Hakone-jinja, located on the shores of Lake Ashi in Hakone, is one of Japan’s most iconic Shinto shrines. Surrounded by towering cedar trees and misty mountains, the shrine exudes a sense of peace and spirituality that blends beautifully with its natural surroundings. Its most famous feature is the bright red torii gate that stands partly submerged in the lake, creating a striking and photogenic scene that has become a symbol of Hakone. For photographers, Hakone-jinja offers multiple perspectives. The lakeside torii is best captured at sunrise or sunset, when the soft light enhances the colors and reflections on the water. The approach to the shrine, lined with ancient cedar trees and stone lanterns, provides atmospheric compositions that highlight both nature and tradition. Seasonal changes also bring unique opportunities—cherry blossoms in spring, lush greenery in summer, fiery leaves in autumn, and occasional snow in winter. Beyond photography, the shrine is a place of worship and cultural importance, attracting visitors who come to pray for good fortune, safe journeys, and harmony. The serene environment invites slow exploration, making it a rewarding stop for both spiritual reflection and creative inspiration. Hakone-jinja is more than just a shrine—it is a meeting point of history, culture, and natural beauty. For travelers and photographers, it captures the essence of Hakone and remains a must-visit landmark in Japan.

Little bit of a climb up the steps, but we'll worth it. There are a few shrines throughout the area, but this is the largest of the bunch. You can go up and make your offerings. Set in the forest, very beautiful. The cedar trees are humongous, just amazing. The parking lot is not that far away. There is also a small path you can follow instead of the steps. It's just so peaceful and scenic, a must stop.

An absolutely beautiful and serene shrine. I loved how the tall trees towered over our heads and the way the green of the forest mixed with the redish orange colors of the shrine. The architecture was simply stunning. And of course the torii gate on the lake is the main celebrity here. Just know that there’s a crazy long line to get a picture with it at all times, some saying it was an hour of waiting. We didn’t wait, we decided to admire the main part of the shrine instead. Don’t forget to get some water from the shrine spring, it’s said to bring good luck.

#throwback2016 Tucked between mistdrenched cedars and the still waters of Lake Ashi, Hakone Jinja feels less like a shrine and more like an accidental portal to Studio Ghibli. The iconic red torii gate, emerging from the lake like a spiritual submarine hatch, is Instagram bait but somehow still sacred. Founded in 757 AD, back when Fuji was still updating her firmware, the shrine once drew samurai warriors seeking divine WiFi before battle. These days, it draws influencers in linen shirts whispering “so zen” before posting a Reel with lofi beats. The walk up through ancient trees is calming except when the fog gets too thick and you start questioning your life choices and the location of your travel group. Bonus: there’s also a side shrine for a nineheaded dragon deity. Because oneheaded dragons are just too basic for Hakone. 1200 years of vibes and foggy drama, blessed. 📸 Tip: Come early morning for mist, mystery, and minimal humans. Otherwise, enjoy the queue to touch a gate.

Definetely a must stop! Regretted not doing the tour around the lake which included seeing so many more Tori gates. Beautiful place to visit and very spiritual.

Beautiful shrine and definitely worth going, however it’s very busy on most days and the wait to take a photo with the tori gate and lake will be around 20-40 minutes

Very busy shrine but in a beautiful area. There are a few trails and small areas off to the side where you can't find some peaceful moments of reflection. The amulet and goshuin areas were very busy but at least efficient. They have a good sized bathroom facility that unfortunately was in pretty rough shape during our visit. While the grounds are beautiful many of the buildings are undergoing some repairs and scaffolding abounds. Overall if you are in Hakone you will visit it is sort of the point but I hope it's not the only shrine you see in Japan.

Our family of 4 rented a car just to come here for a day. Place was spacious, plenty of lockers and different themed warm pools. Price is relatively cheap. Outside onsen with the view was closed for maintenance which was disappointing. We did the fish nibbling your feet which was fun. Place desperately needed an upgrade though. Everything is so run down, the bottom of the outside cave pool was peeling off as I was walking, scraping my foot. If you are from the US, don’t bother coming here as the water parks are much bigger and newer and kids could actually play like kids. Kids are expected to play quietly here 😂. Place was built in 2001 and seems like they never had an upgrade, just minimal maintenance. I don’t smell any sulfur smell to the pools like a hot spring should though.

Pretty kitschy kind of place for the main waterpark but it was fun to see the different themed areas. Was pretty good for our younger kids but I don’t think teenagers would have as much fun…. The traditional onsen area was much nicer but families have to split up and go by gender , kids are allowed there as well ( younger than 6 can go with either parent I think). Worth half a day if you’re looking for a way to have some fun with younger kids and do a traditional onsen

Gross! We visited the swimsuit pool area as visitors, did not stay at the hotel. It was crammed full of people. Some surfaces were slippery and almost all areas except the rest area upstairs were not clean. Locker rooms were slimy and dirty. If youre from the U.S. and know Great Wolf Lodge, it was like that but worse. The staff at the front were very nice, that was about the only good thing about it. We didnt stay long, even the kids were grossed out.

