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AREA GUIDE
Autumn Leaves in Hakone
THE SHORT ANSWERUpdated Sep 18, 2026
Hakone's foliage usually runs from late October into early December. It starts up high around Kintoki-yama, reaches the Lake Ashinoko shore in early November and Gora in mid-to-late November, then finishes in Hakone-Yumoto from late November into early December. No 2026 forecast had been published when we last checked.
Peak color by elevation
| AreaElevation | Usual peak |
|---|---|
| Kintoki-yama, Kamiyama, Kammuri-ga-takeHigh | From late October |
| Sengokuhara, Moto-Hakone, Lake AshinokoAround 700 m | Early November |
| Gora, Kowakidani, MiyanoshitaMid-slope | Mid-to-late November |
| Hakone-Yumoto, Tonosawa, OhiradaiLow | Late November to early December |
Events this season
Getting there and crowds
| From Shinjuku | Odakyu Romancecar to Hakone-Yumoto with no transfer, about 75 minutes on the fastest trains. Check the fare on Odakyu's fare search. |
|---|---|
| From Hakone-Yumoto | Hakone Tozan train to Gora, 460 yen one way. |
| Hakone Free Pass | From Shinjuku, valid for 2 days, 7,100 yen for adults. It usually pays for itself if you loop Hakone by train, ropeway and sightseeing cruise; if you're staying around Yumoto, single tickets come out cheaper. |
Owakudani and the Hakone Ropeway can change day to day: when volcanic gas levels rise, you may not be able to get off at Owakudani Station, and parts of the trails close. On the morning you go, check Hakone Navi's operating status and the Japan Meteorological Agency's alert level for Mt. Hakone.
On autumn weekends and holidays, Hakone-Yumoto Station, the Tozan train and the ropeway all get busy through the middle of the day. Hit the main spots early and work your way down toward Yumoto in the afternoon.
For this year's progress, check the Hakone Town Tourist Association.
Hotels
Staying in Hakone
Where to stay: around Hakone-Yumoto Station, Gora Station and Moto-Hakone Port
Links to booking sites include ads.
More on Hakone
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