The best months to visit Hakone are Apr – May, Oct – Nov. Cherry blossom or autumn leaves with Fuji views.
Quick facts
When to go
Steaming volcanic valleys and serene lake waters with Mt Fuji towering above: Japan's most beloved hot spring escape from Tokyo.
Apr – May, Oct – Nov is the busiest window in Hakone, so accommodation and flights go first. Book ahead. The shoulder weeks either side are usually quieter for the same reason.
Getting Around in Hakone
- The Hakone Free Pass covers trains, cable cars, ropeway, pirate ship, and buses in a complete loop
- From Tokyo: Odakyu Romancecar from Shinjuku (85 min) or JR Tokaido line to Odawara then Hakone Tozan Railway
- Roads are narrow and parking limited: public transport is faster and easier than driving in Hakone
For month-by-month detail, itineraries and costs, see the full Hakone travel guide.
Timezone: JST (UTC+9) (No daylight saving time)
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time to visit Hakone?
The best months to visit Hakone are Apr – May, Oct – Nov (Cherry blossom or autumn leaves with Fuji views), which makes for the most comfortable conditions for sightseeing and getting around. For what a trip costs day to day, see the Hakone budget breakdown.
