Hakone
Mount Fuji's onsen escape — a mountain hot-spring resort 90km southwest of Tokyo inside Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. The iconic shot is Lake Ashi's pirate-ship cruise framed by Hakone Shrine's red torii in the water with Fuji behind on a clear day. Owakudani's volcanic valley sells black eggs cured in sulfur springs. The Hakone Open-Air Museum mixes Picasso with mountain views, and traditional ryokans deliver the kaiseki + onsen night. Hakone Free Pass covers the Tozan switchback train, ropeway, cable car, and ship loop.
Tours & Experiences
Browse bookable tours, activities, and day trips in Hakone
📍 Points of Interest
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At a Glance
- Pop.
- ~11K (town); ~70K (visitor capacity)
- Timezone
- Tokyo
- Dial
- +81
- Emergency
- 110 (police) / 119 (fire+amb)
Hakone sits within Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park in Kanagawa Prefecture, about 90 km southwest of Tokyo — making it Japan's most popular hot spring resort area for city escapees
Lake Ashi (Ashinoko) was formed roughly 3,000 years ago by a volcanic eruption that dammed the Haya River — on clear days Mount Fuji's perfect cone reflects in the water
Owakudani (Great Boiling Valley) is an active volcanic zone where sulfurous gases vent from the earth and local vendors cook eggs in the hot springs, turning the shells black
The Hakone Tozan Railway is Japan's steepest mountain railway, using a zigzag switchback system to climb 445 meters in just 15 km of track — in June the hydrangeas alongside it are legendary
A single Hakone Free Pass (2-day ¥6,100 from Shinjuku) covers the Odakyu train, Tozan railway, ropeway, cable car, pirate ship across Ashi, and most buses — arguably the best-value transport pass in Japan
Hakone's onsen waters are said to have seven types of hot spring, each with different mineral compositions — the ryokan tradition here dates back to the Edo period when Hakone guarded the road to Kyoto
Top Sights
Lake Ashi Pirate Ship & Mount Fuji View
🗼Sightseeing vessels styled as 18th-century galleons glide across Lake Ashi between Togendai, Hakone-machi, and Moto-Hakone. On a clear day, Mount Fuji rises magnificently above the far shore — one of Japan's most iconic views.
Hakone Shrine Torii Gate in the Lake
📌A vermilion torii gate standing in the shallows of Lake Ashi leads the eye from the water to the forested shore path and up to Hakone Shrine's cedar groves. One of the most-photographed spots in the Kanto region.
Owakudani Volcanic Valley & Black Eggs
🌿An otherworldly landscape of steaming vents, sulfur deposits, and bare rock formed by a volcanic eruption 3,000 years ago. The famous kuro-tamago (black eggs) hard-boiled in the hot springs are sold at the hilltop stalls — legend says each one adds seven years to your life.
Hakone Open-Air Museum
🏛️Japan's first open-air sculpture museum, set across 70,000 square meters of sculpted hillside. Over 120 sculptures by Rodin, Giacometti, Moore, and Miro stand alongside a dedicated Picasso pavilion housing 300 works. A highlight whatever the weather.
Hakone Ropeway
🗼A gondola line stretching 4 km from Sounzan to Togendai, passing directly over the steaming Owakudani crater. The views of Mount Fuji, the volcanic valley below, and Lake Ashi on the descent are extraordinary. Occasionally closed during elevated volcanic activity.
Pola Museum of Art
🏛️A striking modernist building nestled deep in a beech forest near Sengokuhara, housing one of Japan's finest private art collections — Monet, Renoir, Picasso, and Japanese masters. The forest walk to the entrance is part of the experience.
Traditional Onsen Ryokan Stay
📌Spending a night in a Hakone ryokan is the defining experience. Multi-course kaiseki dinners, yukata robes, and both indoor and open-air rotenburo hot spring baths — many with views of forested mountains or, on lucky mornings, Fuji. Rates include dinner and breakfast.
