees, making it a picturesque spot for flower viewing.
Gora Park
Opened in 1914, Gora Park is Japan’s first French-style garden. The park features a rose garden, hydrangea house, and the popular Craft House, where visitors can try their hand at pottery and glassblowing. During cherry blossom and autumn foliage seasons, the park is especially lively.
On both sides of the central fountain, there are tea houses and cafes, perfect for enjoying light meals while surrounded by flowers and greenery. The takeaway stand even sells creamy herbal and rose-flavored soft serve, ideal for snacking as you stroll. The park also hosts seasonal exhibitions, making it a relaxing and creative space for both kids and adults.
Every year on August 16, Gora hosts the Daimonji-yaki Fire Festival, where a giant “大” (dai) character is lit up on the mountainside. On this night, Gora Park opens for nighttime admission, and from inside the park, visitors can enjoy one of the best views of the illuminated mountain, a highlight of summer in Hakone!
✔️Gora Park (箱根強羅公園)
Address: 1300 Gora, Hakone, Ashigarashimo District, Kanagawa 250-0408 (Google Maps)
Opening Hours: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Admission: ¥550
・¥200 discount with Hakone Free Pass
Access:
・2-minute walk from Kōen-Shimo Station (Hakone Cable Car)
・10-minute walk from Gora Station (Hakone Tozan Railway)
Estimated visit time: 30 minutes to 1 hour
Hakone Museum of Art
This museum is one of the few in Japan that specializes in medieval ceramics, making it a hidden gem for those interested in traditional Japanese art. One of its most iconic features is the moss garden (Koke-niwa), which was personally designed by the museum’s founder, Mokichi Okada. If you’re an art lover, this peaceful and contemplative space is definitely worth a visit.
I visited in autumn myself, and the combination of vibrant fall foliage with the moss garden was absolutely stunning. I highly recommend including this stop in your Hakone itinerary if you’re visiting in the fall! The garden also hosts regular performances, I was lucky enough to catch a traditional Ryukyuan dance show during my visit, and the atmosphere was fantastic. Definitely worth seeing!
You can get a discounted ticket on KKday that’s cheaper than buying on-site, and the best part is, it’s instant use with no need to wait in line!
Hakone Museum of Art (箱根美術館)
Address: 1300 Gora, Hakone, Ashigarashimo District, Kanagawa 250-0408 (Google Maps)
Google Maps Code: 62XV+73 Hakone, Kanagawa
Opening Hours: 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Admission: ¥1,430 （discount ticket via KKday)
・¥200 discount with Hakone Free Pass
Access:
・3-minute walk from Kōen-Kami Station (Hakone Cable Car)
・15-minute walk from Gora Station
Estimated visit time: 1–2 hours
★ Cu-mo Sōunzan Observation Terrace
Located right between the Hakone Cable Car terminal at Sōunzan and the entrance to the Hakone Ropeway, Cu-mo is a modern multi-functional rest stop that features a café, souvenir shop, observation terrace, and a free footbath area. It’s the perfect place to pause and recharge before heading up to Owakudani.
If it’s not too crowded, you can usually grab a seat at the footbath area, enjoy a hot soak for your feet, sip a coffee or milkshake, and take in the spectacular mountain views, a relaxing and rare kind of experience you’ll want to savor.
Don’t forget to bring a small towel for drying your feet! If you forget, no worries, Cu-mo’s shop sells them (of course, tourist spots never miss a business opportunity!).
✔️Cu-mo Sōunzan Terrace
Address: Sōunzan Station, 1300 Gora, Hakone, Ashigarashimo District, Kanagawa 250-0408 (Google Maps)
Open Hours: Follows the schedule of the Hakone Cable Car and Ropeway
Access:
・Get off at Sōunzan Station on the Hakone Cable Car
Estimated visit time: 10–30 minutes
Free ride with Hakone Free Pass
Owakudani Area
The Owakudani area is famous for its dramatic volcanic landscape. The entire zone is built around its volcanic observation deck and Nature Research Trail, making it one of the best places in Japan to see an active volcanic environment up close.
