tokyo to hakone day trip itinerary

Truly Tokyo

A Tokyo Travel Guide

Hakone Day Trip Itinerary

Make the most of a day out in the mountain town of Hakone, only 1.5 hours from Tokyo, with our Hakone Day Trip Itinerary. We’ve included a second day extension for those who want to stay overnight and explore the area further.

When it comes to day trips, Hakone is one of the top choices for most visitors to Japan. With its tranquil caldera lake, atmospheric shrines and temples, historical walking trails, and a concentration of great art museums, this mountainous hot spring town has a lot going for it. Our itinerary will help you make the most of your time here.

This itinerary contains the following sections:

• Notes Before You Go
• Overview of the 2-day Hakone Free Pass
• The Full Hakone Day Trip Itinerary
• Day 2 Extension for the Hakone Itinerary

Hakone Day Trip Map

• Recommended Accommodation in Hakone

Notes Before You Go To Hakone

• We suggest using the 2-day Hakone Free Pass to explore the Hakone area. See the following section for further details.
• We suggest leaving on a reasonably early train from Shinjuku and aiming to arrive at Hakone-Yumoto Station between 8:45am – 9:30am. This will give you a full day there, with ample time to explore at leisurely pace.
• Our itinerary covers a day trip from Shinjuku. Day one includes the majority of the classic tourist highlights in Hakone.
• As there are many great hot spring resorts in Hakone and it makes sense for some to do overnight stays, we’ve included a second day extension for anyone wishing to do just that. It’s also a good alternative to the first day for those who prefer a leisurely, nature-filled day.
• If you are staying overnight, you may want to seriously consider a Japanese-style ryokan with a hot spring bath. See our accommodation recommendations at the end of this itinerary for more information.
• We strongly recommend visiting during off-peak seasons or at least on a weekday.
• Itinerary timings are approximate, particularly as train, bus, funicular, and boat times can vary with the season. Adjust the timings to suit your schedule. It’s an excellent idea to check train or bus times when changing mode of transport to make sure you won’t miss a connection.
• This itinerary is a guideline. Add or subtract places as you like.
• We’ve put in directions at the end of each section to minimise clutter.
• This is mostly a walking itinerary. Although this itinerary takes you on several modes of public transportation, there’s still some walking involved. Put on your most comfortable shoes and give it a shot.

Should you get the 2-day Hakone Free Pass?

In a word, yes. This is by far the most economical way to travel around the Hakone area. It provides you with a return trip from Shinjuku to Odawara Station, and then unlimited travel around the Hakone area on all modes of public transportation, including bus, boat, funicular, and train. Flashing the pass will also net you small discounts at many of the museums and attractions in the area.

Best of all, it minimises all the hassle of travel, saving you the headache of counting change on the bus to pay your fare each time you alight, or buying tickets for each train, funicular, bus, and boat ride.

You cannot purchase the Hakone Free Pass at most smaller stations along the Odakyu line; it’s also not available as an option at the ticket machines. You can buy the pass at the Odakyu Sightseeing Center at the West Ground Gate of Shinjuku Station. However, the queue can be lengthy at the counter, especially during peak season. Who wants to deal with that first thing in the morning when you’re itching to go?

We suggest minimising your time spent in ticket lines by purchasing the 2-day Hakone Free Pass online . After that, it’s a simple process of picking it up at the Odakyu Sightseeing Center. We strongly suggest popping by the day before your day trip to pick up your pass. If you’re still on the fence, consider this: purchasing it online is actually cheaper than buying it from the Odakyu counter. The catch is that you have to be a tourist, so this is not an option open to Japan residents.

Hakone Itinerary: Day 1

7:00am travel from shinjuku to hakone-yumoto station.

Begin bright and early at Shinjuku Station. You’ll need to find the entrance to the Odakyu Line. If you haven’t picked up your 2-day Hakone Free Pass yet, you can purchase this at the Odakyu Sightseeing Center or Odakyu Romance Car counter. Both are next to each other. Getting to Hakone-Yumoto Station means getting the rapid express bound for Odawara. From there, you’ll change to the Hakone-Tozan line and get off at the final stop.

However, if you’d like to travel on the Romance Car – which essentially is a reserved-seat train with very few stops that goes directly to Hakone-Yumoto Station – you’ll save about half an hour in travel time. Ask the counter staff for a ticket along with your Free Pass. This will cost an additional JPY1,090.

