Hakone Foliage 2025｜Senbihara Mango, Lake Ashi, and Aerial Ropeway: A complete guide to the best time to see and the must-see photos

Hakone Leaf 2025｜Senbihara Mango, Lake Ashi, and Sky Ropeways

Want to enjoy the most classic fall colors in the suburbs of Tokyo? Hakone AnnualEarly to mid-NovemberWelcome to the peak of foliage fromSenjihara, capital of JapanThe golden manzanita (スキ) to theLake Ashi (Lake Ashinoko)Lake view, thenHakone Sky Ropeway (ロープウェイ)Overlooking the stunning volcanic terrain of the Owakudani Valley, you can't get enough of the varied scenery in one day. This article focuses on the traveler's route, and compilesBest Time to Visit, Transportation, and HighlightsTraveling with the surrounding area will help you grasp the most beautiful moment of the red leaves.

Hakone Gora Park (Hakone Gora Park/Hakone Gora Park)

Optimal viewing period:The historical garden opened in 1914 can be enjoyed in the fall from early to mid-November.Autumn Roses與Maple RedThe show is a dream come true. If you would like to enjoy the maples in peace, we recommend the Bunkaizai Tea House "Shirokumo-do Teahouse" to experience the quiet beauty of the Japanese style.

• Address:1300 Gora, Hakone-machi, Ashigara-Shimogun, Kanagawa Prefecture
• Open:March-November 09:00-17:00 (last admission 16:30); December-February 09:30-16:30 (last admission 16:00)
• Rest Garden:Closed on 1/1, 3rd Monday in January and 1st Monday in September.
• Tickets:Adults: 650 yen; Free with a Hakone Transportation Ticket (e.g., Hakone Free Pass); Free for elementary school students and younger
• Traffic:Hakone Mountain TrainKeung Lo StationTransfer to cable car for about 3 minutes toPark Lower StationAbout 2 minutes walk; TomeiGotemba ICAbout 30 minutes
• Parking:Yes (fee)

Hayakawa Bridge/Izan Iron Bridge (Hayakawa Bridge/Izan Iron Bridge/Hayakawa Bridge)

Optimal viewing period:Early to late November of every year. The contrast between the green steel bridge and the red maple color of the valley makes it the most photogenic spot along the Hakone mountain train route. As the train crosses the bridge only for a moment, it is recommended to take pictures of the decisive moment when the train enters the frame from the window or outside the line.

• Location Reference:Tanozawa - Large platform area
• Traffic:Hakone-Yumoto Station: Approx. 5 min. by Hakone Tozan Bus, approx. 3 min. on foot from Izayama Bus Stop; Odawara Atsugi RoadHakoneguchi ICAbout 12 points
• Remarks:The bridge itself is free to visit; passes according to the operating hours of the mountaineering tram.

Sengokuhara Kogen (Sengokuhara Plateau/Sengokuhara Kogen)

Optimal viewing period:Manzanita (スキ) late September to early November; hillside foliage mostly welcomes the peak in early November. Golden Yellowarnebia (plant genus in family Boraginaceae)The red leaves of the distant mountains form a carpet of autumn colors, which is especially beautiful when photographed against the light in the morning and evening. There are museums, hot springs and restaurants in the surrounding area, so it is recommended to arrange for more than half a day.

• Address:Senshihara, Hakone-machi, Ashigara-Shimogun, Kanagawa Prefecture
• Open:whole day
• Traffic:Hakone-Yumoto Station is about 30 minutes by mountain bus from Sengoku Kogen.Gotemba ICAbout 25 points
• Parking:Temporary free parking is available in the fall (September-November; availability and period vary from year to year, so check before you go).

Hakone Glass no Mori Museum of Art (Hakone Glass no Mori Museum of Art/Hakone Glass no Mori)

Optimal viewing period:The garden is open from early October to mid-November every year. The European-style garden overlooks the Hakone mountain range in red leaves, and the garden is characterized byCrystal Glass ManzanitaThe installation (about 300 plants with a total of about 30,000 crystals) shines brightly against the maple red.

• Address:940-48 Senishihara, Hakone-machi, Ashigara-Shimogun, Kanagawa Prefecture
• Time:10:00-17:30 (Last admission 17:00)
• Restaurants:Approximately 11 days from the day following January Adult Day each year (Example: 2026/1/13-1/23)
• Tickets:Adults 1,800 yen / High school and college students 1,300 yen / Elementary and junior high school students 600 yen
• Traffic:Hakone-Yumoto Station: 25 min by mountain bus; 1 min walk from Tawarayamaishi / Hakone Glass Forest; TomeiGotemba ICAbout 20 minutes
• Parking:Yes (500 yen)

Changanji Temple (長安寺／Choanji Temple)

Optimal viewing period:Early to late November of every year. The autumn colors from the mountain gate to the back of the mountain are a perfect contrast to the evergreen forest. Scattered throughout the area, the lively expressions of theFive Hundred Lohan StatuesHundreds of them give the maple trail a human touch.

