Hakone Shopping Guide 2025: Best Shops, Souvenirs, and Local Markets
Hakone is the closest resort area from Tokyo's city center, offering a place where you can experience Japan's magnificent nature up close, centered around Mt. Fuji and Lake Ashi. Blessed with hot springs and abundant food resources, it has long been beloved by business people and cultural figures.
Hakone is also known for developing traditional crafts that utilize its rich natural resources, particularly woodworking. Among these, "Hakone Wood Parquetry" has received worldwide recognition.
When visiting Hakone, you'll want to see the famous Hakone Wood Parquetry at least once. Let's introduce spots that showcase this craft's charm and where to experience Hakone shopping at its finest.
7 Recommended Souvenir Shops Where You Can Purchase Hakone's Traditional Crafts
"Wood Parquetry" refers to the technique of finely cutting various types of wood, shaping them, and combining them to create colorful geometric patterns. Since Hakone is a naturally rich area where various trees grow naturally, the technique of Wood Parquetry developed by utilizing these materials.
This time, we've picked a variety of locations, from master craftsmen's workshops that produce the highest quality Wood Parquetry to contemporary café galleries, making your Hakone shopping experience memorable.
Yosegi Zaiku Izumiya
Source:Official website
Izumiya is a Wood Parquetry specialty store with an excellent location overlooking Lake Ashi.
The store features not only secret boxes and trick boxes, which are standards of Wood Parquetry, but also a wide range of kitchen items, interior accessories, and stationery.
Secret boxes have mechanisms on the surface and inside, designed not to open unless operated in the correct sequence. Trick boxes are assembled with even more creative freedom from the craftsmen. They have more complex and unique structures, making them popular souvenirs among domestic and international tourists looking for something distinctive during their Hakone shopping trip.
They also offer name engraving services, so it's stylish to have the name of the person you want to give it to engraved, and use it to store jewelry or precious items as a gift.
- Address: 158 Hakone, Hakone-machi, Ashigarashimo-gun, Kanagawa
- Hours: 10:00-16:00
- Closed: Thursdays
- Phone: 0460-83-6030
- Official Website: https://www.yosegi.jp/
Hamamatsuya
Source：Official website
An essential figure in discussing Hakone Wood Parquetry is its founder, "Ishikawa Nihei." Continuing his lineage as the seventh generation is Ishikawa Ichiro, the owner of Hamamatsuya. He is one of the traditional craft artisans of Hakone Wood Parquetry who continues his activities in Hatajuku, the birthplace of Wood Parquetry.
Representative techniques of Hakone Wood Parquetry include "zuku-bari," which involves pasting thinly shaved patterns on wooden products like small boxes using a special plane, and "muku-zukuri," which involves processing thick pattern boards to directly form the product.
The wood mosaic technique "Mokuzogan," which expresses paintings and designs by inlaying natural woods of various hues, is carried on by Ichiro's nephew.
There is a visible factory on the second floor of the store, where demonstrations are held regularly. It's an excellent opportunity to see master craftsmanship up close, enhancing your Hakone shopping experience.
- Address: 138 Hatajuku, Hakone-machi, Ashigarashimo-gun, Kanagawa
- Hours: 9:00-17:30
- Closed: Open daily
- Phone: 0460-85-7044
- Official Website: https://www.hamamatsuya.co.jp/
Kobayashi Shouten
Source:Hakone Zenzan
Kobayashi Shouten is the oldest store in Hakone specializing in genuine Wood Parquetry. This established shop once served the Imperial Family and various noble houses, nurturing apprentices and preserving traditions for approximately 400 years.
The intricate craftsmanship of Wood Parquetry by skilled artisans and their modern patterns exude a timeless presence that transcends eras.
The store primarily sells "genuine" products that allow you to feel the warmth of wood. Popular items include "Terifuri dolls" and the "Hakone Shichifukujin" Kumiko dolls, which are considered the original model for Russian Matryoshka dolls.
