Best Time To Visit Hakone

Best Time to Visit Hakone, Japan

The ideal time to delve into the scenic beauty of Hakone is during the spring months of April to June and the autumn period from September to November. Spring in Hakone is a celebration of floral splendor, with the weather being pleasantly mild and the cherry blossoms painting the town in soft pinks. The season provides a perfect backdrop for visiting the Hakone Open-Air Museum or enjoying a leisurely cruise on Lake Ashi. Additionally, spring marks the occurrence of the Golden Week, a series of national holidays at the end of April and beginning of May, which brings a festive mood but also crowds and higher prices.

Autumn invites you with a kaleidoscope of colors as the surrounding hills blaze with red, orange, and yellow leaves, making it an exceptional time for leaf-peeping and outdoor activities such as hiking around the park of Owakudani. The crisp weather of autumn is also ideal for taking a dip in one of the many onsen (hot springs) that Hakone is famous for. While it's typically less crowded than during the spring, the weekends can still attract visitors keen to witness the fall foliage, so booking accommodations in advance is recommended.