I felt like the attendant had a bad attitude when I checked in. The first thing they did was rudely tell me I could get towel with my hotel voucher but next time I would need to pay, and understand what she might have been trying to tell me but the way she said it struck me as being unprofessional. I mentioned I didn't have a bathing suit so they said I could just use the onsen which is what I wanted to do anyways, what they didn't tell me is the onsen only opens at 11am, it was 10:15, like why hold back what is contextually valuable information so I don't waste both our times checking-in in the first place.

We came to the water park. It was hideous. For children they can run around and have a good time. It is not for adults at all. So busy and tacky. Not relaxing at all..I did come on a weekend. The staff were very helpful but unless you have small kids don't bother.

It is an amazing experience. Growing up in America I've only ever been to water parks that have giant slides and rides that almost make you vomit. But at "Hakone Kowakien Yunessun" it's completely different. Instead of intense, loud, and chaotic (how an American water park usually feels) it's incredibly relaxing. Being able to chill in pools of coffee, wine, or even MATCHA! It even has its very own hot spring where u can look over into the gorgeous mountains. This place also seems great for the whole family by having easy and cheap dining with delicious meals, and several great areas for kids. It was also incredibly easy access with wrist bands that would let you get food and drinks and some other stuff as well. Once you leave you will pay for your bill, from all the stuff you got with your band, obviously. Overall it was such a peaceful experience I will never forget.

We used a private Onsen room, and it was amazing!!!! Great atmosphere with a view to the mountains full of trees, and privacy! Highly recommended! * Cup of tea would add cherry to the cake! - Location is only convenient if you stay at Hakone, otherwise you will need around 1hr bus ride from Odawara sration.

Its important as tourist area before and still famous among locals and foreign tourist till now. Good place for photos, having meals, and shop some local souvenirs. Suitable for any group size or FIT since its open area for everyone to come and enjoy. Promised amazing panoramic view ...Worth visit

A fascinating glimpse into Japan’s history! Hakone Checkpoint is a well-preserved historical site that gives you insight into the Edo period’s travel and security system. The museum and reconstructed buildings are informative and engaging, with displays that bring history to life. The location by Lake Ashi offers beautiful views, making it both educational and scenic. Perfect for history enthusiasts, families, or anyone exploring Hakone’s cultural attractions!

What an amazing place, it was a shame that the weather was not so great, but you can get the atmosphere of the place. Did go on the ferry, but the trip lasted 15 minutes and went 1.5K, would love a longer ride on the lake. But a beautiful and calm place.

One of the best places in my overall Japan trip. The detailed rebuilt checkpoint buildings are amazing. The woodworking detail and the preservation is something to be proud of. The staffs are very helpful in explaining and the view is stunning!

A rebuilt old checkpoint fort. The old buildings have been reconstructed with care for the historical accuracy. It has brief placards talking about life at the fort, roles and responsibilities for staff members, and the construction of the fort. I would recommend walking up the hill to the watchtower for the view.

Visited Hakone Checkpoint and really enjoyed stepping back in time! The reconstructed gates and guardhouses are super well done, and the small museum has lots of interesting historical details. The lookout point offers amazing views of Lake Ashi and the surrounding mountains. Easy to walk around and the staff are friendly. A great stop if you’re exploring Hakone—history buffs and casual visitors alike will enjoy it!

The Hakone Checkpoint is a historical site that recreates a major inspection station from the Edo period. Located along the Tokaido Road, it offers a glimpse into feudal Japan with reconstructed buildings and informative exhibits. Ideal for history enthusiasts.

The ferry service to get from one side of the lake to the other is quite useful. It is much nicer than riding the bus, and the views along the way are great. I could pass on the fake pirate theme, but it doesn't hurt for the kids. They push getting the first class tickets, but I didn't see much of an advantage when we were there with low congestion. It might be worth the space if the ship is crowded.

It's a pretty quick cruise not that expensive. Very nice scenery. Boats are very nice and well maintained. It's a big day from Tokyo on trains, cable car, ropeway, boat, bus and train again. A good day out in the country hills.

PROS ➕ Pirate ship ➕ Free with Hakone Pass ➕ Great view of Lake Ashi CONS ➖ None Date visited: 05/06/2024 Since this cruise was included with the pass I bought upon arriving in Hakone, I took the opportunity to ride it. The check-in process was quick and easy, though the wait was long due to the ship’s schedule. There were seats and shops around the port—perfect for stocking up on snacks and drinks. Unfortunately, most shops had already closed by the time I finished checking in. I managed to grab a cookie and a coffee drink from a small café nearby. The weather was less than ideal: cold, cloudy, and foggy, which meant we wouldn’t be able to see Mount Fuji from the lake. When our ship finally arrived, it looked even more colorful and festive than it had from afar or in photos. People boarded and disembarked in an instant; I followed suit. Passengers who had purchased first-class seating were led to a separate hall. I was in the standard class, but chose to sit outside near the flagpole to enjoy the lake view. Many others joined me later, while some retreated indoors to escape the chilly wind. I spotted several local attractions peeking through the thick treeline—some I had already visited. The most recognizable were, of course, the Peace Torii and a luxury hotel, just to name a few. Since the ship was actually a ferry and didn’t sway much, I didn’t feel as seasick as I usually do on regular ships or airplanes. The whole trip went smoothly and without incident. We reached the port on the opposite side of the lake in under an hour. All in all, this is a must-do in Hakone—especially if you’ve purchased a pass. Just be mindful of the schedule; I nearly missed the cable car because of it.

