As one of Japan’s premier hot spring regions, Hakone promises a refined escape where deep relaxation meets environmental care. Rooted in a centuries‑old healing culture, its modern wellness programs and sustainability‑first services continue to blossom. Release body and mind in mineral‑rich onsen, steady your breath among mossy forests, and let the quiet do its work.
Seasonal local vegetables and fermented foods elevate every meal, while eco‑conscious stays add meaningful value to your journey. If you’re searching for things to do in hakone japan that align with wellness and sustainability, this guide offers practical ways to step away from your busy routine and truly reset. Use it to sketch a ready‑to‑go itinerary—and let us lead you toward a trip that delights all five senses.
Soothe yourself in natural hot springs – When you think of Hakone, you think of onsen. Warm yourself to the core in milky, mineral‑rich baths or a private open‑air rotenburo, and melt away travel fatigue.
Authentic Finnish‑style sauna – Try self‑löyly in a sauna crafted from natural materials. Pour aromatic water over heated stones and enjoy a steam session tailored to you.
Forest‑bathing treks – Stroll unhurried through lush woods. Under dappled light, breathe deeply and let forest therapy guide you into ease.
Farm‑to‑table organic dining – Relish vegan kaiseki and inventive fermented dishes made with vegetables from Hakone’s western foothills and other local ingredients for a glow‑from‑within feeling.
Mindfulness experiences – Join programs such as zazen or yoga to settle the mind. Beginner‑friendly sessions with English guidance help you feel comfortable from the start.
Art walks to spark your senses – From outdoor sculpture parks nestled in the forest to glass‑art museums, find moments of wonder where nature and art are in harmony.
Sustainable stays – Choose eco‑minded luxury ryokan or onsen glamping for a private, restorative retreat. Experience initiatives that reduce carbon output and plastic waste.
Hakone is easy to reach from major cities. From Tokyo/Shinjuku, the Odakyu Romancecar takes you directly to Hakone‑Yumoto in about 85 minutes; from Tokyo Station, the Shinkansen brings you to Odawara in about 40 minutes.
From the airports, it’s roughly two hours by direct bus from Haneda to Hakone‑Yumoto, and about two and a half hours from Narita with transfers by rail. Transportation IC cards are usable on trains and buses, making ticketing smooth. For great value and seamless transfers, the Hakone Freepass offers unlimited rides on the mountain railway, ropeway, pirate ship, and more.
If you prioritize sustainability, consider renting an EV (electric vehicle). Hakone Town is actively promoting EV adoption in partnership with local attractions, and charging infrastructure at lodgings and sightseeing facilities continues to expand (＊1). In practice, the roadside station “Hakone Tōge” offers a fast charger available 24 hours (＊2). With an EV, you’ll enjoy quiet rides with no exhaust—perfect for savoring Hakone’s clear air and nature. Because some areas sit at higher elevations, timing and clothing matter, too.
In spring and autumn, bring a light layer for day‑night temperature swings. In summer, the highland climate stays pleasant, but daytime sun protection helps. In winter, mountain areas can see snow—pack proper cold‑weather gear. When planning, reserve lodgings and activities early, check opening hours and closed days, and line up a Hakone trip that feels abundant from start to finish.
Hakone’s crisp mornings are ideal for settling your mind and body. Practicing mindfulness wrapped in forest quiet helps release everyday stress and sets you up for a fulfilling day. Some programs include English support, so you can join with confidence even as a first‑timer or international visitor.
At a Soto Zen temple in Hakone, beginner sessions in English are offered. Held in the calm of early morning—before sightseeing hours—you can experience authentic Zen in a solemn atmosphere (＊1).
Before you begin, a monk explains posture and breathing in English, so even first‑timers feel at ease. Zazen lasts about 20 minutes, followed by a conversation with the priest and tea time with wagashi. Some sessions are donation‑based with no fixed fee, inviting you to offer what feels right after the experience—an expression of the Buddhist spirit of fuse (almsgiving).
With finances off your mind, you can truly relax into the practice. Sitting in the main hall with a straight spine and half‑lowered gaze, you’ll fine‑tune your breath. As stray thoughts fade, a clear, calm awareness takes shape. The simple act of “just sitting” becomes a rich moment of meeting yourself.