Is the Romance Car worth it? If you want to travel in a little extra comfort and be able to eat breakfast on the train, definitely.

The earliest direct Romance Car train to Hakone-Yumoto Station leaves at 7:00am. There’s also one available at 7:38am. But, you should always check train times before you go.

9:20am Hakone-Yumoto Station

If you’ve taken the later train, you’ll arrive around 9:20am. Head towards the exit. If you have luggage or extra bags to leave at the station, there’s a baggage counter that will take care of them for you – they are located outside the ticket barriers. Alternatively, you can use the coin lockers. They are available both inside and outside the ticket barriers.

For those staying overnight, they provide a rather nifty luggage delivery service, sending your suitcases directly to any inn or hotel in the Hakone area. If you’ve dropped off the luggage before 10:00am, they deliver the luggage by 3:00pm on the same day – how’s that for efficiency?

Showing them your Free Pass also nets you a JPY100 discount for this service.

10:15am Hakone Shrine and the Peace Shrine Gate

Hakone Shrine is rather beautiful and atmospheric, starting with its lantern-lined path through the forest and ending with the red ‘Peace’ torii gate floating in the water. The latter must be one of the most iconic sights in Hakone. Short of visiting its larger and more famous counterpart at Miyajima Island, this is as atmospheric a Shinto scene as you’re going to find anywhere near Tokyo. It is gorgeous all year, but especially in the rain or when shrouded in mist.

To get here, head over to buses bound for Hakone. Turn left at the ticket barriers and follow the signs to the bus stops. You need to head for Hakone Shrine – either the Moto-Hakone-ko or Hakone-jinja-iriguchi stop. Buses departing from Stop 4 go to these places. If you’re unsure, your best bet is to ask the bus station attendants hovering around the area. Buses leave frequently. You should aim to leave by 9:40am to arrive around 10:15am. Settle in for a scenic 40-minute bus ride through the mountains.

Alight at the bus stop. Turn and cross the road, walking anti-clockwise around Lake Ashinoko, towards the mountains with the lake on your left. You’ll pass an Italian restaurant on your right. Walk through the large red torii gate. The steps to Hakone Shrine are up ahead to your right after a little more walking.

After exploring the shrine, walk back down the steps towards the lake. Keep walking down, crossing the road. You’ll see the floating Peace Shrine Gate at the bottom of the steps – plus some people waiting to take photographs in front of it.

11:00am Old Tokaido Highway Cedar Avenue and Hakone Checkpoint

Hakone was once a major checkpoint along the old Tokaido road, one of five main highways linking Tokyo and Kyoto during the Edo period. Not much remains of the original highway, but there is a pleasant hiking trail along which remains a section of original stone pavement. For this itinerary, you’ll walk along another original section of the Tokaido highway, a 500 metre-long cedar avenue.

This cedars flanking this forest passage are centuries old, some reaching up to 3 metres high and having a diameter of over 4 metres.

Those interested in Japanese history should consider a visit around the buildings of the Hakone Checkpoint, if not also the exhibition hall. It’s quite fascinating seeing the various facilities common at checkpoints along these feudal period highways, from foot soldier housing to a prison chamber. You can even climb all the way to the lookout tower. Security was tight during the Edo period!

Of course, passing through the checkpoint without going inside the buildings won’t cost you a thing.

If you wish, you can stop by Onshi Hakone Park en route – just before the Sekisho Museum – and check out some views of the lake.

To get here, walk back the way you came. Continue onwards, skirting clockwise along and around the lake. You’ll pass Moto-Hakone Port on the way. When you see a large red shrine gate ahead to your left, pass through and continue keeping left. You’ll see an avenue flanked by tall cedar trees ahead of you. This is approximately 500 metres long.

Once you’re through the avenue, you’ll see a parking lot to your right, a park, and glimpses of the lake beyond. Essentially, you want to continue skirting along the lake to visit the Hakone Sekisho Exhibition Hall and the Hakone Checkpoint. If you want to walk around more, you could explore Onshi Hakone Park en route. This is right where the parking lot is. The way to the barrier checkpoint and the small museum are clearly signposted.

