Location
Hakone offers unique souvenirs ranging from traditional crafts to local food specialties. This guide covers the best souvenirs, where to buy them, and what makes each item special.
1. Hakone Yosegi-zaiku (Woodwork)
What It Is: Traditional marquetry craft using different colored woods Items:
- Boxes (¥3,000-30,000)
- Trays (¥2,000-10,000)
- Coasters (¥1,000-3,000)
- Chopsticks (¥500-2,000) Where to Buy:
- Hakone Yosegi-zaiku Museum (Gora)
- Traditional craft shops (Hakone-Yumoto)
- Department stores (Odawara) Why Special: 200+ year tradition, intricate patterns, durable Best For: Home decor, special gifts, collectors
2. Black Eggs (Kuro-tamago)
What It Is: Hard-boiled eggs cooked in Owakudani's sulfur springs Price: ¥500 for 5 eggs Where to Buy:
- Owakudani Station (only location)
- Cannot be purchased elsewhere Legend: Eating one egg adds 7 years to your life Best For: Unique experience, photo opportunity, snack Note: Cannot take home (best eaten fresh)
3. Hakone Glass
What It Is: Hand-blown glassware with modern designs Items:
- Glasses (¥2,000-5,000)
- Vases (¥3,000-15,000)
- Ornaments (¥1,000-3,000)
- Jewelry (¥2,000-10,000) Where to Buy:
- Hakone Venetian Glass Museum shop
- Glass studios (Gora, Sengokuhara)
- Craft shops Why Special: Unique designs, handcrafted, beautiful Best For: Home decor, wedding gifts, collectors
4. Kamaboko (Fish Cake)
What It Is: Steamed fish paste, Hakone specialty Items:
- Standard kamaboko (¥500-1,000)
- Decorative kamaboko (¥1,000-3,000)
- Flavored varieties (¥600-1,200) Where to Buy:
- Suzuhiro Kamaboko Museum (Odawara)
- Train stations (Odawara, Hakone-Yumoto)
- Supermarkets Best For: Food lovers, unique taste, affordable Shelf Life: 1-2 weeks (refrigerated)
5. Umeshu (Plum Wine)
What It Is: Japanese plum wine, Hakone specialty Price: ¥1,000-5,000 per bottle Where to Buy:
- Liquor stores (Hakone-Yumoto)
- Souvenir shops
- Odawara Station Varieties:
- Standard umeshu (sweet)
- Dry umeshu
- Aged umeshu (premium) Best For: Alcohol lovers, home drinking, gifts Note: Check customs limits for your country
6. Tea (Hakone Cha)
What It Is: Local green tea from Hakone mountains Price: ¥1,000-5,000 per 100g Where to Buy:
- Tea shops (Hakone-Yumoto)
- Souvenir shops
- Tea houses Varieties:
- Sencha (standard)
- Matcha (powdered)
- Genmaicha (with rice) Best For: Tea lovers, healthy gift, lightweight Shelf Life: 6-12 months (sealed)
7. Wood Carvings
What It Is: Hand-carved wooden figures and decorations Items:
- Animals (¥1,000-5,000)
- Dolls (¥2,000-10,000)
- Masks (¥1,500-5,000)
- Decorative items (¥1,000-3,000) Where to Buy:
- Craft shops (Gora)
- Souvenir shops
- Woodworking studios Why Special: Handcrafted, unique, traditional Best For: Home decor, collectors, gifts
8. Local Sweets
What It Is: Traditional Japanese confections Items:
- Manju (steamed buns, ¥500-1,000)
- Yokan (jelly, ¥600-1,500)
- Senbei (rice crackers, ¥400-800)
- Cookies (Hakone-themed, ¥500-1,000) Where to Buy:
- Sweet shops (Hakone-Yumoto)
- Train stations
- Souvenir shops Best For: Food lovers, affordable, shareable Shelf Life: 1-4 weeks (varies by item)
9. Onsen Products
What It Is: Onsen-themed souvenirs Items:
- Bath salts (¥500-1,500)
- Onsen water (¥300-500)
- Towels (¥500-1,000)
- Soap (¥300-800) Where to Buy:
- Onsen gift shops
- Souvenir shops
- Supermarkets Best For: Onsen lovers, affordable, practical Best Brands: Hakone Onsen, Tenzan Onsen
10. Art Prints & Postcards
What It Is: Art featuring Hakone scenery Items:
- Postcards (¥100-300 each)
- Prints (¥1,000-5,000)
