Morning Activities in Hakone: Top Attractions and Their Opening Hours
Hakone is one of Japan's premier hot spring destinations, and its easy accessibility from Tokyo means it's always bustling with visitors. Surrounded by mountains, it's rich in greenery and has a reputation for allowing visitors to relax leisurely while experiencing nature throughout the four seasons.
Hakone is also characterized by its many attractive tourist spots, including art museums, historical buildings, and activities such as ropeways and pleasure boats. It's popular as a tourist destination because people of all ages can enjoy it.
This article introduces tourist spots and breakfast locations in Hakone that can be enjoyed from the morning, along with their respective charms, perfect for those wondering about Hakone what to do in the morning.
Table of Contents
-4 Author-Recommended Tourist Destinations in Hakone for Enjoying a Peaceful Morning Atmosphere
-Two Tourist Destinations Recommended for Morning Visits to Avoid Crowds
-3 Recommended Breakfast Spots in Hakone
4 Author-Recommended Tourist Destinations in Hakone for Enjoying a Peaceful Morning Atmosphere
From here, we'll introduce 4 author-recommended tourist destinations in Hakone where you can enjoy a peaceful morning atmosphere.
Hakone Shrine
Hakone Shrine is a historic shrine founded during the Nara period and is one of the Hakone Three Shrines, along with Hakone Mototsumiya Shrine and Kuzuryu Shrine. It's said that visiting all three shrines brings greater fortune.
The highlight of Hakone Shrine is the underwater torii gate "Peace Torii" located on Lake Ashi. The sight of the torii gate floating on the water's surface is mystical, and tourists visit to catch a glimpse of it regardless of whether it's a weekday or holiday. Since it's one of Hakone's premier viewing spots, there are often long lines during the day, but visiting during the morning hours before crowds form allows you to take photos at your own pace.
The quiet morning hours with fewer people create a serene atmosphere around the torii gate, allowing you to experience the sacred ambiance befitting a shrine, which is another attractive point. If you first capture the torii gate in photos and then visit the main hall for worship, you can tour smoothly with minimal waiting time.
<Information>
Address: 80-1 Motohakone, Hakone-machi, Ashigarashimo-gun, Kanagawa Prefecture
Opening hours: 24 hours
Closed: None
Phone: 0460-83-7123
Official website: https://hakonejinja.or.jp/
Chisuji Falls
Chisuji Falls gets its name from the way water flows down between moss-covered rock faces like a thousand threads. Around July, you can see fireflies dancing about, and in autumn, you can enjoy the sight of maple and Japanese maple trees changing colors alongside the refreshing sound of the waterfall, creating a reputation for its refined beauty.
The optimal time to view the waterfall is in the morning. This is because morning sunlight shines into the waterfall, making it appear more radiant than at other times of the day. Also, compared to daytime, there are fewer tourists, so you can enjoy the spectacular natural scenery in a calm atmosphere. I sat on the bench in front of the waterfall and enjoyed the refreshing morning waterfall in a relaxed mood.
Since Chisuji Falls is also a junction point for multiple hiking courses, taking a walk in the refreshing morning atmosphere is also recommended.
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Address: 507 Kowakien, Hakone-machi, Ashigarashimo-gun, Kanagawa Prefecture
Opening hours: 24 hours
Closed: None
Phone: None
Official website: https://www.hakonenavi.jp/spot/1198
Sengokuhara Pampas Grass Fields
Sengokuhara Pampas Grass Fields is a spectacular spot representing Hakone, where pampas grass is planted to cover the slopes of Mount Daigatake. The pampas grass planted across the vast grounds has overwhelming presence and has been selected for both "Kanagawa's 50 Scenic Spots" and "Kanagawa's 100 Flowers."
From spring to summer, you can see lush green pampas grass; in autumn, golden-colored pampas grass; and in winter, snow-covered pampas grass, allowing you to enjoy scenery throughout the four seasons. The sight of the grass swaying in the wind under a clear autumn sky is particularly fantastic and beautiful, and is a must-see.
I once visited the grasslands during the clear morning hours. The sight of the rising sun illuminating the field of pampas grass was spectacular, and I was captivated by the breathtaking scenery.
While it lacks flashy splendor, it's a spot where you can fully enjoy natural beauty.
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Address: Sengokuhara, Hakone-machi, Ashigarashimo-gun, Kanagawa Prefecture
Opening hours: 24 hours
Closed: None
Phone: None
Official website: https://www.hakonenavi.jp/spot/1215
Cu-mo Hakone
Source:Hakone Navi
Cu-mo Hakone is located on the 2nd floor of Soun-zan Station and is a proud spot where you can soak in a foot bath (bathing by soaking from the knees down in hot water) while overlooking the scenery. Located at an elevation of 757m with a panoramic view below, you can feel like you're inside the clouds.
