Hakone Weather and Climate Guide: Year-Round Conditions, Seasonal Highlights, and Travel Tips
Hakone is a tourist destination in western Kanagawa Prefecture. Formed by a volcanic caldera, it's famous for its hot spring towns. Surrounded by rich nature, visitors can enjoy beautiful flowers at Gora's parks and experience the grand nature around Lake Ashinoko.
Located at a high altitude, Hakone is a popular summer retreat. Throughout the year, it remains a beloved tourist spot where visitors can enjoy autumn foliage, spring flowers, and beautiful snow landscapes in winter.
In this article, we'll introduce Hakone's year-round climate, recommended clothing for each season, and seasonal tourist attractions.
Checking Hakone's Climate is a Must When Planning Your Visit!
When visiting Hakone, it's crucial to check the seasonal weather. The temperature variation throughout the year can exceed 40°C (104°F). Most tourist spots in Hakone are located at altitudes above 500m, making it at least 5°C (41°F) cooler than plain areas like Tokyo.
Hakone is also known for frequent fog, particularly during rainy seasons and from October to March, when visibility can be significantly reduced. Snowfall is common from January onwards. Transportation services may be suspended due to strong winds or snow accumulation, so visitors should plan accordingly.
Check Hakone's climate before your trip to ensure a comfortable sightseeing experience.
Seasonal Climate Guide to Hakone
Hakone experiences temperature variations of nearly 40°C (104°F) throughout the year. Here's a seasonal breakdown of the climate:
Spring (Cherry Blossom Season)
Climate characteristics: March is dry and chilly. April becomes warmer.
Average temperature: March 5°C (41°F) / April 10°C (50°F)
Average precipitation: 136mm
As the cold winter ends, spring brings warmer weather. While March still has many chilly days with temperatures below 10°C (50°F), April brings more comfortable temperatures.
From late March through April, cherry blossoms bloom beautifully. Azaleas and other flowers also bloom during this time, creating stunning displays at Onshi Hakone Park and Gora Park. With relatively little rainfall and pleasant weather from April onwards, this is one of the best seasons to visit Hakone.
The warm weather is perfect for walking through Hakone's nature-filled streets. As nights can be cold, it's advisable to bring an extra layer. For all seasons in Hakone, comfortable, active wear is recommended.
Recommended Spring Clothing
Long-sleeve shirts and sweaters
Jackets and hoodies
Summer (Fireworks Season)
Climate characteristics: High humidity and warm, frequent rainfall
Average temperature: 21°C (69.8°F)
Average rainfall: 150mm (180mm in June and September)
While Japanese summers often see extreme heat days exceeding 35°C (95°F), Hakone's climate remains more comfortable than the lowland areas. Famous as a summer retreat, Hakone's verdant landscape makes it one of the most popular summer tourist destinations.
High humidity is a notable characteristic of Hakone's weather, and special attention should be paid during June's rainy season and September's typhoon season. In June, more than half the month experiences rainfall, and the high humidity creates dense fog that can limit visibility, enveloping the surroundings in white.
September is typhoon season, which may cause suspension of ropeway and bus services, so please plan your schedule while monitoring weather conditions.
While days are warm, temperatures can drop at night, making light jackets essential. Since it's a rainy season, keeping a folding umbrella in your bag is recommended.
Recommended Summer Attire
Short-sleeve shirts
Light jacket for cool evenings
Folding umbrella for sudden rain
Autumn (Fall Foliage Season)
Climate characteristics: Dry and comfortably cool
Average temperature: October 14°C (57.2°F) / November 9°C (48.2°F)
Average rainfall: 100mm
The autumn foliage season is the most popular tourist season throughout the year. Mountain-enclosed Hakone offers spectacular views of fall colors. The view of autumn leaves from Hakone's popular ropeway is particularly breathtaking.
The red maple leaves (Momiji) in parks and temples exemplify traditional Japanese beauty. Additionally, the Sengokuhara plateau features golden fields of pampas grass, creating stunning landscapes.
While this season is drier than summer, rain is still common, so a folding umbrella is useful. Although daytime temperatures often exceed 10°C (50°F), nights can be cold, so outer wear is essential.
