Where the Great Torii stands in Lake Ashi and the sulfur steam of the earth meets the sky.
Before the luxury ryokans and the pirate ships, Hakone was a land of geological violence and a fortress of the Shogun.
Approximately 400,000 years ago, a massive volcanic collapse created the Hakone Caldera. This was not a single event, but a series of cataclysmic eruptions that eventually formed the steaming valley of Owakudani and the crystal depths of Lake Ashi.
The geology of the region is still "alive." The hot springs that travelers soak in today are the direct result of groundwater being heated by the ancient magma chamber that still sits beneath the mountain.
During the Edo Period (1603–1868), Hakone was the most significant checkpoint on the Tokaido Road, the highway connecting the Emperor in Kyoto to the Shogun in Edo (Tokyo).
The **Hakone Sekisho** (Checkpoint) was feared by all. It enforced the Shogun’s strict "Enter Guns, Leave Women" policy, preventing weapons from entering Edo and stopping the wives of feudal lords from escaping, effectively holding them as political hostages.
The "Hata-shuku" stretch of the Old Tokaido still retains its original cobblestones laid in 1680 to prevent samurai horses from slipping in the mud.
In 1945, the Hakone mountains were chosen to hide Japan's Imperial treasures and National art masterworks from the Allied bombings of Tokyo.
Hakone became Japan's first "International Summer Resort" in the 1870s, as Western diplomats sought the mountain air to escape Tokyo's cholera outbreaks.
More than a route, it is a choreographed symphony of mountain engineering and ancient nature.
Experience Japan’s oldest mountain railway. The train climbs so steeply it must stop and reverse direction three times (switchbacks) to scale the hydra-clad slopes.
Suspended by the Hakone Ropeway, glide over the "Great Boiling Valley." Peer down into active sulfur vents and taste the black eggs boiled in the volcanic core.
Board a majestic pirate ship to cross a 3,000-year-old caldera lake. On clear days, the white silhouette of Mt. Fuji stands behind the crimson Hakone Shrine Torii.
A sanctuary where Picasso’s ceramics and Henry Moore’s bronze masterworks live among the mountain mist.
Walk the original Tokaido road, lined with 400-year-old cedars that once shaded samurai traveling to Edo.
Go counter-clockwise during peak season to avoid the heavy crowds.
Hakone is the spiritual gateway to Mount Fuji. Whether the peak is crystalline against a winter sky or a ghost-shadow behind summer mist, its presence defines every horizon of the caldera.
Part of the Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park, this region offers a rare juxtaposition of geothermal violence and serene luxury. Here, you feel the primordial heat of the earth beneath your feet and the sharp, thin chill of mountain air on your face.
Logistics Tip
The 'Hakone Free Pass' covers the Pirate Ship and Ropeway—the two best moving vantage points for Fuji photography.
The highest point of the Ropeway. Offers a raw, unobstructed view of the peak rising directly above the sulfuric steam vents.
The classic postcard shot. Walk 5 minutes from the bus stop to see the red 'Torii of Peace' floating in Lake Ashi with Fuji in the background.
The 'Great View Mountain.' A hidden spot for those with a car, offering a 360-degree panorama of the lake, the sea, and the mountain.
Known historically as the "Seventeen Springs," Hakone offers a diverse spectrum of mineral waters, from crystal-clear alkaline baths to milky sulfuric cauldrons.
Each station on the loop offers different minerals. Yumoto is famous for simple, clear alkaline water (great for skin), while Sengokuhara offers cloudy sulfuric waters from Owakudani.
Best for: Neuralgia & Fatigue
True immersion happens at a traditional inn. Experience Omotenashi (selfless hospitality), sleep on high-quality futons, and enjoy private Rotenburo—open-air baths carved from mountain rock.
Vibe: Quiet Luxury
The "Black Egg" ritual at Owakudani isn't just a snack; it's a connection to the caldera. Boiled in natural sulfur pools, the iron-rich water turns the shells black. Legend says one egg adds 7 years to your life.