- Calendars (¥1,000-2,000)
- Books (¥1,500-3,000) Where to Buy:
- Museum shops
- Art galleries
- Bookstores Best For: Art lovers, lightweight, affordable Best Subjects: Mount Fuji, Lake Ashi, fall foliage
Hakone-Yumoto
Best For: Traditional crafts, food, one-stop shopping Shops:
- Hakone Yosegi-zaiku Museum Shop: Woodwork
- Kamaboko Shops: Fish cakes
- Souvenir Street: Variety of items
- Department Stores: Quality goods Access: Hakone Tozan Railway, Hakone-Yumoto Station
Gora
Best For: Art, crafts, unique items Shops:
- Craft Studios: Glass, woodwork
- Art Galleries: Prints, paintings
- Museum Shops: Quality souvenirs Access: Hakone Tozan Railway, Gora Station
Owakudani
Best For: Black eggs, volcanic souvenirs Shops:
- Black Egg Shop: Only location
- Souvenir Shops: Volcanic themed items
- Food Stalls: Local snacks Access: Hakone Ropeway, Owakudani Station
Lake Ashi (Togendai, Moto-Hakone)
Best For: Lake-themed items, quick shopping Shops:
- Pirate Ship Terminal: Souvenirs
- Hotel Shops: Quality items
- Vending Machines: Drinks, snacks Access: Hakone Sightseeing Cruise, Bus
Budget Shopping (Under ¥5,000)
Items:
- Black eggs (¥500)
- Kamaboko (¥500-1,000)
- Postcards (¥100-300)
- Bath salts (¥500-1,000)
- Local sweets (¥500-1,000) Where: Train stations, supermarkets, vending machines Total: ¥2,000-5,000
Mid-Range Shopping (¥5,000-20,000)
Items:
- Yosegi-zaiku boxes (¥5,000-10,000)
- Glassware (¥3,000-8,000)
- Umeshu (¥2,000-5,000)
- Tea (¥2,000-5,000)
- Wood carvings (¥3,000-8,000) Where: Craft shops, museum shops, specialty stores Total: ¥15,000-30,000
Luxury Shopping (¥20,000+)
Items:
- Premium Yosegi-zaiku (¥20,000-50,000)
- Art pieces (¥20,000-100,000)
- Aged umeshu (¥10,000-30,000)
- Glass art (¥15,000-50,000)
- Tea sets (¥20,000-50,000) Where: Galleries, premium craft shops, department stores Total: ¥50,000-200,000+
Eligibility
Who: Foreign tourists (non-Japanese residents) Minimum Purchase: ¥5,000 (before tax) at participating stores Discount: 10% consumption tax refund
How to Get Tax-Free
- Bring passport (required)
- Shop at tax-free stores (look for sign)
- Show passport at checkout
- Sign form (tax-free form)
- Keep items sealed (don't open until leaving Japan)
Participating Stores
- Department stores: Most are tax-free
- Museum shops: Many are tax-free
- Craft shops: Some are tax-free
- Convenience stores: Not tax-free
International Shipping
Services:
- Japan Post: Reliable, affordable
- Yamato Transport: Fast, tracking
- DHL/FedEx: Express, expensive Cost: ¥2,000-10,000 (depending on size/weight) Time: 3-10 days (varies by country)
Domestic Shipping
Services:
- Yamato (Kuroneko): Most popular
- Japan Post: Affordable
- Sagawa: Fast Cost: ¥800-2,000 (within Japan) Time: 1-2 days
Shipping Restrictions
Cannot Ship:
- Black eggs (perishable)
- Fresh food (perishable)
- Large quantities (customs issues)
- Alcohol (check customs limits) Can Ship:
- Woodwork
- Glassware
- Packaged food
- Tea (sealed)
Best Time to Shop
Best:
- Weekday mornings: Less crowded
- After onsen: Relaxed shopping
- End of trip: No carrying around Avoid:
- Weekend afternoons: Very crowded
- Rainy days: Indoor shops packed
- Last minute: Limited selection
Payment Methods
Accepted:
- Cash: Universal
- Credit cards: Most shops
- IC cards (Suica, Pasmo): Some shops
- Mobile payment: Increasing Recommended: Bring cash (some shops cash-only)
Bargaining
Not Common:
- Fixed prices in most shops
- Department stores (no bargaining)
- Museum shops (no bargaining) Possible:
- Flea markets (sometimes)
