Hakone in Autumn: A Comprehensive Guide to the Best Spots
About ten years ago, during my student days, I visited Hakone for a hot spring trip with friends. Since then, captivated by the view of autumn leaves reflected in Lake Ashi and the sight of Mount Fuji, I've been returning almost every year.
The view of Mount Fuji from the mountaintop, the contrast between the steam from Owakudani and the autumn leaves, and above all, the feeling of autumn air while soaking in a hot spring - even after more than a decade of visits, Hakone's charm never ceases to amaze me.
One of the reasons I, as a travel enthusiast, love Hakone is its perfect "sense of distance." It's less than two hours from Tokyo, yet it feels like you've come to a distant hot spring resort, offering an extraordinary experience. Autumn, in particular, is the perfect season to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and spend time leisurely enjoying autumn leaf viewing and hot springs.
However, to fully enjoy Hakone in autumn, it's important to know the characteristics of the area. Popular spots are inevitably crowded on weekends, and with significant changes in weather and temperature, warm clothing is essential. Also, public transportation is limited at night, and unlike Kyoto, there are no nighttime autumn leaf illumination events.
As someone familiar with Hakone, I want to share all the points for a better trip without leaving anything out.
Table of Contents
・Autumn Highlights in Hakone
・Autumn-Limited Experiences in Hakone
・How to Access Hakone from Tokyo
・Frequently Asked Questions About Hakone in Autumn
Autumn Highlights in Hakone
Autumn in Hakone is a season of spectacular views woven together by colorful autumn leaves, Mount Fuji floating in the clear air, and the rising steam from hot springs. From my experience of over a decade, I'll introduce particularly recommended sightseeing spots.
Lake Ashi and Autumn Leaves
One of my most beloved places in Hakone is Lake Ashi. The autumn leaves around the lake are at their best from mid to late November. The sight of trees dyed red and yellow reflected on the calm surface of the lake is truly picturesque in its beauty.
Personally, I highly recommend the view from the sightseeing cruise. The autumn leaves seen from the lake show a completely different expression compared to viewing from land. Especially on a clear morning, when Mount Fuji and the autumn leaves are reflected on the lake's surface, a breathtaking view unfolds.
A well-maintained walking path continues along the lakeshore, allowing for leisurely autumn leaf viewing. The road from Moto-Hakone Port to Hakone Shrine is particularly dotted with beautiful autumn leaf spots. Along the way, there are many stylish cafes where you can take a break and enjoy the spectacular view of autumn leaves and Mount Fuji.
Autumn Scenery of Owakudani
Owakudani is a special place where you can experience Hakone's volcanic activity up close. It reaches its peak autumn foliage from late October to early November. The contrast between the white steam and the autumn leaves creates a unique landscape unique to Hakone.
The view from the Hakone Ropeway is particularly spectacular. The grand panorama seen from the air is like taking an aerial walk. On a clear day, you can enjoy a view of Mount Fuji, autumn leaves, and rising steam - a scenery unparalleled in the world.
Don't miss out on Owakudani's specialty, the "black eggs." These hot spring eggs with shells blackened by volcanic gas are said to extend your life by seven years if eaten.
However, being at a high altitude, the temperature is low and the weather changes can be severe. From my experience, I recommend always bringing a jacket. Especially in the morning and evening, it gets cold, so make sure to prepare well for the cold.
Autumn Roses at Gora Park
Gora Park is a hidden gem where you can elegantly enjoy Hakone's autumn. During this season when autumn roses are at their best, a sweet fragrance wafts through the park, creating a beautiful landscape in harmony with the autumn leaves.
What I particularly like is the perfect harmony between the garden and the rose garden. If the timing is right, you can enjoy both autumn leaves and autumn roses at the same time. The scenery where Japanese and Western styles blend beautifully is perfect for photography.
Also, you can try your hand at pottery or glasswork in the handcraft experience classes. I once experienced pottery making, and it was a wonderful opportunity to touch Japanese traditional crafts.
You can enjoy tea leisurely at the cafe in the park. The view from the window is wonderful, especially in autumn, when teatime while gazing at the autumn leaves and mountain scenery is exceptional.
Website: https://www.hakone-tozan.co.jp/gorapark/en/
Autumn-Limited Experiences in Hakone
Autumn in Hakone offers not just autumn leaf viewing, but also special experiences unique to this season. From my experience of over a decade, I'll introduce the charms of Hakone that can only be savored in autumn.
Seasonal Hot Springs
The most luxurious experience in autumn Hakone is enjoying an open-air bath while viewing the autumn leaves. The contrast between the chilly air and the warm water is pleasant, and the scenery created by the autumn leaves and steam is the essence of Japanese hot spring culture.
There are many day-trip hot spring facilities scattered around the Hakone-Yumoto area. Facilities like Tenzan and Tensei-en are easy to drop by between sightseeing. From the open-air baths, you can overlook the mountains of Hakone and enjoy the hot springs while feeling the crisp autumn air.
The hot springs at high-class ryokans offer an even more special experience. While many facilities require reservations, some have private open-air baths attached to the rooms. I've used one before, and the luxury of enjoying autumn leaves and hot springs in a private space was exceptional.
Note that if you have tattoos, I recommend always checking in advance whether bathing is possible. The policy varies depending on the facility, so it's best to confirm when making a reservation.
