Top 10 Family-Friendly Activities in Hakone: A Comprehensive Guide for 2025
When traveling to Hakone with kids, you'll discover diverse experiences across different areas: Hakone-Yumoto with its numerous souvenir shops, Gora with its stylish scattered cafes, and Lake Ashi offering vast natural landscapes to explore.
While Hakone is often perceived as an adult-oriented destination due to its numerous art museums and scenic viewpoints, it actually offers plenty of attractions that children will love. It's an ideal location for families to relax while immersing themselves in nature.
In this guide, we'll introduce recommended spots in Hakone that you can enjoy with children. If you're planning your first visit to Hakone with kids, this information will be particularly useful.
Planning is Essential When Visiting Hakone with Kids!
Hakone's tourist attractions and accommodations are scattered throughout its natural landscape. Since some spots can be quite far apart and may require mountain road travel, advance planning is crucial.
Important considerations for family trips to Hakone:
1. Weather conditions can change quickly in this nature-rich area
2. Multiple transportation options are available, including:
- Railways
- Ropeways
- Rental cars
It's recommended to plan your sightseeing route carefully, considering your desired destinations, transportation methods, and weather conditions.
For the best experience in Hakone with kids, organize your itinerary to include spots that both children and adults can enjoy, and plan your sightseeing schedule accordingly.
5 Must-Visit Tourist Spots to Enjoy Hakone with Kids
Hakone Sightseeing Cruise (Pirate Ships)
Source: PR TIMES
The Hakone Sightseeing Cruise offers a spectacular 25-minute journey aboard luxurious pirate ships across Lake Ashi, a famous lake formed approximately 3,000 years ago by volcanic activity from Mount Hakone (Hakone Kamiyama). During the cruise, passengers can enjoy dramatic views of the vast lake and surrounding mountains.
There are three different pirate ships: "Queen Ashinoko," "Royal II," and "Victory," each decorated lavishly with gold and red accents. The ships' interiors are equally impressive, featuring luxurious furniture and intricate wall decorations throughout.
Both children and adults will be thrilled just by looking at these magnificent vessels, making the anticipation for the cruise even more exciting. Why not enjoy Hakone's scenic beauty while experiencing the perfect blend of fun, comfort, and luxury aboard these unique ships?
Facility Information:
Address:
- Hakone Port: 161 Hakone, Hakone-machi, Ashigarashimo-gun, Kanagawa
- Motohakone Port: 6-40 Motohakone, Hakone-machi, Ashigarashimo-gun, Kanagawa
- Togendai Port: 164 Motohakone, Hakone-machi, Ashigarashimo-gun, Kanagawa
Operating Hours: Please check the timetable
Closed: May be suspended due to weather conditions
Phone: 0460-83-6325
Official Website: https://www.hakonenavi.jp/hakone-kankosen/
Official Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hakone_sightseeing_cruise/
Hakone Ropeway
Source: Hakone Navi
The Hakone Ropeway connects four stations from Souunzan Station to Togendai Station, offering unique views that can only be experienced in Hakone with kids.
Between Souunzan Station and Owakudani Station, passengers can look down upon Owakudani Valley, formed by a volcanic steam explosion about 3,000 years ago. The valley, once known as "Hell Valley," still emits volcanic fumes, creating a magnificent landscape.
The section between Owakudani Station and the terminal Togendai Station provides stunning views of Lake Ashi and Mt. Fuji. Each section takes approximately 15 minutes to travel. The ropeway serves not only as transportation but also as an excellent way to enjoy seasonal natural scenery.
The slow-moving aerial ropeway is perfect for both children and adults. It's highly recommended for those who want to experience views different from ground level.
Facility Information:
Address:
- Togendai Station: 164 Motohakone, Hakone-machi, Ashigarashimo-gun, Kanagawa
- Ubako Station: 1244 Sengokuhara, Hakone-machi, Ashigarashimo-gun, Kanagawa
- Owakudani Station: 1251 Sengokuhara, Hakone-machi, Ashigarashimo-gun, Kanagawa
- Souunzan Station: 1300-328 Gora, Hakone-machi, Ashigarashimo-gun, Kanagawa
Operating Hours:
- February-November: 9:00-16:45 (Owakudani Station: 9:00-17:00)
- December-January: 9:00-16:15 (all stations)
Closed: May be suspended due to weather conditions or regular maintenance
Phone: Weekdays: 0465-32-2205, Weekends/Holidays: 0460-84-8438
Official Website: https://www.hakonenavi.jp/hakone-ropeway/
Official Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hakone_ropeway/
Forest Adventure Hakone
Source: Official website
Forest Adventure HAKONE is an athletic facility where you can enjoy nature while playing in the Hakone forest. Visitors can enjoy various activities such as crossing narrow bridges installed at elevated positions between trees and enjoying natural scenery while gliding on ziplines.
The facility offers two courses: the challenging "Adventure Course" and the more accessible "CANOPY Course." As someone who frequently visits with kids, I always use the Canopy Course. Anyone over 110cm in height and under 110kg in weight can participate, making it enjoyable even for first-time visitors.