12:15pm Lunch

It’s time to refuel after a busy morning of exploring. As there are limited options on the other side of the lake at Togendai, we suggest eating around the area just after the Hakone Checkpoint. There are a decent number of restaurants here. Take your pick from udon or soba noodles, curry, seafood rice bowls, and ramen. We’ve marked several of these on the accompanying Google Map towards the end of this post.

Daimasa, located a 3-minute walk from the Hakone Checkpoint, is a decent place for a fresh sashimi set lunch. Portions are generous and there are English-language menus.

To get here, walk straight from the Hakone Checkpoint to the main road. Cross the road and turn right. Walk down the hill. Daimasa will be on your left shortly.

1:00pm Pirate Ship Cruise from Hakone-machi to Togendai

En route, you will probably have seen colourful ships sailing across the caldera lake. These ‘pirate’ ships are modeled on English battleships of yore, and are operated by the Hakone Sightseeing Boat company. The Hakone Free Pass is valid for these ships. Sure, the pirate ships are a little cheesy, but it’s one way to cross the lake to the other side.

The white passenger ships, in contrast, are operated by Izuhakone Sightseeing Boats, and you can’t use the Free Pass on them.

It takes about half an hour in total to cross the lake on this ship, passing by Moto-Hakone port on the way. This is also a good time to photograph the floating red torii gate from the other side as the boat passes by.

To get here, keep walking along the lake, passing a huge concrete hotel on your right. You’ll see the port on your right after a while. The pirate ships leave twice an hour. We boarded the ship departing at 1:10pm; boarding time begins 10 minutes prior. Departure times can vary with the season, however, so it’s best to check them if you don’t want to be stuck waiting too long.

1:45pm Togendai Station to Gora Station

At this juncture, we would suggest riding a cable car along the Hakone Ropeway to enjoy stunning views of the volcano below, and exploring Owakudani. However, an increase in volcanic activity led to them suspending the cable car operations and closing off the general area for the time being. We’ll update this if there are any changes.

Nevertheless, the replacement shuttle bus running between Togendai and Sounzan stations is still the most efficient way to go across this mountain. Follow the signs for the shuttle bus. It’s a short 10+ minute ride to Sounzan Station.

From Sounzan Station, you’ll take the funicular down to Gora Station. The ride is slow but pleasant, with beautiful greenery on either side. It’s especially beautiful in autumn when they turn fiery reds and golds. This is, of course, covered by the Free Pass. After the short bus ride, you’ll alight at Sounzan Station and follow the signs to the cable car station.

If you’ve decided to stay overnight in Hakone, it is likely that your inn will be in the Gora area. Many of them are located on the slopes along this cable car route. There are also a number of attractions in the area. These include the Hakone Museum of Art, Gora Park, and a ninja cafe.

2:50pm Hakone Open Air Museum

If you visit just one museum in the Hakone area, it should be the Hakone Open Air Museum. This alone is worth a day trip out here – there’s nothing quite like it in Tokyo. Wander around the sprawling, verdant grounds of the Hakone Open Air Museum and take in a superb collection of sculptures.

The museum closes at 5:00pm, and we recommend spending the rest of your afternoon exploring the museum grounds. You could easily spend two to three hours just doing that. With works ranging from the delightful and powerful to the eccentric and surprising, there’s a great deal to see. There’s even an entire exhibition hall showcasing a good collection of Picasso’s paintings and drawings.

We’d rather not spoil the whole experience, so here are just a few highlights from the museum:

One of the more surreal but arresting works here is La Pleureuse by Francois-Xavier and Claude Lalanne. It means ‘the mourner,’ depicting a woman’s head in stone, shedding a tear into the water she lies in.

The aptly-named ‘Curved Space – Diamond Structure’ is a fantastic gemstone installation by Peter Pearce. Unfortunately, only children below 12 are allowed to climb in and around the structure, but you can still walk around and admire it.

Another great installation for children to interact with is Horiuchi MacAdam’s Knitted Wonder Space 2. Created using over 650kg of braided nylon, it’s a colourful and charming structure that’s sure to delight both children and adults alike.

To get here after riding the funicular, transfer at Gora Station to the train platform. Ride it one stop to Chokunomori Station. Exit the station and walk up the road about 100 metres to the museum. Enjoy.