Terifuri dolls are designed to move as the roof axis twists due to air humidity, displaying a unique charm.
The interior of the store maintains its historical atmosphere with white walls, latticed Gotenjo made from assembled wood, wooden floors, and Ranma in Mokuzōkan, all of which evoke a sense of tradition during your Hakone shopping experience.
- Address: 375 Miyanoshita, Hakone-machi, Ashigarashimo-gun, Kanagawa
- Business Hours: 9:00-16:00
- Closed: Irregular holidays
- Phone Number: 0460-82-2053
- Reference Website: https://www.hakone.or.jp/yosegizaiku/shop/
Yamatoya Shoten
Source:Tripadvisor
Yamatoya Shoten is an antique art store with over 100 years of history. It opened following Japan's first authentic resort hotel for foreigners, "FUJIYA HOTEL." Since then, the shop has continuously showcased Japanese beauty to international visitors.
The store has an impressive collection of vessels, Ukiyoe (colorful genre paintings that developed during the Edo period), tea ceremony utensils, and other antiques, making it as captivating as a museum.
Their antique ceramics collection features works from Japan's famous kilns, primarily Koimari, along with Bizen, Kutani, and Satsuma. Their Ukiyoe collection includes works by artists such as Utagawa Hiroshige and Utagawa Toyokuni from the 18th-19th centuries, when Ukiyoe was at its peak. They also offer affordable items that are popular as souvenirs among foreign tourists.
- Address: 223 Miyanoshita, Hakone-machi, Ashigarashimo-gun, Kanagawa Prefecture
- Hours: 10:00-17:30
- Closed: Tuesdays and Wednesdays
- Phone: 0460-82-2102
- website: https://www.town.hakone.kanagawa.jp/www/contents/1100000002175/index.html
Yosegi Zaiku Uchihara
Source:Official website
Yosegi Uchihara is a renowned specialty shop for Wood Parquetry that has been beloved since its establishment in 1952, located on the shores of Lake Ashi for over 70 years.
In 2022, the store was renovated, and a new café opened on the second floor (operating irregularly). You can enjoy using small Wood Parquetry items like coasters and trays. The interior, generously featuring wood, creates a peaceful and comfortable space. We recommend enjoying teatime while taking in the spectacular view of Lake Ashi during your Hakone shopping trip.
What makes this store unique is its collection of sophisticated accessories, including bracelets and necklaces with extremely small Wood Parquetry. Rather than traditional craft designs, these items are updated with a modern sensibility, making them especially popular among young women.
- Address: 165 Hakone, Hakone-machi, Ashigarashimo-gun, Kanagawa
- Business Hours: 11:00-16:00 (may vary by season)
- Closed: Irregular holidays
- Phone Number: 0460-83-6222
- Official Website: https://yosegi-uchihara.com/yosegi
Honma Yosegi Art Museum
Source:Official website
The museum houses over 500 Wood Parquetry works collected by traditional craftsman Honma Noboru, dating from the 1600s to the early 1900s.
Furniture made from Wood Parquetry, which is rarely seen elsewhere, is also on display. A must-see item is a decorative shelf that returned to Japan from Europe. It is believed to have been given by the Japanese government to the British Ambassador to Japan when he left his post in the 1900s, making it an extremely valuable collection piece.
There are also dolls made from genuine Wood Parquetry, which will help you appreciate the wide possibilities of this craft. Particularly excellent are the warrior dolls depicting characters from old Japanese stories such as Kintaro, Ushiwakamaru, and Benkei, which showcase the delicate beauty of Wood Parquetry within their powerful presence.
You will undoubtedly be satisfied with the rich exhibition content, including collaborative works using Honma's Wood Parquetry, making this a highlight of your Hakone shopping experience.