Sunrise yoga invites you to feel Hakone’s nature with your whole body. Group size is limited to around four participants, creating an intimate, attentive session.
In summer, you might begin with energizing sun salutations in cool highland air; in winter, gently wake your body indoors by the stove. Sequences are thoughtfully adapted to the season. To deepen the benefits of shinrin‑yoku, instructors often keep verbal cues to a minimum so you can linger in the sounds of nature.
As you listen to birdsong and leaves brushing, deep breathing engages your parasympathetic system and ushers in relaxation—a response supported by research (＊1). In fact, walking slowly in the forest and breathing comfortably is shown to calm the sympathetic system while activating the parasympathetic system that rises during rest (＊1). Bathed in early light, yoga in the woods sharpens the senses and brings your focus to “right here, right now.” After practice, sharing reflections over herbal tea helps you feel how aligned your day has become.
Pair Hakone’s signature onsen with authentic Finnish‑style saunas for a deeply restorative effect. With abundant hot spring sources, you’ll find many waters celebrated for skin‑loving benefits. Once you learn each spring quality, you can seek out your own favorite “beauty bath.”
Hakone is dotted with hot springs known for skin‑friendly properties. Two standouts are sulfate springs and bicarbonate springs.
Sulfate springs (such as calcium or sodium sulfate) have long been called “healing waters” for minor cuts and inflammation, and they help wash away excess sebum—useful for blemish‑prone skin (＊1). You’ll feel fresh after the bath; sulfate ions also support moisture retention for a soft, dewy finish.
Meanwhile, bicarbonate springs (the classic “beauty bath”) contain bicarbonate ions that emulsify old keratin and oils like a gentle soap, leaving your skin silky‑smooth (＊2). Improved circulation can support healthy turnover, too. Both spring types leave your skin refined with a distinctive after‑bath clarity.
Because mineral profiles differ, each feels and smells subtly unique—well worth trying in Hakone. Some inns have staff with onsen‑sommelier credentials who can recommend the right water for your skin based on mineral data. If “radiant skin” is part of your trip’s purpose, let spring quality guide your choice of bath.
Several Hakone facilities offer authentic Finnish saunas where you can pour aromatic water over the sauna stones yourself. The burst of steam instantly raises perceived heat and humidity (＊1).
Add a few drops of eucalyptus or hinoki essential oil and let a fresh, soothing scent fill the room. Because you control the steam, beginners and seasoned sauna‑goers alike can sweat at their own pace. After heating up, plunge into a cold bath to cool down quickly. The hot‑cold cycle boosts circulation, and that “everything just clicked” post‑sauna clarity is second to none.
Lately, glamping sites with fully private barrel saunas have become popular. Sharing a reservation‑only sauna with your partner or friends amid greenery lets you reset without distraction. Self‑löyly in your own private nook, surrounded by Hakone’s nature, feels like a well‑earned gift to yourself (＊2). When you’re “aligned,” step into the open‑air rest area to breathe in forest scents and birdsong. You’ll feel deeply detoxed in both body and mind.
Soaking while gazing at majestic Mt. Fuji is a quintessential Hakone pleasure. Especially popular are private open‑air baths that let couples or families bathe without worrying about others. From lakeside inns with views across Ashinoko to hilltop retreats ringed by mountains, you’ll find many plans that secure your own slice of the panorama. At one lakeside hot spring, for example, clear days reveal a sweeping Fuji view right from the tub (＊1).
Fuji silhouetted at dawn is unforgettable, and evenings can bring dreamlike scenes as the sky and lake glow rose and scarlet against that ridgeline. Timing matters: early morning often offers the clearest visibility, and data suggests “around 8 a.m. sees the best outlook” (＊2).
At dusk, chase a different mood—capture Fuji against the changing sky. If your private bath allows tripods, you can frame a keepsake with the sky shifting from gold to crimson. Since prime sunset slots and weekends fill fast, pre‑book with your room or request a slot upon check‑in. For many luxury travelers, “watching Fuji from the bath” is the ultimate indulgence. In the hush, your everyday worries tend to shrink. Make time for a private rotenburo—Hakone’s one‑of‑a‑kind moment is waiting.
