Hakone in winter: 5 things to do in Hakone during winter
If you’re thinking about going to Hakone in winter, I say go for it!
We accidentally got to enjoy winter in Hakone during our visit to Japan in November – unexpectedly, it snowed there quite heavily. And you know what, when Japanese say it was unexpected, I believe it.
Still, it’s very easy to enjoy Hakone, even if you visit during the winter months. There are still many things to do – and the atmosphere is, in a way, even more incredible than in other months.
Things to know about winter in Hakone
Winter in Hakone lasts approximately from December to February. We visited at the end of November and got caught in snowy weather, so that might happen as well. Although, according to locals, it is exceptionally rare that it snows in November.
The temperatures average around 0 degrees Celsius, with the lows going down to -5 and the highs – to around +10 degrees.
Winter is the best time to enjoy seeing mount Fuji from the Hakone-Fuji National Park, as the clear and crisp air gives the best views.
Does it snow in Hakone?
Yes, it does. And when it snows, it looks magnificent!
Well, honestly, for us the snow meant a complete break up of our plans when we visited Japan. The whole town of Hakone got pretty much paralyzed, as no one and nothing was prepared for the snow! That meant our whole day in the onsen didn’t happen, as didn’t the Romancecar train ride or the scenic Hakone Tozan train.
But on the other hand, the Hakone Loop looked more unique and special with the fresh snow all around.
Things to do in Hakone in winter
You can do exactly the same things in winter as in any other season! Just keep in mind that the days are shorter, thus you have a bit less time than, say, in summer.
#1 Stay in a ryokan with onsen
One of our favourite memories from Japan altogether is staying in a ryokan. The pampering, the food, the whole atmosphere is just incredible. It’s incredibly relaxing and there are many places to warm right up, which is very important when travelling in winter, don’t you think?
Plus, soaking in an open-air onsen and enjoying the snowflakes falling is exactly as magical as it sounds. At least we found it to be so.
Of course, it’s possible to visit Hakone on a day trip from, for example, Tokyo, but really, a stay in a ryokan is unforgettable and a must-do when in Japan.
#2 Do the Hakone Loop
Yes, it’s still incredible to do the Hakone loop, even if you’re visiting Hakone in winter.
Of course, the days are shorter so you might consider adding an extra night in Hakone – do half a loop one day and the other half in the opposite direction on the next one, for example. Or you might consider staying in a ryokan at Lake Ashi, for example!
Anyways, the snow on the mountains makes the smoking craters at Owakudani extra smokey. I really loved how the snow had melted around the craters, revealing the green grass underneath. That just made it so clear just how hot it is down there!
#3 Visit the many museums in Hakone
If the weather is extra cold, consider enjoying the many museums in Hakone, for example, the Hakone Geo Museum. Since we weren’t really prepared for extra cold weather on our trip to Japan (my feet were freezing!), we spent an hour or so in the museum. It’s really informative, I loved it! It’s just by the Hakone ropeway’s Owakudani station so on the way if you do the Hakone loop.
Some other options are Hakone Open Air Museum (it has indoor exhibits, too) in Gora, the Narukawa Art Museum, or the Venetian art museum. There are museums which have discounted entry if you have the Hakone FreePass – which you should, if you do the Hakone Loop.
#4 Go to Hakone Shrine
Yes, it’s kind of a part of the Hakone loop, but still, the Hakone Shrine is a bit aside – but only a few minutes’ walk away from the Moto-Hakone. And it looks great even if it’s snowy.
It’s a great way to enjoy a bit of nature on your Japan trip, too, as the shrine is hidden among a forest. There are a number of vermillion torii gates that will lead you to the main buildings.
#5 Enjoy the food, the restaurants, and the tea-houses
Japanese food is otherworldly good, as you probably know, and tea is something that you’d definitely appreciate on the cold winter days in the Hakone area!
There are many nice places to have tasty food in Hakone. We had some ramen for lunch just by the Togendai port – just where the Pirate Ships stop, for example. And of course, our Kaiseki dinner in the ryokan we stayed at.
Hakone in Winter: your questions answered
1. How to get to Hakone?
The easiest way to get to Hakone is take a JR train to Hakone-Yumoto station. If you’re coming from Tokyo, you can use the Hakone Freepass – for a surcharge, in addition to covering the transport in the Hakone Area, you can go from Shinjuku to Hakone. Or if you’re in Kyoto or continuing to Kyoto from Hakone, we recommend taking a JR train to Odawara and then hopping on a local Hakone Tozan train to Hakone-Yumoto and further on to Gora (or wherever you’re headed to in the area).
2. How to get around Hakone?
The best way to get around Hakone is to get a Hakone Freepass, which allows unlimited travel around the Hakone area. You can get it for 2 or 3 days, plus for a round-trip between Tokyo Shinjuku and Hakone (for a surcharge) that I mentioned before. Get it online before your trip to save time or in Odakyu sightseeing service offices in Shinjuku (Tokyo), Hakone-Yumoto or Odawara station. Getting the pass online saves you time – instead of having to buy it, which can take some time, you just exchange the voucher for a ready pass.
3. Is Hakone worth visiting in winter?
Yes, it is, and winter is actually a great time to visit Hakone. It’s less people, the nature looks great covered in snow, and the air is generally clearer, which means more chances to see mount Fuji.
4. What is the best time to visit Hakone?
We went to Hakone in November and can recommend autumn, as the fall foliage looks incredible. Although winter should be better for seeing mount Fuji from Hakone.
5. Where to stay in Hakone?
If you’d like to stay in Hakone, you should definitely stay in one of the many ryokans with onsen. Hakone is very famous for its healing hot springs, so in case you’re visiting, we recommend going all in on the relaxation and experience. Stay in a traditional ryokan, have a kaiseki dinner, sleep on a futon bed in a room with tatami mats, and experience the best of the best Japanese hospitality.
6. What to wear in Hakone in winter?
You should wear layers. The air can get quite cold, obviously, so you want to pack some long sleeves, perhaps even thermal underwear. Put on a middle layer and a winter jacket on top. Don’t forget a hat, gloves, and scarf!
As for the bottom layer, we wore jeans and Michal had hiking shoes. Lucky him! I was freezing in my not waterproof autumn boots! So my recommendation is to have warmer waterproof shoes, as you might have to walk in some snow or slush. Don’t forget that your socks should be VERY presentable – you have to take the shoes off practically in every traditional restaurant or temple.
7. Is Hakone colder than Tokyo?
Yes, generally, you can expect Hakone to be colder than Tokyo, especially in the higher altitudes.
8. How many days in Hakone is enough?
Depending on what you’d want to do, a full day in Hakone could be enough. We did two nights in a ryokan (would have loved another one!), which made for a full day to enjoy the Hakone loop. If we stayed another day, we’d have loved to enjoy some of the museums in the area or perhaps the some of the trails in the area.
9. Can you get around Hakone without a car?
Definitely. The public transport system in Hakone is amazing. Unless it snows unexpectedly, in which case it becomes quite paralyzed. But the Japanese efficiency knows no bounds – it took them just a few hours to go from “everything stops!” to “it’s running again”.
In conclusion about visiting Hakone in winter
Hakone is incredible in all seasons, so winter is no exception. If you’re thinkings if it’s worth visiting, then our answer is a resounding 100% YES.
If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to ask them – either in the comments, or drop me an e-mail. I will do my best to answer them as soon as possible!
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