Hakone Freepass Guide Vol.2: Seven Must-Do Experiences in Hakone
Hakone is a place where every view looks like a postcard. Whether you enjoy the scenery, visit popular attractions, or engage in activities, this destination offers a whole variety of experiences. This time, we’ve carefully selected seven unique activities that can only be enjoyed in Hakone. Use the Hakone Freepass to explore freely with convenient transportation and great discounts.
Experience Hakone’s Nature and History on the Old Highway Tour / HAKONATURE TOUR
The Hakone Hachiri, a Japanese Heritage Site located at an altitude of 800 meters, was once the toughest section of the Old Tokaido Highway. In the Edo period, the first shogun planted cedar trees to shield travelers from wind and rain and laid stone pavements to prevent muddy paths.
This tour allows you to walk along this historic cedar-lined path, offering a unique opportunity to relive the experiences of Edo-period travelers. Some tour routes include a visit to Hakone Barrier checkpoint and hands-on traditional craft experiences, followed by a stop at the 400-year-old Amazake Chaya teahouse.
Accompanied by a certified guide, you’ll gain a deeper appreciation of Hakone’s rich culture, history, and nature.
With the Hakone Freepass, bus transportation during the tour is covered!
A Convenient Hub for Nature Activities / HAKONATURE BASE
Located at the gateway to Hakone, Hakone-Yumoto, this facility serves as a base for outdoor activities. It offers nature tours guided by experts, trail running, and art events in natural settings.
The information counter provides details on various nature activities, making it a great place to arrange hiking, trekking, or cycling plans. Facilities include coin lockers and shower booths, making it a convenient starting point for outdoor adventures. There’s also a cafe lounge where you can relax with coffee or beer after your activities.
Experience Japanese Aesthetics in Moss and Bamboo Gardens: Hakone Museum of Art
The oldest museum in Hakone showcases pottery from the Jomon period to the Edo period, including rare artifacts like a 6th–7th-century haniwa clay figure of a rabbit. The museum grounds, the garden Shinsenkyo, feature a traditional Japanese strolling garden with artificial hills, streams, waterfalls, and pathways. The garden, which includes a moss garden and a bamboo grove, has been designated a National Place of Scenic Beauty. At the tea house inside the garden, you can enjoy tea while feeling immersed in a deep green landscape—an unforgettable experience.
The Tea House Shinwatei
The Tea House Shinwatei
Kayaking on Lake Ashi / Hakone Hotel (Kayak Tours & Rentals)
Enjoy the stunning views of Lake Ashi from a kayak. Unlike boats, kayaks bring you closer to the water surface, offering a fresh perspective of the lake. This guided kayak tour ensures a safe and enjoyable experience, with instructors providing paddling tips and insights into the lake’s beauty. In case of emergencies, a support boat is available, making this activity suitable for beginners and seniors alike. From June to September, stand-up paddleboarding is also available. The tour starts in front of the Hakone Hotel, located on the picturesque lakeshore.
Explore Art in the Heart of Hakone’s Natural Landscape / Hakone Open-Air Museum
Spanning 70,000 square meters, this vast open-air museum features around 120 masterpieces by world-renowned artists, including Auguste Rodin. The unique setting allows visitors to appreciate art while strolling through nature, offering an unparalleled sense of freedom and openness. With numerous photo-worthy spots, the museum is a fantastic place for travelers looking to capture memorable moments. Surrounded by low mountains, the site features gentle hills, streams, and ponds, creating a serene environment where visitors can admire modern sculptures while being immersed in nature. The museum also has an indoor gallery, an art-themed gift shop, a cafe, shaded rest areas, and even a footbath for relaxation.
Witness the Power of the Earth Up Close! / Owakudani Nature Trail
Owakudani’s volcanic landscape is like stepping into another world. Its barren, ochre-colored ground is dotted with steaming vents, creating a dramatic scene. Once known as Jigokudani (“Hell Valley"), this awe-inspiring site showcases the raw energy of the Earth. The 700-meter-long Owakudani walking trail takes visitors through this volcanic wonder, accompanied by expert guides who monitor volcanic activity. They provide insights into the region’s geology, making it a one-of-a-kind experience. Near Owakudani Station, you’ll also find shops selling the famous black eggs, a local delicacy, as well as a variety of souvenirs.
Immerse Yourself in Nature at the Sky-High Open-Air Bath / Tenseien
Tenseien features a spacious 17-meter-long open-air Rooftop Open-Air Communal Sky Baths along with various outdoor and indoor baths. The facility draws from four natural hot spring sources in Hakone-Yumoto, providing guests with soothing, skin-friendly waters in a tranquil setting. Visitors can enjoy private baths, saunas, rest areas, nap rooms, dining options, and souvenir shops, making it a perfect spot for a day-trip relaxation experience. Tenseien’s convenient access from the station and 23-hour operation make it an excellent choice for travelers. The garden within the facility features the Tamadare Falls, a well-known power spot, and the Tamadare Shrine, a branch of Hakone Shrine believed to bring good fortune and health. A leisurely garden stroll is also a highlight of the visit.