Dining is a highlight in Hakone, and many kitchens weave wellness and sustainability into the experience. Expect fresh local produce and time‑honored fermented ingredients prepared in ways that are both gentle on the body and genuinely exciting.
This chapter spotlights Hakone’s forward‑thinking table—from vegan kaiseki with thoughtful pairings to cafés embracing zero‑waste. Settle in for “evolved dining” that speaks to both heart and health.
“Vegan kaiseki” that marries classic Japanese technique with contemporary plant‑forward philosophy is drawing attention in Hakone. No animal products, dairy, or refined seasonings are used—courses revolve around vegetables, legumes, and seaweeds.
The key is drawing umami from stock. Instead of katsuobushi or dried sardines, kombu and dried shiitake yield satisfying depth. Fermented seasonings also shine—think shōyu‑kōji made by fermenting soy milk with koji, or vegan cheese‑style sauces crafted from sake lees.
Chefs emphasize bringing out each ingredient’s true character. Morning‑harvested vegetables from Hakone’s western foothills are grilled, steamed, or served raw—whichever honors their flavor best. Courses dazzle with seasonal color, so you feast with your eyes, too. In summer, a rainbow of spring‑water‑nurtured tomatoes might become a chilled soup with a basil‑miso accent—boundary‑crossing in the best way.
This creative approach overturns the old belief that shōjin‑style meals are plain; here, the flavors are nuanced and deeply satisfying. Even if you aren’t avoiding animal products, you’ll likely wake up to the possibilities of vegetables. When you visit Hakone, consider reserving a vegan kaiseki—an experience that tunes all five senses.
Where you stay shapes your Hakone journey. More properties now offer refined privacy alongside meaningful sustainability. From villas rich in natural materials to hotels moving decisively toward carbon neutrality—and glamping that taps hot spring blessings—you’ll find stays where the lodging itself becomes a purpose. Choose the one that fits you.
In Hakone, some design‑driven villas reinterpret traditional materials—bamboo and washi—for today. In Gōra, a luxury inn’s new suite villas feature bamboo‑craft lighting and washi wall coverings in every room, creating a soft glow and natural warmth. Each suite has a theme—“Kumiko,” “Stone,” “Hakone Yosegi,” or “Bamboo & Washi”—with meticulous attention to detail in every furnishing (＊1).
Lamp light diffuses through shoji for a feeling like resting in the woods. Tatami‑matted living rooms carry the fresh scent of igusa; open a window and you’ll hear bamboo rustling and water murmuring like a built‑in soundtrack. Many rooms include private open‑air baths that look out on Hakone’s shifting seasons.
At night, moonlight glows through washi for a serene, dreamlike atmosphere. An in‑room aroma diffuser often comes stocked with an original blend evoking Hakone’s bamboo groves—the bright green notes and hints of earth help you unwind deeply. The hush of a private villa meets artisan craftsmanship for a stay that celebrates Japanese aesthetics and modern comfort. Set the bustle aside and let the stillness help you return to yourself.
Hakone is also home to forward‑looking hotels that have earned international ISO certifications for environmental management and are advancing decarbonization. At Hakone Yunohana Prince Hotel, heat from its own hot spring source powers climate control and hot water, and a compact geothermal (binary) generator covers about 20% of the hotel’s electricity—cutting annual CO₂ emissions by around 63% (＊1).
Using green energy born from onsen steam is a first in Kanagawa Prefecture and stands as a pioneering example of progress toward carbon neutrality (＊1). The hotel also takes CSR seriously, reducing food waste and supporting the community. In the restaurant, right‑sized portions ensure dishes are served thoughtfully; kombu used for stock becomes tsukudani, and vegetable peels are repurposed into kinpira—smart steps that trim waste (＊2).
Staying here lets you enjoy luxury while contributing to conservation. In‑room cards explain SDGs efforts, and—on request—you can even see data that visualizes power usage, making your eco‑impact tangible. Luxuriate while protecting nature: this future‑minded approach to comfort may reshape what “high‑end” means for you.
If you’d like even more time in nature without giving up comfort, onsen glamping is for you. In Sengokuhara, a glamping site dots the streamside with dome tents, each equipped with a cypress barrel sauna. Step inside to the scent of wood and the sound of the river—nature provides the perfect BGM. With a 6‑meter‑diameter dome, your private space feels generous, and at night you can watch the moon and stars through the window for a dose of wonder (＊1).