I once experienced the foot bath right when it opened at 9 AM. Relaxing in the foot bath while bathing in the morning sun freed me from daily busyness and allowed me to relax from the bottom of my heart.
In addition to the foot bath, the food you can enjoy here is also noteworthy. My recommended specialty "New Bell" is a photogenic drink with cotton candy resembling clouds on top of a smoothie. Holding the drink up against the clear morning sky allows you to capture a photogenic shot.
Since Soun-zan Station is a transfer point between the Hakone Tozan Cable Car and Hakone Ropeway, why not visit during transfer time?
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Address: 1300 Gora, Hakone-machi, Ashigarashimo-gun, Kanagawa Prefecture
Opening hours: 9:00-16:00
Closed: None
Phone: 0465-32-2207
Official website: https://www.hakonenavi.jp/cu-mo-hakone/
Two Tourist Destinations Recommended for Morning Visits to Avoid Crowds
Here we introduce two tourist destinations recommended for morning visits for those who want to enjoy sightseeing while avoiding crowds - perfect options for deciding what to do in the morning in Hakone.
Owakudani (Great Boiling Valley)
Source:Rakuten Travel
Owakudani was formed as a result of a massive steam explosion from the Hakone volcano 3,000 years ago. It is characterized by its rugged landscape with rising volcanic smoke and the scent of sulfur, making it one of Hakone's representative tourist spots.
Due to its unique atmosphere that cannot be experienced elsewhere and the famous black eggs (boiled eggs created by chemical reactions from geothermal heat and volcanic gases), many tourists visit during the day. During peak times, traffic jams can cause delays of over an hour by car, so visiting in the morning before crowds arrive allows you to leisurely enjoy exploring Owakudani.
Having visited Owakudani many times myself, I find that sightseeing in the quiet morning hours is the most enjoyable.
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Address: 1251 Sengokuhara, Hakone-machi, Ashigarashimo-gun, Kanagawa Prefecture
Opening hours: 9:00-16:20 (February-November), 9:00-16:00 (December-January)
Closed: None
Phone: 0460-84-5201
Official website: https://www.hakonenavi.jp/spot/1362
For Morning Visits to Owakudani, Using the "Hakone Ropeway" is Also Recommended
Source:Wikipedia
For morning visits to Owakudani, using the "Hakone Ropeway" is also recommended.
Did you know that besides cars and Izu-Hakone buses, you can also reach Owakudani via the "Hakone Ropeway"? When heading to Owakudani via the "Hakone Ropeway," you take the Hakone Tozan Railway from Hakone-Yumoto Station to Gora Station, transfer to the Hakone Cable Car from Gora Station, then transfer to the "Hakone Ropeway" at Soun-zan and get off at Owakudani Station.
With the "Hakone Ropeway," you can enjoy Hakone's spectacular views without worrying about traffic jams, so I always take the "Hakone Ropeway" when going to Owakudani. However, since it gets crowded around noon on weekends and long holidays, I recommend boarding right at the 9:00 AM opening to coordinate with your morning sightseeing of Owakudani.
Hakone Glass Forest Museum
Source:Official website
The Hakone Glass Forest Museum is a museum where you can view Venetian glass and works by contemporary glass artists. Inside the museum, you can not only appreciate glass works but also enjoy various experiences such as shopping at the museum shop, creating glass art, and dining at the restaurant, making it a must-check tourist spot when visiting Hakone.
The popular glass art creation experience has limited capacity, and depending on the product, it may take over an hour to receive your finished piece, making it an experience only a limited number of people can enjoy. Therefore, if you arrive right when they open, it's recommended to start with glass making first, then use the time until pickup to view artworks and enjoy shopping for effective time management.
When visiting the museum in the morning, be sure to try the morning set at "Caffe Terrazza Ukai," operated by the popular teppanyaki restaurant "Ukai." Croissants, salad, yogurt, jam, and drinks are beautifully presented on stylish tableware, allowing you to enjoy an elegant breakfast.
<Information>
Address: 940-48 Sengokuhara, Hakone-machi, Ashigarashimo-gun, Kanagawa Prefecture
Opening hours: 10:00-17:30
Closed: Irregular holidays
Phone: 0460-86-3111
Official website: https://www.hakone-garasunomori.jp/
For Families, "Forest Adventure Hakone" Opening at 9 AM is Also Recommended
Source:Official website
For families, "Forest Adventure Hakone," which opens at 9 AM, is also recommended when considering what to do in the morning in Hakone. Forest Adventure is a nature-symbiotic outdoor park where both adults and children can get serious about moving their bodies and playing in the great outdoors.