Off the Beaten Path
Amazake-chaya Teahouse
A 400-year-old thatched-roof teahouse on the old Tokaido road through the cedar forests above Moto-Hakone, serving sweet amazake (warm fermented rice drink) to hikers on the historic Edo-period highway.
This teahouse has operated continuously since the 1600s on the same trail used by samurai and daimyo processions. The forest walk from Moto-Hakone is uncrowded and deeply atmospheric.
Sengokuhara Susuki Grasslands
A wide open plateau near Sengokuhara where pampas grass (susuki) turns a sweeping hillside silver-gold from late September through November. Families and photographers flock here but the scale means it never feels crowded.
Most visitors skip Sengokuhara for the ropeway circuit. The grasslands offer a completely different, wide-open Hakone and combine well with the Pola Museum of Art nearby.
Hakone Yumoto Onsen Town Walk
The gateway town of Hakone-Yumoto is more than a transfer point. The Haya River gorge has several ryokans with free foot baths, small sweet shops making Hakone mochi, and a quieter evening atmosphere once day-trippers leave.
Most guests rush through Yumoto to reach Gora or Ashi. Spending an hour wandering the riverfront at dusk, feet in a free hot spring bath, is quintessential Hakone without the price tag.
Hakone Tozan Hydrangea Train (June-July)
The Tozan switchback railway runs through tunnels of blooming ajisai (hydrangeas) in shades of blue, purple, and white during June and early July. An evening lit train ride is magical and largely unknown outside Japan.
The railway runs illuminated night trains during peak bloom specifically for the flower viewing — a detail rarely advertised in English and one of the region's best seasonal secrets.
Narukawa Art Museum
A small museum on the south shore of Lake Ashi dedicated entirely to contemporary nihonga (Japanese painting). The building's main gallery window frames a panoramic view of Lake Ashi and Mount Fuji that rivals any artwork inside.
Nearly every visitor to Moto-Hakone passes by without entering. The Fuji-framed lake view from the gallery window — especially in autumn or winter — is one of the finest interior views in Kanagawa.
Insider Tips
Climate & Best Time to Go
Monthly climate & crowd levels
Hakone has a mountain temperate climate, noticeably cooler and wetter than Tokyo year-round due to its elevation (500-700 m in most resort areas). Summers are pleasantly mild compared to the city's oppressive heat. Winters bring occasional snow and the clearest Mount Fuji views. Autumn foliage (koyo) in November is spectacular. Rainfall is relatively high due to orographic lift from Pacific weather systems — a clear day for Fuji views is genuinely special and not guaranteed.
Spring
March - May41-68°F
5-20°C
Cherry blossoms bloom around Hakone-Yumoto and along the old road in early April. Mountains are green, crowds increase through Golden Week (late April-early May). Fuji views improve as winter haze clears.
Summer
June - August64-82°F
18-28°C
The rainy season (tsuyu) runs through mid-June bringing heavy mist and hydrangea blooms along the Tozan railway. July and August are warm but 5-8°C cooler than Tokyo, making Hakone a popular heat escape. Morning Fuji views are possible but often cloud over by midday.
Autumn
September - November46-72°F
8-22°C
The finest season for most visitors. Typhoons can pass through September-October but autumn foliage (koyo) peaks beautifully in November with maples and ginkgos turning the mountain slopes gold and crimson. One of the busiest periods for ryokan bookings.
Winter
December - February32-46°F
0-8°C
Cold and occasionally snowy at higher elevations. Crowds thin significantly and ryokan rates drop. Winter offers the best and most reliable Mount Fuji visibility — crisp, dry air and snow on the cone makes for the most dramatic views of the year.
Best Time to Visit
Autumn (November) for peak foliage and reliable Fuji views; spring (late March to early April) for cherry blossoms; winter (December to February) for the clearest Fuji conditions and lowest ryokan rates. Avoid Golden Week (late April-early May) and the August Obon holiday when Japanese domestic travel peaks.
