Japan — Kanagawa
Is it safe to travel to Hakone?
Check current travel and volcanic-area guidance for Hakone. Plan for Owakudani access rules, onsen safety and mountain roads, alongside ordinary precautions.
General planning guidance · Check current advisories · iLuxuryTravels Editorial
UK and US travel advice may differ by region and route. These notes are not a live advisory. Check the current UK advice for Japan and your own government’s advice before booking and departure.
Latest UK government update (28 August 2026): “Addition of information about flooding and heavy rain ('Safety and security' page).” Source: GOV.UK
Our UK advice summary (checked 26 October 2026): No recent history of terrorism, but attacks cannot be ruled out. Heavy rain and flooding warnings were in force in 2026; follow local alerts.
Hakone includes resort areas within a national park. Take ordinary precautions with belongings and check Owakudani access notices: gas levels and volcanic activity can prompt restrictions. Seek medical advice before visiting geothermal areas if you have respiratory or heart conditions.
Onsen bathing has its own safety rules. Hot-spring water commonly runs around 40–43C; long soaks cause fainting, and alcohol before bathing makes it likelier. Twenty minutes, plenty of water, and no bathing straight after dinner and drinks is the local rule. Guests with tattoos should book a room with a private bath rather than relying on communal facilities.
The roads are the last consideration: steep, tight switchbacks with fog rolling in during the afternoon and snow in midwinter. Use the trains, the Romancecar and taxis rather than a hire car, particularly at night.
Hakone safety: the questions people actually ask
- Is it safe to travel to Hakone?
- Check current travel and volcanic-area notices, take normal precautions with belongings, respect access restrictions at Owakudani and follow onsen bathing rules.
- Is the volcanic activity in Hakone dangerous?
- It is monitored continuously and access is restricted when gas or seismic readings rise. Follow posted closures at Owakudani and avoid the area if you have respiratory or heart conditions.
- Is onsen bathing safe?
- Yes, with sense: limit soaks to around twenty minutes, drink water before and after, avoid bathing after alcohol, and step out at the first sign of light-headedness.
- Can I use a Hakone onsen with tattoos?
- Many communal baths still refuse tattoos. Book a room or ryokan with a private open-air bath, which is standard at the upper end of the market and removes the issue.
- Is Hakone safe to visit in winter?
- Yes, and it is the clearest season for Mount Fuji. Roads can ice over and fog is common, so travel by train and Romancecar and leave the driving to local taxis.
Where to stay in Hakone.
The houses we hold here with nightly rates and photographs, and live hotel and rental prices from our booking partners.