The facility also offers other attractions like climbing walls, mini-golf, and a giant trampoline. It's a recommended spot for those wanting to enjoy Hakone's nature with kids.
<Facility Information>
Address: 749-1 Chanohanakan, Yumoto, Hakone-machi, Ashigarashimo-gun, Kanagawa Prefecture
Operating Hours: [Adventure Course] 8:30-15:00 [Canopy Course] 8:30-15:30 *Hours vary by season
Closed: Irregular
Phone: 080-4219-2206
Official Website: https://foret-aventure.jp/park/fa-hakone/
Official Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/forestadventure_hakone/
Official X: https://x.com/fahakone
Hakone Kowakien Yunessun
Source: Official website
Hakone Kowakien YUNESSUN is a large-scale hot spring activity facility where visitors can enjoy themselves in swimwear. The indoor area features a Mediterranean-themed spa with an open atmosphere, a coffee bath, and a 30cm-deep hot spring pool suitable for young children. The outdoor area offers open-air baths with spectacular views of Hakone and water slides for kids.
A delightful point for families visiting Hakone with kids is that the facility welcomes visitors from age 0. Children who are not yet toilet-trained must wear swim diapers under their swimsuits, which can be purchased at the swimwear shop on the first floor.
Swimsuit and towel rentals are available, so visitors can enjoy the facility even without bringing their own swimwear.
<Facility Information>
Address: 1297 Ninotaira, Hakone-machi, Ashigarashimo-gun, Kanagawa Prefecture
Operating Hours: Weekdays 10:00-18:00, Weekends/Holidays 9:00-19:00
Closed: Irregular
Phone: 0460-82-4126
Official Website: https://www.yunessun.com/
Official Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yunessun_hakone/
Official X: https://x.com/boxhappy_yns
Official Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/yunessun
The Hakone Open-Air Museum
Source: Official Instagram
The Hakone Open-Air Museum is an art museum featuring numerous artistic works across its expansive grounds. In addition to the Main Gallery, which displays both three-dimensional and two-dimensional art, and the Picasso Pavilion specializing in Picasso's works, there are approximately 120 masterpieces exhibited across the 70,000-square-meter outdoor exhibition space.
My recommendation when visiting Hakone with kids is the "Woods of Net," which features interactive art pieces that children can touch and play with. Inside a dome-shaped building constructed from wooden components, you'll find a massive hammock-like structure made from interconnected hand-knitted nets.
This exhibition is designed to spark children's curiosity, allowing them to climb on balls suspended from the nets and venture inside the nets for adventure. Parents can enjoy the artistic atmosphere while watching their kids play in this unique space.
<Facility Information>
Address: 1121 Ninotaira, Hakone-machi, Ashigarashimo-gun, Kanagawa
Hours: 9:00-17:00 (Last admission 16:30)
Closed: Open year-round (May close temporarily due to severe weather)
Phone: 0460-82-1161
Official Website: https://www.hakone-oam.or.jp/
Official Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehakoneopenairmuseum/
Official X: https://x.com/hakone_museum
Three Family-Friendly Restaurants to Check Before Planning Your Itinerary
Naraya Cafe
Source: Google Maps
Naraya Cafe is located on a hilltop just 30 seconds on foot from Miyanoshita Station. The cafe opened in 2007 on the redeveloped site of the former Naraya Ryokan, which had a 300-year history. The building, renovated from a traditional Japanese house, exudes a historical charm.
Naraya Cafe is more than just a cafe. Perfect for families visiting Hakone with kids, it features unique dining experiences including terrace seats where you can enjoy meals while soaking your feet in a foot bath, and an attached sauna facility, combining both dining and bathing experiences.
A delightful bonus for families is the terrace's play area equipped with wooden seesaws and kickboards for children's entertainment. Both adults and children can enjoy their time here, whether it's soaking in the foot bath or taking in the scenic views.
<Store Information>
Address: 404-13 Miyanoshita, Hakone-machi, Ashigarashimo-gun, Kanagawa
Hours: 10:30-17:00
Closed: Wednesdays & 4th Thursday of each month (Winter break: mid to late January)
Phone: 0460-82-1259
Official Website: https://naraya-cafe.com/
Official Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/naraya_cafe_/
Dining Hakone
Source: Official website
"Dining Hakone" is a restaurant located within the luxury ryokan Hakone Kowaki-en Tenyu. When visiting Hakone with kids, you can enjoy a luxurious buffet-style dining experience that primarily features Japanese cuisine.
The buffet offers various dishes including a seafood bowl where you can freely arrange fresh sashimi, sushi, roast beef, and desserts. You can savor these exquisite dishes while watching top-class chefs prepare meals in the open kitchen.
For overnight guests, there's a special "kids plate" available for children aged 3-6. This impressive set rivals adult portions and includes both Western dishes like hamburger steak and French fries, as well as Japanese favorites such as chawanmushi (steamed egg custard) and udon noodles.
This restaurant is highly recommended for families looking to enjoy a luxurious buffet during their stay in Hakone with kids.