- Address: 84 Yumoto, Hakone-machi, Ashigarashimo-gun, Kanagawa
- Business Hours: 10:00-16:00 (last admission at 15:30)
- Closed: New Year holidays and other temporary closures
- Phone Number: 0460-85-5646
- Official Website: https://www.yoseki-museum.com/
Kanazashi Woodcraft
Source:Official website
Mr. Kanazashi Katsuhiro is known as one of the legendary traditional craftsmen.
When the number of successors was rapidly declining during his grandfather's generation, he developed his own technique out of concern that "wood mosaic crafts might die out." This technique is called "solid wood crafting," which involves turning solid wood mosaic blocks on a lathe to create three-dimensional works. This allowed for the expression of curves, leading to the creation of items such as trays and bowls.
At Kanazashi Wood Craft, replicas of the historic Hakone Ekiden trophies (from a traditional New Year's sporting event in Japan) that Mr. Kanazashi energetically created during his lifetime are on display. You'll likely find yourself sighing in admiration at their modern and unique designs.
While enjoying Hakone shopping, be sure to visit this authentic workshop to appreciate the stunning craftsmanship that represents generations of woodworking tradition.
- Address: 180-1 Hatajuku, Hakone-machi, Ashigarashimo-gun, Kanagawa Prefecture
- Business Hours: 10:30-15:30
- Closed: Mondays and Wednesdays
- Phone: 0460-85-8477
- Official Website: https://www.kanazashi-woodcraft.com/
"Hakone Tozan Meisamten Hakone no Ichi" is also recommended for shopping - everything from food to crafts!
Source:Google Maps
If you're looking to explore a wide range of Hakone souvenirs, "Hakone Tozan Meisamten Hakone no Ichi" is highly recommended. Located just outside the ticket gates of Hakone Tozan Railway's Hakone Yumoto Station, it offers the last shopping opportunity for travelers leaving Hakone.
Your Hakone shopping experience wouldn't be complete without browsing their extensive selection of products ranging from hot spring manjū (sweet buns) to standard local goods, exclusive products from famous Hakone hotels, and traditional wood parquetry crafts.
They also carry specialties from nearby Odawara such as kamaboko (processed fish cakes) and dried fish. Hakone Yumoto Station is also the departure point for Limited Express Romancecar trains to Shinjuku, and the shop offers an impressive selection of ekiben (station boxed lunches) to enjoy on the train.
Open until 20:00, this wonderful shop allows you to select souvenirs even after enjoying a leisurely day of sightseeing.
- Address: Inside Hakone Yumoto Station, 707 Yumoto, Hakone-machi, Ashigarashimo-gun, Kanagawa Prefecture
- Business Hours: 9:00-20:00
- Closed: Open daily
- Phone: 0460-85-7428
- Reference Website: https://www.hakone.or.jp/2612
If you want to enjoy a full day of shopping, visit "Gotemba Premium Outlets"
Source:Official website
"Gotemba Premium Outlets" is Japan's largest outlet mall and also an excellent viewpoint with Mt. Fuji spreading out right in front of you. With 290 stores including world-renowned luxury brands, high-performance outdoor brands, and popular Japanese select shops, you can enjoy shopping to your heart's content all day long.
A unique feature is the helicopter sightseeing activity (check the website for operation schedule). It offers a special experience of flying over Mt. Fuji and Lake Yamanaka, allowing you to view Japan's symbols from the air. Within the premises, the "Bridge of Dreams" connecting the two zones is a must-visit point.
The view of Mt. Fuji from here is impressive, and due to its spectacular vista, it was certified as a "Mt. Fuji Viewpoint Heritage" by Gotemba city in 2015.
Hakone shopping enthusiasts often make the short trip to Gotemba to take advantage of the incredible deals and scenic location.
- Address: 1312 Fukasawa, Gotemba City, Shizuoka Prefecture
- Business Hours: 10:00-20:00
- Closed: Once a year (third Thursday in February)
- Phone: Varies by store
- Official Website: https://www.premiumoutlets.co.jp/gotemba/