Spring (March - May)
Crowds: Moderate in March-April; very high Golden WeekCherry blossoms arrive at lower elevations in late March and progress uphill through April. The Hakone Free Pass circuit is stunning in fresh green. Golden Week brings heavy crowds and prices spike dramatically.
Pros
- + Cherry blossoms in late March and April
- + Comfortable temperatures for walking
- + Vivid green mountain scenery
- + Good Fuji visibility in March
Cons
- − Golden Week (late Apr-early May) is Japan's busiest travel period
- − Ryokan rates peak during Golden Week
- − Tsuyu rainy season starts mid-June
Summer (June - August)
Crowds: High in July-August; moderate in JuneJune brings the hydrangea bloom along the Tozan railway — one of Japan's best seasonal train experiences. July and August are warm but far more bearable than Tokyo. The rainy season continues through mid-June.
Pros
- + Hydrangeas in June are spectacular
- + Relief from Tokyo's summer heat
- + Long daylight hours
- + Fuji climbing season (July-early September)
Cons
- − Tsuyu rains in June obscure Fuji
- − Humidity
- − Busy weekends throughout summer
- − Typhoon risk from August
Autumn (September - November)
Crowds: High throughout, peaking in mid-NovemberThe most celebrated season. Autumn leaves (koyo) peak across Hakone's mountain slopes in mid-to-late November, painting the ropeway views, lake shores, and forest trails in crimson and gold. Ryokan bookings fill months ahead.
Pros
- + Finest foliage scenery of the year
- + Crisp air and excellent Fuji visibility
- + Comfortable temperatures for walking
- + Peak beauty for all transport routes
Cons
- − Most expensive ryokan rates of the year
- − Book accommodation months in advance
- − Typhoon risk in September-October
Winter (December - February)
Crowds: Low (except New Year Dec 28-Jan 4)Quiet, cold, and consistently the best season for unobstructed Fuji views. Snow occasionally dusts Hakone's slopes and ryokan rotenburo baths in snow are a classic experience. Rates are at their lowest outside New Year.
Pros
- + Best and clearest Mount Fuji views
- + Lowest ryokan prices of the year
- + Snow-dusted landscape
- + Romantic outdoor onsen in cold air
Cons
- − Cold (near freezing at night)
- − Ropeway occasionally suspended in high winds or snow
- − Some outdoor attractions less appealing
- − Shorter daylight hours
🎉 Festivals & Events
Hakone Daimyo Procession (Hakone Daimyo Gyoretsu)
November 3Hundreds of participants in Edo-period samurai and daimyo costumes parade through Hakone-Yumoto recreating the sankin-kotai processions that once passed through on the old Tokaido road. One of Japan's largest historical costume parades.
Hakone Shrine Reitaisai Festival
August 1The main annual festival of Hakone Shrine at Lake Ashi, featuring traditional ceremonies, portable shrine processions, and evening events at the lakeside torii gate.
Ajisai (Hydrangea) Season Along Tozan Railway
June - early JulyNot a festival but a seasonal event — the Tozan railway runs special illuminated evening trains through tunnels of blooming blue and purple hydrangeas. Visitors arrive specifically for this and early booking is advised.
Safety Breakdown
Very Safe
out of 100
Hakone is among the safest travel destinations in the world. Japan's exceptionally low crime rates apply fully here — petty theft, scams, and harassment are vanishingly rare. The primary safety considerations are natural rather than human: volcanic gas at Owakudani can cause periodic closures, earthquakes are a background reality, and the mountain weather can change rapidly. Visitors with tattoos should be aware that most public baths prohibit them, though private in-room baths (kashikiri) are widely available.
