Hakone is a town in Kanagawa prefecture that is known for its historical attractions and onsen hot spring baths. It is a popular day trip destination, as it is less than an hour and a half from Tokyo by train.
Autumn is a lovely season to visit Hakone, with the colored fall leaves decorating the entire town. Here are 7 spots to visit in Hakone this autumn!
About Hakone
Hakone is a town in eastern Kanagawa, and is famous for its historical attractions and onsen baths. The town is a part of the Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park, and is a lovely hot springs resort that is rich in nature.
Autumn at Hakone
The fall foliage in Hakone takes place between late October and early November. During these months, the town of Hakone is decked with gorgeous fall leaves.
1. Choanji Temple
Choanji Temple
Sights to see
Choanji Temple was built in 1356, and locates in a serene, woody area of Hakone. It is coined as the “temple of flowers” for its beautiful seasonal blossoms.
During the autumn months, the fall leaves envelop the temple. Large trees surround the temple, and the fall scenery it creates is breathtaking.
Gohyakurakan Buddha statue
The Gohyakurakan Buddha statues are a must-see at Choanji. Hundreds of Buddha statues with different expressions and poses can be found throughout the shrine grounds.
Access
Choanji is about a 20-minute bus ride from Hakone-Yumoto Station. Take the bus for Kojiri・Togendai, and get off at Sengoku. From there, it is about a 3-minute walk to Choanji Temple.
2. Hakone Glass no Mori Venetian Glass Museum
Hakone Glass no Mori Museum
Sights to see
The Hakone Glass no Mori Venetian Glass Museum is the first museum in Japan specializing in Venetian glass. The museum mixes incorporates both traditional Venetian glass and modern glass art, and creates a new art form for glass.
The garden of the museum is beautiful throughout the year. In the autumn months, the garden is packed with visitors eager to catch the fall foliage.
Crystal Susuki Grass
In the garden, you can find the crystal Susuki grass. When sunlight hits, the crystal grass glimmers in the field.
Access
Hakone Glass no Mori Museum is about a 20-minute bus ride from Hakone-Yumoto Station. Take the bus for Kojiri・Togendai, and get off at Hakone Glass no Mori. From there, it is about a 1-minute walk to Hakone Glass no Mori Museum.
3. Sengokubara
Sengokubara
Sights to see
Autumn isn’t just about the fall foliage. You can experience autumn in a different way at Sengokubara’s susuki field.
Susuki is a fluffy, flowering plant that is only found in eastern Asian countries. In the fall, they become a delightful light-gold color.
You can walk through the susuki field by following the provided path.
Access
Sengokubara is about a 30-minute bus ride from Hakone-Yumoto Station. Take the bus for Kojiri・Togendai, and get off at Sengoku Kogen From there, it is about a 1-minute walk to Sengokubara.
4. Owakudani (Hakone Ropeway)
Owakudani
Sights to see
Owakudani was created about 3,000 years ago, when Mount Hakone erupted and created a crater on the mountain. The area is still an active volcanic zone, and you can see the smoke rising from the grounds.
To see Owakudani from above, you can take the Hakone Ropeway. The ropeway begins at Togendai Station, and carries you up to Owakudani, locating 1,044 meters above sea level.
In the fall, the trees on the mountain begin changing colors. The view of the colored leaves from the ropeway is like no other.
Access
From Hakone-Yumoto Station, take the Hakone Tozan Train to Miyanoshita Station. From Miyanoshia Station, take the Hakone Tozan Train to Gora Station. From there, take the cable car to Sounzan Station.
From Sounzan station, you can take the Hakone Ropeway. The Hakone Ropway stops at Owakudani Station, Ubako Station and ends at Togendai Station.
5. Lake Ashinoko
Lake Ashinoko
Sights to see
Lake Ashinoko is surrounded by fresh greenery, and offers a great view of Mount Fuji.
In the autumn months, the trees around the lake change colors. The fall foliage helps Mount Fuji pop even more. You can hop on a boat tour around Lake Ashinoko to enjoy the autumn views.
Access
From Hakeno-Yumoto Station (or Odawara Station), you can take the “for Hakonemachi” bus. Get off at Motohakone, and from there, it is about a one minute walk.
6. Gora Park
Gora Park
Sights to see
Gora Park is Japan’s first French-style garden, and was built during the Taisho period (1912 – 1926). In the center of the garden is a beautiful fountain, and surrounding it are flowers of many varieties.
Throughout the year, different flowers bloom and decorate the garden grounds In the fall, the rose garden is a must-see. The roses are in full bloom, and the trees surrounding them also change colors.
Access
From Gora Station on Hakone Tozan Railways, take the Hakone Tozan Cable Car to Koen-shita Station.
7. Hakone Museum of Art
Hakone Museum of Art
Sights to see
The Hakone Museum of Art, founded in 1952, mainly displays works of art from ancient Japan. It is located in Gora, and has a stunning Japanese garden.
The Japanese garden has over 200 maple trees and 130 different types of mosses. During the autumn months, the garden ornamented with colored leaves and mosses.
At the tearoom Shinwatei, you can savor some tea and snacks as you enjoy the autumn view. You can take advantage of the tearoom tickets sold at the entrance gate, as they offer a better deal as compared to buying food and drinks on the spot.
Access
From Gora Station on the Hakone Tozan Railway Line, take the Hakone Tozan Cable Car to Koen-shita Station. From Koen-shita station to the Hakone Museum of Art is about a 7-minute walk.
Access
Nearest station: Hakone-Yumoto Station (Hakone Tozan Line)
From Tokyo Station
【Tokyo Sta.】Tokaido Main Line Rapid Express Acty / for Odawara
→【Odawara Sta.】Hakone Tozan Line / for Hakone-Yumoto
→【Hakone-Yumoto Sta.】
From Shinjuku Station
【Shinjuku Sta.】Odakyu Line Limited Express Romancecar / for Hakone-Yumoto
→【Hakone-Yumoto Sta.】
From Narita Airport
【Narita Airport Sta.】Skyliner Limited Express / for Keisei Ueno
→【Nippori Sta.】JR Yamanote Line / for Ikebukuro
→【Shinjuku Sta.】Odakyu Line Limited Express Romancecar / for Hakone-Yumoto
→【Hakone-Yumoto Sta.】
From Haneda Airport
【Haneda Airport Sta.】Keikyu Airport Line Express / for Shinzushi
→【Kanagawa-shimmachi Sta.】Keikyu Main Line / for Misakiguchi
→【Yokohama Sta.】Tokaido Main Line / for Odawara
→【Odawara Sta.】Hakone Tozan Line / for Hakone-Yumoto
→【Hakone-Yumoto Sta.】
Hakone – an amazing autumn day-trip destination
Hakone is a great getaway from the city life. It is easily accessible by public transportation or by car, and has stunning fall foliage sites, art museums and relaxing hot springs. Take a day off this fall to see what’s in store for you at Hakone!
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