<Establishment Information>
Address: 5th Floor, 1297 Ninotaira, Hakone-machi, Ashigarashimo-gun, Kanagawa
Hours: 17:00-22:00 (Last order 21:30)
Closed: Never
Phone: 0460-82-5111
Official Website: https://www.ten-yu.com/dinner.html
Hakone Kamon (Private Rooms Available)
Source: Official website
When exploring Hakone with kids, Hakone Kamon ryokan offers a private room day plan that includes bathing and lunch without requiring an overnight stay. After enjoying 10 different types of baths, including public baths and open-air baths, you can have lunch at Hakone Dining "Kanon."
Lunch features the substantial "Kamon Set," which includes sashimi, grilled fish, meat dishes, and desserts. You can enjoy high-quality meals with beautiful Japanese-style presentation.
The private room plan is perfect for families visiting Hakone with kids as it allows you to relax without worrying about disturbing others. You can lie down, plan your trip, or take a nap in comfort. The day plan is available from 10:30 to 17:00, making it ideal for families with small children who need a relaxing break.
<Establishment Information>
Address: 435 Yumoto, Hakone-machi, Ashigarashimo-gun, Kanagawa
Hours: (Hakone Dining Kanon - Lunch) 11:30-15:00
Closed: Never
Phone: 0460-85-5050
Official Website: https://www.hakone-kamon.jp/dayplan/
Official Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hakonekamon/?hl=ja
Official Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hakonekamon/?locale=ja_JP
3 Recommended Hotels for a Worry-Free Stay with Young Children in Hakone
Hotel Green Plaza Hakone
Source: Official website
Hotel Green Plaza Hakone is a family-friendly establishment perfect for those visiting Hakone with kids, offering comprehensive services that allow families to relax and enjoy their stay. In addition to standard rooms, they also offer accommodations with private open-air baths (rotenburo) where families can bathe together without concern.
The hotel thoughtfully provides child-sized indoor slippers and yukata (traditional Japanese robes). It's a delightful opportunity for families to experience authentic Japanese culture together by wearing yukata during their stay.
Dinner is served buffet-style, allowing everyone to choose their favorites. The luxurious spread includes Western, Japanese, and Chinese cuisine, featuring roast beef, teppanyaki using Hakone's branded pork, tempura, pasta, pizza, and desserts.
The nearest station is Ubako Station on the Hakone Ropeway. Families can enjoy the scenic ropeway views while making their way to the hotel.
<Facility Information>
Address: 1244-2 Sengokuhara, Hakone-machi, Ashigarashimo-gun, Kanagawa Prefecture
Check-in Time: From 15:00
Closed: Never
Phone: 0460-84-8611
Official Website: https://www.hgp.co.jp/hakone/
Official Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hotelgreenplazahakone/
Official Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hgphakone/
Hotel Okada
Source: Official website
Hotel Okada is perfect for families visiting Hakone with kids, especially those traveling with children for the first time. The hotel offers complimentary rental services for various childcare items, including diaper disposal bins, baby baths, and high chairs.
For dining, guests can choose between restaurant service or buffet-style meals, with private rooms available. Parents can feel at ease as the staff will warm up baby food and accommodate allergies, ensuring a comfortable dining experience.
The rooms come in Western-style with beds or Japanese-style with flat tatami floors that are safe for babies. Another delightful feature is the wide selection of rooms equipped with private open-air baths.
Hotel Okada provides comprehensive support for families to enjoy their stay. It's an excellent choice for those exploring Hakone with kids for the first time.
<Facility Information>
Address: 191 Chaya, Yumoto, Hakone-machi, Ashigarashimo-gun, Kanagawa
Check-in Time: From 15:00
Closed: Never
Phone: 0460-85-6000
Official Website: https://www.hotel-okada.co.jp/baby/
Official Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hotelokada/
Official X: https://x.com/HotelOkada
Official Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hotelokada
Official YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@hotelokada5684
Hakone Kowakien Ten-yu
Source: Official website
Hakone Kowakien Ten-yu, where every room features a private open-air bath, is the perfect ryokan for families to relax and enjoy their time in Hakone with kids.
The ryokan is conveniently located near major attractions like Hakone Kowakien Yunessun, a large hot spring activity facility, and the OKADA MUSEUM OF ART, which exhibits Japanese and Chinese artwork, making it an ideal place to stay after sightseeing.
The facility provides children's yukatas, toothbrushes, slippers, and baby soap. They also offer wooden puzzles and cube toys to keep children entertained during their stay.
All rooms feature flat tatami floors where babies can safely crawl and rest. Spend some relaxing time soaking in the bath while enjoying the Japanese modern-designed rooms.
<Facility Information>
Address: 1297 Ninotaira, Hakone-machi, Ashigarashimo-gun, Kanagawa
Check-in Time: From 15:00
Closed: Never
Phone: 0460-82-5111
Official Website: https://www.ten-yu.com/
Official Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hakonetenyu/
Official X: https://x.com/HakoneTenYu/
Official Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HakoneTenYu/