Things to Know
- •Check Owakudani volcanic gas advisories before visiting — the ropeway and crater area close when sulfur dioxide levels rise, sometimes with little warning
- •Wear grip shoes on the old Tokaido road and mountain trails — forest paths become slippery after rain and stone steps can be treacherous
- •Tattoos are prohibited at the vast majority of public onsens and ryokan communal baths — book a room with a private rotenburo or a tattoo-friendly facility if this applies to you
- •Plan your Fuji-view activities for morning — the mountain is most often cloud-free before 10 am and frequently hidden by afternoon
- •Carry yen cash — many ryokans, smaller restaurants, and rural transport options do not accept foreign credit cards
- •If you feel an earthquake, move away from windows and steep hillside paths — the area sits in one of Japan's more seismically active zones
Natural Hazards
Emergency Numbers
Police
110
Ambulance & Fire
119
Japan Visitor Hotline (English, 24hr)
050-3816-2787
Costs & Currency
Where the money goes
USD per dayQuick cost estimate
Customize per category →Estimates based on regional averages. Flight prices vary by season and airline.
budget
$80-120
Business hotel or guesthouse, soba and ramen meals, Hakone Free Pass, Open-Air Museum
mid-range
$180-280
Entry-level ryokan with dinner and breakfast, Hakone Free Pass, Pola Museum, private onsen add-on
luxury
$400+
Premium ryokan with private rotenburo, multi-course kaiseki, sake pairing, chauffeured transfers
Typical Costs
| Item | Local | USD |
|---|---|---|
| AccommodationBusiness hotel (no meals) | ¥8,000-12,000 | $53-80 |
| AccommodationEntry ryokan with dinner & breakfast | ¥20,000-30,000 | $133-200 |
| AccommodationMid ryokan with private onsen | ¥30,000-50,000 | $200-333 |
| AccommodationLuxury ryokan (per person) | ¥60,000+ | $400+ |
| FoodSoba or ramen lunch | ¥1,000-2,000 | $7-13 |
| FoodSet meal at restaurant | ¥1,500-3,000 | $10-20 |
| FoodOwakudani black eggs (4 eggs) | ¥500 | $3.30 |
| FoodOnsen manju (6 pieces) | ¥500-800 | $3.30-5.30 |
| TransportHakone Free Pass 2-day (from Shinjuku) | ¥6,100 | $41 |
| TransportRopeway one-way (without pass) | ¥1,500 | $10 |
| TransportOdakyu Romancecar (Shinjuku-Yumoto) | ¥2,470 | $16.50 |
| AttractionsHakone Open-Air Museum | ¥1,600 | $10.70 |
| AttractionsPola Museum of Art | ¥1,800 | $12 |
| AttractionsHakone Shrine | Free | Free |
💡 Money-Saving Tips
- •Buy the 2-day Hakone Free Pass from Shinjuku — it pays for itself with just the ropeway, pirate ship, and cable car, plus you get the Odakyu Romancecar discount
- •Book ryokans on weekdays and outside peak autumn/spring seasons for rates 30-40% lower than weekends
- •Eat soba at local restaurants rather than hotel dining for lunch — quality is often excellent and cost is a quarter of the ryokan price
- •The Open-Air Museum is covered by the Hakone Free Pass with a discount coupon — check your pass documentation
- •Hakone Shrine is free to enter — budget nothing for visiting the torii gate and main hall
- •The old Tokaido forest walk between Moto-Hakone and Hakone-machi is free and one of the finest walks in the region
- •Visit on a Tuesday or Wednesday to avoid the weekend ryokan surcharge and reduce wait times at popular spots
Japanese Yen
Code: JPY
As of early 2026, ¥150 is approximately $1 USD. ATMs at 7-Eleven and Japan Post reliably accept foreign cards and dispense yen with English interfaces — find them in Hakone-Yumoto and Odawara. Many rural ryokans and smaller restaurants are cash-only, so always carry yen. The Hakone Free Pass significantly reduces the need for daily cash on transport.
Payment Methods
Cash is king in Hakone, especially at smaller ryokans, local restaurants, and transport kiosks. Larger ryokan chains and resort hotels accept Visa and Mastercard. IC cards (Suica, Pasmo) work on Tozan buses but the Hakone Free Pass is more cost-effective. Always have ¥10,000-20,000 in cash when arriving.
