Hakone Area Guide: Top Spots, Onsen, Food & Souvenirs

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Hakone, one of Japan's premier tourist destinations in the southwestern part of the prefecture, is joined by the historic onsen town of Yugawara, the castle town of Odawara, and the picturesque fishing village of Manazuru to form the Hakone area.

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Here we introduce its must-see spots, recommended gourmet food, and souvenir ideas. Soak in quality hot springs surrounded by nature, then refresh your spirit with a tour of the area's art museums and gardens.

[Municipalities of the Hakone area] Odawara City, Hakone Town, Manazuru Town, Yugawara Town

What Is the Hakone Area Like?

Hakone and Yugawara prospered as a key stop on the old Tokaido highway and later developed into one of Japan's leading hot spring resorts. Easily accessible from central Tokyo, they captivate visitors with stunning views of Mount Fuji and Lake Ashi. From long-established luxury ryokan to affordable guesthouses, there's a wide range of accommodation to suit any trip. Odawara, which flourished as a castle town and post station, is home to "Japan's closest fishing port to a station," where you can feast on seafood. The town of Manazuru, once called the "Riviera of the Orient," is compact yet memorable for its deep blue sea and is renowned as a spot for beautiful sunrises over the ocean.

Must-See Spots in the Hakone Area

Here are the spots you simply can't miss:

[Hakone Shrine (Hakone)] Known as one of the Kanto region's top power spots for luck, warding off misfortune, business prosperity, and matchmaking. The "Heiwa no Torii" (Peace Torii) standing over Lake Ashi is a popular photo spot that looks as if it's floating on the water.

[Lake Ashi & Hakone Pirate Ship (Hakone)] Lake Ashi's beautiful collaboration with majestic Mount Fuji makes it a beloved natural location. The vividly colored pirate-style sightseeing boats stand out on the lake, creating picture-perfect scenery. The autumn foliage is also superb — one of Hakone's iconic views.

[Owakudani (Hakone)] Formed by a volcanic eruption about 3,000 years ago, Owakudani still lets you observe volcanic activity up close as white steam rises. The sight of smoke billowing from the desolate earth is truly powerful! The famous "black eggs," boiled in the hot spring pools, are said to extend your life by seven years for each one you eat.

[Odawara Castle (Odawara)] The symbol of Odawara, built in the Muromachi period and praised as "impregnable." From the observation deck on the top floor you can take in a panoramic view of Sagami Bay. Armor-wearing and ninja experiences are also offered, hugely popular with children and international visitors! Odawara Castle Park is a famous spot for cherry blossoms, wisteria, irises, and other flowers.

[Suzuhiro Kamaboko no Sato (Odawara)] A facility where you can learn about the history, ingredients, and nutrition of kamaboko (fish cake) while having fun. Watch artisans at work through the glass, or join a hands-on kamaboko and chikuwa making class (reservation required). Guided tours led by a "kamaboko sommelier" are also popular.

[Manazuru Cape (Manazuru)] A cape surrounded by the primeval forest of the Manazuru Peninsula jutting into Sagami Bay. The rocky reef "Mitsuishi" sits at its tip and is also famous as a sunrise spot. Sightseeing boats departing from Manazuru Port offer a roughly 30-minute cruise viewing Mitsuishi from the sea.

[Fishing Port Station "TOTOCO Odawara" (Odawara)] A seafood theme park lined with fresh, carefully selected seafood delivered directly from the fishing port and fish market. In addition to dried fish and kamaboko, it sells agricultural products and souvenirs. The restaurant serves seafood dishes made with fresh, varied fish that you can only enjoy here!

Spend the Ultimate Time in the Hot Springs

When it comes to enjoying the Hakone area, hot springs are a must! The "Hakone Onsen-kyo," one of Japan's leading hot spring areas, is called "Hakone Jushichi-yu" (Hakone's 17 Hot Springs), with 17 large and small hot spring districts scattered around, offering a wide variety of baths. Surrounded by mountains and lakes, Hakone has been loved as a therapeutic bathing destination since ancient times, and its abundant output and efficacious spring qualities continue to attract people today.