The special touch here is unlimited sauna time during your stay. In daylight, pair your session with forest‑bathing; by night, “align” yourself under the Milky Way. At 640 meters in elevation, the air is crystalline, and a self‑löyly sauna becomes pleasantly addictive.
While individual tents don’t always pipe in hot spring water, shared open‑air baths may feature milky onsen flowing from an in‑house source. When stars spill across the sky and the campfire flickers beside the tub, you’ll understand the charm of an outdoor onsen resort.
Cradled by Hakone’s great outdoors—with hot springs, sauna, and stargazing to yourself—glamping is fast becoming a new standard for wellness travel. Many sites also operate with a light environmental footprint, making this a stay style you can feel good about.
Hakone’s generous nature is a perfect reset for city‑tired minds and bodies. Choose from guided forest therapy walks, sunset hikes with Fuji views from the ridgeline, e‑MTB tours along the lakeshore, or quietly attentive birdwatching—the menu is diverse.
The moment you step under the trees, your senses wake up. For restorative things to do in hakone japan, forest bathing and nature hiking deliver immediate calm and lasting clarity. Take a deep breath and let the detox begin.
“Just breathe deeply in the woods”—even that simple act is reported to lower stress hormones and support immune function. Hakone’s certified guides lead forest therapy sessions that weave in intentional breathing and relaxation methods.
Start with gentle stretching and practice diaphragmatic breathing before you enter the forest. Then walk at a slower‑than‑usual pace, placing each step with care.
Syncing breath and stride is key. For example, “inhale over four steps, exhale over six” helps balance the autonomic nervous system. Research indicates that walking slowly and breathing comfortably in the forest calms sympathetic activity while elevating the parasympathetic response associated with relaxation (＊1).
Trees release phytoncides that stimulate the parasympathetic system and steady the mind—so deep breathing on the trail is doubly effective. Midway, you’ll pause for a sit akin to zazen, resting on the mossy forest floor with eyes closed, listening only to wind and birds. Your heart rate eases, and a deeper calm arrives. You may be surprised how healing it is to simply be in the woods. The session closes with spring‑water herbal tea and a moment to share impressions. Forest therapy is truly a top‑tier healing program gifted by nature.
Fujimi Pass, part of Hakone’s outer rim, is a beloved vantage point for Mt. Fuji. Trails are well maintained to about 1,000 meters in elevation; even beginners can reach the pass in roughly an hour at an easy pace.
Sunset is when the pass shows its true magic. As the sun leans west, Fuji’s silhouette floats against the crimson sky—breathtaking. The “golden hour” (about an hour around sunset) is prime time for photographs. Slopes glow in gold, and gradients bloom across the heavens.
A photographer‑guide’s tip: arrive early to set up and don’t miss the color shifts. Reach the pass about 30 minutes before sunset, mount your camera, and fine‑tune exposure as you wait. Put reeds or a tree in the foreground to give Fuji a dramatic frame. With a tripod, you’ll gain stability and capture how warm light washes the scene. Or leave the camera aside and let your eyes hold the view—that’s a luxury, too. Temperatures drop quickly at dusk, so add a layer and watch the sun slip away in quiet. The evolving colors and Fuji’s vast silhouette will move you. Head down before dark and keep safety first. As you descend, you may feel that Hakone’s nature has handed you the perfect closing gift for the day.
Hakone’s forests host diverse birds year‑round, making it ideal for birdwatching. Aim for early morning when the woods are most still. Walk without speaking, binoculars at the ready, and follow the songs.
Many tours lend binoculars, so you can come hands‑free. Listen closely and you may hear the clear “hoo‑hoke‑kyo” of the uguisu (Japanese bush warbler) in the distance, or spot a tit chattering above. A skilled guide often identifies species by voice alone—“That high call was a male narcissus flycatcher”—which helps beginners notice more.
When someone finds a bird, they’ll point silently and everyone raises binoculars together—the joy of a perfect glimpse is hard to beat. Smartphone ID apps are helpful, too. Merlin Bird ID, a free app highly regarded worldwide, can recognize species from photos or recorded songs, narrowing candidates by place and season (＊1). If you have reception in the forest, lean on the app in the moment.