Tipping Guide
Tipping is not practiced in Japan and can cause confusion or offense. Pay the stated price and leave nothing extra. Service is considered part of the profession's dignity.
Some traditional ryokans accept a small optional tip (kokorozuke) left in the room in a special envelope on the first evening — check if your ryokan follows this custom. It is never expected and never required.
Do not tip taxi drivers. They will often try to return excess change — accept the correct change.
Private English-speaking guides may quietly appreciate a thank-you gift (a quality snack or packaged item) more than cash. No tipping is expected.
The concept of tipping is genuinely absent from Japanese service culture — the price on the menu is the price you pay, and excellent service is standard, not an upsell.
How to Get There
✈️ Airports
Tokyo Haneda Airport(HND)
100 km northeastTake the Keikyu Line or Tokyo Monorail to central Tokyo, then the Odakyu Romancecar from Shinjuku to Hakone-Yumoto (85 min, ¥2,470). Total journey approximately 2 hr 30 min.
✈️ Search flights to HNDTokyo Narita Airport(NRT)
160 km northNarita Express to Shinjuku (90 min), then Odakyu Romancecar to Hakone-Yumoto (85 min). Total journey approximately 3 hr. Alternatively take a highway bus directly to Hakone-Yumoto or Odawara (seasonal).
✈️ Search flights to NRT🚆 Rail Stations
Odawara Station (JR / Odakyu gateway)
Odawara is the main shinkansen access point for Hakone. JR Tokaido Shinkansen from Tokyo (Kodama) reaches Odawara in 35 min (¥3,760 unreserved, or covered by JR Pass). From Odawara, the Hakone Tozan train runs to Hakone-Yumoto in 15 min. This route suits JR Pass holders; the Romancecar is better value and more scenic for those buying separately.
Hakone-Yumoto Station (Odakyu / Tozan gateway)
The main entry point into Hakone. Odakyu Romancecar from Shinjuku arrives here in 85 min (¥2,470 reserved — a comfortable, panoramic express). The Hakone Free Pass begins here for those not buying the Shinjuku version. All Tozan railway services depart from this station.
🚌 Bus Terminals
Highway Bus (seasonal direct services)
Seasonal highway buses connect Hakone directly to Tokyo (Shinjuku Expressway Bus Terminal), Haneda Airport, and Narita Airport — particularly useful for travellers with luggage avoiding multiple train changes. Check Odakyu and Fujikyu bus timetables for current services.
Getting Around
The Hakone Free Pass is the essential tool for getting around. A 2-day pass (¥6,100 from Shinjuku including Odakyu round-trip) or 3-day pass (¥6,500) covers virtually all transport within Hakone: the Tozan railway, Tozan cable car, Hakone Ropeway gondola, sightseeing ships on Lake Ashi, and Tozan bus routes. Most visitors plan their itinerary around the classic loop: Hakone-Yumoto → Gora by Tozan train → Sounzan by cable car → Togendai by ropeway → Moto-Hakone by pirate ship → back by bus.
Hakone Tozan Switchback Railway
¥420 (Yumoto–Gora) — covered by Hakone Free PassJapan's steepest mountain railway climbs from Hakone-Yumoto to Gora via three switchbacks, passing through hydrangea-lined forest. The journey takes about 40 minutes and is a scenic attraction in its own right.
Best for: Getting from the gateway town to the heart of the resort area; hydrangea season June-July
Hakone Ropeway
¥1,500 one-way — covered by Hakone Free PassA 4 km gondola line from Sounzan over the Owakudani volcanic crater to Togendai on Lake Ashi. Gondolas run every minute during peak periods. Views of the crater, surrounding peaks, and (on clear days) Fuji are superb.
Best for: The Owakudani approach; the classic circuit from Gora to Lake Ashi
Hakone Tozan Cable Car
¥430 — covered by Hakone Free PassA short funicular linking Gora station to Sounzan (ropeway lower terminal) in about 10 minutes with four intermediate stops including the Open-Air Museum.
