Best Free Things to do in Hakone

Hakone, two hours from Tokyo by train, is renowned for its awe-inspiring natural beauty and geothermal hot springs. Nestled within the volcanically active Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park, this region offers a tranquil place to escape from bustling city life, with its hot spring baths, lush mountains, and even views of the iconic Mount Fuji. While Hakone is famous for its luxurious hot spring facilities and art museums, it also boasts a variety of completely free experiences, making it an ideal spot for budget-conscious travelers.

In this article, we’ll explore the best free things to do in Hakone, showcasing how you can enjoy its natural beauty, historical sites, and biggest cultural attractions without spending a yen. Join us as we uncover the top activities that offer both a retreat into nature and a deep dive into the area’s rich history, all free of charge.

Lake Ashi (alternatively known as Lake Ashinoko) offers a stunning natural retreat that is as peaceful as it is picturesque. This crater lake formed nearly 3,000 years ago following a thunderous volcanic eruption and is famous for its breathtaking views of Mount Fuji on clear days. The lake’s serene waters and surrounding mountains create the perfect backdrop for leisurely walks, photography, and simply soaking in the area's natural beauty.

Visitors to Lake Ashi can enjoy a variety of free activities. Strolling along the lakeside paths provides not only some of the best scenic views but also a chance to spot local wildlife and visit small shrines dotted along the waterfront. The lake is also a popular spot for picnicking, especially in the lush areas near Moto-Hakone or Hakone Shrine. While boat rides on the lake are available for a fee, simply admiring the lake from various vantage points or watching the colorful tourist boats glide by can be equally enchanting.

The lake is accessible by bus from Hakone-Yumoto Station, the main entry point into the Hakone region. Buses regularly travel through the area, stopping at various points along the lake, including Motohakone Port and Hakonemachi Port. These bus routes offer stunning views, making the journey part of the Hakone sightseeing experience. Whether you’re visiting to capture the perfect framed photo of Mount Fuji or to enjoy a day surrounded by nature, Lake Ashi is the highlight of any trip to Hakone.

Nestled along the shores of Lake Ashi under the lush canopy of Hakone's forest, Hakone Shrine is a serene sanctuary that offers visitors a spiritual retreat amid natural beauty. The historic shrine, which dates back over a thousand years, is renowned for its striking torii gate that appears to float over the lake, providing a mesmerizing view that blends spiritual symbolism with the tranquility of the surrounding landscape.

Visitors to Hakone Shrine can wander through its peaceful grounds for free, exploring various secondary shrines and well-preserved structures that speak volumes of its rich history. The shrine's main buildings, hidden in a dense forest, are connected by lantern-lined pathways that add an ethereal glow in the evenings and early mornings. The shrine is a popular site for both tourists and locals seeking blessings for safety, peace, and success.

Located at the southern end of Lake Ashi, the shrine is accessible via a scenic bus ride from Hakone-Yumoto Station, getting off at the Moto-Hakone bus stop. From there, it's a pleasant walk through the town and along the lake's edge to reach the shrine. The journey not only allows you to enjoy the natural beauty of Hakone but also leads you directly to one of Japan's most cherished spiritual sites.

The Old Tokaido Road, one of the Five Routes of the Edo period, offers a historical journey back to when samurai, merchants, and pilgrims traversed the country from Edo (now Tokyo) to Kyoto. Today, visitors can walk sections of this ancient road for free, particularly the well-preserved paths in Hakone that offer a glimpse into the past with their old paving stones and historic ambience.

Adjacent to this historic route lies the Hakone Checkpoint. This restored complex was a key security point on the Tokaido Road, controlling traffic and inspecting travelers and goods moving along the route. The checkpoint has been meticulously reconstructed based on Edo period documents and archaeological findings, featuring gates, fencing, housing for officers and foot soldiers, and a lookout tower. While there is a small fee to enter the checkpoint buildings, exploring the surrounding area and viewing the exterior structures is free.

These historical sites are easily accessible from Hakone-Yumoto Station. You can take a bus which will drop you off at the Hakone Checkpoint. From there, you can explore stretches of the Old Tokaido Road, which runs nearby. This area is not only rich in history but also offers stunning natural scenery, making it a worthwhile addition to any Hakone itinerary.

Owakudani Valley, known as the “Great Boiling Valley”, is a volcanic valley with active sulfur vents and hot springs in Hakone. This geothermal wonder offers a unique opportunity to witness the Earth’s natural power up close.

The area is famous for its scenic views and for offering a special local delicacy, kuro-tamago (black eggs), which are hard-boiled in the hot springs. According to local legend, eating these eggs can add seven years to your life. While there's a small price for the eggs, wandering through the valley and experiencing the sights and smells of volcanic activity is completely free.

Visitors can enjoy walking trails that wind through the rugged terrain, offering panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and the chance to see steam plumes rising from the Earth. The landscape is particularly impressive, with its stark beauty and surreal atmosphere created by the steam vents.

The valley is accessible via the Hakone Ropeway, which offers stunning aerial views of the area. While the ropeway has a charge, those preferring a hike can start from Sounzan Station and trek to the valley, immersing themselves up close in the valley’s dramatic geothermal activity and lush surroundings (hiking trail may be closed due to volcanic activity).  

The Sengokuhara Pampas Grass Fields are a breathtaking sight in Hakone, especially from late summer through autumn when the fields turn a brilliant gold. Stretching across the hills of the Sengokuhara area, these tall grasses sway gracefully in the breeze, creating a serene and almost otherworldly landscape. The beauty of this area is a popular subject for photographers and nature lovers who enjoy the peaceful ambience and scenic vistas.

The expansive fields offer free access to visitors who can walk along the designated paths that weave through the tall grass; this is an ideal spot for a leisurely hike, where you can immerse yourself in Hakone's natural beauty and tranquility. The area is also known for its beautiful contrast against the blue skies in daylight and its stunning sunsets.

To reach these picturesque fields, you can take a bus from Hakone-Yumoto Station to the Sengoku-Kogen stop, which is conveniently located nearby.

For those looking to enhance their visit to Hakone with a stay that encapsulates both comfort and traditional Japanese hospitality, Hakone Yumoto Onsen Yumoto Fujiya Hotel is an excellent choice. Located in the heart of Hakone, near Hakone-Yumoto Station, this hotel offers guests convenience and relaxation, making it an ideal base for exploring the region’s best paid and free attractions.

Yumoto Fujiya Hotel stands out because of its access to natural hot springs, which provide a quintessential Japanese bathing experience right at your doorstep. Guests can indulge in the therapeutic benefits of these geothermal waters without leaving the hotel, which is perfect for unwinding after hiking through the Sengokuhara Pampas Grass Fields or exploring the Old Tokaido Road.

The hotel features a range of amenities designed to make your stay as comfortable and enjoyable as possible. With various dining options on site, guests can savor a selection of Japanese and international cuisine without having to venture far. The rooms are thoughtfully appointed with traditional Japanese decor, ensuring an authentic experience and a restful night’s sleep.

Finally, the hotel’s location in the Yumoto area, one of Hakone’s most accessible points, is just a short distance from Hakone-Yumoto Station. This makes it exceptionally easy for guests to access public transport and visit free local attractions such as Owakudani Valley and Hakone Shrine without the hassle of long travel times and booking taxis. 

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