In addition to the main Adventure Course (for 4th grade elementary students and above or those 140cm tall and above, weight limit 110kg) and Canopy Course (110cm tall and above, weight limit 110kg), there are attractive contents such as Cliff Challenger, trampolines, and miniature golf, making it possible to play all day long.
The Adventure Course that I challenged was packed with activities that made me scream involuntarily, including greatly swaying suspension bridges and zip slides up to 120m long! When I finally cleared everything, I felt both relief and a sense of accomplishment.
Since even preschoolers can play, it's recommended for those with children.
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Address: 749-1 Chanohana, Yumoto, Hakone-machi, Ashigarashimo-gun, Kanagawa Prefecture
Opening hours: 9:00-17:00
Closed: Irregular holidays
Phone: 080-4219-2206
Official website: https://foret-aventure.jp/park/fa-hakone/
3 Recommended Breakfast Spots in Hakone
When considering Hakone what to do in the morning, starting your day with a delicious breakfast is essential. Here are 3 recommended breakfast spots in Hakone. These meals that can only be enjoyed during Hakone's morning hours will undoubtedly provide the energy you need for the entire day!
Wild Yam Farm Restaurant Yamayaku Miyagino Main Branch
Source:Official website
Wild Yam Farm Restaurant Yamayaku Miyagino Main Branch is a restaurant where you can enjoy meals that focus on natural yam (Japanese wild yam native to Japan), utilizing the five Japanese cooking methods (grilling, boiling, frying, raw, and steaming) with consideration for beauty and health.
There are three breakfast menu options:
- Ultimate Breakfast
- Farmer's Morning Meal with Grated Yam Set
- Morning Barley and Grated Yam Rice
I tried the "Ultimate Breakfast," which comes as a set including grated yam (tororo) made from natural yam, satsuma-age (fried fish paste), barley rice, dried horse mackerel, and other items. The smooth, sticky grated yam paired perfectly with the somewhat dry barley rice, and I liked the grated yam rice so much that I asked for seconds of the barley rice.
Grated yam is easy to digest and doesn't cause stomach upset, making it perfect for breakfast!
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Address: 829 Miyagino, Hakone-machi, Ashigarashimo-gun, Kanagawa Prefecture
Opening hours: 8:00-20:00
Closed: None
Phone number: 0460-82-1066
Official website: https://www.yamagusuri.com/yamagusuri-miyagino/
Saien (Reservation Required)
Source:Tabelog
Saien is a restaurant where you can enjoy shojin ryori (Buddhist vegetarian cuisine made only with plant-based ingredients such as vegetables and grains) prepared by the deputy head priest of Jousenji Temple.
There is one menu option, served in "Oryoki" bowls that monks actually use. The dishes, which use plenty of vegetables, are satisfying and fulfilling even without meat or fish, leaving you with a sense of satisfaction after eating. Please try this nutritionally balanced, traditional Japanese food culture.
The interior, renovated from an old private house, has character and charm, allowing you to enjoy your meal in a peaceful atmosphere while feeling the spirit of good old Japan. Since the restaurant operates only for breakfast by reservation, make sure to book in advance through their official website before visiting.
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Address: 310 Miyanoshita, Hakone-machi, Ashigarashimo-gun, Kanagawa Prefecture
Opening hours: 8:00-10:00
Closed: 1st of the month, Tuesdays, and other irregular closures
Phone number: 0460-85-0112
Official website: https://hakonesaien.com/
Bakery & Table Hakone
Source: Official website
Bakery & Table Hakone is a shop where you can enjoy high-quality bread and drinks while gazing at the spectacular view of Lake Ashi.
The shop is divided into four areas:
- Footbath Terrace/Parlor (1F)
- Bakery (1F)
- Cafe (2F)
- Coffee Bar (3F)
I ate at the Footbath Terrace/Parlor, where I had the "Rice Flour Curry Donut" (a popular curry bread from the bakery with a whole egg inside) and a caramel latte from the parlor. Having breakfast while soaking my feet in the hot spring was an experience I had never had before, and it remains so vividly in my memory that I can still recall it clearly today.
Eating a meal in the fresh morning air is exceptional, and I ended up staying much longer than I had planned. Please make sure to visit with plenty of time to spare.
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Address: 9-1 Motohakone, Hakone-machi, Ashigarashimo-gun, Kanagawa Prefecture
Opening hours: 9:00-17:00
Closed: Irregular closures
Phone number: 0460-85-1530
Official website: https://www.bthjapan.com/hakone.php
