Hakone enchants visitors with its perfect synthesis of natural hot springs, traditional ryokans, and views of Mount Fuji reflected in Lake Ashi. This mountain resort town in the Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park has been a wellness retreat for centuries, where sulfurous steam rises from the volcanic Owakudani valley. Art enthusiasts discover world-class museums nestled among forests, while the historic Tokaido road echoes with footsteps of ancient travelers.
The destination guide
Hakone
- Overall4/10
- Best forBudget travelers, Families
- PeakApr, Aug, Nov
- CurrencyJPY
Hakone is Tokyo’s mountain escape with hot spring ryokans, Lake Ashi beneath Mount Fuji, and a pirate ship cruise that somehow works as serious tourism. The onsen culture is the real draw.
Travel guides for Hakone
Where to stay (1)
Destination stories (1)
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At a glance
Currency¥ JPYCode: JPY
Time zoneTokyoAsia/Tokyo
Languages
- Japanese
Setting
- Mountain valley
- Hot springs
- Lake Ashi
- Volcanic terrain
Population12,62912,629 residents
VisaDuration: Up to 90 days for short-term tourism or business · Documents: Valid U.S. passport
How Hakone scores
4/10OverallLow
Weather4/10
Value for money9/10
Food & cuisine2/10
Culture & arts4/10
Cultural experience4/10
History5/10
Nature & outdoors4/10
Adventure7/10
Nightlife3/10
Shopping7/10
Family friendly4/10
Romance3/10
Character
Photography score4/10
Authenticity score4/10
Off-the-beaten-path score4/10
Editorial scores on a 10-point scale, weighed against destinations of the same kind.
Travel safety snapshot
Overall92/100High rating
Women travellers88/100
LGBTQ+ travellers70/100
Theft94/100
Medical care88/100
Physical harm90/100
Political freedom85/100
SafePlace indicators use their source 100-point scale; higher is more favourable. Planning context, not a live travel advisory — check official government guidance before you go.
When to go
Best months to visit: April, May, June, July, October and November.
- January: 2.7 to 9.6 degrees Celsius, 73.2 millimetres of rain, best-time score 3 out of 5.
- February: 3 to 10.3 degrees Celsius, 88 millimetres of rain, best-time score 3 out of 5.
- March: 6.2 to 13.7 degrees Celsius, 197.9 millimetres of rain, best-time score 3 out of 5.
- April: 10.5 to 17.5 degrees Celsius, 193.9 millimetres of rain, best-time score 5 out of 5.
- May: 14.9 to 21.4 degrees Celsius, 216.6 millimetres of rain, best-time score 5 out of 5.
- June: 18.9 to 24.3 degrees Celsius, 279.1 millimetres of rain, best-time score 4 out of 5.
- July: 23.1 to 28.2 degrees Celsius, 243.6 millimetres of rain, best-time score 4 out of 5.
- August: 24.4 to 29.6 degrees Celsius, 179.2 millimetres of rain, best-time score 3 out of 5.
- September: 21.5 to 26.6 degrees Celsius, 248.8 millimetres of rain, best-time score 3 out of 5.
- October: 15.9 to 21.2 degrees Celsius, 249 millimetres of rain, best-time score 5 out of 5.
- November: 10.7 to 16.7 degrees Celsius, 104.4 millimetres of rain, best-time score 5 out of 5.
- December: 5.2 to 12.1 degrees Celsius, 70.5 millimetres of rain, best-time score 3 out of 5.
Month-by-month conditions and packing advice
- January
- Cold, some rain January in Hakone: winter cold, summer heat, rain, or typhoon-season clouds can limit views and outdoor plans. Crowds: January in Hakone is workable with normal seasonal planning; build in layers, weather checks, and a mix of indoor and outdoor activities. Pack: Pack warm layers, a coat, and comfortable shoes for cold mornings and evenings. Add a rain jacket or compact umbrella.
