Planning a Japan itinerary with kids? Do not skip Hakone. Just 90 minutes from Tokyo, this mountain town is known for hot springs and scenic views. Some of the best things to do in Hakone for families include pirate ship cruises, mountain trains, bubbling volcanic steam vents, and even glimpses of Mount Fuji.
Whether you’re visiting for the day or spending the night, Hakone offers a fun mix of nature, culture, and hands-on experiences that kids will love. In this post, we’re sharing exactly what to do in Hakone with kids, plus tips to make your trip smooth and memorable.
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How to get to Hakone from Tokyo, Japan
Getting to Hakone from Tokyo is easier than it looks and surprisingly kid-friendly. Since we didn’t have a Japan Rail Pass, we booked individual tickets for the most efficient route.
We took the Shinkansen (bullet train) from Tokyo Station to Odawara Station, which took just about 35 minutes. From there, we caught a local Hakone Tozan bus right outside the station that took us up into the mountains to our hotel (Hyatt Regency Hakone). The bus ride was scenic and took around 45–60 minutes, depending on traffic and your final stop.
Our kids loved the bullet train, especially the speed and the bento boxes we picked up before boarding, and the winding ride into the hills gave them their first taste of Hakone’s natural beauty.
Other ways to get to Hakone from Tokyo:
- Odakyu Romancecar: A direct limited express train from Shinjuku to Hakone-Yumoto Station, about 85 minutes with no transfers. A great option if you’re staying near Shinjuku and want a one-seat ride.
- Local trains: You can take a regular JR or Odakyu line to Odawara or Hakone-Yumoto, but expect a longer journey with more transfers.
If you’re traveling without a rail pass like we did, the Shinkansen to Odawara + bus combo offers a great balance of speed and flexibility, especially for families.
How to ride the Hakone Ropeway
One of the best things to do in Hakone with kids is riding the Hakone Ropeway. This smooth, glass-enclosed cable car lifts you above the mountains between Sounzan and Togendai, offering panoramic views of Mount Fuji (if you’re lucky), volcanic terrain, and Lake Ashi.
Even our 4-year-old loved spotting the steam clouds rising below. The ride is scenic and surprisingly quiet, perfect for little ones who just want to “float through the sky.”
Now, initially, we wanted to get the 2-day Hakone Free Pass for more sightseeing, but it was only sold for cash (about $70 for 4 of us), and there were no ATMs at the station.
Since we didn’t have yen on hand, we opted for 1-day tickets covering the ropeway and the lake cruise, which we could buy with a credit card. It was still an amazing experience and a great way to see the highlights with kids in just one day.
Explore Owakudani Volcanic Valley in Hakone
Step off the ropeway at Owakudani, and you’ll feel like you’ve landed on another planet. Steam billows from cracks in the earth, the sharp smell of sulfur hits you instantly, and your kids will be mesmerized by the dramatic volcanic landscape.
Don’t miss trying the famous black eggs, regular eggs boiled in the hot sulfur springs that turn their shells jet black. According to local legend, eating one adds seven extra years to your life!
Black eggs typically sell for around 500 yen for a pack of four, making them a fun and affordable treat to share with the family.
Be sure to bring jackets; it can get quite windy and chilly up here, even in spring. If the sulfur smell gets too strong, the nearby shop and observation deck are perfect spots to relax with some ice cream while soaking in the views.
There’s also a small museum on the site (with a small entry fee) where our girls enjoyed some kid-friendly activities. They got to color pictures and proudly hung them on the wall, an unexpected bonus that gave the kids a fun break from sightseeing.
Take Lake Ashi Pirate Ship Cruise: a Hakone must-do for kids
From Owakudani, the ropeway takes you down to Togendai Station, where you can hop onto the most fun boat ever, a pirate ship cruise on Lake Ashi. These boats are fully decked out like classic pirate ships, complete with masts, flags, and even a “captain” greeting passengers as they board.