4:45pm Head back to Shinjuku Station

After a full day out in Hakone, it’s time to head back to Tokyo. Hop back on the train and ride it to Hakone-Yumoto Station. From there, you can make your way back to Shinjuku either on the Romance Car, or via Odawara Station. For the latter, you’ll ride the Hakone-Tozan Line to Odawara Station, and change to the Odakyu Line and take the next rapid express or express train to Shinjuku Station. Your Free Pass includes this trip back.

If you’re staying overnight in Hakone, this is a good time to head to your inn to for check-in and a soak in the hot springs before dinner. Check out our list of recommended accommodations in the area at the end of this itinerary.

Hakone: Day 2 Extension

While the first day alone covers the tourist highlights of the Hakone area, it’s not a bad idea to stay overnight at a Japanese-style inn so that you can continue exploring all that this town has to offer. There’s plenty more in the way of museums, natural attractions, and hiking in the area. This is a good example of how you can do it.

9:15am Hakone Botanical Gardens of Wetlands

The Hakone Botanical Garden of Wetlands is a large park showcasing over 1700 varieties of marsh and alpine plants. It’s far more interesting than it might sound at first. Not only will you walk through different types of marshland from fens to bogs, and see dozens of different flowers, a walk through this verdant plant wonderland is just such a great way to begin your morning.

We visited in early June when the Nikko Kisuge (day lilies) were in full bloom. At this time of the year, you’ll also see beautiful Japanese irises (ayame).

They also hold special exhibitions of flowers and plants native to other parts of the world. At the time of our visit, there were dozens of bewitching Himalayan blue poppies.

The best thing about botanical gardens is that each season brings different plants and flowers. Be warned that this garden is closed during winter.

You’ll want to spend at least an hour slowly soaking in the various plants and enjoying the scenery. Don’t forget to allocate some time to have coffee at the cafe after exploring the botanical gardens. They serve a delicious affogato that’s a great mid-morning pick-me-up. As a plus, the cafe itself is delightfully airy and plant-filled, with plenty of natural light streaming in through the windows.

A note about ticket prices here: at the Botanical Gardens, Lalique Museum, POLA Museum of Art, and other museums in this area, there are combination tickets available that net you a larger discount than if you show your free pass to purchase them separately. (They’re a little pricey if you purchase tickets for each attraction separately too.)

For example, asking for a combination ticket for the Lalique Museum and the POLA Museum of Art costs JPY2700 in total, but that is a discount of around JPY400 compared to purchasing both of them separately. Do note that you can’t use your Free Pass for a further discount in this case.

To get here, begin at Gora Station. Exit and walk straight ahead. The bus stops are clearly signposted – you will want bus stop No. 2, next to the train tracks with a large hotel on your right. Board the S bus headed for Shissei-Kaen-mae and and ride the bus to No. 450, which is the last stop – the botanical gardens. This will take approximately 22 minutes.

Bus times vary between weekdays and weekends and are subject to change, but the earliest departure is around 8:20am. We suggest being at the bus stop for an approximately 8:50am departure time to make it to the botanical gardens just after their opening time at 9:00am.

Incidentally, if you have any luggage and you can’t leave it at the inn, there are coin-operated lockers in Gora Station right next to the ticket barriers. This isn’t a bad option if you’ve stayed in the area and don’t necessarily want to head back to your inn – which might be a little out of the way – to pick up your luggage.

10:30am Sengokuhara Pampas Grass Field

A short 15-minute walk takes you to the Sengokuhara pampas grass (susuki) field on the west slopes of Mount Hakone. Tall grasses blanket the hillside, and change colour across the seasons – from verdant greens in spring to browns in winter. It’s a pleasant and scenic path at any time of the year, but the pampas grass field is most striking during autumn, when the hillside is covered in rolling swathes of silver-gold pampas grass.

There is a single walking path through the field, leading up and along the hillside. While you can’t wander off the path – trampling the grasses is disallowed – for half an hour or so, the stunning views will make you feel like you’re walking through Eva Cassidy’s Fields of Gold. If you’re pressed for time or you’re visiting outside autumn, however, skip this and head straight to the Lalique Museum (see below).

To get here, exit the Botanical Gardens. Take the first left and head out to the main road. Turn left and keep walking until you reach a set of traffic lights. There will be a restaurant across the road and you’ll see the fields beyond. Turn right and walk down the road. You’ll see the entrance on the left near the next set of traffic lights. It’s not signposted, but it’ll be obvious where the path is. This is approximately 15 minutes on foot.

