Hakone is the perfect day out of Tokyo that has long remained one of the most popular tourist spot on TripAdvisor. Hakone is located in the southwestern part of Kanagawa prefecture less than 100 kilometers from Japan's main capital Tokyo and is part of Fuji Hakone Izu National Park. Hakone is a popular place for Japanese and foreign travelers because of its beautiful nature, the view of Lake Ashinoko and Mount Fuji and is a place with many hot springs. One can find many lovely ryokans exotic streets and a very cool open air museum there as well. Don't know what to do? Then check out this list inspired by TripAdvisor on the top 20 things to do in Hakone.

Choan-ji temple

It is such a great idea to stop by at this temple before sunset when all the statues on a wooded slope above the temple become spookily charming even on a cloudy day. This is one of the unique places in Japan to visit. Here you can feel the cold windy weather. This is must-visit place as you can see a live volcano. You can get a boiled egg in hot water spring which is believed to add seven years of life to a person. This is a very nice and calm place in the forest, just a short walk from the nearest bus stop. Not only the little statues and the koi pond in the temple are something that’s unique and special, looking at the stairway in different angles you can see it’s actually surreally heaven-like. It is not overrated to say that this is the stairway to heaven!!!

*Note: Travellers are requested to carry own coats to avoid cold wind. As you walk,  the pungent smoky weather can be intolerable.

Adress: 82 Sengokuhara, Ashigarashimo-gun, Hakone-machi 250-0631, Kanagawa Prefecture

 

Hakone Motomiya Shrine

If you are intentionally going to Motomiya shrine to get a red seal, you may want to visit there before 4 pm. Under a cloudy sky, the shrine even looks more superb in a dignified atmosphere.

Interestingly, there is neither a bell nor a saisen box at the shrine. It seems that there are only three days in January where you can see a priest at Motomiya Shrine. Lying there in the vicinity of the shrine is a pile of Iwagaki stones that is said to be a powerful godly spirit's magnetic field.

*Note: 1. Walking shoes are highly recommended because of the staircase and gravel road. 2. You may want to take a ropeway to visit. The entry for hiking is a restricted area now.

Address: 110 Motohakone, Ashigarashimo-gun, Hakone-machi 250-0522, Kanagawa Prefecture

 

The Hakone Open-Air Museum

Stroll through the grounds while enjoying the art
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Hakone Shrine

The torii gate built in the lake is mysterious. Feel the spiritual energy emanating at Hakone Shrine.
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Hikone Castle

This dignified castle is a National Treasure
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Hakone Ropeway

A gondola with all sides made of glass for an exciting 360 degree scenic view
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Hakone Hot Springs

A 90 minute train ride from Tokyo. Twenty types of hot springs qualities. Enjoy the diverse hot springs baths at Hakone Hot springs
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Hakone Tozan Railway

A 530m difference in elevation! Japan’s only genuine mountain range railroad representing Hakone.
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Hakone Glass Museum

The first in Japan! A museum specializing in the delicate and graceful Venetian glass
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Hakone Sightseeing Cruises

Sightseeing Hakone and Lake Ashi on a pirate ship
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Hakone Komagatake Ropeway

A 7 minute ride through the sky with a huge panorama of Mt. Fuji and Suruga Bay below you
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Hakone Museum of Art

The beautiful museum of art with a garden boasting its fall foliage
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Hakone Gora Park

Celebrating its 100th anniversary! Asia’s No. 1 rock garden.
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Onshi-Hakone Park

Once a place to welcome VIPs, the view of Mt. Fuji and Lake Ashi is first-rate
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Climbing Mt. Fuji

Mount Fuji is one of Japan’s three holy mountains. No shrine in Japan is closer to the Gods than the shrine at the peak of Mount Fuji
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Hakone Botanical Garden of Wetlands

The ideal location for taking a walk against the scenery of Sengokuhara
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Hakone Sekisho

Time travel to the Edo Era! The appearance of the Hakone sekisho from those days revived.
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Owakudani

Steam vents of Mt. Hakone can be seen all over the valley Owakudani
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Pola Museum of Art

An unique private art gallery built in harmony with the scenery of the national park
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Sengokubara

In autumn, the plains of Sengokuhara turn gold
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