Best for: Access to the Open-Air Museum; connecting the Tozan railway to the ropeway
Sightseeing Ship (Lake Ashi)
¥1,200 one-way — covered by Hakone Free PassPirate-ship styled vessels cross Lake Ashi in about 30-40 minutes between Togendai, Hakone-machi, and Moto-Hakone. The route passes the iconic Hakone Shrine torii and — on clear days — offers Mount Fuji views.
Best for: The Fuji-over-Ashi iconic view; completing the Hakone circuit
Hakone Tozan Bus & Walking
¥180-800 depending on route — most covered by Hakone Free PassTozan buses fill in gaps not covered by the rail circuit — particularly the Sengokuhara area (Pola Museum) and the south shore of Lake Ashi. Within individual towns (Yumoto, Gora, Moto-Hakone), walking is the primary mode.
Best for: Reaching the Pola Museum, Sengokuhara grasslands, and lakeshore attractions
🚶 Walkability
Within individual resort towns like Hakone-Yumoto, Gora, and Moto-Hakone, walking is easy and pleasant. The distances between the main attractions of the circuit require the pass-covered transport. The old Tokaido road between Moto-Hakone and Hakone-machi is a beautiful 8 km forest walk along the original Edo-period highway.
Travel Connections
Tokyo
Japan's electric capital with world-class food, fashion, temples, and nightlife. The natural base for a Hakone day trip or the destination to return to after a ryokan night.
Kamakura
A coastal former capital with the giant bronze Kotoku-in Buddha (Daibutsu), dozens of temples and shrines in wooded hills, and a laid-back surf town vibe. An excellent pairing with a Hakone trip.
Mount Fuji 5th Station
The Kawaguchiko 5th Station sits at 2,300 m on the slopes of Fuji, offering close-up views of the crater and access to the start of the summit trail (July-early September only). Direct seasonal buses run from Hakone.
Atami
A classic Japanese coastal hot spring resort on Sagami Bay, with retro ryokans, the MOA Museum of Art, and early plum blossoms (late January). A quieter complement to Hakone's mountain onsen scene.
Entry Requirements
Japan offers visa-free entry for up to 90 days to citizens of approximately 70 countries, including the United States, United Kingdom, EU member states, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, and South Korea. Entry for Hakone is via Tokyo's airports (Haneda or Narita). Your passport must be valid for the full duration of your stay. Japan does not require a minimum validity beyond your departure date, but airlines may enforce their own 6-month rules.
Entry Requirements by Nationality
| Nationality | Visa Required | Max Stay | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| US Citizens | Visa-free | 90 days | Visa-free. Complete the Visit Japan Web digital entry registration before departure for faster immigration processing. |
| UK Citizens | Visa-free | 90 days | Visa-free. Post-Brexit entry rules unchanged — UK nationals continue to receive 90-day visa-free access. |
| EU Citizens | Visa-free | 90 days | All EU member state nationals receive visa-free entry. Schengen-area citizens are individually eligible. |
| Australian Citizens | Visa-free | 90 days | Visa-free for 90 days. Complete Visit Japan Web registration before departure. |
| Indian Citizens | Yes | Up to 90 days | Tourist visa required — apply at the Japanese embassy or consulate. Some categories may qualify for e-Visa. |
| Chinese Citizens | Yes | Up to 15 days (single entry tourist) | Tourist visa required. Japan periodically adjusts visa conditions for Chinese nationals — check current requirements before booking. |
Visa-Free Entry
Tips
- •Complete the Visit Japan Web digital registration before departure to speed through immigration at Haneda or Narita
- •Japan introduced a JPY 1,000 digital tourist tax for some visitors — check the latest entry requirements before travel as this policy may evolve
- •You will fill out a customs declaration card on arrival — declare any food, plants, or items over ¥1,000,000 in value honestly
- •The 90-day period cannot be extended — you must depart and re-enter for a new stay
- •Japan prohibits the import of narcotics, firearms, and certain medications (including some common cold tablets containing pseudoephedrine) — check the Japan Customs list for restricted medicines
Shopping
Hakone's shopping is centered on craft and specialty goods rather than fashion or electronics. The standout regional product is yosegi-zaiku — intricate geometric wood inlay work unique to Hakone, used to make puzzle boxes (himitsu-bako) and other items. Prices are fixed in most shops. The Yumoto station shopping street and Gora village are the main retail strips.
