Since the start of the Edo period in 1603, Hakone has flourished as a favorite onsen resort as there are many fine onsen with amazing views of Mount Fuji. Blessed with its natural wonderful environment, you can ride on the railways, ropeways and boats to fully enjoy the spectacular scenery and nature. 

• Types of Onsen in Hakone:

Every day, 25,000 tons of onsen water gushes out from the onsen sources in Hakone, making the area fifth nationwide in terms of onsen yield per day.

In Edo era, there were 7 kinds of onsen. With more exploration, there are 20 kinds of onsen now including simple alkaline springs, acidic sulfate springs, common salt springs (containing sodium chloride), gypsum springs (containing calcium sulfate), and others.

Each of them is believed to have therapeutic effects specific to different illnesses, but basically all of them are said to be good for relieving arthritis, muscles aches and fatigue. Every day, 25,000 tons of hot spring water gushes forth from the 17 hot spring sources of Hakone, making the area fifth nationwide in terms of spring water volume.

• Things to Do in Hakone:

Scenery of majestic Mount Fuji

There many ways to enjoy the superb scenery of majestic Mount Fuji:
- while bathing in an onsen
- high up in the sky gondola of the Hakone Ropeway
- from the shores of Lake Ashi
- onboard a Hakone Sightseeing Cruise on Lake Ashi

Abundant Nature

Hakone is ample in nature such as the Lake Ashi, rising steam from Owakudani (a large onsen source), Hakone Gora Park and Cherry blossom in spring.

There is a mountain railway that runs through the valley, aerial ropeways that bring you up the mountain to view Mt. Fuji and also sightseeing boats to enjoy the superb scenery of Lake Ashi and Mt. Fuji.

Other attractions

There a number of art museums,  gardens and attractions like, Hakone Museum of Art, Museum of Saint-Exupéry and The Little Prince,  Hakone Open Air Museum, Hakone Glass Forest and Hakone Mononofu-no-Sato Art Museum.

Hakone is also famous for spiritual spots in Japan. Kuzuryu Shrine is known for love fortune while Hakone Shrine is known for improving mental toughness. 

Hakone Gourment

Tofu dishes and soba buckwheat noodles are especially delicious due to the high quality of onsen water in Hakone. Fried pone smelt is a must-try dish at restaurants near Lake Ashi as the pond smelts are raised in the pristine water of Lake Ashi.

• Suggested Ryokans:

A full range of onsen ryokans from simple to luxury stay. Here are some of the best onsen hotels:

Map from hakone-ryokan.or.jp