Hakone, Kanagawa
Local Guide
Enjoy even if it rains. 4 recommended sightseeing spots in Hakone

Hakone, with its many indoor Properties such as museums and aquariums, offers plenty of fun even when it unfortunately rains. Why not discover the charms of Hakone that are different from those on a sunny day? In Hakone during the rainy season, the "Hydrangea Train" is in operation. It is recommended to visit Hakone to enjoy the unique atmosphere of the rain.

<Scenic Spots in Hakone Recommended on a Rainy Day

Suggested ways to enjoy visiting museums, even on rainy days

Indoor exhibition halls hold special exhibitions and collection exhibitions.
Indoor exhibition halls hold special exhibitions and collection exhibitions.

The first open-air museum in Japan that blends in with the natural beauty of Hakone. The museum's 70,000 m2 grounds are dotted with approximately 120 works by famous Japanese and foreign sculptors of the modern and contemporary era, including the French sculptor Rodin and Taro Okamoto.
Recommended for rainy days is the museum's suggested "Rainy Day Course," which focuses on the indoor exhibition spaces, including the Main Building Gallery and the Picasso Pavilion. Starting from the Honkan Gallery, the course takes about 60 to 90 minutes to visit the Art Hall, Picasso Pavilion, shopping malls and cafes. The outdoor sculptures that you will visit along the course will give you a different look from the usual.

Enjoy the Picasso Pavilion, our top recommendation.

The Picasso Pavilion, where 319 pieces of the Picasso collection are sequentially exhibited to the public
The Picasso Pavilion, where 319 pieces of the Picasso collection are sequentially exhibited to the public

The Picasso Pavilion is the most popular indoor exhibition space in the "Rainy Day Course. Approximately 319 works, including ceramics, oil paintings, prints, and tapestries, which Picasso began at the age of 65, are exhibited sequentially. It is popular for visitors to experience the diverse appeal of the museum and feel close to the art. In addition to the course, Gabriel Rohr's "Symphony of Happiness Sculpture" is also a must-see. Inside the tower, countless stained glass windows shine, creating a magical atmosphere.

The Hakone Open-Air Museum
  • Address 1121 Ninohira, Hakone-cho, Ashigarashita-gun, Kanagawa MAP
  • Direction 2 min. walk from Hakone Tozan Railway Hakone-Kakkonomori Stn.
  • Direction Take a bus from Hakone Tozan Railway Hakone-yumoto Station, get off at Ninohira Entrance and walk 5 minutes.
  • Business hours 9:00-17:00 (last admission at 16:30)
  • Closed No holidays
  • Admission Fee Adults 2,000 yen, college and high school students 1,600 yen, junior high and elementary school students 800 yen
    Discounts are available for advance purchase of web tickets.
  • TEL 0460-82-1161
  • Parking Charged

Outdoor hot springs embraced by Satoyama for your hospitality

Public hot spring
Public hot spring "Oyu" where you can enjoy a variety of hot water including a gazebo and a rock bath.

There are currently 20 hot springs in the Hakone area. The seven Hakone hot springs of Yumoto, Tonosawa, Miyanoshita, Dogashima, Ashinoyu, Sokokura, and Ubako or Kiga have a long history and have been popular with many people since the Edo period. Hakone Yuryo is a Daytrip Destinations Property that uses one of these hot springs, Tonosawa Hot Spring, as its source. Stepping into the old private house-style building, you will feel as if you are in a hot spring in the middle of a forest. Public hot spring "Honden Yurakuan Oyu" and 19 private outdoor hot springs with different atmospheres "Detached Bathhouse Hanaden" offer a sense of openness with a view of the lush green satoyama.

Enjoy authentic Irori (open hearth) cooking after taking a bath

Charcoal fire cooking can be enjoyed at a table with a sunken hearth.
Charcoal fire cooking can be enjoyed at a table with a sunken hearth.

The hot spring at Tonosawa Onsen is an alkaline simple hot spring. It is known as "hot water for beautiful skin" because it feels soft against the skin. Enjoying the hot spring with the sound of rain as background music is truly a blissful experience.
After Yuagari lounge, be sure to visit the Irori Saryo Yari Dining Area. Guests/customers often come here just for the food, as the river fish and assorted seafood grilled over the charcoal fire in the sunken hearth all have a rustic taste.

Hakone Yuryo
  • Address 4 Tonosawa, Hakone-cho, Ashigarashita-gun, Kanagawa MAP
  • Direction Approximately 3 minutes from Hakone Tozan Railway Hakone-Yumoto Station by car.
  • Direction Free shuttle bus available from Hakone Tozan Railway Hakone-Yumoto Station
  • Hours of Operation Weekdays 10:00 - 20:00 (last admission at 19:00), Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays 10:00 - 21:00 (last admission at 20:00), Dining Area "Irori Jaya Yari
    Weekdays 11:30 - 20:00 (L.O. - 19:00), Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays 11:30 - 21:00 (L.O. - 20:00)
  • Closed Open all year round *Maintenance closures are possible.
  • Admission Fee Public hot spring "Honden Yurakuan Oyu": Adults (junior high school students and older): 1,700-1,800 yen on weekdays, 2,000-2,200 yen on Saturdays, Sundays, and national holidays, 1,000 yen for elementary school students,
    Private outdoor hot spring "Detached bathhouse Hanaden" 10,400 yen- (120 min.) per room
  • TEL 0460-85-8411
  • Parking Free of charge
  • Hot spring Alkaline simple hot spring
  • Memo Children under elementary school age may not use the Public hot spring building.