Local Autumn Delicacies
Hakone's autumn flavors are truly a treasure trove of autumn's bounty. Dishes using matsutake mushrooms and chestnuts, in particular, are a luxurious experience unique to this season. What I especially like is the matsutake dobin-mushi served at ryokans. The harmony between the fragrant broth and the flavor of matsutake mushrooms makes you feel the arrival of autumn.
Don't miss out on seasonal chestnut sweets either. In Hakone, various shops from long-established Japanese confectionery stores to modern cake shops offer autumn-limited chestnut sweets like mont blanc.
Are There Autumn Leaf Illumination Events in Hakone?
In Tokyo and Kyoto, nighttime illumination becomes a major attraction during the autumn leaf season. However, such nighttime autumn leaf viewing is generally not conducted in Hakone. This is because most of the main autumn leaf spots are located in mountainous areas not suitable for nighttime access.
Also, the number of public transportation services decreases significantly at night. Therefore, it's wise to consider autumn leaf viewing in Hakone as something to be enjoyed basically during the daytime.
This might seem like a disadvantage at first glance, but it actually allows for more efficient sightseeing by concentrating autumn leaf viewing from morning to evening. Depending on the timing, you can enjoy daytime autumn leaves in Hakone and then view illuminated autumn leaves in Tokyo at night.
From my experience, I feel that Hakone's autumn leaves are most beautiful in the early morning amidst the morning mist or in the evening when illuminated by soft light.
How to Access Hakone from Tokyo
Access to Hakone is very convenient with plenty of options. I enjoy optimal Hakone trips tailored to each travel purpose by using different modes of transportation.
The most common way to get there by train is to use the Odakyu Romance Car from Shinjuku Station. It takes about 85 minutes to reach Hakone-Yumoto. The limited express Romance Car has reserved seating and is characterized by large windows that allow you to enjoy the scenery outside.
You can also take the Tokaido Shinkansen from Tokyo Station to Odawara and then transfer to the Hakone Tozan Railway.
If you use a bus, you can go directly to Hakone from Shinjuku Station by express bus. It takes about 2 hours, slightly longer than the train, but there's no need to transfer and the price is reasonable.
If you're visiting by car, you can arrive in about 1.5 hours using the Tomei Expressway. While there's an advantage of being able to sightsee at your own pace, be careful of traffic jams on holidays.
The "Hakone Freepass" is very convenient for moving around within the Hakone area. With this pass, you can freely use various modes of transportation in Hakone, such as ropeways, mountain trains, and pirate ships. It also comes with discount benefits at many tourist facilities.
The scenery during the journey is also one of the highlights of a Hakone trip. Especially on clear days, you can enjoy views of Mount Fuji and Hakone's rich natural landscapes from the window. I look forward to this view from the window every time.
Website: https://www.hakonenavi.jp/international/en/discount_passes/free_pass
Frequently Asked Questions About Hakone in Autumn
As someone who has been visiting Hakone for many years, I receive many questions, especially from foreign tourists. Here, I'll introduce actual frequently asked questions and their answers.
What's the Climate Like in Hakone During Autumn?
Hakone in autumn is characterized by significant temperature changes even within a single day. The daytime continues to be mild and comfortable, with average temperatures around 15°C. However, temperatures are low in high-altitude places, and it gets particularly cold at night.
What I'm especially careful about is clothing. A style that allows for layering is best. By combining thin sweaters, cardigans, and light jackets, you can flexibly adapt to temperature changes. Warm clothing is essential near the mountain tops where temperatures are low.
Also, weather changes can be severe, so checking the weather forecast in advance is essential. I always make sure to bring rain gear. Having a folding umbrella or raincoat allows you to continue sightseeing even in sudden rain.
Is the Hakone Freepass Worth It?
The Hakone Freepass is a very convenient and worthwhile ticket for enjoying sightseeing in Hakone. With this pass, you can ride various modes of transportation within the Hakone area unlimited times. It includes ropeways and sightseeing boats, allowing you to efficiently tour sightseeing spots.
Another attraction is that you can receive discount benefits at many tourist facilities. Discounts apply to major facilities in Hakone, such as museums and hot spring facilities. If you plan to use several of these facilities, purchasing a Freepass can result in significant savings.
You can purchase it at stations before heading to Hakone or online. From my experience, it's worth it even if you plan to visit multiple spots in one day. Especially if you're staying for two days or more, the savings effect on transportation and admission fees is significant, and I highly recommend it.
Are There Any Special Events Held in Autumn?
While traditional autumn events are held at places like Hakone Shrine, there aren't as many large-scale events as at major temples and shrines in Tokyo or Kyoto. This indicates that Hakone's charm lies in its natural scenery and hot springs.
Personally, when enjoying Hakone in autumn, I recommend focusing on the autumn leaf scenery and hot springs. The mystical mountain scenery, colorful autumn leaves, and hot springs that heal both mind and body. By combining these elements, you can enjoy a fully satisfying trip even without special events.
Autumn in Hakone is a special season woven together by autumn leaves, hot springs, and rich nature. For me, who has been visiting for over a decade, Hakone is not just a tourist destination but a place of healing for my heart.
By preparing according to the season and planning considering the time of day and crowded conditions, you can enjoy a more fulfilling Hakone trip. Hakone, with its good access from Tokyo and the atmosphere of an extraordinary hot spring resort, can be said to be an ideal tourist destination where you can fully savor Japan's autumn.
Please use this article as a reference to find your own autumn in Hakone!
