Hakone
Can You See Mt. Fuji from Hakone? What to Expect in Bad Weather - A Quick Summary
I visited Hakone twice and planned to see Mt. Fuji, but was blocked by weather and wildfire smoke.
The Hakone Free Pass is the best way to get around and includes most transport.
Don’t miss Lake Ashi, Hakone Shrine, and Onshi-Hakone Park, even if the views are cloudy.
Upgrading to first class on the Pirate Ship and the Romance Car is highly recommended.
This post shares personal travel tips, alternate routes, and what to do when the Hakone Ropeway is closed.
I’ve had the pleasure of visiting Japan twice—once in summer 2018 and again in spring 2025—and both times, seeing Mt. Fuji from Hakone was high on my priority list. Sadly, weather issues had other plans. Despite careful planning and a lot of excitement, inclement weather and later smoke from wildfires blocked those postcard-perfect views of Mt. Fuji I had been dreaming about.
Can You See Mt. Fuji from Hakone? What to Expect in Bad Weather - Table of Contents
Updated – April 12, 2025
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- A Quick Summary
- My First Visit to Hakone (2018): Thunderstorms and Rain
- Staying in Hakone Overnight: Second Try at Seeing Mt. Fuji (2025)
- Using the Hakone Free Pass: What’s Included and How to Get Around
- What to Do When the Hakone Ropeway Is Closed
- Hakonemachi and Onshi-Hakone Park
- Hakone Shrine and Torii of Peace
- Ropeway Reopens, But Mt. Fuji Stays Hidden: My Journey Back to Hakone-Yumoto
- One Last Shot at Seeing Mt. Fuji – And a Surprise in Shinjuku
- What I Learned About Hakone and Mt. Fuji
- Hakone Tours and Packages
- Support Buzzin’ Around the World – Visit Our Affiliates
- Earning Points and Rewards
- Related Content
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My First Visit to Hakone (2018): Thunderstorms and Rain
In 2018, I planned a day trip to the Hakone area from Tokyo. I left early and caught the Shinkansen to Odawara Station, followed by a local train to Hakone-Yumoto Station, arriving by 9:00 AM. The moment I stepped off the train, I was greeted by a thunderstorm. Service on the Hakone Tozan Cable Car and Hakone Ropeway had already been suspended.
Still hopeful, I rode the Hakone Tozan Railway to Gora Station, thinking things might resume. I waited at Gora for hours, but it became clear nothing would be running that day. Not knowing about the available bus options at the time, I retraced my steps and returned to Tokyo. And even if I had gotten to Lake Ashi, the Hakone Pirate Ships weren’t running either. With the thick storm clouds, Mt. Fuji wouldn’t have been visible anyway.
Staying in Hakone Overnight: Second Try at Seeing Mt. Fuji (2025)
For my return trip in March 2025, I decided to spend two nights in Hakone to give myself a bigger window of opportunity. This time, I arrived directly from Narita Airport. I bought the Hakone Free Pass (6100 Yen for 2 days with Shinjuku transport), and paid extra for the Hakone Limited Express Romance Car, which requires seat reservations and has a 1200 Yen surcharge for Hakone Free Pass holders. Tickets for the Romance Car can be purchased from an agent or kiosk at Shinjuku Station, and the upgrade cuts 40 minutes off the travel time. That upgrade was worth it—the ride was smooth and scenic.
I stayed just steps from the station at the cozy Yumoto Station Hotel MIRAHAKONE—perfect for a solo traveler like me. For those looking to relax, I recommend one of Hakone’s famous onsen hotels.
Using the Hakone Free Pass: What’s Included and How to Get Around
I used my pass for a trial run the afternoon I arrived:
Hakone Tozan Railway to Gora Station (40 minutes, three switchbacks!)
Hakone Tozan Cable Car to Sōunzan Station (10 minutes)
Hakone Ropeway to Ōwakudani Station—just in time to catch geothermal views before the 4:45 PM closing
Note: The Hakone Ropeway runs from Sōunzan to Togendai Station, with stops at Ōwakudani and Ubako. Everyone must transfer at Ōwakudani Station.
I also visited Hakone Gora Park (free entry with the Hakoke Free Pass) but was a bit too early for cherry blossom season. I returned to my hotel and set my alarm for an early start.