The view is good even without first class tickets. If you're worried about space and want to make sure you have comfortable seating you can give it a go. But the first class upper deck doesn't have shelter, while the ordinary deck has multiple outdoor tiers, one of which is roofed by the top deck, so you get to sit in the shade while getting a view unobstructed by glass. The ship was pretty clean, but I thought the views pretty ordinary. I didn't see mt Fuji at all. I mostly took the ship as a way to get around. It was a decently comfortable ride, though the chairs on the outside decks were hard and not cushioned. The ship itself is very beautiful though.

Great cruise. If no clouds over the mountains you can see Mount Fuji. I suggest to get the 2 way pass, since you can get off on the different tourist spots and hop back on again till you see them all.

Hakone Sightseeing tour is pretty expensive for how short it is. I will say the ships are nice. They offer good drinks and snacks

The Hakone Sightseeing Cruise is a fun way to see Lake Ashi and the surrounding mountains. The pirate-ship-themed boats are really cool, and the views of the lake and Mt. Fuji (on a clear day) are amazing. For the best experience, I recommend going early, riding on a clear day, and getting first-class seats—it’s less crowded and the view is way better. Relaxing on deck and taking in the scenery was one of the highlights of my Hakone visit.

The hotel is situated in a gorgeous location overlooking lake Ashi wity pirate ships cruising the lake to the ropeway (cable car). Lovely views of the lake, large and comfortable rooms. What let’s them down are the food options - dinner portions are absolutely tiny, not particularly tasty and very expensive, so not a great combination. Also, very limited dining options nearby - more for lunch but hardly anything in the evening

We dined at the hotel restaurant and loved the food, atmosphere, and service. Highly recommend for dinner and/or drinks. Right on the lake with fantastic views.

We spent two nights at the Hakone Hotel and recommend it highly. The location is excellent, lake-side with beatiful views of the surrounding mountains and Mt.Fugi on clear days (we were lucky). The hotel staff is extremely helpful and attentive. Our room was quite large (38m) and well-appointed, though a bit dated. The onsen was lovely. There’s a bus stop at the hotel’s entrance and we found it convenient to the activities and museums on our itinerary. If you’re not interested in eating at the hotel’s restaurants, there are several small places to eat within walking distance.

The location is very scenic, right off of lake ashi. There are restaurants close by. The onsen is very nice. However the rooms are very outdated, and most notably, the hotel controls the AC level, you cannot adjust it. If you are an American and like air conditioning, this isn't a good option for you.

Hakone truly felt like a treasure trove of experiences, and for me, it represented the highpoint, highlight, and even a source of anticipation during my 30-day journey through Japan. My itinerary was carefully crafted to encompass the iconic views of Mount Fuji, the unique volcanic landscape of Owakudani (complete with its famed volcano eggs), a scenic ride on the Odakyu Romancecar, the artistic wonders of the Open-Air Museum, and the serene beauty of Hakone Jinja's Peace Torii Gate. Our arrival at the Hakone Hotel was made especially welcoming by Cheong-san, who thoughtfully ensured we were well-oriented with the hotel's surroundings and the fabulous Onsen facilities, which my wife thoroughly enjoyed. Even on the morning of our departure, the hotel staff went above and beyond; the senior Security Officer kindly facilitated my early 5 am departure to photograph the Torii Gate and was there to greet me with a warm smile upon my 6 am return.

Good place if you don’t have to much time to explore this part of the country We were lucky to see Mt. Fuji and have an interesting excursion

I'm visiting in October and the weather's really nice with some gorgeous views. If you book a room on the third floor, you can actually see Mount Fuji! The room isn't huge, but it's pretty comfy. The onsen is nothing special, but there's a nice bathtub in the room, which is convenient. Overall, I really like this place, especially the delicious breakfast!

A little mom and pop noodle shop that only has 2 tables and serves a good bowl of homemade soba noodles. There was only 1 other table occupied when we went, so there was no wait and food was promptly served. The noodle was springy and the broth full of flavor. The piping hot soup was just the comfort food needed on a cold winters day. The shop is charming and traditional, located just right before the entrance to Hakone Shrine.

We had the beef soba noodles here and it was amazing! The broth was rich, the beef was super tender, and the noodles had just the right bite. The vibe was cozy, and sitting so close to the lake made it even better. Great spot for a quick, tasty meal after exploring.

Such a cute little mom and pop shop. The owner was so nice to us and the food was delicious. It doesn't look like much from the outside, but it was worth it. Try the curry noodle soup with soba noodles!