Our lake cruise was included in the ropeway/cruise pass we bought earlier, but we decided to pay a little extra at the entrance to upgrade to “first class.” This upgrade gave us exclusive access to the front of the ship, a perfect spot for unobstructed views and some extra space to relax.
The cruise gently glides across the shimmering lake, offering incredible views of the surrounding mountains and the iconic red Hakone Shrine torii gate along the shore. On clear days, you might even catch a glimpse of majestic Mount Fuji peeking out behind the hills (unfortunately, not us on that day).
Our girls ran straight to the top deck and declared this their absolute favorite part of the trip.
Hakone Open-Air Museum with kids: art, sculptures, and play zones
The Hakone Open-Air Museum is a fantastic stop for families, set on a picturesque hillside with giant modern art sculptures spread across wide, grassy lawns. Kids will love walking through a tunnel of colored glass, posing next to massive steel creatures, and even climbing inside some of the interactive art pieces.
There’s a dedicated kids’ play structure with nets and climbing spaces, plus an indoor Picasso Pavilion for a cultural touch. The museum is stroller-friendly and highly kid-approved. Don’t miss the free foot bath near the exit, perfect for relaxing tired feet after a day of exploring.
Admission to Hakone Open-Air Museum is separate from the Hakone Free Pass, costing about ¥1,600 for adults; children under 6 get in free. You can take the local Tozan train from Gora Station (covered by the pass) and walk from Chokoku-no-Mori Station to reach the museum.
Soak in an Onsen: a classic Hakone experience
One of the most iconic things to do in Hakone is to soak in an onsen, a natural hot spring bath that the region is famous for. After a full day of ropeways, pirate ships, and volcanoes, relaxing in warm mineral-rich water is the perfect way to unwind.
We stayed at the Hyatt Regency Hakone Resort & Spa, which has its own beautiful on-site onsen. The serene indoor-outdoor setting made it feel like a true retreat. The water was around 104°F (40°C), hot, but soothing, and our kids were happy to dip in for short stretches before cooling off.
If you’re not staying at a hotel with an onsen, there are plenty of public options available too. Tenzan Onsen is one of the most popular, with a beautiful outdoor setting surrounded by trees. Hakone Yuryo, near Hakone-Yumoto Station, is another great choice with both public baths and private family rooms you can reserve, perfect if you’re visiting with kids and want a little more privacy.
Take a break at Gora Park, Hakone
Right near Gora Station and the cable car is Gora Park, a European-style garden with fountains, a greenhouse, and wide open lawns. It’s an easy walk from the Hyatt Regency Hakone, and a great spot for a quiet picnic or break. There’s also a café and a hands-on glass-blowing studio if your older kids want to try something creative.
Visit Hakone Shrine with kids: explore the famous Torii Gate
No Hakone family itinerary is complete without a stop at the Hakone Shrine. Nestled in a cedar forest and facing Lake Ashi, this spiritual site is best known for its dramatic red torii gate that rises from the lake. There are steps to climb, mossy lanterns to spot, and plenty of space to run around while parents soak up the peaceful vibes.
You can walk here from the pirate ship port in Motohakone. If you’re feeling adventurous, continue on to Kuzuryu Shrine, dedicated to the 9-headed dragon god of the lake.
Access with Free Pass: We cruised into Moto-Hakone on the pirate ship, then walked 10 minutes to the shrine.
Before heading back toward Gora, we made a quick stop at Bakery & Table Hakone near Lake Ashi. They have a counter full of pastries (sweet and savory) and matcha lattes, so delicious!
Botton line
With so many hands-on, outdoor experiences, ropeways, pirate ships, black eggs, and open-air art museums, Hakone is one of the most kid-friendly places we visited in Japan. It’s easy to navigate, scenic from every angle, and filled with just the right amount of adventure. If you’re planning a family trip to Japan, don’t skip Hakone. The best things to do in Hakone are fun, memorable, and perfect for kids.
Looking for more tips on Japan? Check out our full Things You Need to Know Before Visiting Japan for the First Time.