Recommended Autumn Attire
Long-sleeve shirts or sweatshirts
Jacket or hoodie
Folding umbrella recommended
Winter (Snow Scene Season)
Climate characteristics: Dry and cold with snowfall
Average temperature: 2°C (35.6°F)
Average rainfall: 30mm
Hakone's winters are the coldest season, with temperatures often dropping below freezing and frequent snowfall. The snow-covered Hakone landscape is beautiful, and the clear air allows for excellent distant views. The sight of Mount Fuji from snow-covered Lake Ashinoko is spectacular.
Hakone is also famous for its hot springs. The combination of snow and onsen creates a wonderful atmosphere, and outdoor baths are particularly enjoyable in cold weather.
While this dry season has many clear days, radiation cooling causes frequent fog, especially in the morning when visibility can be severely limited. Please consider weather conditions when planning your sightseeing schedule.
Recommended Winter Attire
Sweaters or sweatshirts
Warm outerwear like down jackets or thick coats
Long pants
Gloves, scarves, and hats
Recommended Tourist Spots for Each Season with Their Unique Attractions
Hakone, with its abundant tourist attractions, offers many recommended destinations for each season. Here, as a Hakone enthusiast, I'll confidently introduce you to my recommended spots.
Recommended Spring Tourist Spots
Miyagino Hayakawa Embankment
Source: Hakone Zenzan
The "Miyagino Hayakawa Embankment" is a levee along the Hayakawa River that flows through Hakone's hot spring district. With 120 cherry trees planted along a 600m stretch, it offers beautiful cherry blossom views in spring. Thanks to Hakone's mild spring climate, this is one of the area's most popular cherry blossom viewing spots, and the nighttime illumination creates a magical atmosphere.
Access: [To Motohakone] Take the Odakyu Romance Car from Odakyu Shinjuku Station bound for Hakone-Yumoto. Get off at Hakone-Yumoto, then take the Hakone Tozan Railway to Gora Station. 13-minute walk from the station.
Hours: Open 24 hours
Admission: Free
Onshi Hakone Park
Source: Hakone Navi
"Onshi Hakone Park" is a forest park situated at the foot of Lake Ashi, at an elevation of 723m. This nature-rich park spans 15.9 hectares. The moderate weather in spring brings spectacular blooms of cherry blossoms, azaleas, and wisteria. The azaleas, which peak in May, are particularly stunning, making this park famous for its azalea viewing.
From the park's observatory, you can also view Mt. Fuji when weather conditions permit.
<Basic Information>
- Address: 171 Motohakone, Hakone-machi, Ashigarashimo-gun, Kanagawa Prefecture
- Hours: Always open
- Closed: Never
- Phone: 0460-83-7484
- Admission: Free
- Official Website: https://www.kanagawa-park.or.jp/onsisite/
Recommended Summer Tourist Spots
Hakone Pirate Ship Cruise
Source: PR TIMES
The "Hakone Pirate Ship Cruise" circles Lake Ashi. The one-hour cruise offers spectacular views of Hakone's scenery. With Hakone's pleasant summer weather and cooler temperatures due to its elevation, this refreshing lake cruise is perfect for summer sightseeing.
The luxuriously decorated authentic pirate ship excites both adults and children, making it ideal for family tours.
<Basic Information>
- Address: 164 Motohakone, Hakone-machi, Ashigarashimo-gun, Kanagawa Prefecture (Togendai Station)
- Hours: December 1 - March 19: 10:00-15:05 (Round trip) / Schedule after March 19 TBD
- Closed: Never
- Phone: 0460-83-6325
- Fee: 2,200 yen
- Official Website: https://www.hakonenavi.jp/hakone-kankosen/
The Hakone Open-Air Museum
Source: Official Instagram
The Hakone Open-Air Museum showcases over 500 unique sculptures. You can view works by world-renowned sculptors including Picasso and Henry Moore. Taking advantage of Hakone's mild climate, the museum offers an interactive art experience where children can play as if they're in an adventure playground, making it a recommended spot for families. Enjoy viewing the artwork in the warm weather while experiencing a sense of adventure.