A beautifully quaint local noodle shop that only has two tables, but it is so worth it. The beef udon I had was excellent and the broth was delicious. If you are lucky enough to spot an empty table, jump straight in!!

A very tiny joint seats only two parties of 4 each. We went for lunch and were lucky to get a table. Hakone is known for its soba so we tried the shrimp tempura soba. It was very cold outside so the soup kept us nice and warm inside. Good flavors and a nice hearty meal. Restaurant is run by such a cute Japanese grandma who cannot speak English but is versed enough you can understand what she is saying. I definitely recommend to anyone passing through. The restaurant is cash only.

Chanced upon this quaint little restaurant which seats only two tables. The food was great and affordable. Oba-san was really nice and friendly. Menu has English words. Please come and visit her restaurant! There’s also a great view from her restaurant.

Super cute tiny place just before Hakone shrine. A very friendly older lady serves delicious Soba and Udon dishes at a very reasonable price, especially for this area (we had 2 full dishes for 2000 yen). Definitely recommendable it you are looking for a quick lunch spot.

Pleasant surprise while walking around the area. Place is conveniently located near the train station. Ample parking. Good number of seats. Fast and good service, Excellent food. Highly recommended if you're in the area. Will definitely visit this place again!

We have been here tonight after not being biggest fan of the food in the hotel and this place was great. Around 15 minute wait to get in but that's fine and worth it and staff kept coming out and getting people in as quick as possible Food was amazing and generous portions, service was really nice and prices more than reasonable. If in Gora or at the museum one day id highly recommend this.

PROS ➕ Great gyoza sets ➕ Close to cable car stations CONS ➖ None Date visited: 05/06/2024 We came here during a very busy evening, just as all the tourists were getting off the last cable car. Some headed straight to the train station, while others made their way to the onsen. We decided to have dinner first. The shop was already bustling when we arrived. Fortunately, we were seated at an empty table. There was also counter seating, but it offered less space for food and definitely wasn’t suitable for groups. The interior design was modern, with plenty of light and generous space between seats. I couldn’t take my eyes off a small corner near the front door, decorated with all sorts of Japanese trinkets and even a little fish tank. We placed our orders: classic gyoza sets and a variant gyoza dish. My set included seven pieces of fried gyoza, white rice, miso soup, and a garnish of vegetables. The fried gyoza were large and firm, with soft skin that was crispy on one side. The filling—pork and vegetables—had a satisfying sweetness and umami. I finished all of them before moving on to the rice and miso. Nothing beats a bowl of pure white rice and some salty miso on a cool evening. The extra gyoza we ordered were also fried but had a hard shell, with sweet sauce poured over them. I didn’t enjoy these as much, as the sauce overpowered the flavor of the gyoza. Overall, this restaurant is a great choice for just about any time of day. Its close proximity to the cable car station is a big plus. Just remember to close the door when you leave.

Simply delicious gyoza! We had the scallop, prawn and shiso variations and loved all three of them! Also lovely interior. Highly recommend coming here before or after visiting the Open Air Museum!

Located near Chokoku-no-Mori Station in Hakone, Gyoza Center is a popular spot known for its creative and delicious handmade dumplings. The tebasaki gyoza (stuffed chicken wings) is crispy outside and juicy inside. From garlic-rich stamina gyoza to unique ones like octopus or natto, the variety makes it fun to share. The restaurant has a cozy, old-school café vibe. Be prepared for a wait on weekends, sometimes over an hour, and note that reordering may not be allowed during busy times. Prices are reasonable, around ¥1,000–¥2,000. A great stop during your Hakone trip!

Conveniently located in between the famous Hakone open air museum and Gora station, this restaurant offers all kind of gyosa, including pork, kimchi, gingko, scallop and scampi filling. Well, we tried some of them and they were OK but certainly not the top of its kind in Japan.

Very tasty restaurant with wide menu of different types of gyoza dumplings. It’s nice that they offer boiled and fried options as well as soups with gyoza. I can truly recommend boiled gyoza soup, for the rainy day it was a really convenient option. Kimchi ramen with fried gyoza was tasty as well but I think it would taste better with boiled gyoza. Close to Gora Station and open air museum :)

Went here for lunch on 11:30 AM Saturday and there were still only another group of customers so best come early. We ordered the A5 Wagyu course, it was quite affordable price point and we enjoyed all of the food. Would love to visit again.

Our experience at this restaurant was absolutely wonderful. The waiter was incredibly helpful, patient, and friendly — and his English was excellent. We enjoyed every single dish in the 5-course menu, including the dessert. The meat was outstanding, and the sashimi was perfectly fresh and flavorful. The grilled vegetables from a la cart menu and garlic rice was also very good! Highly recommended!

