When the autumn breeze sweeps through Tokyo, the mountains of Hakone’s outskirts gradually turn red and gold. Hakone is not only famous for its hot springs but also beloved for its beautiful scenery across the four seasons. From late October to mid-November, valleys, lakes, and gardens are all adorned with autumn foliage, creating picturesque landscapes. Just an hour and a half from bustling Tokyo, travelers can step into a healing world where autumn leaves and hot springs intertwine.

Lake Ashinoko 

Lake Ashinoko was formed about 3,000 years ago by an eruption of Mount Hakone and has since become the region’s most iconic sight. The vast, clear waters are surrounded by mountains, while the lakeside “Hakone Shrine” and its striking red torii gate add a mystical atmosphere against the autumn colors. In fall, maple and cedar trees paint the lakeshore in vibrant layers. Taking a ride on the replica “pirate ship” cruise allows visitors to admire Mount Fuji framed with autumn leaves, while also experiencing Hakone’s long history as a healing retreat since the Edo period.

Gora Park

Built in 1914, Gora Park is Japan’s first French-style garden, founded by an entrepreneur of the Meiji era. Its rose garden, fountain plaza, and traditional tea house create a unique blend of Western and Japanese aesthetics. In autumn, the park’s ginkgo trees and maple leaves gradually turn golden and red, layering the garden like a painting. Visitors can enjoy seasonal flowers in the greenhouse or experience Japanese tea culture in the tea house, appreciating the harmony of “classic gardens × autumn foliage.”

Hakone Open-Air Museum 

Opened in 1969, this was Japan’s first open-air art museum, covering more than 70,000 square meters. The collection includes sculptures by world masters such as Picasso, Henry Moore, and Miró, displayed across lawns, valleys, and forest trails. In autumn, golden and fiery-red leaves scatter around the sculptures, blending modern art with natural scenery into a giant artistic park. With interactive exhibits for families, visitors can enjoy both the artistic atmosphere and the refreshing autumn breeze.

Hakone Yumoto Onsen Town

As Hakone’s oldest hot spring area, Hakone Yumoto’s history dates back to the Nara period, once serving as a retreat for warriors and monks. Today, the hot spring town stretches along the Hayakawa River, lined with century-old inns, shops, and Japanese confectionery stores. In autumn, strolling the town allows visitors to enjoy foot baths and open-air hot springs, while sampling seasonal sweets made with chestnuts and sweet potatoes, as well as the famous “onsen manju,” regarded as a symbol of happiness. At night, some inns illuminate their gardens with “autumn leaf lanterns,” creating a romantic atmosphere of red leaves glowing in the steam of the hot springs.

Recommended Itineraries

One-Day Trip
From Shinjuku → Stroll through Hakone Yumoto Onsen Town (foot baths, wagashi) → Autumn leaves at Gora Park → Lake Ashinoko cruise → Return to Tokyo in the evening

Two-Day Trip
Day 1: Shinjuku → Hakone Yumoto → Hakone Open-Air Museum → Gora Park → Stay at a hot spring ryokan (enjoy open-air baths and seasonal cuisine)
Day 2: Lake Ashinoko cruise → Owakudani (taste the “black eggs”) → Stroll through Odawara Castle → Tokyo

Transportation

• Odakyu Romancecar: Direct from Shinjuku to Hakone Yumoto in about 1.5 hours.
• Hakone Free Pass: Includes trains, buses, cable cars, and cruises, ideal for planning one- or two-day trips.
  For a more carefree experience, travelers can book transport, itineraries, and guide services through Kingtai Travel, ensuring a smooth and worry-free journey.

With autumn leaves coloring the mountains and soothing hot spring steam in the air, Hakone reveals its most enchanting charm in fall. Here, ancient hot spring culture meets artistic resonance with nature, making it a destination where both one-day visits and leisurely two-day stays create unforgettable healing memories of autumn.