11:45am Lalique Museum

The Hakone area is home to a handful of museums, some more worth visiting than others. It can be tricky to decide which one to spend your time on. If you’re an Art Deco and/or Art Nouveau fan, however, visiting the Lalique Museum is a non-negotiable experience.

This museum has a remarkable collection of 1,500 pieces – ranging from perfume bottles to ashtrays – designed by René Jules Lalique, a renowned glassmaker and jeweller. The permanent exhibition features approximately 230 artworks, which are rotated twice a year. Many of these incorporate natural motifs into their design and are utterly exquisite. Think necklaces of gold and enamel in the shape of stylized, darting swallows, or a bracelet of women with translucent blue bat wings, adorned with baroque pearls, or a cut-glass perfume bottle covered in ferns.

There’s also a ‘Butterfly Forest’ just before the museum, which is basically a small section of greenery with a babbling brook running through it. It’s a quick and pleasant walk. If you’re very lucky, you might spot a wild boar bathing in the water, as we did. (Don’t worry – they are usually more frightened of humans than we are of them.)

To get here from the Botanical Gardens, exit and walk back towards the bus stop. Head to the main road and turn right. Keep walking until you see the Lalique Museum on your right, about 7–9 minutes or so.

To get here from the Sengokuhara Pampas Grass Field, retrace your steps back the way you came, but keep walking past the Botanical Gardens until you reach the Lalique Museum.

1:00pm Lunch

The area surrounding the Little Prince Museum has a number of restaurants that serve lunch. We’ve marked some of these on the Google map for you.

Hanasai is a cheap and cheerful option. This family-run operation serves a variety of rice and noodle bowls for lunch. Think soba with vegetables, whitebait and grated mountain yam on rice, and udon noodles with pork and miso.

To get to Hanasai from the Lalique Museum, exit and turn right. Head out to the main road and keep walking straight. You’ll know you’re going the right way when you’ve crossed a river, several hotels, and a Lawson’s. Keep walking until you see the Little Prince Museum ahead on your left across the road. Continue walking along the road until you see a nondescript paved road on your right that looks like this. Walk along until you see the sign for Hanasai.

2:00pm POLA Museum of Art

Built in 2002 to showcase Suzuki Tsuneshi’s extensive private art collection, the POLA Museum of Art is relatively new. But if you have to visit just one more museum in the Hakone area, this is the one to visit. Set amidst a forest of beech trees, the glass and concrete structure is designed such that it barely looks out of place here. Plus, it has an impressive and eclectic collection of artworks spanning modern and contemporary paintings, ceramics, glassware, and sculptures.

Though the exhibits skew mainly towards European art, there’s a good selection of Japanese painting too, with major names like Leonard Foujita and Kuroda Seiki making an appearance.

The French Impressionists in particular are well-presented here. During our visit, they were showing several works by Monet, Renoir, Cezanne, and Renoir. There was even a beautiful Van Gogh painting depicting a vase of thistles.

Unlike many museums in Japan, photography is allowed in some of the exhibition spaces.

There’s also a room full of glassware mostly designed by Emile Galle, featuring some truly gorgeous floral motifs on each piece.

As you exit the museum, you’ll see a signpost for the nature trail. This is a short, contained route through the beech forest that takes you around and to the other side of the museum. Try not to skip this if you can. It’s just a few hundred metres long in total, and makes a very scenic and pleasant walk on a cool day.

To get to the POLA Museum of Art, head back to the main road. Walk across to the nearest bus stop. You’ll want to take the S bus headed back towards Gora Station. Alight at the stop for the museum – the whole ride is less than 10 minutes.

4:15pm Head back to Shinjuku Station

After two days of exploring Hakone, it’s time to head back to Tokyo. Hop back on the S bus to Gora Station, and from here, transfer to the train back to Hakone-Yumoto Station. You can then either take the Romance Car train back to Shinjuku, or the local Hakone-Tozan Line to Odawara Station, changing to the Odakyu Line for a rapid express train back into town.

View the full size version of our Hakone map which has each of the places discussed above marked on it.

Recommended Accommodation for Hakone

Although Hakone is an easy day trip from Tokyo, you might want to slow down and spend a night there. This will give you a break from the city and allow you to explore the area in more depth. Here are some recommended accommodations.

