Attractions in Hakone

Lake Ashi is a scenic crater lake in the volcanic caldera of Hakone, formed approximately 3,000 years ago. On clear days, the lake reflects a stunning mirror image of Mount Fuji, making it one of the most iconic views in Japan.

Odawara Castle is a reconstructed hilltop fortress near the entrance to Hakone, surrounded by wide moats and gardens. It was the seat of the powerful Hojo clan, who controlled the Kanto region for five generations during the Sengoku (Warring States) period.

Hakone Shrine is a revered Shinto shrine nestled in an ancient cedar forest on the southern shore of Lake Ashi. Its vermillion torii gate standing in the lake waters is one of the most photographed scenes in the Hakone region.

Kuzuryu Shrine Shingu (New Shrine) is a small, atmospheric Shinto shrine on the lakeshore beside Hakone Shrine, dedicated to the nine-headed dragon deity of Lake Ashi. It is revered as one of Japan's most powerful "power spots" for spiritual energy.

Hakone-en Aquarium is a compact lakeside aquarium within the larger Hakone-en resort complex on the eastern shore of Lake Ashi. It features both freshwater fish from the lake and surrounding rivers, and saltwater marine life.

Choanji Temple is a small, peaceful Buddhist temple tucked into the mountainside in the Tonosawa area between Hakone-Yumoto and Miyanoshita. Its moss-covered stone staircase and seasonal hydrangeas make it a hidden gem away from the main attractions.

The Cedar Avenue of the Old Tokaido Road is a beautifully preserved 500-meter stretch of the historic highway that once connected Edo to Kyoto. Towering Japanese cedars, some over 350 years old, line both sides of the original stone-paved path.

Amazake Chaya is a 400-year-old thatched-roof teahouse perched on the old Tokaido mountain pass between Hakone and Mishima. It has been serving travelers amazake (sweet fermented rice drink) and toasted mochi rice cakes for centuries, preserving a living connection to Japan's feudal-era highway culture.

Owakudani is a volcanic valley created during the last eruption of Mount Hakone approximately 3,000 years ago. Billowing sulfurous steam vents, bubbling hot springs, and the desolate, barren landscape create a dramatic otherworldly scene.