- February
- Cool to mild, some rain February in Hakone: winter cold, summer heat, rain, or typhoon-season clouds can limit views and outdoor plans. Crowds: February in Hakone is workable with normal seasonal planning; build in layers, weather checks, and a mix of indoor and outdoor activities. Pack: Pack warm layers, a coat, and comfortable shoes for cold mornings and evenings. Add a rain jacket or compact umbrella.
- March
- Cool to mild, rainy March in Hakone: winter cold, summer heat, rain, or typhoon-season clouds can limit views and outdoor plans. Crowds: March in Hakone is one of the wetter periods, so museums, food stops, flexible reservations, and backup indoor plans make the trip easier. Pack: Pack layered clothing and comfortable walking shoes. Add a rain jacket or compact umbrella.
- April
- Cool to mild, rainy April in Hakone: onsen stays, Mount Fuji views, lake cruises, museums, and foliage or spring scenery are most rewarding. Crowds: April in Hakone is one of the wetter periods, so museums, food stops, flexible reservations, and backup indoor plans make the trip easier. Pack: Pack layered clothing and comfortable walking shoes. Add a rain jacket or compact umbrella.
- May
- Mild to warm, rainy May in Hakone: onsen stays, Mount Fuji views, lake cruises, museums, and foliage or spring scenery are most rewarding. Crowds: May in Hakone is one of the wetter periods, so museums, food stops, flexible reservations, and backup indoor plans make the trip easier. Pack: Pack layered clothing and comfortable walking shoes. Add a rain jacket or compact umbrella.
- June
- Mild to warm, rainy June in Hakone: early summer hydrangeas or mountain-cooler summer days can work well. Crowds: June in Hakone is one of the wetter periods, so museums, food stops, flexible reservations, and backup indoor plans make the trip easier. Pack: Pack light clothing, sun protection, and comfortable walking shoes. Add a rain jacket or compact umbrella.
- July
- Warm to hot, rainy July in Hakone: early summer hydrangeas or mountain-cooler summer days can work well. Crowds: July in Hakone is one of the wetter periods, so museums, food stops, flexible reservations, and backup indoor plans make the trip easier. Pack: Pack light clothing, sun protection, and comfortable walking shoes. Add a rain jacket or compact umbrella.
- August
- Warm to hot, rainy August in Hakone: winter cold, summer heat, rain, or typhoon-season clouds can limit views and outdoor plans. Crowds: August in Hakone is one of the wetter periods, so museums, food stops, flexible reservations, and backup indoor plans make the trip easier. Pack: Pack light clothing, sun protection, and comfortable walking shoes. Add a rain jacket or compact umbrella.
- September
- Mild to warm, rainy September in Hakone: winter cold, summer heat, rain, or typhoon-season clouds can limit views and outdoor plans. Crowds: September in Hakone is one of the wetter periods, so museums, food stops, flexible reservations, and backup indoor plans make the trip easier. Pack: Pack light clothing, sun protection, and comfortable walking shoes. Add a rain jacket or compact umbrella.
- October
- Mild to warm, rainy October in Hakone: onsen stays, Mount Fuji views, lake cruises, museums, and foliage or spring scenery are most rewarding. Crowds: October in Hakone is one of the wetter periods, so museums, food stops, flexible reservations, and backup indoor plans make the trip easier. Pack: Pack layered clothing and comfortable walking shoes. Add a rain jacket or compact umbrella.
- November
- Cool to mild, some rain November in Hakone: onsen stays, Mount Fuji views, lake cruises, museums, and foliage or spring scenery are most rewarding. Crowds: November in Hakone is workable with normal seasonal planning; build in layers, weather checks, and a mix of indoor and outdoor activities. Pack: Pack layered clothing and comfortable walking shoes. Add a rain jacket or compact umbrella.
- December
- Cool to mild, some rain December in Hakone: winter cold, summer heat, rain, or typhoon-season clouds can limit views and outdoor plans. Crowds: December in Hakone is workable with normal seasonal planning; build in layers, weather checks, and a mix of indoor and outdoor activities. Pack: Pack layered clothing and comfortable walking shoes. Add a rain jacket or compact umbrella.
