IconicLake Ashi & Hakone Shrine
Cruise the caldera lake toward Mt Fuji and photograph Hakone Shrine's vermilion torii standing in the water.
Hakone, Japan
Flight + hotel · Mt Fuji views, hot springs & ryokan stays · Guided & independent tours
4.8 · 2,900+ Hakone trips booked by Canadians
Destination
At a glance
Everything you need to know about Hakone
Tucked into the mountains of Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park, Hakone is Japan's most beloved onsen retreat — a landscape of steaming hot springs, a caldera lake with Mt Fuji on the horizon, and traditional ryokan inns serving kaiseki dinners. It's just about 85 minutes from Tokyo by the Odakyu Romancecar train to Hakone-Yumoto, making it a classic scenic escape from the city.
Hakone, JapanClimate
Climate
Four seasons; autumn & clear winter days best for Fuji
JanDec
PeakShoulderAvoid
Crisp autumn colours in Nov, clear winter days best for Mt Fuji, fresh green summers up in the hills.
Currency
Japanese Yen
1 CAD ≈ 110 JPY · IC transit cards widely used
Entry
Visa-free
Short stays for Canadians
Top Experiences in Hakone
Iconic
Volcanic ValleyOwakudani & the Ropeway
Glide over the steaming sulphur vents of Owakudani by ropeway and try a black egg boiled in the hot springs.
Art in NatureHakone Open-Air Museum
Wander a mountainside sculpture park with works by Picasso, Moore and Miró against a forest backdrop.
Essential info for Canadian travellers
Passport: A valid Canadian passport is all you need — Japan is visa-free for short tourist stays.
Getting to Hakone: Fly into Tokyo (HND or NRT), then take the Odakyu Romancecar from Shinjuku — about 85 minutes to Hakone-Yumoto.
Getting around & the Free Pass: The Hakone Free Pass covers the mountain railway, ropeway, cablecar, cruise boats and buses on one loop.
Travel insurance: Provincial health plans don't cover medical care in Japan. Comprehensive travel insurance is essential.
Power & plugs: Japan uses 100V with Type A/B plugs — Canadian plugs fit, though the voltage is slightly lower.
Time zone: Hakone runs on Japan Standard Time (JST) — about 13–14 hours ahead of Toronto.
Best time to visit Hakone
NovAutumn colours
Fiery maple foliage across the mountains and gardens. Peak demand — book ahead.
Dec – FebClear-sky Fuji season
Cold but the clearest, most reliable Mt Fuji views of the year, plus steaming outdoor onsen.
Apr & OctShoulder season
Mild, comfortable weather with fewer crowds and better value.
Jun – AugRainy & humid season
The June rainy season brings cloud that often hides Fuji. Cheaper but hazy.
Where to stay
Hakone areas & neighbourhoods
Hakone's areas each have a distinct character, from the arrival town's riverside inns to lakeside views and quiet highland ryokan. Here's how to choose.
Hakone-Yumoto
Gateway town
The arrival hub where the Romancecar terminates, lined with riverside onsen inns, shops and hot-spring cafés.
Best for
- First-timers
- Easy transfers
- Ryokan stays
Gora
Mountain heart
An upscale hot-spring village on the mountain railway, home to luxury ryokan, the Open-Air Museum and ropeway access.
Best for
- Luxury onsen
- Art & museums
- Couples
Sengokuhara
Northern highland
A quiet highland plateau known for its golden pampas grass, Pola Museum of Art and open Mt Fuji vistas.
Best for
- Nature
- Fuji views
- Quiet stays
Lake Ashi (Moto-Hakone)
Lakeside south
The lakeshore district by Hakone Shrine and the cruise piers, with sweeping views of the water and Mt Fuji beyond.
Best for
- Sightseeing
- Cruises
- Photography
Beyond Hakone
Day trips & guided tours from Hakone
Hakone is the perfect base for exploring the Mt Fuji region's lakes, castles and hot springs. Every tour below can be booked through ShopTravel or your ryokan concierge.
Guided LoopLake Ashi Cruise & Owakudani
Full day · 7 hrsIn Hakone · By ropeway & boat
Ride the ropeway over the volcanic Owakudani valley and cruise Lake Ashi to Hakone Shrine's floating torii.
Insider tips
- Use the Hakone Free Pass for the loop
- Try a black egg at Owakudani
Day TripOdawara Castle & Old Town
Half day · 4 hrs~15 km east · 15 min by train
Visit the restored hilltop keep of Odawara Castle and explore the samurai-era castle town at the foot of Hakone.
Insider tips
- Climb the keep for bay views
- Sample local kamaboko fish cake
Day TripMt Fuji & Lake Kawaguchi
Full day · 9 hrs~55 km northwest · 90 min by bus
Head to the Fuji Five Lakes for the region's most celebrated close-up views of Mt Fuji across Lake Kawaguchi.
Insider tips
- Go on a clear morning for Fuji
- Ride the Kachi Kachi ropeway
CultureHakone Art Museums Walk
Half day · 5 hrsIn Gora & Sengokuhara · By mountain railway
Pair the Hakone Open-Air Museum's sculpture park with the glass-walled Pola Museum of Art in the forest.
Insider tips
- Allow time for the Picasso pavilion
- Soak your feet in the museum foot bath
● Limited availability — book now
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Good to know
Hakone travel FAQ
Everything Canadian travellers ask before booking
Do Canadians need a visa for Hakone?
No. Canadians can visit Japan visa-free for short tourist stays with a valid passport.
How long is the trip from Canada to Hakone?
There are no nonstop flights. Expect roughly 13–15 hours total via one connection to Tokyo (HND/NRT), then about 85 minutes by Odakyu Romancecar train to Hakone-Yumoto.
When is the best time to visit Hakone?
November for autumn colours and the clear winter months (December–February) for the best Mt Fuji views are ideal. April and October offer mild weather with fewer crowds.
How do I get around Hakone?
Most travellers use the Hakone Free Pass, which covers the Tozan mountain railway, ropeway, cablecar, Lake Ashi cruise boats and buses on the sightseeing loop.
What is an onsen ryokan?
A ryokan is a traditional Japanese inn with tatami rooms, yukata robes and a multi-course kaiseki dinner. In Hakone most have their own natural hot-spring (onsen) baths, often open-air.
Do I need travel insurance?
Yes — it's strongly recommended. Provincial health plans don't cover medical care in Japan, which can be costly.
What day trips can I do from Hakone?
Odawara Castle, the Fuji Five Lakes (Lake Kawaguchi) and Owakudani's volcanic valley are all easy trips and make excellent excursions.
Can I book tours through ShopTravel?
Yes, you can add guided tours and day trips like the Lake Ashi cruise and the Mt Fuji excursion to your trip at checkout.