Fish from the world's oceans, rivers, and lakes gather here!

The underwater show in which divers feed fish is also popular.
The underwater show in which divers feed fish is also popular.

The aquarium is located in Hakone-En, a complex facility on the shores of Lake Ashi that houses a number of Properties, including Restaurants, Daytrip Destinations, a specialty corner, and an Experience Corner. Located at an elevation of 723 meters, the aquarium is the highest saltwater aquarium in Japan, and is divided into two Properties: the Seawater Freshwater Pavilion and the Baikal Seal Plaza. In the "Saltwater Freshwater Pavilion," rare and colorful tropical fish from the world's oceans are on display, as well as freshwater fish from Lake Ashi and other rivers and lakes, and four types of penguins.

Shows and feeding time are also popular.

Seal Feeding Time
Seal Feeding Time" at the seal plaza

The aquarium's visitors are comforted by the kotomekawaso (Japanese sea otters). Bathing, playing, and napping together. Their adorable appearance is enough to make you want to watch them for a long time. The experience of feeding the otters and shaking hands with them is also popular.
In addition, divers go into the tank to feed the fish during the underwater show held in the 7-meter-high "Great Fish Tank" in the center of the Seawater Pavilion. The fish seem to be dancing as they all crowd around the divers holding the food. The show of the charming Baikal seals swimming in the outdoor pool is also a relaxing experience.

Hakone Garden Aquarium
  • Address 139 Moto-Hakone, Hakone-cho, Ashigarashita-gun, Kanagawa MAP
  • Direction Approximately 30 minutes by car from Hakone Tozan Railway Hakone-Yumoto Station
  • Direction Take a bus from Hakone Tozan Railway Hakone-Yumoto Station and get off at Hakone-en.
  • Hours of Operation 9:00-16:30 (last admission at 16:00), Underwater Show: 13:45 on weekdays, 10:15 and 13:45 on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays
  • Closed No holidays
  • Admission Fee Adults (junior high school students and older) 1,600 yen, children (4 years old to elementary school students) 800 yen
  • TEL 0460-83-1151
  • Parking Charged
  • Memo Show times are subject to change depending on the season.

Enjoy the history and tradition of Hakone Ekiden through exhibits

Exhibits are divided into various zones.
Exhibits are divided into various zones.

The Hakone Ekiden, now a popular New Year's tradition and a major sporting event, can be viewed at this museum, which looks back on the historic ekiden relay race that began in 1920, along with many other materials and history. The building is located right in front of the finish line of the outward and return legs of the Hakone Ekiden. Inside the museum, Hakone Ekiden fans will find a variety of exhibits, including photos from the first race to the present day, sectional record data of the contestants, and the uniforms of those who won the seeding rights for the next race.

The Hakone Ekiden History Tour brings back famous riders and scenes from the race.

Original muffler towels, available only at the Hakone Ekiden Museum, are popular.
Original muffler towels, available only at the Hakone Ekiden Museum, are popular.

To learn more about Hakone Ekiden, we recommend the Heritage Guides (free of charge), guided by museum Staff/staff members. Every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday from 11:00 a.m. for about 20 minutes, the museum staff will explain the exhibits and tell you about the many famous games of the Hakone Ekiden as well as episodes of famous athletes and coaches. After viewing the exhibits, be sure to visit the museum store. In addition to original goods, official goods of the Hakone Ekiden Tournament are available for purchase. They are sure to be appreciated as unusual Hakone souvenirs.

Hakone Ekiden Museum
  • Address 167 Hakone, Hakone-cho, Ashigarashita-gun, Kanagawa MAP
  • Direction 20 minutes drive from Hakone Tozan Railway Hakone-Yumoto Station
  • Direction From Hakone Tozan Railway Hakone-yumoto Station, take a bus, get off at Hakone-cho Port, and walk 2 minutes.
  • Business Hours Weekdays 10:00-16:30 (last admission at 16:00), Saturdays, Sundays, national holidays 9:30-17:00 (last admission at 16:30)
  • Closed No holidays
  • Admission Fee Adults 750 yen, Elementary/Junior high school students 550 yen
  • TEL 0460-83-7511
  • Parking Not available (handicap access only)

MAP

<Scenic Spots in Hakone Recommended on a Rainy Day
Hoshino Resorts facilities nearby
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The information in this article is current as of the date of the update. Please check before visiting as they are subject to change.