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Hakone: Top 5 Fall Foliage Spots in 2024
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Hakone is a popular hot spring resort that can be reached in about two hours from Tokyo. Learn the best five foliage spots in Hakone, including Choanji Temple, Hakone Tozan Railway, and Hakone Museum of Art.
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Hakone's Beautiful Fall Foliage
Hakone is located in the western part of Kanagawa Prefecture. This hot spring resort town can be easily reached from Tokyo's Shinjuku Station.
Many visitors come to soak in hot springs and enjoy outdoor excursions, including mountain climbing. However, a large number of people visit Hakone from October to mid-November for the fall foliage. This article will introduce Hakone's best five fall foliage spots with fantastic views showcasing this striking seasonal display.
5 Fall Foliage Spots in Hakone
1. Hakone Gora Park
2. Hakone Museum of Art
3. Lake Ashi
4. Choanji Temple
5. Hakone Tozan Railway
Book the Hakone Freepass (2 days, 6,100 Yen/40.55 USD)
1. Hakone Gora Park
Picture courtesy of the Hakone Gora Tourist Association
Gora Park is located in Gora, one of Hakone's premium hot springs areas. It was completed in 1914 as Japan's first French-style park. Built on a slope, trees, and flowers surround the Western-style recreation ground.
There are various types of flowers blooming on the premises. Many tourists flock to Gora Park to enjoy roses that bloom during this time of the year alongside the autumn leaves.
2. Hakone Museum of Art
Photo by Pixta
The autumn leaves at the Hakone Museum of Art, the oldest museum in the town, is found in its 1,900-square-meter moss garden.
Photo by Pixta
Approximately 130 types of moss and 200 trees gradually turn red and yellow when fall rolls around. Visitors can walk along the promenade surrounded by lush nature. The contrast between the green moss and autumn leaves is a unique sight!
After enjoying the moss garden and foliage, why not visit the museum as an additional treat?
3. Lake Ashi
Photo by Pixta
Lake Ashi, the largest lake in Kanagawa Prefecture, offers visitors views of Mt. Fuji with the backdrop of the autumn leaves. You can marvel at this vast body of water coupled with the surrounding foliage turning red and yellow hues. It is truly an astonishing sight! On clear days, Mt. Fuji is visible in the distance as well.
Visitors can also enjoy the view from pirate-themed sightseeing boats, which depart from four ports at Lake Ashi.
Book the Hakone Freepass (2 days, 6,100 Yen/40.55 USD)
4. Choanji Temple
Choanji is a Buddhist temple built about 700 years ago. The statues of the Gohyaku Rakan, the 500 disciples of Buddha who attained nirvana, stand quietly in a nearby bamboo thicket. The details of each statue are different, so be sure to check them out carefully! It is quite refreshing to see these Buddhist stone statues displaying different emotions.
Photo by Pixta
Choanji Temple is a quiet area away from Hakone's busy central district. It makes for a relaxing afternoon filled with nature and exploring serene temples.
5. Hakone Tozan Railway
Picture courtesy of the Hakone Tozan Train
Hakone Tozan Railway operates about a two-kilometer distance between Odawara Station and Gora Station. The cars zig-zag their way up the steep hill. This is also why the railway is named "tozan," which means "mountain climbing" in Japanese.
The Hayakawa Railway Bridge (located between Tonosawa Station and Deyama Signal Station), also known as the Deyama Railway Bridge, offers a spectacular view for riders. The cars stop briefly at this bridge so passengers can enjoy the autumn leaves.
While heading up the mountainous slope, watching the foliage up close on top of a railway bridge surrounded by seasonal nature is incredibly serene. This unique experience is exclusively offered on a ride along the Hakone Tozan Railway.
Hakone Tozan Railway
View Map
Business Time
First Train from Odawara: Everyday 5:33
Last Train from Gora: Everyday 22:41
Fixed holidays
Open 365 days a year
WiFi
Not Available
Accepted Credit Cards
Not Available
Languages
Japanese, English, Chinese, Korean
Menu/Pamphlets in Other Languages
Japanese, English, Chinese, Korean
Access
Visitors can switch trains at Odawara Station (JR Tokaido Line)
Telephone number
+81-46-532-6821 (Hakone Tozan Railway General Administration)
Website
http://hakone-tozan.co.jp/en/
FAQ
Where can I see autumn leaves in Hakone?