• Address:82 Senshihara, Hakone-machi, Ashigara-Shimogun, Kanagawa Prefecture
• Open:Until evening closing time (seasonally adjusted)
• Fees:Free of charge
• Traffic:Hakone-Yumoto Station: 2 min. walk from Sengoku bus stop (about 24 min. by hiking bus); HigashinaGotemba ICAbout 17 minutes.
• Parking:None (coin-operated parking lot nearby)

Hakone Aerial Ropeway / Hakone Ropeway (Hakone ropeway Sounsan Station / Hakone Ropeway)

Optimal viewing period:Routine year mid to late November. SinceMorning Cloud MountainUplink crossingTai Chung Valley (area in Hong Kong)The first step of the journey is to go to a place where you can enjoy the white smoke of the volcanic terrain and the red foliage of the mountain slopes at the same time.Shangri-laFrom there, you can see the Golden Ridge and Lake Ashinoko, and on a good day, you can see Mt.

• Address:1300 Gora, Hakone-machi, Ashigara-Shimogun, Kanagawa Prefecture
• Time:February-November 09:00-16:45; December-January 09:00-16:15 (according to the official website)
• Fares:Adults: 1,500 yen one-way / 2,500 yen round-trip; Children: 500 yen one-way / 800 yen round-trip.
• Traffic:Hakone Mountain TrainKeung Lo StationAbout 10 minutes to the cable car.Sowunsan StationApprox. 20 minutes from Odawara West Interchange
• Parking:Yes (free)

Kojiri Parkland (湖尻園地／Kojiri Parkland)

Optimal viewing period:Early to mid-November every year. Tranquil meadows, walking paths, andVisitor Centers (Budget Centers)Stringed together, it mixes the orange and red of maple and kitsune with the deep green of coniferous forests, making it a perfect place to slow down with a picnic mat.

• Address:164 Motohakone, Hakone-cho, Ashigara-Shimogun, Kanagawa Prefecture
• Open:whole day
• Traffic:Hakone-Yumoto Station: approx. 40 minutes by mountain bus, approx. 5 minutes on foot from Momoyendai bus stop; TomeiGotemba ICApprox. 36 minutes
• Parking:Yes (free of charge, Momoyendai/Hakone Visitor Center Parking)

Lake Ashi (芦の湖／芦ノ湖／Lake Ashi)

Optimal viewing period:In early November of the current year, a highland lake was formed by a volcanic eruption about 3,000 years ago. A highland lake formed by a volcanic eruption about 3,000 years ago. You can takeSightseeing CruiseThe view of Mt. Fuji and the foliage along the lake shore is a classic viewpoint of Hakone. The lake is surrounded by shrines, art museums, and hot springs, making it a perfect place for a full day of sightseeing.

• Scope:Hakone town around Motohakone
• Open:Sunrise - Sunset (Lakefront Trail hours vary by area)
• Traffic:Approx. 35 minutes by mountain bus from Hakone-Yumoto Station. Approx. 5 minutes on foot from Motohakone Port.Hakone Kokuji ICAbout 10 points
• Parking:Many free/paid parking lots around the lake

Odakyu Yamano Hotel (Odakyu Yamano Hotel / Odakyu Yamano Hotel)

Optimal viewing period:The hotel is open from late October to mid-November every year. The garden of the hotel is equipped with aRed Leaf Trail"Inside the museum, you can see Lake Ashi, and in the garden, you can see Mt. LakesidePremium Shop & Salon de Thé RosageBoth the "Spa" and the in-house spa are available.Same Day Round TripUse.

• Address:80 Motohakone, Hakone-machi, Ashigara-Shimogun, Kanagawa Prefecture
• Open:All day in the whole district; 09:00-16:30 in the garden
• Traffic:Hakone-Yumoto Station: approx. 35 minutes by mountain bus; Moto-Hakone Port: approx. 15 minutes on foot (shuttle bus available at Moto-Hakone Port); Hakone ShindoShuyunkawa ICAbout 20 minutes
• Parking:Yes (free)

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Pre-trip Steps

• Real-time status:The red leaves are affected by temperature and weather, so please refer to the official website or SNS of each facility for the latest announcement before traveling.
• Shooting Advice:Senjihara, capital of JapanAfter sunrise until morningBacklighting is the most beautiful; the Tai Chung Valley section is prone to haveDense fog and strong windsPlease bring a jacket and mask.
• Transportation Tickets:Recommended for multiple viewpoints in seriesHakone Free PassSave your time and money with a weekly travel pass.

Conclusion

The beauty of Hakone's foliage is thatLandscape Diversity: Lake, mountain, volcanic terrain and European-style gardens all at once. GraspEarly to mid-NovemberDuring the peak period, the route will beSenjigahara → Gora / Sounsan → Lake AwanokoTraveling along, you can easily collect the most satisfying "Fall Color Album" of the year.