:: Check availability and pricing on Booking.com or Agoda.com If it’s luxury you’re looking for, Gora Kadan is by far the best in Hakone. In a former life, this Japanese-style inn was a summer villa for one of the Imperial family members. Rooms here fuse traditional Japanese aesthetics with contemporary design elements. Standard rooms are generously-sized, but the full-sized suites are practically sprawling – like having your own villa! With gorgeous outdoor hot spring baths, exquisite seasonal kaiseki cuisine at dinner and breakfast, and impeccable service, Gora Kadan is an experience of a lifetime. Just be prepared to pay for it.

Gora Hanougi Madoka no Mori

Ashinoko Hanaori

:: Check availability and pricing on Booking.com or Agoda.com Located right on the shores of Lake Ashinoko, this hotel is great if you want to enjoy lakeside views first thing in the morning. Many rooms here are in contemporary Japanese-Western styles, featuring traditional tatami floors and Western-style beds; most have stunning views of the lake. If you can, go all out and book one of the rooms with a private open-air bath.

Hakone Highlands Hotel

:: Check availability and pricing on Booking.com or Agoda.com With rooms set amid sprawling lawns, this is one of the older resorts in the area, but no worse for that! The rooms here are comfortable, and the food is a delicious and accessible fusion of French and Japanese cuisine. Some rooms have their own private hot spring bath attached. If you’re lucky, you’ll be able to snag rooms for around $125 a night. Try booking this if you’re visiting during off-peak season. While it’s accessible by bus, it’s a little better if you’ve rented a car.

:: Check availability and pricing on Booking.com or Agoda.com Located near Kami-Gora Station on the cable car line between Sounzan and Gora stations, this homey inn is a very decent mid-priced option for the Hakone area. The Japanese-style rooms here are fairly basic, but as with many inns the highlight here is the hot spring bath and the food. Soak in the hot onsen before and after dinner. Breakfast and dinner here are a real treat. Alongside the usual melange of delicious small side dishes, rice, and soup, dinner features a giant platter of seafood, beef, and chicken, which you’ll grill to your liking in front of you.

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The Perfect Hakone Day Trip From Tokyo

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Hakone makes for the perfect little getaway from the big city. With beautiful views of Mount Fuji, countless onsens and a volcanic valley, Hakone has a lot to offer. Find out how to take the perfect day trip to Hakone from Tokyo below.

The beautiful mountain town of Hakone is located less than 100 km from Tokyo (1.5–2 hours). And with its stunning scenery, Mount Fuji views and hot springs, it makes for the perfect day trip from Japan’s capital city.

While staying overnight in Hakone is something I would highly recommend, it’s not always possible to find two days in your Japan itinerary. If you only have one day to visit Hakone, you can still make sure to visit all the main sights and make it an unforgettable day trip. We’ve got all the info you need!

For a relaxing break from busy Tokyo, check out the one-day Hakone itinerary below.

9. Head back to Shinjuku Station

One day in hakone map & overview.

No time to read the full guide? No problem! Here’s a map with the highlights of this Hakone itinerary:

Hakone Day Trip Itinerary

Here is my one day Hakone itinerary from Tokyo:

1. Take the train from Tokyo to Hakone-Yumoto Station

Try to get the train from Tokyo as early as possible. Since you’ll only have one day to explore Hakone, you want to make the most out of it. There are different ways to get to Hakone, depending on what passes you have (more information about the different options below), but the easiest way is by using the Hakone Free Pass .

The Hakone Free Pass is a discount pass that can help you save money (and time) while exploring Hakone. Apart from unlimited access to public transport in the Hakone area and countless discounts on museums, restaurants and onsens, the pass also gives you a return ticket from Shinjuku Station to Hakone.

You can book the Hakone Free Pass online and redeem it at Shinjuku Station on the morning of your day trip. Once you’ve got the Hakone Free Pass, you also have the option to upgrade your return ticket to the limited express Romancecar. This is essentially a faster train service and comes at a surcharge on top of the Hakone Free Pass (1,200 yen one-way).

Without the upgraded express ticket, the journey from Shinjuku to Hakone takes around two hours. With an upgrade express ticket, it takes around 80 minutes.