Through the luck of chance I took a wrong turn looking for the park entrance and discovered Itoh. I stopped in for lunch and had the A4 Wagyu option, adding the foie gras. The first course of red snapper ceviche was delicate and delicious; the red snapper placed on top of the ceviche sauce. Second course was a turnip soup that was seasoned perfectly to balance the turnip bitterness with a light herbal oil on top as an accent. For salad the shunkyo daikon and lettuce had a light carrot vinegar dressing with roasted cashews and almonds. The foie gras was decadent and melted with each bite, a light orange oil to add citrus hints and the crostini had just the right amount of give. I opted for the 140g Wagyu and it’s a very large portion but couldn’t stop till it was gone. It was served with a wasabi black pepper roux and fried garlic that complemented it perfectly. Dessert was a chestnut tiramisu that wasn’t too sweet and allowed the subtle chestnut flavor to come out. I’ll definitely return for dinner in the future!

Was a good fine dining experience overall, but for being sponsored by nobu I expected a bit more on the service end (water refills without asking, also forgot one of our food items and the kitchen already requested last order). The steak was excellent and the chef brought out the meat prior to cooking for approval. Our friend got the seafood prefix course but didnt see overly impressed. Cocktails were very good, and the atmosphere was nice. For the price I would have expected just better service.

We dined at Itoh Nobu this week with our friends whom we have not seen in many years. Our reservation was at 7:30pm for 4. Our expectations were what you’d expect from a Nobu restaurant and unexpectedly the service was the worst we experienced in Japan. The sommelier was rude from the very beginning and seemed unhappy to be serving English speaking guests. Around 8:30 my husband noticed they were rushing us along, however we ordered a set menu and it is not the type of meal you eat in a rush. We were unaware the restaurant closed at 9pm and the staff did not mention this. At 9:10 they basically asked us to leave and rushed to give us the cheque. The moment we stepped out of the restaurant, they immediately turned off the lights leaving us completely in the dark trying to find a uber. The food was ok but the experience was so horrible we couldn’t forget it. I understand the customs might be different here in Japan however, when a booking is made at 7:30 pm it is understandable a 5 course meal would take minimum 1,5-2 hours to finish.

A very fun experience, each dish is memorable and I’m very glad I came. The restaurant looked fully booked but when I rang they had space for an early sitting.

Nobu in Hakone was fantastic! The restaurant’s ambiance was quiet and understated—minimalist and elegant in a way that let the food truly shine. The service was polite, pleasant, and respectful, just as you’d expect from fine Japanese dining. Every dish was exceptional. My fiancé, who normally doesn’t enjoy sushi or sashimi, devoured his sashimi and declared the Kobe beef the best meal he’s ever had. I ordered the lobster with scallops, and it was perfectly tender, juicy, and full of flavor. We sat at the counter and watched our food being prepared with such precision and simplicity—a true testament to the quality of the ingredients. This was a memorable meal from start to finish, and we would go back in a heartbeat.

A wonderful open air museum. A great experience walking around through the gardens and enjoying the nature , the art works and the weather. Because the museum is in open air you need to choose for a day with good weather ( not a rainy day ). We especially enjoyed the Picasso Pavilion ! A very clean place and we suggest to spend approx 3 hours for the visit. By the way if you guys are a little bit tired there is a nice cozy coffee shop , with great Italian Coffee , ice cream , soft drinks and sandwiches. A huge parking space on the spot which cost 500 yen - we came by car. A highly recommended place if you are in Hakone. Enjoy !

Wow, wow, wow. They shouldn't call this a museum. It is an art gallery extraordinaire. Beautiful environment, many external installations allow for interaction. The Picasso and other indoor galleries are equally impressive. Child friendly. Lovely places to eat and drink as well as a top class shop. A must visit.

The museum was one of my highlights of a visit to Japan, it is a unique experience with many art pieces in beautiful tranquil surrounds as you wander the gardens with the backdrop of the mountains. There are also some kid friendly areas including the climbing net where many children will spend at least an hour, the maze, and then when tired the pockeT area. Make sure to enjoy the foot Onsen that will rest those weary feet. There is a self serve ticket machine at the entrance so no need to wait in line.

Simply stunning. A lot of thought and effort has gone into making this place special. Loved the mini Picasso museum in the middle. Top tip - try to arrive as close to 9am as possible to avoid the hoards of day trippers coming in from Tokyo

One of the most incredible museums I’ve ever visited! The installations are so huge and fun to walk through. Even on a cold rainy and snowy day we walked the entire grounds and saw each exhibit. There’s a sweet hot foot soak area about mid way through where there is also a gift shop and little cafe. Don’t miss going inside the tower with all the stained glass, it’s other worldly.

There are a couple of ticket machines to the left side of the entrance, if you’d like to skip the line. Overall it’s an interesting outdoor museum. It was nice to walk around even in the rain. The gift shops are also very nice

Fantastic art exhibits, the Picasso building houses a rather large collection of several of his art mediums, easily worth the 2000 yen to see the many outdoor sculptures. A wonderful couple of hours.

We had soooo much fun here. We didn’t get a reservation before we came and there were none left on the website on the day of, but we took a chance and they were able to fit us in! It does take a lot longer than you think as there are so many options to choose from when making your design. Prepared to be here either all morning or afternoon. We also wanted to do both a hairpin and a phone strap, but time wise we were only able to make 1 bead and just assemble a phone strap from the premade beads. The staff were very accommodating with our limited Japanese and worked very had to communicate with us. Would recommend to anyone.