<Basic Information>
- Address: 1121 Ninodaira, Hakone-machi, Ashigarashimo-gun, Kanagawa Prefecture
- Hours: 9:00-17:00
- Closed: Never
- Phone: 0460-82-1161
- Admission: ¥2,000
- Official Website: https://www.hakone-oam.or.jp/en/
Recommended Tourist Spots for Autumn
Gora Park and Hakone Museum of Art (Best viewing in mid-November)
Source: Hakone Navi
Located in Gora, both Gora Park and the Hakone Museum of Art offer spectacular views of autumn foliage. These neighboring spots feature beautiful Japanese gardens where you can stroll and enjoy the red maple leaves (Momiji), which embody the Japanese spirit. Thanks to Hakone's temperate weather, these gardens maintain their beauty throughout the autumn season. Since they're located next to each other, be sure to visit both when you're in Gora.
<Basic Information>
[Gora Park]
- Address: 1300 Gora, Hakone-machi, Ashigarashimo-gun, Kanagawa Prefecture
- Hours: 9:00-17:00
- Closed: Never
- Phone: 0460-82-2825
- Admission: ¥650
- Official Website: https://www.hakone-tozan.co.jp/gorapark/en/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hakone_goura_park/
[Hakone Museum of Art]
- Address: 1300 Gora, Hakone-machi, Ashigarashimo-gun, Kanagawa Prefecture
- Hours: April-November 9:30-16:30 / December-March 9:30-16:00
- Closed: Thursdays (Open on holidays), New Year's holidays, and other closure days (Please check website)
- Phone: 0460-82-2623
- Admission: ¥1,430
- Official Website: https://www.moaart.or.jp/hakone-en/
Owakudani (Best viewed in mid-November)
Source:ANA
Volcanic activity continues to this day in Hakone's caldera. At "Owakudani," white smoke rising from the rocky surface reminds visitors that Hakone is an active volcanic region. The "black eggs," whose shells have been blackened by geothermal heat, are Owakudani's specialty and can only be eaten here.
For the best experience of Hakone's unique climate, take the ropeway to Owakudani. In autumn, you can enjoy beautiful fall foliage from the ropeway.
<Basic Information>
・Address: 1251-1 Sengokuhara, Hakone-machi, Ashigarashimo-gun, Kanagawa Prefecture
・Hours: 9:00-16:30
・Closed: Never
・Phone: 0460-84-5201 (Owakudani Information Center)
・Official Website: https://www.kanagawa-park.or.jp/owakudani/index.html
Recommended Winter Tourist Spots
Lake Ashi (Ashinoko)
Lake Ashi sits at an elevation of 723m. The lakeshore is dotted with shrines, parks, and hot spring ryokans, offering plenty of scenic spots to enjoy.
The weather around Lake Ashi in winter often brings fog, but during the day, the clear air allows for spectacular views. The combination of snowy landscapes and Mount Fuji, viewed from the eastern shore, is breathtakingly beautiful.
Access: [To Motohakone] From Odakyu Shinjuku Station: Take the Odakyu Line Romance Car bound for "Hakone-Yumoto." Get off at "Hakone-Yumoto." From Hakone-Yumoto, take the Hakone Tozan Bus/Izu Hakone Bus bound for "Motohakone/Hakone-machi" and get off at "Motohakone."
Hours: Open 24 hours
Admission: Free
Official Website: https://www.hakone-ashinoko.net/area_guide.html
Hakone Kowakien Yunessun
Source: Official website
Winter in Japan means hot springs! "Hakone Kowakien Yunessun" is a hot spring-themed amusement park. Taking advantage of Hakone's mild winter weather, it offers flowing pools and water slides using hot spring water, plus unique experiences like wine baths using real wine. With traditional open-air baths, restaurants, and rest areas, you can enjoy a full day of activities.
<Basic Information>
・Address: 1297 Ninodaira, Hakone-machi, Ashigarashimo-gun, Kanagawa Prefecture
・Hours: Mon-Fri 10:00-18:00, Sat/Sun/Holidays 9:00-19:00 (Hot spring area open until 20:00 daily)
・Closed: Never
・Phone: 0460-82-4126
・Admission: 2,500 yen
・Official Website: https://www.yunessun.com/global/en/
