Is Hakone worth it?

Worth it if…Lives up to the hype · −1Hot-spring mountain resort loop: ropeway over Ōwakudani's sulphur vents, Lake Ashi boats, Fuji views

Worth it, with conditions. Ropeway views earn praise (Ōwakudani Station 4.4), but the main Ōwakudani hub sits at 4.2 with crowd and weather complaints.

Hype51How famous and hyped it is

Reality50Evidence-based, votes take over as they come in

The gap−1Lives up to the hypeHow we score

4.2 ★ Google · 20,616 reviews— hypegap votes · be one of the first

Been to Hakone? Was it worth it?

One tap. No account. Your vote moves the Reality score.

Is it worth it for you?

Worth itEditorial verdict until 5 families with kids vote

Kids love the ropeway, steam vents and pirate ship; stations are clean and accessible.

Why Reality is 50

Lives up to its fame3/5Ropeway views earn praise (Ōwakudani Station 4.4), but the main Ōwakudani hub sits at 4.2 with crowd and weather complaints.

Value for money3/5Pass and transport add up for a day, but the ropeway, boat and onsen combo is a lot of variety.

Can’t get it elsewhere4/5Active volcanic valley plus onsen town is unlike anything in Tokyo; Fuji views alone you can get elsewhere.

Easy to do2/5Multi-leg loop vulnerable to wind closures, long queues and a single congested road out.

What people loved

Ropeway ride straight over Ōwakudani's steaming sulphur fields is surreal, with Mt. Fuji views on clear daysBlack eggs and black curry bread are a fun, cheap local snackLoop combines ropeway, Lake Ashi 'pirate ship' and buses on one passClean, well-run stations and reasonably priced souvenirs

What wore them down

Weather can shut the ropeway without warning and break your loop; some backup buses aren't covered by the passHuge crowds and long lines at peak times; very touristy at ŌwakudaniSingle road out of the area means traffic jams can cost hoursThe famous black eggs taste like ordinary boiled eggsGoogle 4.2 at the Ōwakudani hub is low for a marquee day trip

Know before you go

See something out of date? Fix it right here.

Booking: No reservations for the ropeway or boats; buy a Hakone Free Pass in advance if doing the full loop.

Ropeway (Ōwakudani Stn)Google lists 9:00–16:15 daily; the ropeway runs between Sōunzan and Tōgendai (Lake Ashi) via ŌwakudaniSource · Checked Oct 16, 2026

Weather closuresThe ropeway suspends in strong wind/bad weather; reviewers report sudden closures that broke their loop — check the forecast and have a backup bus routeSource · Checked Oct 16, 2026

Hakone Free PassThe ropeway is included in the Hakone Free Pass, but some buses run by other companies are not; pass prices not re-verified for this entrySource · Checked Oct 16, 2026

ŌwakudaniSteaming sulphur vents, black eggs boiled in the hot springs (cash payment reported), a small ¥100 exhibit on the mountain's history, shops and noodle stalls; info centre 9:00–16:30Source · Checked Oct 16, 2026

Getting thereVia Odawara (Shinkansen station); there is essentially one road out of the crater area to Odawara, and traffic jams can strand buses — rail times from Shinjuku/Tokyo not re-verified for this entrySource · Checked Oct 16, 2026

CrowdsVery long ropeway lines on holidays (e.g. Golden Week) and late afternoons; go earlySource · Checked Oct 16, 2026

Time neededA full day for the loop; overnight with an onsen is more relaxedSource: Google reviews · Checked Oct 16, 2026

Opening hours (Google)

Monday: 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Thursday: 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Friday: 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Saturday: 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Sunday: 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM

In their words

“Huge crowds and ages in line.”

Craig Dcruz · Google review · 3 months ago

“You really need to check the weather carefully on the day you activate your pass.”

Jlx B · Google review · 5 months ago

“Passing over Owakudani is something else — you’re right above the sulphur fields with steam rising all around you.”

Outback Polaks · Google review · 5 months ago

“It does not taste any different than a regular hard boiled egg other than the egg shells are black.”

GANGIS · Google review · 7 months ago

Tips from people who went

No tips yet. Be the first to share one.

One thing people should know

0/400 · no links · posts right away

Questions people ask

Is the Hakone Ropeway included in the Hakone Free Pass?

Yes, reviewers confirm the ropeway is covered; some buses run by other companies are not.

What happens if the Hakone Ropeway is closed?

It suspends in strong wind or bad weather; reviewers had to switch to buses, some not covered by the pass. Check the weather before activating your pass.

What are the Hakone Ropeway hours?

Google lists Ōwakudani Station as 9:00–16:15 daily.

Are Ōwakudani black eggs worth trying?

They're a fun ritual and still warm, but reviewers say they taste like ordinary boiled eggs; only the shell is black.

Can you see Mt. Fuji from Hakone?

On clear days, from the ropeway and Ōwakudani; clouds often hide it.

Better fits, according to people who went

Worth itReality 71 +39Mount Takao★ 4.5Day trips · HikeCheaper, closer nature day with a cable car and Fuji views on clear days.

Worth it if…Reality 59 +12Mt. Fuji day tour★ 4.6Day trips · ToursCloser to Fuji itself if the mountain view is the goal.

Worth it if…Reality 65 −2Nikkō Tōshō-gū★ 4.5Day trips · Sacred siteAnother mountain day trip, with world-class shrines instead of volcanic scenery.

Sources

Verdict by The Hype Gap editors. No one paid for it. Facts checked Oct 16, 2026. How we score · Standards