The "Yugawara Onsen," the Kanto region's oldest hot spring and mentioned in the Manyoshu poetry anthology, is a celebrated onsen visited by many historical figures, with long-established inns loved by great figures and literary figures standing side by side. Enjoy a luxurious time in this hot spring resort enveloped in scenic nature.

Hakone's Colored Hot Springs

As the phrase "Hakone Jushichi-yu" suggests, the Hakone onsen area has many hot spring districts with diverse waters. Among the most popular are the milky-white baths of "Owakudani Onsen" and "Yunohanazawa Onsen." These are "steam-well hot springs" that use steam erupting from underground as their source. Under Japan's Hot Spring Law, steam is also defined as a hot spring, making these quite special. Because they are created by mixing volcanic gas with fresh groundwater, they form a milky-white cloudy bath — a rare colored hot spring that can be enjoyed visually too.

Art Museum & Museum Tour

The Hakone area is dotted with distinctive art museums where nature and art coexist — the Hakone Open-Air Museum, the Hakone Glass no Mori Museum, the Pola Museum of Art, the Hakone Museum of Art, the Okada Museum of Art, and the Hakone Lalique Museum, among others. You can experience masterpieces and artworks by renowned Japanese and international artists up close. Garden appreciation, or enjoying art while soaking your feet in a footbath, are also recommended. After quietly admiring the art, pick out souvenirs at the museum shop or exchange impressions with your companions at the cafe.

Japan's Proud Traditional Crafts

The Hakone area is also home to nationally designated traditional crafts such as "Hakone yosegi-zaiku" (marquetry) and "Odawara lacquerware." Made from the trees of the Hakone mountains, these crafts have developed techniques that make use of natural colors and characteristics — perfect as souvenirs!

Beautiful Nature in Every Season

From the cherry blossoms of Odawara Castle, the hydrangeas along the Hakone Tozan Railway, and the susuki (pampas grass) of Sengokuhara to the autumn leaves of the Hakone mountains, the area is full of spots to feel the changing seasons. For seasonal scenery, a drive is also recommended. The "Lake Ashi Skyline" and "Turnpike Hakone," popular with drivers and motorcyclists, are scenic roads with observatories overlooking Mount Fuji and Lake Ashi. The sunrise spot "Manazuru Cape" is especially crowded with people welcoming the first sunrise on New Year's Day.

Must-Eat Gourmet & Classic Souvenirs

[Owakudani Black Eggs] Boiled eggs that extend your life by seven years each?! The "black eggs," boiled using the chemical reaction of geothermal heat and volcanic gas, with their distinctive jet-black shells, are an Owakudani specialty. The "Kuro-tamago-kan" also sells original sweets and goods inspired by the black eggs.

[Onsen Manju] Bite-sized onsen manju (steamed buns) are the perfect companion for a stroll! From thin-skinned buns packed with sweet bean paste to fluffy castella-style ones, the variety of onsen manju is popular as souvenirs — comparing different kinds is part of the fun.

[Odawara Kamaboko & Chikuwa] Fish paste products born in Odawara, where fishing flourished, as a way to preserve large catches. The "Kamaboko-dori" street in Odawara is lined with about 30 kamaboko head shops and dried fish shops, still retaining the atmosphere of a fishing town.

[Yugawara Tantan Yakisoba] Characterized by a mildly spicy flavor made with sesame paste and doubanjiang (chili bean paste), it's a fragrant, addictive dish. Choose between the "Yugawara Citrus" style using locally grown lemons and other citrus fruits, or the "Onsen Egg" style topped with a soft-boiled onsen egg.

[Shonan Gold] The "Shonan Gold" was born in Kanagawa. A cross between a mandarin orange and a Golden Orange, it's as sweet and easy to eat as a mandarin yet as refreshing and juicy as an orange, with a fresh aroma. It's processed into a variety of products including wine, ice cream, and jam.

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