Today I went to the Hakone park and along the route I saw a cute shop where they sold handmade glass jewelry. They also facilitated a workshop and I signed up for a glass bead workshop. The staff was so nice and explained every single stap. If you had any question, they happily answered. Also the choice of beads to complete your necklace, earring or whatever it is you are making, is huge! So expect to spend some time on designing the final piece of art. All in all it was a very special event and it got me a very special memory of my visit to Hakone! If you want to make a unique piece of art, then look no further and book yourself a workshop. You won't regret it.

Such a fantastic experience! I’ve always wanted to learn lamp work and the staff were so patient and friendly. You pay for the base cost online (very affordable) when you book and then you are able to select add on options like gold leaf and what type of accessory you would like. 10/10 loved our experience. Walked around the gardens while we waited for the glass to cool down.

So much fun. I chose to upgrade to the earrings and had fun making them. The staff helps you 1 on 1 to make sure it will come out well. They let me do the whole thing but guided my hand when I let my wrist drop. Had fun decorating then with gold flecks too. I was scheduled for 1145a but they got me in right away around 1115a and I was done with the entire process by 1205.

This was a great side trip to Hakone on my Japan trip. Cute little mountain town and after walking up a VERY steep hill there’s the park complex. It does charge to get in. But if you have the Hakone Free pass you get into the park for free as well as a discount on purchases. We showed up without a reservation in a weekday and it was fine. But we made the large glass beads over a burner and it was really fun to do some glass work. 10/10.

Great high quality gifts. The works for sale here are from actual craftspeople and are of very high quality. The staff is friendly and understand a good amount of English. There are also experiences here and the availability seems to be pretty good even day of.

I bought a beautiful mug from this craft house and I loved its simple, yet, elegant design. I purchased this mug on Oct. 3rd 2024: exactly one year ago! Very strange it broke while pouring 95 degree Celsius water in for tea. Really sad this happened.

Enjoy the silence and peacefulness in the Gora Park! Stopped by as part of the Hakone Free Pass and the place didn’t disappoint! Grab a coffee or lemonade and sit down by the fountain, walk in the green house or just wander around - this place is energising and making the hot weather more bearable!

A very well layed out park with French origins. You don’t have to walk miles to see things but there is much to see and enjoy. Like any park or garden it does depend on the seasons as to what you see. The park is in Hakone high up in the hills which creates for a very unique climate and therefore an opportunity to see things which you would not see elsewhere at that time of year. It has a really interesting craft centre, properly organised and run to quite a high level. The shops and restaurants are not tacky in any way or ridiculously expensive. Loved the rose ice cream real value for money especially with the coupon at the entrance! Toilets and other facilities are way up to standard nothing old and just about to break or smelly!! And clean!!! Easy to get to with ample parking areas. Station nearby if needed!

Beautiful , small area. Lovely roses and gymnosperm varieties. Glass house / green house should have more varieties.

Cute little park with free entrance if you have Hakone freepass. Right next to Hakone open air museum. We had a lovely afternoon tea with a rose theme in one of their cafés.

Small but charming park with many pretty flowers. It is within 5 minute walking distance of the cable car station. Has a ‘treasure box’ with a stamp for children to stamp their books. Closes at 5pm

Rustic park with an old charm. Picturesque location worth visiting if you enjoy gardens and greenery.

One of most beautiful parks. And not only for Hakone. It not requires any additional words. Just come and see... Tea ceremony also recommended to visit.

I forgot the story of Little Princes, but I enjoyed very much. The flower garden ,the French buildings and the princes goods are very good. The Xmas illumination is wonderful!! I recommend to visit when you visit Hakone before the museum close!

If you are a fan of the Little Prince, this is the museum you should visit. The gardens, buildings, and exhibits well express the world together and made me want to read the book again. My one-year-old daughter was also happy to be able to freely walk around in the beautiful garden. She got a bit scared though with some dim areas in the exhibition buildings. Even the information pamphlet is so cute. The menu at the café was also designed with the Little Prince theme, and I highly recommend this museum.

If you are a fan of Little Prince you will definitely like this place. I was not a fan but yet I was quite entertained by the museum. The exhibits were so well made and exquisite. Love the details and secrets they left along the way for visitors to uncover. The only problem was this place was pretty out of the way.

You would NEVER have imagined that such a place can exist anywhere ESPECIALLY in a remote area of Japan. It was just so well- done ; explained & detailed ; books translated in every language and most importantly a full replay of every step of Saint Exupery’s life and the Little Prince book. Something to definitely visit. Prices can also be combined with other visits in Hakone. So think of going there first in order to buy tickets at discounted prices. There’s also a restaurant with french food if of any interest.

Im a huge fan of the Little Prince, but i didnt know much of its creator; Antoine de Saint-Exupery. And this museum tells a lot about him. From his childhood until he went missing on his expedition and never had known that his book(s) bocome the world's darling. The museum its self is well thought. Entering this museum is like going inside to the Little Prince book. Youll meet him, the fox, the sheep, the king and the other characters - not to mention the iconic well and airplane. Too bed you cant take any picture inside the exhibition hall. But i really enjoyed my visit to this world's only museum devoted to the most heartwarming story. The ambience made me feel like i was strolling in one of France countryside villages. If you happened to be in Hakone, this museum is worth a visit!

