Areas to Avoid in Hakone
Japan
|🛡️ SafeHonest 2026 safety guide for travellers visiting Hakone. Which areas need extra caution, common scams to watch for, and safe neighbourhoods to stay instead.
Last updated: March 2026
Skip the risky areas. Compare hotels in safe neighbourhoods on Expedia.
Hakone is generally Safe
1 area to be aware of · Best areas to stay: Gora, Hakone-Yumoto, Lake Ashi (Ashinoko)
Travel Insurance for Hakone
SafetyWing Nomad Insurance. Medical cover from $45/month, designed for travellers. 10% back if unused.
Quick tip: Most tourist areas in Hakone are safe. This guide covers areas locals recommend avoiding.
Areas That Need Extra Caution
These areas are not necessarily dangerous, but travellers should be more aware
Areas far from main transport hubs without planned activities
Can lead to significant travel time and difficulty accessing attractions, especially without a car.
🛡️ Stay here instead: Gora
A charming mountain resort town known for its art museums and hot springs.
Our Top 5 Favourite Tours in Hakone
Now you know which areas to avoid, here are the best guided experiences to explore the city with confidence.
Hakone Walking Tour: Highlights & Hidden Gems
Discover Hakone on foot with a local guide who knows every backstreet and story. You will cover the must-see landmarks and stumble upon places most visitors never find.
View Tour Details
Hakone Food Tour: Street Food & Local Favourites
Eat your way through Hakone with a local foodie as your guide. From bustling markets to tucked-away restaurants, taste the dishes the city is truly known for.
View Tour Details
Best of Hakone: Skip-the-Line Top Attractions
Skip the queues and get straight into Hakone's top attractions with pre-booked access. An expert guide brings each site to life with stories and context you would not get on your own.
View Tour Details
Day Trip from Hakone: Scenic Excursion
Escape Hakone for the day and explore the stunning surroundings. Transport, guide, and itinerary are all sorted so you can relax and enjoy the scenery.
View Tour Details
Hakone Cultural Experience: History & Traditions
Go beyond sightseeing and connect with Hakone's living culture. From hands-on workshops to historic neighbourhood walks, this is the side of the city most travellers miss.
View Tour DetailsWe earn a small commission if you book through these links, at no extra cost to you. This helps us keep FindYourStay free.
Stay Safe, Explore Confidently
Book a hotel in a safe neighbourhood or join a guided tour in Hakone
Stay in a safe neighbourhood
Compare hotels in Hakone on Expedia
Book a guided tour
Explore Hakone safely with a local guide
We earn a small commission if you book through these links, at no extra cost to you.
Book a Hotel in a Safe Neighbourhood
These areas are recommended by locals and popular with travellers
Gora
A charming mountain resort town known for its art museums and hot springs.
Generally very safe; stick to well-lit paths at night.
Hakone-Yumoto
The bustling gateway to Hakone, offering a mix of souvenir shops, restaurants, and onsen.
Safe during the day; some areas can be dimly lit and quiet at night, be aware of surroundings.
General Safety Tips for Hakone
At Night
Stick to well-lit, populated areas, especially around hotels and main streets. Some mountain roads and paths can be dark and deserted.
Solo Female Travel
Hakone is generally very safe for solo female travelers. Standard precautions like being aware of your surroundings and avoiding isolated areas late at night are sufficient.
Emergency Number
110 (Police), 119 (Fire/Ambulance)
Stay Connected
Save your accommodation address and emergency contacts on your phone. Download offline maps before exploring.
Common Scams to Watch For in Hakone
- 1Overpriced souvenirs in tourist-heavy areas.
- 2Misleading information regarding transport options if not using the Hakone Free Pass.
Travel Insurance for Hakone
SafetyWing Nomad Insurance. Medical cover from $45/month, designed for travellers. 10% back if unused.
Safe Neighborhoods to Stay Instead
These areas are popular with travellers and rated well for safety
Gora
A charming mountain resort town known for its art museums and hot springs.
Generally very safe; stick to well-lit paths at night.
Hakone-Yumoto
The bustling gateway to Hakone, offering a mix of souvenir shops, restaurants, and onsen.
Safe during the day; some areas can be dimly lit and quiet at night, be aware of surroundings.
Lake Ashi (Ashinoko)
A picturesque caldera lake offering stunning views of Mount Fuji and iconic pirate ship cruises.
Very safe; well-trafficked areas. Be cautious near the water's edge.
Safety in Hakone
SafeSolo Female Travel
Hakone is generally very safe for solo female travelers. Standard precautions like being aware of your surroundings and avoiding isolated areas late at night are sufficient.
At Night
Stick to well-lit, populated areas, especially around hotels and main streets. Some mountain roads and paths can be dark and deserted.
Emergency
110 (Police), 119 (Fire/Ambulance)
Common Scams to Watch For
- 1Overpriced souvenirs in tourist-heavy areas.
- 2Misleading information regarding transport options if not using the Hakone Free Pass.
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