Every time I visit, the sight of the billowing white steam rising from the barren slopes never fails to impress. It’s honestly breathtaking, no matter how many times you’ve been.
★ Owakudani Volcanic Observation
Owakudani is one of Hakone’s signature sights and has been selected as one of Kanagawa’s top 50 scenic spots, and it’s easy to see why.
This dramatic valley was formed over 3,000 years ago by the explosive eruption of Mount Kamiyama. Even today, you can still see steam vents and smell the strong sulfur the moment you step off the ropeway. It’s not just a visual experience, the sulfuric scent and active fumaroles bring the raw power of nature right to your senses.
The observation deck near the station gives you a direct view of the steaming vents, and the surreal atmosphere has earned this place the nickname “Hell Valley” in the past.
⚠️ Note: Signs on-site will warn you that volcanic gases in certain areas may affect those with respiratory conditions. So try not to stay too long in the zones with active emissions.
✔️Owakudani (大涌谷)
Address: Sengokuhara, Hakone, Ashigarashimo District, Kanagawa 250-0631 (Google Maps)
Open Hours: 24 hours (Ropeway schedule applies)
Admission: Free
Access:
・Get off at Owakudani Station via Hakone Ropeway
・Parking available for self-drivers
Estimated visit time:
・30 minutes to 1 hour
・2 hours if joining the Nature Research Trail experience
Free ropeway ride with Hakone Free Pass
★ Owakudani Nature Research Trail (Guided Experience Only)
At Owakudani, there’s a special Nature Research Trail that allows you to observe volcanic terrain up close. Although it used to be open to the public, it’s now only accessible via guided tours due to safety reasons.
Tours are reservation-only and available online. Each session is limited to 30 people, held four times a day, and accompanied by two guides. The full trail is about 700 meters long and takes around 40 minutes to complete.
There are seven evacuation shelters installed along the trail for emergencies. One of the highlights is watching staff steam the famous black eggs (Kuro-Tamago) using the natural volcanic steam, such a unique and memorable sight!
I personally tried to join four times, missed the reservation the first time, forgot to book the second time, and had bad weather the third. I finally succeeded on my fourth try, and it was totally worth it! If you’re interested, I highly recommend reserving in advance.
✔️Owakudani Nature Research Trail
Access: Take the Hakone Ropeway to Owakudani Station, parking available for self-drivers
Reservation: Required via [official Owakudani trail website]
Booking window: Opens about 1 month in advance, limited availability
Fee: Around ¥800 per person (includes insurance; check official site for latest info)
Restrictions: Due to the terrain, there may be age/health restrictions. Please read all guidelines beforehand.
Tour Times: 10:00 / 11:30 / 13:00 / 14:30
Related article:
[My experience on the Owakudani Nature Trail]
Lake Ashi Area
Lake Ashi (Ashinoko) is one of the most popular areas in Hakone, second only to Owakudani, and an absolute must for first-time visitors. The scenic lakeside route stretches from Togendai to Motohakone, offering spectacular views including the iconic Hakone Shrine and the Peace Torii floating on the water, as well as rare reflections of Mt. Fuji known as “Reverse Fuji” on clear days.
Aside from the stunning nature, the area is also rich in history. Hakone Checkpoint (Hakone Sekisho), for example, has been beautifully reconstructed, giving visitors a glimpse into Edo-period travel culture.
Hakone Motomiya Shrine / Komagatake Summit
Hakone Motomiya Shrine is located at the very summit of Mt. Komagatake, which is why it’s often called the “Shrine in the Sky.” From the mountaintop, you can enjoy panoramic views of Mt. Fuji, the surrounding ridgelines, and all of Lake Ashi below, the scenery is absolutely breathtaking!
Because it’s a bit remote, not many tourists go out of their way to reach it after arriving at Motohakone Port. But if your schedule allows, it’s definitely worth the detour.
