Many splendid views of Mt. Fuji can be found around the Hakone area. Each viewpoint shows a different profile of the famous mountain and the surrounding areas are also worth exploring for the diverse historical and natural sites.
Hakone Skyline Road
The Hakone Skyline Road runs along Hakone’s western peaks and is popular with motorists for the views of Mt. Fuji, Lake Ashi, and the Hakone mountains. This is a toll road that has fixed open hours. The Skyline also has a teahouse and observation deck for drivers to stop at. Mt. Fuji is viewable for almost the entire drive when travelling from south to north. The Hakone Skyline runs for 14km and can be covered in about 30 minutes.
Mt. Kintoki
The views from the top of Mt. Kintoki of Mt. Fuji are one of the best in Japan. The top of Mt. Kintoki is close to Mt. Fuji with a clear line of sight. The top of the mountain is reached by a moderate 2-3 hour hike from Sengokuhara. Another highlight of the mountain is its close connection with the famous Japanese legend of Kintaro. Kintaro was a boy raised in nature with animals who became a famous samurai. There are sights along the trail that are connected with his story.
Take the Hakone Tozan Bus bound for Togendai from Hakone Yumoto station and get off at Sengoku Annaijo-mae. Transfer to the buses bound for Gotemba Premium Outlets or Gotemba, and get off at Kintoki Jinja Iriguchi. It is an approximately 2 hour hike from Kintoki Jinja Iriguchi to the top.
Otome Pass
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The Otome Pass is a hiling course located on the western crest of the Hakone caldera on the border between Hakone and Gotemba, Shizuoka. This trail and observation deck are also connected to the Mt. Kintoki hiking course and can also be accessed from the Otome-toge bus stop.
Take the Hakone Tozan Bus bound for Togendai from Hakone Yumoto station and get off at Sengokuannaijo -mae. Change to the buses bound for Gotemba Premium Outlets or Gotemba, get off at Otome Toge, and it’s a 1-minute walk from Otome Toge.
Moto-Hakone
This area on the south side of Lake Ashi was once considered the center of the Hakone area and has many interesting historical and cultural sites in addition to the views of Mt. Fuji. The iconic photo of Mt Fuji, Lake Ashi, and the bright red torii shrine gates on the lake is taken from here. If the weather conditions are favorable you can glimpse the famous Sakasa-fuji, a mirror reflection of Mt. Fuji off of Lake Ashi. Viewing Mt. Fuji from the Japanese gardens of Onshi Park is also worthwhile.
Owakudani
Owakudani is the geological centerpiece of Hakone. Many visitors ride the Hakone Ropeway to see the volcanic steaming vents of the area. Owakudani has good views of Mt. Fuji looking over the mountains of Hakone crater. Owakudani is easily accessible by car or ropeway from Sounzan Station in Gora or Togendai Station near Kojiri on Lake Ashi.
Mt. Komagatake
Mt. Komagatake is one of Hakone’s highest peaks at 1,356m and has commanding views of Mt. Fuji, Sagami Bay, and the city of Odawara. In addition to the views, Mt. Komagatake has an interesting history. The mountain was created by a volcanic eruption around 40,000 years ago and there has been a shrine at the top of Mt. Komagatake for more than 1200 years. The top of Mt. Komagatake can be easily reached by ropeway from the Hakone-en complex on Lake Ashi.
Mt. Taikan
Mt. Taikan is a high peak between Hakone and Yugawara that overlooks Lake Ashi with Mt. Fuji in the background. Mt. Taikan is also famous as a location for the game Wangan Midnight because of the forested mountain roads leading to the top. There is an observation deck with a restaurant, the Taikanzan Skylounge, at the top where many people come to enjoy a drive. The route is also popular for the seasonal blooms of hydrangea and cherry blossom.
Take the Hakone Tozan Bus bound for Moto-Hakone-ko from Yugawara station or take the Izu Hakone Bus bound for Moto-Hakone and get off at Daikanzan.
