Hakone is a stunning area of Japan. It’s known for its natural beauty, volcanic activity and, of course, the views of Mount Fuji. Due to its location, the Mishima Skywalk is often skipped by visitors to the Hakone area. However, it offers some of the best views of Mount Fuji that Hakone has to offer.
The Mishima Skywalk is a 400-meter-long bridge in Hakone. It takes visitors over to a park full of adventure activities. It’s Japan’s longest pedestrian suspension bridge. Even without the Fuji views, walking across the bridge is a fun activity.
During my three days in Hakone, I made it my mission to find the most beautiful views of Mount Fuji. Mishima Skywalk did not disappoint, and it’s included in my post on the best places to see Mount Fuji from Hakone.
In this guide, I’ve shared information on visiting Mishima Skywalk, as well as how you can build it into your Hakone itinerary.
How to get to the Mishima Skywalk?
The Mishima Skywalk is a little way from the rest of the Hakone attractions, so you’ll need to venture a little further afield.
Once you’re in Hakone, the easiest way to get there from the Hakone-Yumoto station is to get the H or R bus to Hakonemachi Port, then switch to the N65 bus. It only runs once per hour, so you’ll need to plan accordingly. The busses are included in the Hakone Free Pass.
Once you’re on the N65 bus, it takes about 25 minutes to reach the Skywalk.
Alternatively, you can catch a bus from the Mishima train station, with the N65 bus also running from there.
Is the Mishima Skywalk included in the Hakone Free Pass?
The Skywalk isn’t included in the Hakone pass (although the bus there is). It costs 1000 Yen for adults to enter. This includes access to the adventure park too, but the activities there are an additional cost.
It’s quite pricey, but it’s worth it for the views in my opinion.
Things to do at the Mishima Skywalk
The obvious thing to do at the Mishima Skywalk is walk across the bridge and admire the views of Fuji. There is a viewing area before the bridge itself, and then you can walk across the 400-meter bridge with views of Fuji most of the way.
Once you’ve crossed the bridge, there is an adventure park offering an array of activities. This includes Segway tours, zip lining, an animal café, rock climbing, a tree top adventure course and even e-bike hire. All these activities come at an additional cost to the entry fee itself.
The park itself is quiet, so I wandered around for 20-minutes then headed back across the bridge. It’s worth noting that you can’t see Mount Fuji from the park itself, so if that’s your main reason for going, you probably won’t want to spend too long there.
Is visiting the Mishima Skywalk worth it?
Yes! Visiting the Mishima Skywalk was one of my absolute favourite things I did in Hakone. It wasn’t too crowded, and the views of Mount Fuji were honestly incredible.
This isn’t an activity people typically include on their one-day trips in Hakone. I assume it’s because it’s a little out of the way. I think it could be built into a day trip, but you’ll need to rush through a couple of other activities, or potentially drop something from your trip.
If you’re not bothered about Fuji views, there’s probably not much point in visiting the Skywalk. But if you want easy views, then definitely visit.
In general, the best views of Fuji tend to be in autumn, especially the month of November. I’ve written a whole guide about visiting Japan in November.
Hakone Itinerary with Mishima
If you’re looking to visit Mishima, I’d recommend staying in Hakone for at least one night. This gives you time to see as much as possible.
If you do only have one day, here’s how I’d try and squeeze as much as possible in.
Stop one: Onshi-Hakone Park
How to get there: catch the H or R bus from Hakone-Yumoto station
Once you’ve arrived in Hakone, head straight to Onshi-Hakone Park. The park boasts great views of Fuji (although they are slightly obstructed). Spend 30-minutes exploring the park and walk up to the viewpoint for views of Lake Ashi and hopefully Fuji.
Note: The Old Tokaido Road is nearby. The road used to connect Kyoto and Tokyo, and part of it is still accessible to walk along. If you want to do this, you can get off the bus at Motohakone, and walk to the park along the road from there. It’s about a 20-minute walk.
Stop two: Mishima Skywalk
How to get there: catch the N65 bus from the park
Next up, head straight to the Mishima Skywalk. You want to get there early as it gives you the best chance of seeing Mount Fuji. The busses to and from Mishima only run once per hour, so try and time this as efficiently as you can.
I only spent an hour at Mishima, so I could catch the bus back without having to wait too long. An hour will give you enough time to admire the views of Fuji, cross the bridge, have a quick walk around the park and grab some food.
Stop three: Motohakone (The Hakone Shrine)
How to get there: catch the N65 bus all the way back
The Hakone Shrine is a beautiful Tori gate in the water. There’s often a queue for photos, but it’s worth visiting.
Stop four: Lake Ashi Pirate Ship Cruise
How to get there: head to the boarding point in the Motohakone port
A cruise across Lake Ashi is a highlight for many visitors on their trip to Hakone. The boats are designed like Pirate Ship making it a memorable experience. There’s also the chance to see Mount Fuji from the lake.
Stay on the cruise until you get to Togendai Port. The journey will take about 30-minutes.
Stop five: Owakudani
How to get there: jump on the Hakone Ropeway at the Togendai Port
Owakudani is a desolate volcanic area in Hakone. There are steaming vents from the ground and it’s a chance to get up close and personal with Japan’s volcanic activity. Once you reach the top, plan to spend at least 30-minutes exploring the area. There’s also a museum at the top which costs 100 Yen to enter. The museum shares more about the volcanic history of the area.
One absolute must-do activity in Owakudani is trying a famous black egg! The eggs are cooked in the volcanic waters which turns the shells black (although does little to change the taste).
If you’re lucky, you’ll also catch some more views of Fuji. If you visit at the right time of year, you’ll be able to catch the sunset over Fuji, it’s incredible.
There are a few other food options at the top.
Stop six: Hakone Open-Air Museum
How to get there: catch the ropeway towards Sōunzan. Then switch to the cable car to Gora and jump on the train to Chokoku-no-Mori Station (it sounds complicated, but it’s very well signed)
If you have time, a stop at the Hakone Open-Air Museum is a fantastic option to end your day. There are various outdoor sculptures to admire while also enjoying Hakone’s beautiful landscapes.
Stop seven: Hakone
How to get there: jump back on the train towards Hakone-Yumoto station
End your busy day back where it all started in Hakone’s main town. If you have time, check out some of the restaurants. I’d recommend eating at Cocoro, it’s a restaurant which serves delicious Japanese curry. It’s one of my favourite meals I’ve had in Japan.
Continue planning your trip with the ultimate guide to Hakone.