- Direct from artisans (sometimes)
- Large purchases (ask politely)
⏰ Best Time to Visit
Early morning (8-10 AM): Peaceful atmosphere, fewer crowds, perfect for photos Late afternoon (4-6 PM): beautiful lighting, local life, less crowded than midday
What I Recommend
- Don't rush: Take your time to explore the side streets and hidden spots
- Talk to locals: They often know the best hidden gems that aren't in guidebooks
- Try the local specialties: Each area has its own unique food and souvenirs
Things to Watch Out For
- Some shops close on weekdays or have irregular hours
- Parking can be challenging during peak seasons
- Cash is still king at many smaller establishments
Hakone Area
| Restaurant | Type | Official Website | Hours | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hakone Soba | Japanese | 🔗 Official Website | 10:00-17:00 | ¥1,000-2,000 |
Hakone Soba
- 🏷️ Type: Japanese
- 🌐 Official Website: https://hakone-soba.jp/
- 📞 Phone: +81-460-XX-XXXX
- ⏰ Hours: 10:00-17:00
- 💰 Price: ¥1,000-2,000
- 📍 Area: Hakone-Yumoto
- 📅 Reservation: Book a Table (recommended for weekends)
Best Times to Visit
- Lunch: 11:30 AM - 1:30 PM (busiest, make reservations)
- Cafe: 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM (relaxed atmosphere)
- Dinner: 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM (popular spots fill up quickly)
Payment Methods
- Credit Cards: Widely accepted at major restaurants
- Cash: Still preferred at smaller establishments and ramen shops
- IC Cards (Suica/Pasmo): Accepted at chain restaurants and cafes
Dietary Requirements
- Vegetarian options: Limited but available at larger restaurants
- Halal: Very limited, check in advance
- Allergies: Most restaurants can accommodate with advance notice
Useful Apps
- Tabelog: Japan's largest restaurant review site (English available)
- Google Maps: Check reviews and hours
- Omakase: Restaurant reservations
Summary
| Souvenir | Price Range | Best For | Where to Buy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yosegi-zaiku | ¥1,000-30,000 | Crafts, decor | Museum, Gora |
| Black Eggs | ¥500 (5 pcs) | Experience | Owakudani only |
| Glassware | ¥1,000-15,000 | Home decor | Museums, studios |
| Kamaboko | ¥500-1,000 | Food, affordable | Stations, museums |
| Umeshu | ¥1,000-5,000 | Alcohol, gifts | Liquor stores |
| Tea | ¥1,000-5,000 | Tea lovers, health | Tea shops |
| Wood Carvings | ¥1,000-10,000 | Decor, collectors | Craft shops |
| Sweets | ¥400-1,500 | Food, shareable | Sweet shops |
| Onsen Products | ¥300-1,500 | Practical, affordable | Onsen shops |
| Art Prints | ¥100-5,000 | Art, lightweight | Museums |
Bottom Line: Hakone offers unique souvenirs from traditional crafts to local food. Yosegi-zaiku woodwork is the most iconic, while black eggs are the most unique. Budget ¥5,000-20,000 for quality souvenirs. Best For: Traditional crafts, local food, unique gifts Budget: ¥2,000-50,000+ (depending on items) Shopping Time: 1-3 hours
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Conclusion
Hakone Souvenirs Local Specialties provides everything you need to make your Kanagawa trip smooth and enjoyable. With these tips in hand, you're ready to explore this beautiful region with confidence. Safe travels!
Anaba OffJapan — Avoid the Crowds, Go Deeper into Japan.
Hakone Souvenirs Local Specialties The best souvenirs are the ones that carry a story. Kanagawa's local specialties and crafts are deeply connected to the region's geography and culture, making each item a meaningful keepsake.
