Hakone offers a wide variety of activities that appeal to visitors interested in culture, art, and natural scenery. The area is especially known for its museums, with the Hakone Open Air Museum being one of the most popular. This museum combines modern and contemporary sculptures with outdoor landscapes, allowing visitors to enjoy art while surrounded by mountains. Other museums in the area include glass, photography, and traditional art museums, making Hakone a strong destination for art lovers.
Hot springs are another major attraction and are closely tied to Hakone’s identity. The town has many onsen resorts, traditional ryokan inns, and public bathhouses that use naturally heated mineral water from underground sources. Visiting an onsen is an important part of Japanese culture, and Hakone is one of the most accessible places for both locals and tourists to experience this tradition in a peaceful setting.
Hakone’s volcanic activity also creates unique sightseeing opportunities. Owakudani is a well known sulfur spring area where visitors can see steaming vents, smell sulfur in the air, and learn about the region’s geothermal history. The area is famous for black eggs boiled in sulfur rich waters, which are said to bring good luck. These natural features, combined with cultural and recreational activities, make Hakone a diverse and memorable travel destination.