Location: Owakudani Valley
Wash thoroughly before entering. No towels in the water. Respect the silence.
Visit 'Tenzan Onsen' or 'Hakone Yuryo' if you aren't staying overnight.
Hakone sits deep in the mountains. The weather is volatile—expect it to be 5-8°C cooler than Tokyo with its own unique atmospheric character.
Crisp Fuji Views.
Steam is thickest.
Sakura Haze.
Mild hiking days.
Cooler Escape.
Deep forest green.
Fiery Maples.
Peak pilgrimage.
Hakone is one of the rainiest regions in Kanto. Summer (June/July) brings heavy mist that can completely hide Mt. Fuji. We recommend an umbrella even if the Tokyo forecast is clear.
High-altitude winds are common at Owakudani. **Crucial Tip:** Strong winds often cause the Hakone Ropeway to suspend service. Always check the live status on the Odakyu website before heading up.
Even in August, the temperature drops sharply after sunset. If you are staying for dinner or a late-night soak, a light windbreaker or cardigan is mandatory for comfort in the mountain air.
A rotating gallery of nature's finest moods.
Late March to April. Cherry blossoms frame the Hakone Shrine torii. The Tozan Railway passes through pink tunnels.
June to July. The "Ajisai Train" runs through blooming hydrangeas. A cool escape from Tokyo’s sweltering humidity.
November. The caldera turns fiery gold. Ideal for watching maple leaves fall into the steaming hot springs.
January. High atmospheric visibility offers the clearest views of a snow-capped Mount Fuji against blue skies.
Board the Odakyu Romancecar at Shinjuku. Request a front-row seat for a cinematic entrance into the volcanic heart of the mountains.
Take the ropeway over the boiling valley. Witness the raw power of the earth breathing beneath you as sulfur steam rises into the sky.
Sail Lake Ashi toward Moto-Hakone. Capture the reflection of the Red Torii gate with Mt. Fuji standing guard on the horizon.
Retire to your Ryokan for a soak in a Rotenburo. Watch the stars appear as the scent of cedar and the mountain mist fills the air.
Conclude with a multi-course dinner. Savor delicate Tofu skin and grilled river fish in the tranquil silence of the caldera.
Five secrets of the Hakone mountains.
The Hakone Tozan Railway is so steep it uses three "switchbacks," where the driver changes ends of the train to climb the grade.
During WWII, the Hakone valley was used as a secret repository to hide national art treasures from the air raids in Tokyo.
In the Edo period, the Hakone Checkpoint was the most feared; smuggling a weapon into Edo resulted in immediate execution.
Lake Ashi has no natural river inflows. It is fed entirely by underwater volcanic springs and pure mountain rainfall.
Local Yosegi woodwork is so precise that 'Himitsu Bako' (secret boxes) can require over 70 moves to open.
Timing is everything in the caldera. Knowing when to join the celebration and when to seek the silence will define your experience.
Japan’s primary holiday week. The Hakone Tozan Railway can have wait times exceeding 60 minutes. Avoid the Loop during this period if possible.
The most beautiful but busiest month. Traffic on the buses between Moto-Hakone and Yumoto can become gridlocked on weekends.
The famous **Hakone Ekiden** (university marathon) takes place. Thousands line the streets; many roads are closed and hotels are booked a year in advance.
A stunning week of fireworks and lantern floating on Lake Ashi to appease the nine-headed dragon of the lake. A magical time to be by the water.
A massive kanji character (Dai) is lit on fire on the side of Mt. Myojogatake. It is visible from throughout the Gora area, signaling the end of Obon.
A spectacular feudal lord's procession through Hakone-Yumoto. Hundreds of people dress in Edo-period samurai attire and parade through the town.
"Our team is currently mapping hidden forest trails and selecting the finest Ryokans to build the definitive caldera guide for your 2026 escape."
The steam is rising. The guide is coming. Stay tuned.
A Note to our Guests
Thank you for joining us at the foothills of Fuji. We are honored to help you find your peace in the hot springs of Hakone.
— The Hakone Travel Team