Heading to Hakone? This short, sharp guide skips the fluff—get the essentials for an epic trip:
TL;DR
- Perfect for: 2–3 days
- Best for: Nature lovers, spa seekers, art fans, introverts
- Why visit: Tranquil onsens, Fuji views, and easy solo exploring
HAKONE AT A GLANCE
- Population/size: 13,000 people; small mountain town
- Cultural note: Former Edo-period post town; now a hotspot for hot springs and art
- Famous for: Natural hot springs (onsen), Lake Ashi, Open-Air Museum, epic Fuji views
- Nickname: The Onsen Town of Japan
- Solo vibe/safety: Laid-back and very safe; friendly to solo soakers and sightseers
ESSENTIAL INFO
- 💰 Currency: Japanese Yen (JPY)
- 🗣 Language: Japanese; some English at tourist spots
- 🌦 Best time to visit: Spring (March–May) for cherry blossoms, Autumn (Sept–Nov) for fiery foliage
- ✈️ From Tokyo:
- Odakyu Railway: ~85 min, ¥2,080 one way to Hakone-Yumoto Station
- 🧳 Safety: Very safe, but some ryokan charge solo supplement; avoid Owakudani restricted areas due to sulfur gases
- 🎭 Cultural calendar tip: Fuji-viewing in late Fall or cherry blossom fiestas in April
- 🎦 What to watch on the plane: “Spirited Away” – perfect for onsen inspiration
WHERE TO STAY (FOR SOLO TRAVELERS)
- 🛏️ Best hostel: Emblem Flow Hakone. Just a minute from Gora station, this place nails the chill vibes with a hot spring on-site and a cozy bar to swap travel stories. Super clean, friendly staff, and tucked in a beautiful spot — one of Hakone’s most in-demand hostels (book ahead)! ♨️
- Area breakdown:
- 🏘️ Hakone-Yumoto – Most lively; walkable, loads of cheap eats, best transit access
- 🧭 Gora – Quieter, art-focused, lovely gardens, upscale ryokans/OAM nearby
- Tip: Early booking essential for peak seasons; always confirm single occupancy fees at ryokan before booking
TRANSPORT & NAVIGATION
- 🚶♂️ Walkability: Core areas are walkable, but distances between sights can be long and hilly
- 🚌 Bus: Hakone Tozan Bus, covers most attractions; included in Free Pass, single rides ¥300–¥500
- 🚋 Trains/Tram: Hakone Tozan Railway climbs the hills—rides and changes are scenic; included in Free Pass
- 🚖 Taxi: Plentiful but pricey (start at ¥450); apps like JapanTaxi work, but rarely needed
- 🚲 Bikes: Rental rare, challenging due to terrain—only attempt if feeling heroic
TOP 5 THINGS TO DO ALONE
- 🏛️ Hakone Open-Air Museum – Stroll among epic sculptures and footbaths, snap photos, and ponder art in nature
- 🌿 Lake Ashi walk & cruise – Scenic lakeside strolls and pirate boat rides, with unbeatable Fuji vistas; solo-friendly and safe
- 🧠 Owakudani Valley adventure – Steam vents, black eggs, cable car with wild volcano views—totally solo-thrilling
- 🧭 Old Tokaido Road Walk – Historic stone-paved forest path; get lost in history as you hike
- 🎨 Narukawa Art Museum – Tiny gem for art and panoramic Fuji views (bonus: rarely crowded)
- 🔀 Wildcard: Day-use Onsen – Try Mount View Hakone or Yunessun Spa for stress-melting solo soaking
WHAT TO SKIP
- ❌ Odawara Castle if short on time: Cool but not unique; better castles elsewhere in Japan
- ❌ Most souvenir shops: Overpriced trinkets; look for quality crafts or skip altogether
- ❌ Hakone Komagatake Ropeway on foggy days: No Fuji view, high price—save it for clear skies!
EATING & DRINKING
- 🧍♂️ Solo-friendly spot: Akakura Restaurant – Steamy hotpots, single counter seats, friendly staff
- 🥃 Quiet pub/bar: Local izakayas in Hakone-Yumoto – Grab sake, chat with locals or relax solo
- 🍽️ Try these locals: Onsen tamago (spring eggs: try at Owakudani or Yunessun); soba noodles at Hatsuhana Soba
- 💸 Best cheap eats: Konbini bentos (FamilyMart/Lawson) – Filling, tasty, and usually under ¥800
- 🥦 Veg/vegan: Gora Brewery & Grill – Veg options, craft beers, chic vibe
- 🍸 Cocktails/nightcap: Salon de thé Rosage – Scenic desserts or a glass of local wine overlooking Lake Ashi
THE ONSEN EXPERIENCE
- ♨️ Solo-friendly onsen: Try day-use private baths at Mount View Hakone (¥2,000–4,000/45 min) for peace and privacy
- Mixed-gender fun: Yunessun Spa Resort – Wear swimsuits, soak with new friends in coffee/spa pools
BEST OF HAKONE IN 1 DAY – SOLO ITINERARY
- Sunrise: Stroll the riverside at Hakone-Yumoto, take in the morning mist
- Morning: Hakone Open-Air Museum – snap art/selfies, relax feet in footbath
- Lunch: Eat steamy soba and tempura at Akakura
- Afternoon: Ropeway to Owakudani, eat a black egg, soak up volcanic views
- Evening: Walk along Lake Ashi, visit Hakone Shrine, torii glowing at twilight
- Dinner: Sample kaiseki at your ryokan or hit a cozy izakaya for small plates
- Night: Soak in a private onsen or sip a late drink at Salon de thé Rosage
LOCAL TIPS & INSIDER WISDOM
- 🎉 Festival tip: Summer fireworks over Lake Ashi – magical, crowded, bring a mat! (usually August)
- 📍 Hidden gem: Narukawa Art Museum – Move straight to the panoramic window after browsing the art
- 📷 Photo spot: Lake Ashi with red torii gate + backdrop of Mount Fuji (best at sunrise or sunset)
- 🧠 Etiquette tip: No tipping, ever; always shower before entering an onsen!
- 🚩 Safety reminder: Owakudani: stay on marked paths; sulfur fumes are real
- 👀 One last thing: Don’t just dip a toe—go full onsen! The steamy rituals are Hakone’s true magic.
Explore More Solo Guides
✈️ Want to Save $237 on Your Next Solo Trip?
Learn the 100+ travel hacks I’ve learned from 15+ years of solo travel.
👉 Get the $7 Guide (Limited Time Discount)