Peak season
- April
- August
- November
Off-peak
- January
- February
- June
Know before you go
About
Haarlem offers everything Amsterdam does — canal-side architecture, world-class museums, and Golden Age heritage — but with a fraction of the crowds and a distinctly relaxed Burgundian pace. Just 15 minutes by train from Amsterdam Centraal, this compact city rewards aimless wandering through cobblestone lanes, past hidden courtyard gardens, and into centuries-old churches where Mozart once played.
Best time to visit
Autumn (late October to November) offers world-famous fall foliage around Lake Ashi, while winter (December to February) brings the crispest, clearest skies for unobstructed views of Mount Fuji.
Season by season
Spring (April-May) is peak season, coinciding with tulip blooms at nearby Keukenhof and mild temperatures of 10-18°C. Summer (June-August) brings outdoor dining, festivals, and long daylight until 10 PM with temperatures around 17-22°C. Autumn (September-October) offers crisp weather, colorful foliage, and fewer crowds at 10-16°C. Winter (November-March) is quiet and rainy, but cozy for museum-hopping and indoor dining.
Crowds
Hakone sees peak crowds during cherry blossom (late March–April), Golden Week (late April–early May) and autumn foliage (mid‑Oct–Nov); quietest in winter (Dec–Feb) on weekdays, but overall fairly busy on weekend day‑trippers from Tokyo.
Getting there and around
Getting there
Fly into Amsterdam Schiphol Airport (AMS), then take a direct Sprinter train to Haarlem — approximately 30-40 minutes. From Amsterdam Centraal, direct Intercity trains reach Haarlem in 15 minutes, departing every 7-10 minutes. Bus line 300 also connects Schiphol and Amsterdam to Haarlem. Driving from Amsterdam takes about 25 minutes via the A200/A9.
Getting around
Haarlem’s compact center is easily walkable — most attractions sit within a 15-minute radius of the Grote Markt. Cycling is the local way of life; rent a bike from shops near Haarlem Centraal station. Connexxion buses serve the wider area, accepting the OV-chipkaart or contactless payment. Use the 9292.nl app for route planning.
Top experiences in Hakone
Lake Ashi & Hakone Sightseeing Cruise
A pristine volcanic crater lake offering postcard-perfect views of Mount Fuji reflected in the water. Travelers cruise the lake on pirate-themed sightseeing ships between Moto-Hakone and Togendai, passing the iconic red torii gate of Hakone Shrine.
Owakudani Volcanic Valley
Created around 3,000 years ago during Mount Hakone’s last eruption, this active volcanic zone features sulfurous steam vents and bubbling thermal pools. Visitors ride the Hakone Ropeway here to eat famous kuro-tamago (black eggs boiled in sulfur waters, said to add seven years of life).
Hakone Open-Air Museum
Japan’s first open-air art museum, set across 70,000 square meters of forested mountain gardens with over 120 sculptures by Henry Moore, Rodin, and Miro, alongside a dedicated indoor Picasso Pavilion and a natural hot-spring foot bath.
Hakone Shrine & Heiwa no Torii
A serene Shinto shrine founded in 757 AD, tucked into dense cedar forests along the shore of Lake Ashi. Its ‘Torii of Peace’ stands directly in the lake’s waters, creating one of Japan’s most famous photographic compositions.
Hakone Tozan Railway & Cable Car
Japan’s oldest mountain railway, climbing steep gradients through lush mountain gorges with three switchbacks between Odawara and Gora. In June and July, thousands of hydrangeas bloom along the tracks during the scenic ride.
Editor-curated picks carried over from our original guide. Where a full place guide exists, the card links to it.
Worth booking ahead in Hakone
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Where to stay
Gora Kadan
1300-8 Gora, Hakone, Ashigarashimo District, Kanagawa 250-0408, Japan
One of Japan’s most celebrated luxury ryokans, formerly the summer retreat of an imperial family member, featuring private onsen hot spring baths and seasonal multi-course kaiseki dining.
MAF Haarlem Boutique Hotel
Grote Markt 10, 2011 RC Haarlem, Netherlands
Set right on the Grote Markt square, MAF delivers boutique charm with individually designed rooms, exposed beams, and quirky décor. The location is unbeatable — step outside and you’re in the heart of Haarlem.