✔️Hakone Motomiya Shrine (箱根元宮)
Address: 〒250-0522 Kanagawa, Ashigarashimo District, Hakone, Motohakone, ８０−1 (Google Maps)
Opening Hours: Matches the ropeway operation times
Access: Take a bus to Hakone-en, then transfer to the Komagatake Ropeway
Ropeway Fare:
・Round-trip: ¥2,200
・Discounted to ¥1,800 for Prince Hotel guests
Note: The Hakone Free Pass does not cover the Komagatake Ropeway
Offical Website
Image: Komagatake Ropeway Official Website
On weekends and holidays from October to early January, the summit opens for nighttime stargazing tours. Telescopes are set up on the viewing deck, allowing you to admire constellations under crisp, clear mountain air, and if you’re lucky, you might even catch a shooting star.
✔️Komagatake Stargazing Tour
Opening Hours: 5:00 PM – 6:30 PM (separate from daytime hours)
Access: Take a bus to Hakone-en, then the Komagatake Ropeway
Ticket: ¥2,200 (includes a star chart)
Notes: Tickets sold on-site
★ Lake Ashi Pirate Cruise
The Hakone Sightseeing Cruise (Pirate Ship) is one of the most iconic experiences in Hakone. It’s not just a way to get around, sailing across Lake Ashi with views of Mt. Fuji and Hakone Shrine’s famous torii gate feels like something straight out of a fantasy scene. A must-do for first-timers!
There are three unique ship designs to choose from:
・Royal II (Mediterranean royal style)
・Victory (classic battleship design)
・QUEEN ASHINOKO (sleek and modern aesthetics)
Each ship has its own personality, so pick the one that suits your style and enjoy the ride!
✔️Hakone Sightseeing Cruise (Togendai Port)
Address: 164 Motohakone, Hakone, Ashigarashimo District, Kanagawa 250-0522 (Google Maps)
Opening Hours: 9:30 AM – 6:00 PM
Access: Take the Hakone Ropeway to Togendai Station, then transfer to the pirate ship
Fare:
・One-way: ¥1,200
・Upgrade to premium cabin for an extra ¥600
Free ride with Hakone Free Pass
★ Motohakone Port
Motohakone Port is the spot where most visitors disembark from the Hakone Pirate Ship, and it also serves as the main gateway to Hakone Shrine and the iconic Peace Torii. It’s a lovely, calming walk from the port to the shrine, with lake views, forest paths, and plenty of fresh mountain air.
One of the best things about walking along the lakeshore here is the peaceful atmosphere. Just look at the people fishing quietly by the edge of the water in my photo, pure chill vibes.
✔️Motohakone Port
Address: Motohakone, Hakone, Ashigarashimo District, Kanagawa 250-0522 (Google Maps)
Access:
・Disembark at Motohakone Port after taking the Hakone Pirate Ship from Togendai
・Get off at Motohakone Port bus stop on the Hakone Tozan Bus
★ Hakone Shrine
Hakone Shrine is probably the most iconic spiritual site in the region, and almost every visitor makes a stop here. Its Peace Torii Gate, standing in the lake, is especially famous, it’s a popular photo spot on social media.
That said, it’s so popular that there’s almost always a line for the classic no-one-in-the-frame photo. Honestly, unless you’re feeling patient (and a bit bold). I’d recommend doing what I do, just take a scenic wide shot and move on!
✔️Hakone Shrine (箱根神社)
Address: 80-1 Motohakone, Hakone, Ashigarashimo District, Kanagawa 250-0522 (Google Maps)
Opening Hours: 24 hours
Access:
・15-minute walk from Motohakone Port after getting off the Pirate Ship
・15-minute walk from the Motohakone Port bus stop
Events: Setsubun Festival and fireworks show in early February (info)
Hakone Checkpoint (Sekisho)
In the Edo period, checkpoints (sekisho) were established along the Tōkaidō Road by the shogunate to control and inspect travelers. These facilities even included residences for guards and prison cells for offenders. It’s hard to imagine today, but back then, passing through checkpoints could be a very strict process!
Though the original structure no longer exists, the Hakone Checkpoint was fully reconstructed in 2007, making it a fascinating and educational stop where you can learn about travel restrictions in feudal Japan.