Best place to explore on a rainy day. Lots of history about the little prince ! No photographs allowed inside the exhibit. Kids scan enjoy stamp collecting activity. Good outdoor space for children to roam and play.

I strongly recommend you to be here if you like “the Little Prince” as it got lots of history about “the Little Prince”. The entrance fee is thousand something yen which is valuable to pay among all the museum in Hakone. With a wonderful outdoor area and detail explanation with “the Little Prince”. I post a lot of outdoor area since it is good for photo. However, there are lots of area which is not suitable to take photo, which means you better come to visit.

The owner and Chef Yusuke is a real one. This guy delivered the best meal I had in Japan. The ambience and overall experience was insanely good, and the value for money exceeds anything I had in Japan. What a treat, if you’re in this region, you must go!!

Exceptional place, with incredible service as well. Chef was willing to open for dinner an hour early for us to accommodate our travel plans, and was very friendly throughout the meal. Highly recommend the Kinki fish - a seasonal item for the winter which is well worth the (very reasonable) 1200 yen top up.

What a treat! Incredible food and kind/attentive service. Each course was a work of art.

We had the full course tasting menu and trust me, you really don’t want to miss out on anything. You could say we are quite the foodies and we’ve eaten in a lot of restaurants all across the world (from best of the world to local ramen shops etc). We’ve entered this cosy Japanese restaurant and the service and hospitality is top notch, you take off your shoes upon entry which adds to the experience (as a western person I guess). We roughly had around 7 courses and they were all incredibly well balanced and super tasteful. The sashimi we had was arguably the best we’ve tasted in our lives so far (yes we’ve been to the Tokyo fish market and had dinner the day before at a Michelin star sushi restaurant in Tokyo) and we still think this sashimi was better. The photo’s will speak for itself, if you are anywhere near we would say it’s a must visit. Thank you so much Chef and wife for an incredible evening and experience!! Dōmo arigatōgozaimasu! ♥️ PS: the price quality ratio is amazing as well! (Not expensive at all with the current exchange rate)

We loved the 7 course menu chef Yuughen and his assistant Mikko prepared for us. (I’m sorry if the spelling of the names is not correct!) The combination of ingredients, flavors, textures was perfectly balanced throughout the meal. The tempura was the best I have ever had. The abalone and sea urchin appetizer was definitely the most intriguing dish for my palate. We thought that this restaurant was a real discovery for us. The price of the set menu is more than fair for the experience and for the actual choice of dishes that you can taste. The great thing is that both chef Yuughen and Mikko are fluent in English, so communication for us was easy. I highly recommend this restaurant!

Delicious food, the chef conjured the most amazing Japanese dishes on our table. Highly recommended!

Out of expectation, Yuzen is a nice japanese restaurant in Hakone. The shabu shabu and tempura were really tasty. Staff were friendly and helpful.

No-frills place with solid food. The hamburger steak was good, and the prices are pretty well in line with the area. The atmosphere/Toy Story decor is the best part, as I’m mostly writing this review so I can post this picture of Mr. Potato Head looking ominous

Toy story themed restaurant that makes fusion food. The taste was decent, nothing out of the ordinary. They don't have WiFi and only accept cash payment. Dropping one star for the cleanliness. Their toilet was the dirtiest I've seen in Japan so far. The staff also came across as impolite. She had the "I don't care" tone in her voice.

Food was delicious and fast. Service was very friendly. Beer was good and I loved the wooden mug. Good prices too. Great spot to grab a feed after the open air museum.

Food was surprisingly very nice! Although the english menu seems oversimplified and unclear, we decided to ordered their kimchi salad -which comes with rice and tastes more like korean bibimbap with a twist of a very tender & delicious burger patty-, and a chicken curry which also surpassed my expectation. All in all, I highly recommend ordering their burger patty, top notch!

A must visit place! Absolutely delicious food the best western style food ive had in the past 3+ weeks of travelling Japan. Very tasty burger and at a good price Atmosphere was great too they had note pads previous customers had done little doodles and art in which was very fun to browse. Also had a fun wood ascetic and nice drinks 10/10 if you want a burger in Japan go there! I recommend the cheese one was very flavorful

We stopped by here after going to the Open Air Museum. It’s a tiny, adorable restaurant with an awesome lady running it! The Toy Story memorabilia were so cute. My husband got the loco moco and I got the Hakone cheeseburger and they were both generous portioned and delicious. So glad we stopped by. Cash only.

The lady is super nice and attentive. She runs the whole thing by herself! Burgers are delicious...perfect to come before or after the open air museum. Decoration inside is super cute.

My favorite place in Japan. And I live here for four years. The tofu is amazing, fresh, warm, and the owners who make the tofu are so warm too!! Really need a try. I almost can’t wait to gosto hakone again to eat again this treasure.