Hakone-Yumoto Station Shopping Street
shopping streetThe covered arcade and streets around Yumoto station are lined with souvenir shops, wagashi (Japanese sweet) makers, sake sellers, and yosegi-zaiku workshops. The most convenient and concentrated shopping in Hakone, best browsed after checking into your ryokan.
Known for: Yosegi-zaiku puzzle boxes, Hakone mochi sweets, sake, hot spring bath products
Gora Village Shops
village shopsThe small commercial strip around Gora station has art galleries, craft shops, and a few specialty food stores alongside cafes. More relaxed than Yumoto and closer to the mid-mountain resort hotels.
Known for: Art prints, local crafts, coffee, mountain herb products
Owakudani Crater Stalls
market stallsVendors at the Owakudani ropeway station sell black eggs (kuro-tamago) fresh from the hot spring pools alongside regional snacks and volcanic-themed souvenirs. A truly unique shopping experience in an active volcanic landscape.
Known for: Kuro-tamago black eggs, volcanic rock specimens, Owakudani-branded snacks
🎁 Unique Souvenirs to Look For
- •Yosegi-zaiku himitsu-bako (secret puzzle boxes) — the definitive Hakone craft, using geometric marquetry in dozens of steps to open
- •Hakone kuro-tamago (black eggs) — though best eaten fresh at Owakudani, packaged versions are sold as novelty gifts
- •Onsen manju — steamed buns filled with sweet red bean paste cooked using hot spring steam, sold warm at Yumoto
- •Hakone sake — locally produced nihonshu from the mountain spring water
- •Hot spring beauty products — bath salts, mineral soaps, and skin creams using Hakone onsen water
- •Ukiyo-e woodblock print reproductions featuring classic Fuji views from the Hiroshige and Hokusai traditions
- •Kokeshi wooden dolls and hand-painted lacquerware from craft shops around Gora
Language & Phrases
Japanese uses three scripts: hiragana (ひらがな) and katakana (カタカナ) are phonetic syllabaries, while kanji (漢字) are Chinese-derived logographic characters. Most signage in Hakone's tourist areas includes romaji (romanized) text and English translations. Google Translate's camera mode works well for menus and signs not in English.
| English | Translation | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| Hello / Good day | こんにちは (Konnichiwa) | kon-NEE-chee-wah |
| Good morning | おはようございます (Ohayou gozaimasu) | oh-ha-YOH go-ZAI-mas |
| Thank you very much | ありがとうございます (Arigatou gozaimasu) | ah-ree-GAH-toh go-ZAI-mas |
| Excuse me / Sorry | すみません (Sumimasen) | sue-mee-MAH-sen |
| Please (when asking for something) | ください (Kudasai) | koo-dah-SAI |
| Yes / No | はい / いいえ (Hai / Iie) | hai / ee-yeh |
| How much is this? | これはいくらですか？(Kore wa ikura desu ka?) | koh-reh wah ee-KOO-rah des-kah? |
| Where is the onsen? | 温泉はどこですか？(Onsen wa doko desu ka?) | on-SEN wah doh-koh des-kah? |
| Is Mount Fuji visible today? | 今日は富士山が見えますか？(Kyou wa Fujisan ga miemasu ka?) | kyoh wah foo-JEE-san gah mee-eh-MAS-kah? |
| Delicious! | おいしい！(Oishii!) | oh-ee-SHEE! |
| One more, please | もう一つください (Mou hitotsu kudasai) | moh hee-TOT-sue koo-dah-SAI |
| I have a tattoo (at onsen) | 入れ墨があります (Irezumi ga arimasu) | ee-reh-ZOO-mee gah ah-REE-mas |