Mount Hakone

Mount Hakone is an active volcano in Kanagawa Prefecture that rises to 1438 meters (4718 feet) and spans several municipalities. The terrain includes two overlapping calderas with many lava domes and steam vents.

Two major eruptions around 180000 years ago and between 49000 and 60000 years ago shaped the present-day calderas. Later volcanic activity created several lava domes and the current landscape with its geothermal features.

The mountain is known for its influence on hot spring culture and feeds the many bathing resorts in the surrounding area. Visitors often see steam clouds above the terrain, a sign of the deep geothermal activity beneath the surface.

A cable car system connects Sounzan station to Togendai station with a stop at Owakudani. The weather can change quickly, so bring warm clothing and good footwear even in summer.

Ancient landslides within the calderas formed Lake Ashi, which now sits between the southwestern caldera wall and several younger lava domes. The lake mirrors the surrounding mountain and provides a calm contrast to the active volcanic environment.

Location: Hakone

Location: Susono

Location: Gotemba

Location: Mishima

Location: Yugawara

Location: Minamiashigara

Location: Odawara

Location: Oyama

Location: Manazuru

Location: Kannami

Elevation above the sea: 1,438 m

Part of: Top 100 Geological Sites in Japan

GPS coordinates: 35.23000,139.02389

Latest update: December 13, 2025 19:15