Is Hakone Worth Visiting?

Hakone is a popular destination for visitors in Japan, and with good reason! Not only is it home to stunning natural scenery, but it also offers plenty of activities to do.

Wondering if Hakone is worth visiting? If you have limited time in Japan, you might wonder if Hakone is worth visiting.

Is it worth your time? Is it worth the money? Or should you focus on more popular cities instead?

By the end of this guide, you’ll be able to decide why Hakone should be (or shouldn’t be) on your Japan itinerary.

We’ll discuss the pros and cons of visiting Hakone so that you can see if it’s the right destination for you.

The Pros Of Visiting Hakone: Reasons To Visit

There are many reasons why people love Hakone. Let’s talk about the main reasons why you may want to visit Hakone.

It’s A Great Spot To See Mount Fuji

One of the best things about Hakone is that it’s a great spot to see Mount Fuji.

On clear days, you can get stunning views of the iconic mountain from various locations around Hakone.

Hakone is one of the closest spots you can visit to see Mount Fuji in person.

If you’re looking for a chance to see one of Japan’s most iconic sights, then Hakone should be at the top of your list.

There Are A Lot Of Fun Things To Do Around Hakone

Hakone also offers plenty of activities for visitors.

You can take a boat cruise on Lake Ashi, enjoy the views from the cable car, and take a dip in one of the onsen hot springs.

There are also plenty of scenic hikes around Hakone that you can enjoy. If you want to get out in nature and explore, then Hakone is the perfect spot!

It’s Easy To Get To Hakone

Located just outside Tokyo, you can get to Hakone from the city in a couple of hours.

This makes Hakone a great destination for those who want to escape from the hustle and bustle of the city but not go too far away.

For example, if you consider going to Lake Kawaguchico, you should know that Hakone is more accessible.

In fact, Hakone is one of the top spots for a day trip from Tokyo.

The Cons Of Visiting Hakone: Reasons To Skip It

Now that we’ve looked at the pros of visiting Hakone, let’s take a look at the cons.

Here are some of the reasons why you might want to skip Hakone and visit another destination instead.

The Weather Influences Your Experience

Hakone is located in the mountains and because of this, it can be very unpredictable weather-wise.

While you might get sunny days with perfect views of Mount Fuji, you might also get days where the clouds don’t clear and you can’t even see the mountain.

If you’re looking for guaranteed clear skies and perfect views, then Hakone may not be the best choice.

We suggest you stay at least two nights in the area to increase your chances of seeing Mount Fuji. This way, you might have a chance to see the iconic mountain during your stay.

If you can only visit for a few hours on a day trip, or for one night, you could be disappointed.

It’s A Touristy Spot

One of the downsides of Hakone is that it’s a very touristy spot. The town is popular with foreign and Japanese tourists, so you’ll find many crowds here.

If you’re looking for a more tranquil destination to enjoy the scenery without the crowds, then Hakone may not be the best choice for you.

That being said, it’s still worth visiting if you’re looking for an easy day trip from Tokyo or want to experience some of Hakone’s unique activities.

You could avoid the crowd by traveling in spring, winter, or autumn, but again, the weather will influence your experience.

It Can Be Expensive

Another downside of Hakone is that it can get expensive.

The cost of transportation to and from Hakone can add up, as well as the cost of any activities you might want to do, such as boat rides or cable car rides.

If you have the JR Pass, you should know that some local trains are not covered by the train pass. Many travelers opt for the Hakone Pass to travel within the area.

If you’re looking for a more budget-friendly destination, Hakone may not be the best option.

We recommend you book your accommodation in advance as hotels tend to get fully booked quickly.

The Final Verdict: So Is Hakone Worth Visiting?

Is Hakone worth visiting? The answer is: it depends.

If you’re looking for a chance to experience Japan’s iconic sights and unique activities, then Hakone is definitely worth considering.

However, if you’re on a budget or if you prefer less crowded spots, there are other places in Japan that might be better suited for you.

Ultimately, whether or not to visit Hakone comes down to your personal preferences. But if you do decide to go, make sure to stay for a few days to increase your chance of seeing Mount Fuji.

After all, Fuji is the main reason why you’ll visit Hakone in the first place.

After visiting Hakone for one night only, I regretted not going for two nights. The weather was quite bad when we were there, so staying one more night would have made the trip more pleasant.

Traveling to Japan soon? Read one of the following guides:

• How to get to Hakone from Tokyo
• How many days in Tokyo
• How many days in Kyoto