✔️Hakone Sekisho (Checkpoint) Museum (箱根関所)
Address: 1 Hakone, Ashigarashimo District, Kanagawa 250-0521 (Google Maps)
Opening Hours: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Access:
・5-minute walk from Hakone-machi Port after disembarking the Pirate Ship
・Get off at Sekishoato Iriguchi bus stop
Admission: ¥500
・¥100 discount with Hakone Free Pass
Bonus Spot: Sengokuhara Area
The Sengokuhara area is best known for its golden pampas grass fields, which turn into a breathtaking landscape in autumn. The entire area is also home to numerous hot spring ryokan, making it an ideal place to slow down and relax.
Although there’s no direct train access, the area is easily reachable by bus, especially convenient from Togendai. If you’re driving, the route is smooth and straightforward, making it an easy and worthwhile stop to add to your itinerary.
Sengokuhara Pampas Grass Field
This sea of swaying silvergrass is considered one of the Top 50 Scenic Spots in Kanagawa Prefecture! From mid-October to mid-November, the field turns into a shimmering blanket of gold, creating a magical and photogenic experience.
Interestingly, every year in mid- to late March, the field is deliberately burned to protect the ecosystem, a tradition that has become a kind of ritual and draws spectators who come just to witness the powerful spectacle.
Sengokuhara Pampas Grass Field (仙石原すすき草原)
Address: Sengokuhara, Hakone, Ashigarashimo District, Kanagawa 250-0631 (Google Maps)
Open Hours: 24 hours
Access:
・Get off at Sengokuhara Information Center bus stop (T-Line Hakone Tozan Bus)
Free ride with Hakone Free Pass
Hakone Botanical Garden of Wetlands
Often called a “Little Oze” (in reference to the famous Oze National Park), this wetland garden is tucked away in the Sengokuhara area of Hakone and is known for its incredible biodiversity. The garden features both rare imported species and native Japanese plants, making it a paradise for nature lovers and botany enthusiasts alike.
You can stroll along peaceful wooden paths while being surrounded by mountain views, seasonal flowers, and the calming sounds of nature. It’s the kind of place where you can slow down, take deep breaths, and truly unwind, perfect for a quiet afternoon in Hakone.
✔️Hakone Botanical Garden of Wetlands (箱根湿生花園)
Address: 817 Sengokuhara, Hakone, Ashigarashimo District, Kanagawa 250-0631 (Google Maps)
Opening Hours: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Closed from December to mid-March)
Admission: ¥700
・¥100 discount with Hakone Free Pass
Access: Get off at Shissei-Kaen-mae bus stop (S Line, Hakone Tozan Bus)
Hidden Gem: The Old Hakone Highway
The Old Hakone Highway (Kyū-Tōkaidō) starts near Onshi-Hakone Park, close to Hakone-machi Port and Motohakone Port. If you want to walk in the footsteps of Edo-period travelers, this historic route is a great option. While parts of the path now run alongside regular roads, there’s still plenty of atmosphere, especially for a casual hike.
Walk Among 400-Year-Old Cedars
The trail passes through a grove of over 400 cedar trees, each more than 400 years old, originally planted to provide shade and shelter for travelers. Walking here really feels like time-traveling to the Edo period, reminding us that journeys used to be much harder without trains or cars!
Starting from the checkpoint near Hakone Sekisho, it takes about 20–30 minutes to reach the historic Amazake Chaya tea house, which also serves as a resting point. The full trail all the way to Hakone-Yumoto Station takes around two hours, with uphill and downhill sections.
I did this hike with my coworkers once, and we all wore light hiking shoes, high heels or leather shoes are definitely not recommended for this trail!
Along the trail, you’ll come across Amazake Chaya, a traditional teahouse that still serves sweet fermented rice drink (amazake) and mochi snacks. They even sell traditional straw sandals (zōri) like those worn by travelers in the Edo era, though you’ll need to call ahead to reserve a pair!
Zōri reservations: 0460-83-6318
Recommended Local Food in Hakone
When in Hakone, don’t miss the region’s specialties:
・Grated yam (tororo) recipes
・Tofu dishes
・Yuba (tofu skin) cuisine
Tamura Ginkatsutei (田むら銀かつ亭) – Gora
One of the most beloved restaurants in Hakone is Tamura Ginkatsutei, a long-standing eatery that’s been serving up regional specialties since 1972. Their signature dish is the Tofu Pork Cutlet Stew Set (豆腐かつ煮定食), which features Hakone’s special “Gindōfu” tofu.