In Hakone, a renowned destination in Japan celebrated for its hot springs and natural beauty, several ideal spots offer enchanting views of autumn foliage, known as "koyo." Hakone Gora Park showcases a stunning array of trees displaying vibrant reds, oranges, and yellows, creating a picturesque backdrop for leisurely strolls. The Hakone Open-Air Museum blends captivating art installations with serene gardens, providing a unique setting to appreciate the seasonal transformation of leaves. Along the shores of Lake Ashi, visitors can admire the mountainside ablaze with autumn hues while cruising the tranquil waters. The Hakone Botanical Garden of Wetlands boasts diverse plant species, including colorful foliage that adds a vibrant touch to the landscape. Lastly, the Hakone Detached Palace Garden, nestled near the Hakone Museum of Art, features meticulously crafted Japanese gardens that come alive with autumnal brilliance, offering an immersive experience in the beauty of fall in Hakone.
What is the best time to visit Hakone?
Choosing the best time to visit Hakone involves considering the seasonal highlights and personal preferences. Spring, from March to May, presents cherry blossoms in full bloom, creating picturesque scenes around Lake Ashi and Hakone Park. Summer, spanning June to August, offers warm weather for outdoor activities like hiking and visiting the hot springs, although it tends to be crowded. Autumn, from September to November, showcases the stunning transformation of foliage into vibrant reds, oranges, and yellows, making it ideal for witnessing the colorful "koyo" season. In winter, from December to February, Hakone's onsens provide a relaxing retreat amidst potential snowfall, offering serene landscapes and tranquil experiences. To avoid crowds, visiting on weekdays or outside peak holiday seasons like Golden Week or New Year's can provide a quieter Hakone experience. Ultimately, the best time to visit Hakone depends on individual preferences, whether seeking cherry blossoms, autumn foliage, cozy winter retreats, or quieter moments amidst nature's seasonal beauty.
How many days in Hakone is enough?
The optimal number of days to spend in Hakone varies based on your itinerary and preferences. A single day allows for a glimpse of key attractions like the Hakone Open-Air Museum and Lake Ashi. Extending your visit to two days permits a more in-depth exploration, encompassing sites such as Owakudani and the Hakone Checkpoint Museum, along with leisurely onsen experiences. For a comprehensive and relaxed Hakone experience, consider dedicating three or more days. This timeframe enables deeper immersion, including multiple hot spring visits, hikes along scenic trails like the Hakone Old Tokaido Road, and potential excursions to nearby destinations such as the Fuji Five Lakes or Atami. Tailoring your Hakone trip duration to align with your interests ensures a fulfilling and enriching experience in this captivating region renowned for its natural beauty and cultural attractions.
Is Hakone colder than Tokyo?
In general, Hakone tends to be slightly cooler than Tokyo due to its higher elevation and mountainous terrain. The Hakone region, located in the Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park, sits at an altitude of around 600 to 1,200 meters above sea level, compared to Tokyo's lower elevation. This difference in altitude contributes to cooler temperatures in Hakone, especially during the summer months.
During the winter season, Hakone can also experience colder temperatures compared to Tokyo, often resulting in the possibility of snowfall in Hakone while Tokyo remains snow-free. The variation in elevation and the proximity to the mountains contribute to Hakone's cooler climate, providing visitors with a refreshing and sometimes chilly escape from the urban heat of Tokyo, particularly during the hot summer months.
Is it worth staying overnight in Hakone?
Staying overnight in Hakone offers a serene and immersive experience filled with relaxation, scenic beauty, and cultural exploration. This picturesque area renowned for its hot springs and traditional ryokan provides a tranquil retreat, allowing visitors to unwind in onsens and enjoy the stunning vistas of Mt. Fuji, Lake Ashi, and the surrounding mountains. By spending the night, travelers can savor the area's attractions such as the Hakone Open-Air Museum and Hakone Shrine at a leisurely pace while avoiding the daytime crowds from Tokyo. Ultimately, a stay in Hakone is a chance to embrace the tranquility and traditional charm of this Japanese gem.
Enjoy the Best of Japan's Autumn in Hakone!
Although Hakone is famous for its hot springs, there are countless spots to marvel at the autumn leaves in addition to the five places mentioned above. With its proximity to Tokyo, why not plan a day trip to Hakone for a one-of-a-kind experience in the fall?
Book the Hakone Freepass (2 days, 6,100 Yen/40.55 USD)
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1995年生まれで東京外国語大学生です。言語を学ぶことが好きで、大学ではフランス語と英語、あと中国語を学んでいます。
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