Brasss Hotel Suites
Oude Groenmarkt 7, 2011 HL Haarlem, Netherlands
Brasss occupies a former department store steps from Sint Bavokerk. Rooms blend industrial-chic style with plush bedding, rainfall showers, and views over the old town rooftops.
Editor-curated stays carried over from our original guide. Where we have reviewed the hotel, the card links to the review.
Tips from the field
Highlights
- Lake Ashi — Majestic crater lake with Mount Fuji reflections and torii gates
- Owakudani — Dramatic active volcanic valley with sulfur vents and black eggs
- Hakone Open-Air Museum — World-class sculpture park and dedicated Picasso Pavilion
- Hakone Shrine — Ancient forest shrine with iconic floating red torii in Lake Ashi
- Onsen Ryokans — Historic mineral hot-spring baths and multi-course kaiseki banquets
- Hakone Tozan Railway — Historic switchback mountain train climbing through cedar forests
Best activities
- Soak in mineral-rich outdoor onsen baths (rotenburo) with forest views, ride the Hakone Ropeway over steaming volcanic vents, take the pirate ship across Lake Ashi, stroll the ancient cedar avenue of Old Tokaido Road, and dine on traditional multi-course kaiseki.
Local experiences
- Savor sulfur-boiled black eggs at Owakudani, dip tired feet in the outdoor footbath at the Open-Air Museum, browse traditional yosegi-zaiku (marquetry woodcraft) workshops in Hatajuku, and walk through the atmospheric moss gardens of Gora Park.
Practical tips
- Purchase an OV-chipkaart for seamless train, bus, and metro travel. The Museumkaart provides free entrance to both the Frans Hals Museum and Teylers Museum. Book Keukenhof tickets well in advance for spring visits. Haarlem is cash-friendly but most places accept cards and contactless. Bring rain gear year-round — showers are frequent and unpredictable.
Photography tips
- The Grote Markt with Sint Bavokerk is best photographed in early morning light before market stalls appear. Molen de Adriaan reflected in the Spaarne River is iconic at golden hour. Canal scenes along Bakenessergracht offer symmetrical reflections. Spring tulip fields near Keukenhof (April-May) provide spectacular foregrounds. Hofjes require quiet, respectful photography — some display 'no photos' signs.
Timing
- Allow a full day to cover the main highlights — Grote Markt, Sint Bavokerk, Frans Hals Museum, Teylers Museum, and a canal cruise. Two days permits adding Keukenhof (spring only), Zandvoort beach, and a bike ride through Zuid-Kennemerland dunes. Most museums close on Mondays.
Keeping it authentic
- Hakone has served as an essential hot spring waystation along the ancient Tokaido Highway between Tokyo and Kyoto since the Edo Period. Today, it remains Japan's premier wellness retreat balancing traditional ryokan hospitality with modern contemporary art.
Culture, customs and safety
Cultural heritage
Haarlem was the center of Dutch Golden Age painting — home to Frans Hals and birthplace of the Haarlem School. Sint Bavokerk’s Müller organ drew both Handel and a ten-year-old Mozart. The city’s hofjes preserve centuries of charitable housing traditions, while the Corrie ten Boom House recalls the family that sheltered Jewish refugees during World War II. As the capital of North Holland, Haarlem’s flower trade helped fuel the Tulip Mania of the 1630s.
Local customs & etiquette
Haarlem shares typical Dutch directness and informality. Greet shopkeepers and café owners, tip 5-10% at restaurants, and always lock your bicycle (theft is common). The city’s ‘Burgundian’ culture prizes long, leisurely meals with good wine and conversation. Quiet hours in residential neighborhoods start at 10 PM.
Safety notes
Haarlem is very safe, with low crime rates typical of Dutch cities. Petty bicycle theft is the most common issue — always use a good lock. The city center is well-lit and patrolled. Standard travel precautions apply: watch belongings in crowded markets and on trains. Tap water is excellent and safe to drink.
Travel Style
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