What to Do When the Hakone Ropeway Is Closed
The next morning, I learned the Ropeway was closed due to high winds. Thankfully, I discovered there was bus service between the Ropeway stops. The Izu-Hakone Bus doesn’t accept the Hakone Free Pass, but I paid with my mobile Suica using my iPhone.
I rode all the way to Togendai Station, where the Pirate Ships depart on Lake Ashi. A second-class ticket is included with the Hakone Free Pass, but I highly recommend upgrading to first class for 700 Yen—you’ll have much more space and better views.
During my visit, the ships were only stopping at Hakonemachi, but they were still running. You can find more details on the Hakone Sightseeing Cruise website.
As the boat left Togendai, Mt. Fuji finally came into view! I couldn’t believe it. The closer we got to Hakonemachi, the better the view. After all these years, I was finally seeing Mt. Fuji—even if a bit smoky.
Hakonemachi and Onshi-Hakone Park
I disembarked and walked around Lake Ashi, taking in the views. I then explored Onshi-Hakone Park, where I was lucky enough to see Mt. Fuji visible at first The park offered amazing viewpoints, but by the time I reached the exit, Mt. Fuji was almost completely obscured by smoke from wildfires.
Hakone Shrine and Torii of Peace
I continued walking to Motohakone and visited Hakone Shrine, taking my time to enjoy the peaceful trails. Be sure to walk down to the lakeshore to see the Torii of Peace—it’s iconic. Even without Fuji in the background, the scene was beautiful.
Ropeway Reopens, But Mt. Fuji Stays Hidden: My Journey Back to Hakone-Yumoto
By afternoon, the wind had calmed and the Ropeway and Pirate Ships resumed full service. I repeated the Ropeway journey back toward Sōunzan, but the views were lost to the smoke. The segment between Togendai and Ubako is supposed to be the best for Fuji views—but I saw only gray.
I made my way back to Hakone-Yumoto Station, reflecting on what could’ve been.
One Last Shot at Seeing Mt. Fuji – And a Surprise in Shinjuku
I checked out of my hotel, checked the forecast, and stored my luggage—hoping to try one last time. But Fuji was still hidden. So I took the Romance Car back to Shinjuku Station, where I was met with a final gift—cherry blossoms blooming at Shinjuku Gyoen.
What I Learned About Hakone and Mt. Fuji
Mt. Fuji isn’t always visible, no matter how much planning you do.
Weather and wildfire smoke can disrupt transportation and views.
Still—Hakone is absolutely worth visiting, with or without Fuji.
From onsen baths to pirate ships, switchback trains to volcanic views, there’s more to Hakone than just one mountain.
Hakone Tours and Packages
Hakone can easily be toured without on your own without a guide. I did not feel that a guide was needed to enhance my experience, especially as a savvy traveler. Despite the ease of getting around Hakone without a guide, I know some people still prefer to tour with the help of a local expert.
In the section below, I have linked various tours of the Hakone area. Please note that I am an affiliate of Viator. If you purchase a tour using one of my links, I will receive a small commission. This commission is at no additional cost to you.
 1 Day private Tour in Hakone with Hakone Freepass & Train Ticket - $105.37 Discover Hakone at your own pace with our private self-guided tour! This package includes a limited express train ticket from Tokyo Station to Odawara Station and a Hakone Free Pass, covering fares for most facilities in Hakone. Here are some recommended ways to make the most of your time: |
 Custom Private Tour in Hakone with a Certified Local Guide - $300.00 Hakone is one of the most popular destinations in Japan. This tour is led by a professional local guide and completely customized based upon your request. In this tour, visit many great attractions in just one day including Hakone Yosegi Zaiku, 1266 years old Hakone Shrine and more. Take a break at one of the oldest tea houses in Hakone and enjoy a cup of Amazake or other beverage while feeling completely relaxed in the beautiful environment of Hakone. |
 Exciting Hakone - One Day Tour from Tokyo - $210.74 Hakone is one of the best sightseeing spots with twenty five thousand tons of hot spring water and 20 kinds of hot springs. |
 Hakone one day tour - $168.59 Hakone is a famous hot spring resort and Fuji view spot just an hour away from Tokyo. Let us enjoy varied sceneries made by the active volcano. |
 Best Mt Fuji and Hakone Full-Day Bus Tour from Tokyo - $228.30 On this bus tour, you can visit the must-go sightseeing spots around Mt Fuji and Hakone and enjoy stunning and memorable viewing! |
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