As you attune ear and eye, small dramas emerge—courtship songs, territorial chases. Birdwatching is a dialogue with nature that hones observation and focus while sweeping away daily distractions. Feel Hakone’s rich ecosystem on your skin and enjoy the vitality that fills the quiet.
Carry the habits and insights you gained in Hakone back home. Rather than ending with a single trip, keep going—consistency nourishes true well‑being.
Below are tips you can continue after returning: a five‑minute daily breathing practice, DIY bath salts that evoke onsen time, and even online zazen communities. Let the alignment you found in Hakone illuminate the road ahead.
Recreate the effects of mindfulness or zazen at home. Try a five‑minute breathing meditation each day. Choose a time you can stick with—before your commute or before bed—and sit on a chair.
Lengthen your spine, inhale slowly through the nose, exhale, and keep your attention on the breath (eyes open or closed is fine). The point is to anchor yourself in “right now.” When thoughts arise, let them pass and return to the breath. Practice daily and you’ll gradually strengthen your ability to settle inner noise. Even in a busy week, this five‑minute habit can reset accumulating stress.
You might wonder, “Is five minutes enough?” Even beginners often feel lighter after focusing on the breath for just five minutes (＊1). Morning practice can sharpen focus for the day; evening practice helps relax into sleep. Consistency matters: choose the same time and place, and consider an aroma or incense as a gentle cue. Recall the breathwork you learned in Hakone and carve out a small pause in your day. The quiet you felt there will begin to echo in your everyday life.
If you love hot springs, you might wish to bring Hakone home. Try a simple, original bath salt that evokes Hakone’s bicarbonate‑rich “beauty bath.”
All you need are two ingredients: baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) and Epsom salt (magnesium sulfate). Baking soda helps soften keratin and oils for smoother skin; Epsom salt supports warmth and eases muscle fatigue. For a standard home tub (~200 liters), use about 200 g of baking soda and 200 g of Epsom salt. It’s said that adding 200 g of baking soda approximates a bicarbonate‑type soak (＊1).
Stir well to dissolve, then add 3–5 drops of your favorite essential oil. Lavender or hinoki can conjure Hakone’s forests for deep relaxation. Bathe for 15–20 minutes at a warm (38–40°C) temperature; a half‑bath encourages a parasympathetic shift. As you soak, revisit your strolls through onsen towns or the view from that open‑air bath. If your skin is sensitive, start with less baking soda and adjust. Share this easy recipe with friends—it makes a charming “story souvenir.” Who knows, you may be planning your next Hakone trip together.
If zazen in Hakone made you think “I want to keep this going,” consider joining an online community. Many temples now hold regular sessions via Zoom, so you can sit at home with participants across Japan and the world.
For example, Tōkō Zenji in Yokohama hosts online zazen on the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays, 21:00–22:00 (Japan time), a schedule mindful of U.S. and European time zones (＊1). The website includes an English page, and practitioners living abroad often join.
Sessions usually begin with a posture and breath check from the priest, and end with a short dharma talk and time to share impressions—rich and temple‑like even through a screen. Most of all, continuing zazen while remembering Hakone’s stillness anchors the habit.
Even once a week, sensing a shared silence creates connection and helps you stick with practice. Depending on your region, you might sit late at night or early morning; consider it a small, invigorating break from routine. Even a few minutes of quiet time is an invaluable reset for modern life. Grow the mindfulness you found in Hakone by linking with the world online. The end of your trip could be the start of a new habit.
A journey to Hakone helps you reset and look inward. The insights you gain through varied wellness experiences—onsen and forests, art and food—can enrich daily life long after you get home.
Hakone opens a door to well‑being. In nature‑aligned luxury, you’ll rediscover what it means to care for yourself. And you’ll see how eco‑friendly choices translate into a quiet sense of joy—another lesson Hakone offers so gracefully.
So for your next break, why not plan a Hakone stay? It may recharge your energy and become a source of brightness for the days ahead. The mountains and gentle steam are ready to welcome you anytime.
As a gift to yourself, experience Hakone—a trip colored by wellness and sustainability. When you plan things to do in hakone japan, consider weaving in practices that keep the benefits flowing long after you return.