I still remember they had some really nice tofu with vegetables in, many years ago. It was nice!

You can have a fresh tofu with 210yen. I stayed near the hotel so I told the staff that I'd like to take away, she wrapped the bowls of fresh tofu which was nice! Tofu was so soft, fresh, creamy and mild. My two and four years old kids loved to eat that with soy source.

Freshly made Tofu (豆腐）available here. You eat wigh soya sauce n eat standing. At Yen 220 per bowl it us way way too expensive. If u have toufu in your home region it cos only Yen 60 to Yen 100. Too overrated place. NO LOST IF U SKIP THIS.

I have watched this tofu shop in comic book. We went around 1 o’clock. Around 3 o clock the tofu was out of stock already. The taste is so softly and feel little sweetness. I liked it! The madame gave us the soy source.

Located just behind Gōra Station. Small family running the business. No one were at the counter when I was there, until I walked into the kitchen to ask for service. Freshly made soft plain tofu, taste better with soy sauce. Reasonably priced at 230 yen per bowl.

The old couple is so adorable and very hardworking. The tofu is out of this world silky and the soy sauce just elevated it. Get it. You won’t regret it.

THE FOOD IS SO BAD. I got the 27,000 yen Kikukaiseki because the front desk lady told me it was going to be everything premium and it was a complete scam. The food was horrible, portions were extremely small. I even got my “meat dish” cold. Honestly I’m extremely frustrated with the situation because it is not a good price for value. It’s also one of my last nights in Japan so it’s a shame I ate here. The place itself is cool. This is the only place I didn’t like the food in Japan. Honestly would not recommend, the food quality is cheat Chinese all you can eat in the USA type of vibe. Even the sashimi was bad. How can you make bad sashimi in JAPAN? .

We were really looking forward to this experience but left disappointed. It was our first time dining at a fine Japanese restaurant, and since we were staying in the hotel, we were excited to enjoy the full experience. Unfortunately, our waitress wasn’t helpful when we asked for guidance on the menu. We had reviewed it beforehand and hoped for clarification on several items that weren’t described, as well as recommendations on pairing dishes — none were provided. My main dishes were served far apart, and one was incorrect, resulting in a longer wait. Portions were extremely small, and depending on your choices, you may leave hungry. While the presentation was beautiful — as expected of Japanese cuisine — many of the dishes lacked depth of flavour. Prices were also very high for the overall experience. We’ve enjoyed incredible food throughout Japan, so our disappointment lies not with Japanese cuisine, but with this particular restaurant. A real pity, as it’s set in such beautiful surroundings.

Beautiful restaurant with great setting. Services were so great, especially the waitress that served 11 of us the whole lunch. We were led to the restaurant from the hotel foyer, as the restaurant is outside of the hotel compound. 3 star for the food, nothing surprising, but the private room we booked was just perfect. The booking experience was tiring, but I am glad they adjust the menu to fit the dietary requirements. Still worth a visit, but don't expect much about the food.

I was excited to try this highly rated kaiseki restaurant in Hakone, but unfortunately, it turned out to be a major disappointment. For 23,000 yen per person, I expected a refined and memorable dining experience, but the meal fell far short of expectations. The portions were tiny, the flavors were weird and didn’t complement each other well, and overall, the food quality was underwhelming—I’ve had much better meals at small family-run restaurants. To make matters worse, one of the dishes was missing an ingredient, and we had to ask for it which is definitely not acceptable at 23,000 yen per person. While our server was friendly, the restaurant seemed short-staffed. At times, the next course was brought out before we had finished the current one. I’m not sure if this is typical in Japan, but in most restaurant, this would be seen as inconsiderate. If you’re looking for an exceptional kaiseki experience in Hakone, I would recommend exploring other options and skipping Kikka So. This is the first meal in Japan that deeply disappointed me.

2 stars and pushing. Only for the atmosphere and customer service is Excellent. However the food, disgraceful; coming to a 5 star resort, you would think you will get 5 star food especially when you’re paying top dollar. My wife and I spent about $300 Australian Dollars and I still had to go down the road to buy a burger I was starving! The portions are embarrassing, it’s a big let down for the hotel! So embarrassing honestly and if that was Australia you would be fined for serving lobster that small. Very disappointed and it’s sad I had to put this out there but people shouldn’t have to pay top dollar for this. We ordered lobster $70 60 grams of wagyu steak for $85 sushimi was $30 for three pieces and the fruit platter topped it off $25 for 3 pieces of pineapple and one grape and one little piece of mango.

Had dinner in this Japanese restaurant in connection with the Fujiya Hotel. This is their Japanese restaurant and you have to cross a road from hotel to get there. The meal is generally of high standard but its lacks luxury ingredients. The tempura course are quite disappointed as it is not crispy enough and tasted soso Sashimi course also too simple. No good surprise element from this restaurant and I had better ones in other onsen hotel.

A former Imperial Villa now a restaurant of the next door Fujiya Hotel. Had breakfast here—very good traditional Japanese breakfast. Excellent service.