Here’s how it works: they sandwich juicy ground pork between soft tofu, then coat it and deep-fry it to crispy perfection. The result? Crispy outside, tender inside, and totally unforgettable. It’s one of those unique local dishes that you can’t find anywhere else!
✔️Tamura Ginkatsutei (田むら銀かつ亭)
Address: 1300-739 Gora, Hakone, Ashigarashimo District, Kanagawa 250-0408 (Google Maps)
Opening Hours:
・11:00 AM – 2:30 PM
・5:30 PM – 7:30 PM
Closed: Tuesday afternoons and all day Wednesday
Official Website
Related Article
[My visit to Tamura Ginkatsutei]
Gongen Karamemochi｜Near Hakone Shrine
The signature dish here, Ore no Udon Aka (My Spicy Udon – Red), is made using sacred spring water from Hakone Shrine! There’s even a fun local legend, if you find a noodle that’s tied in a knot. It means good fortune or romance is coming your way. How cute is that?
✔️Gongen Karamemochi (権現からめもち)
Location: 80-1 Motohakone, Hakone, Kanagawa 250-0522 (Google Maps)
Hours: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Price:
・Ore no Udon Aka – ¥970
・Five-Color Mochi – ¥750
Closed: Irregular
Gyunabe Ukon｜Hakone Yumoto
This super popular new restaurant has everyone buzzing, why? Because it’s the only restaurant in Hakone located right beside a riverbed! Imagine enjoying a luxurious beef hotpot while gazing at the flowing stream and listening to the sound of water, pure serenity and romance.
I’ll be honest, I’m usually on a budget and don’t often splurge on fancy meals, but this one’s so buzzworthy I just had to mention it. If you’re looking for a special date spot, this riverside nabe experience is definitely a splurge worth making.
✔️Gyunabe Ukon (牛なべ 右近)
Location: 185-5 Yumotochaya, Hakone, Kanagawa 250-0312 (Google Maps)
Hours: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM (Break: 3:00–5:00 PM)
Price: Beef Hotpot Set – From ¥9,800/person
Official Website
Hatsu Hana Soba｜Hakone Yumoto
Hatsu Hana is a beloved soba restaurant known for its Seiro Soba (cold soba with grated yam), a Hakone specialty. You’ll often see a long line out front. Personally, I can’t handle the gooey texture of tororo (grated yam), so I let my friend try that one while I played it safe with the tempura soba (and it was delicious!).
✔️Hatsu Hana Soba（はつ花そば）
Location: 635 Yumoto, Hakone, Kanagawa 250-0311 (Google Maps)
Hours: 10:00 AM – 4:45 PM
Price:
・Seiro Soba – ¥1,200
・Tempura Soba – ¥1,400
Tip: Not a fan of grated yam? Go for the tempura version.
Yuba-don Naokichi｜Hakone Yumoto
Yuba-don Naokichi specializes in tofu skin (yuba) dishes, and their signature rice bowl is made using “Hime-no-Mizu” spring water, famous in Hakone.
The water quality directly affects the flavor and texture of the yuba, so to make it truly delicious. The owner chose a legendary spring once used as facial water by a princess in ancient times! As someone who absolutely loves tofu dishes, I highly recommend giving this one a try.
The story behind this spring, known as “Hime-no-Mizu” (Princess’s Water), is quite charming: during the era when Hojo Soun ruled the Kanto region, there was a beauty-loving princess in the Hojo family named Saho-hime. She sent her retainers out to search for the perfect natural water for skincare. They discovered a pure and delicate spring halfway up the mountains of Hakone. It later became known as “Hime-no-Mizu”, and you can still find it today at the Hakone Ohiradai area!
Yuba-don Naokichi (湯葉丼 直吉)
Location: 696 Yumoto, Hakone, Ashigarashimo District, Kanagawa 250-0311(Google Maps)
Hours: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Price: Yuba-don ¥1,200
Local Snacks & Souvenirs
Kamaboko Yokocho Kagosei– Deep-Fried Fish Cake Sticks｜Hakone Yumoto
Originally a souvenir shop, this spot went viral for its freshly fried fish cake sticks. The savory aroma is impossible to resist, and the neat display makes it a real impulse-buy hotspot.
I always grab one when I pass by! My favorite is the onion flavor, though my friend swears by the mentaiko-mayo. We both agreed: onion wins. Each stick costs around ¥350–¥400 and comes in multiple flavors.
✔️Kamaboko Yokocho Kagosei (籠清かまぼこ横丁)
Location: 702 Yumoto, Hakone, Ashigarashimo District, Kanagawa 250-0311(Google Maps)
Hours: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Price: Onion fish stick – ¥350
Black Eggs & Black Curry Bread｜Owakudani
The Black Eggs (Kuro-Tamago) and Black Curry Bread are must-tries when visiting Owakudani. The eggs are steamed using the natural volcanic heat and are said to add seven years to your life!
To be honest, they taste pretty similar to regular boiled eggs (I personally think Taiwanese tea eggs have more flavor!), but it’s all about the experience.
✔️Owakudani (大涌谷)
Location: 1251 Sengokuhara, Hakone, Ashigarashimo District, Kanagawa 250-0631 (Google Maps)
Hours: 9:00 AM – 4:15 PM
Price:
・Black Eggs (5-pack) – ¥500
・Black Curry Bread – ¥350
Cu-mo New Bell Milkshake｜Sōunzan
Cu-mo café’s “New Bell” milkshake is an Instagram favorite. Topped with a fluffy cloud of cotton candy, it looks like a dreamy cloud floating on the mountaintop.
You’ll see almost everyone at the observation deck holding one, it’s practically the official drink of Sōunzan.
✔️Cu-mo Café (at Sōunzan Station)
Location: Sōunzan Station, 1300 Gora, Hakone, Ashigarashimo District, Kanagawa 250-0408 (Google Maps)
Hours: Matches ropeway operation
Price: New Bell Milkshake – ¥750
Kikukawa Castella Cakes
As you walk through the hot spring shopping street, you’ll smell these castella cakes being freshly baked behind the storefront windows. Each one is branded with the word “Hakone”, making them a popular take-home souvenir, and a must for social media posts.
✔️Kikukawa Shoten (菊川商店)
Location: 706-17 Yumoto, Hakone, Ashigarashimo District, Kanagawa 250-0311(Google Maps)
Hours: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Price: Castella cake – ¥80 each
Nanohana Onsen Manju
Nanohana’s onsen manju (hot spring buns) are made with top-quality ingredients like Hateruma black sugar, Okinawa sea salt “Nuchimaasu”, and Tokachi red beans from Hokkaido. The skin is chewy, the filling rich but not overly sweet, plus black sugar is good for your health, so why not?
※ Just a heads-up: I once had a slightly unpleasant experience here. One of the staff seemed less friendly toward foreign tourists. Hopefully, it was just a one-off.
✔️Nanohana (菜の花)
Location: 639 Yumoto, Hakone, Ashigarashimo District, Kanagawa 250-0311 (Google Maps)
Hours: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Chimoto – Yumo Mochi (湯もち)
Chimoto is a well-known sweets shop in Hakone, and their signature Yumo Mochi is a local favorite only found in hot spring towns. Inside the soft mochi is a layer of yokan (sweet bean jelly) with a subtle hint of yuzu citrus, a delicate, elegant treat with beautifully designed packaging.
✔️Chimoto (御菓子司ちもと)
Location: 690 Yumoto, Hakone, Ashigarashimo District, Kanagawa 250-0311 (Google Maps)
Hours: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
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Traveler’s Note:
The insights shared above are based on my personal experiences and subjective perspectives. When planning your trip, please consider current weather conditions and your own travel preferences.
Please note that all English articles on this site are AI-assisted translations of the original Traditional Chinese content. While every effort is made to ensure accuracy and natural flow, occasional nuances or expressions may differ. Thank you for your understanding.
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