2. Take the bus to Lake Ashi

After arriving at Hakone-Yumoto Station, jump on the bus towards Lake Ashi. There are multiple bus routes that will take you there and you can use the Hakone Free Pass to ride them for free. The bus takes around half an hour.

Once arrived at Lake Ashi, you can take some time to explore. Around the lake, there are tons of opportunities for small nature hikes. But since we’re on a tight schedule, it’s best to only walk to Hakone Shrine – one of Hakone’s most famous landmarks .

3. Visit Hakone Shrine

The floating torii gate on Lake Ashi is probably one of the most iconic and beautiful images from Hakone. Hakone Shrine is a must-visit when in the area but prepare for queues near the torii gate (you won’t be the only one wanting to take a picture – we waited around 20 minutes).

Behind the famous torii gate, you can walk up the steps towards the main entrance of the shrine. The original shrine was built in 757 but was later relocated to where it stands today.

4. Spot Mount Fuji

Hakone is known to be one of the best places to spot the famous Mount Fuji. Mount Fuji, or Fuji-san, is one of the things Japan is most famous for – and it’s pretty clear why. This beautiful mountain (and active volcano) has been inspiring the Japanese for centuries.

After visiting Hakone Shrine, start making your way to Moto-Hakone Port or Hakone-machi-ko.

5. Sail Lake Ashi on a pirate ship

Lake Ashi looks stunning from Hakone Shrine, but it’s even more beautiful when you’re sailing across it. Especially, when you’re doing it in style…

There are three different pirate ships (yes, pirate ships, you read that correctly) sailing across Lake Ashi, each with a unique design. The trip itself takes 25–40 minutes, depending on where you board (Hakone-machi-ko or Moto-Hakone-ko).

The trip on these pirate ships is included in the Hakone Free Pass , so you can board without having to pay for an individual ticket (unless you want to upgrade for the special room and access to the front of the ship. In my opinion, this isn’t worth it! The ticket that’s included with your Hakone Free Pass is more than good enough).

On a clear day, you can find some of the very best views of Mount Fuji from the ship. The first time we saw it from here, I teared up a little. You can also see the floating torii gate from Hakone Shrine from the ship, along with Kuzuryu-Jinja Shrine and the beautiful forest surrounding the lake.

Plus, it’s the easiest way to get to the Ropeway Station, which brings us to our next stop on this Hakone itinerary…

6. Visit the Great Boiling Valley (Owakudani)

After getting off the pirate ship at Tōgendai Port, you can walk over to the Ropeway Station. Hakone’s Ropeway is also included in the Hakone Free Pass, another reason why this pass will save you so much time and money.

Stay on until you reach Owakudani Station. This should take around 30 minutes, but on a clear day, you’ll be able to see Mount Fuji and Lake Ashi. There is one stop in between, Ubako Station, which is a five-minute walk to Hotel Green Plaza Hakone. We stayed here during our trip to Hakone, but it also has a public onsen with stunning Mount Fuji views.

Once arrived at Owakudani Station, you’ll immediately see why this is called the Great Boiling Valley. When Mount Hakone erupted around 3,000 years ago, this volcanic wasteland was left behind.

The sulphurous fumes and steaming pools make for a pretty unique experience (it smells!). There are even signs that warn you of the toxic volcanic fumes.

7. Eat a black egg

Visiting Owakudani is one of the best things to do in Hakone, but you can’t leave without trying one of the iconic black eggs (Kuro Tamago). These famous eggs are regular chicken eggs, but they’re boiled in the natural hot springs in this volcanic wasteland.

The minerals in the water turn the shell black – don’t worry, the egg inside will be untouched, it looks and tastes the same as an egg you’d boil at home. But according to local lore, eating one will add seven years to your lifespan.

Whether it’s true or false, it’s not worth the risk, is it? I ate two…

8. Visit Hakone Open Air Museum

Hakone is home to quite a few museums, but Hakone Open Air Museum is one of the most popular. It’s on the Hakone Loop, making it easy to visit if you’re using the Hakone Free Pass to get around the area.

From Owakudani Station, take the ropeway to Sounzan Station. From there, you can take the Hakone Tozan Cablecar to Chokoku-no-mori Station (also included in the Hakone Free Pass). Hakone Open Air Museum is only a few minutes from here.

While the entree itself isn’t covered by the Hakone Free Pass, you will get a discount with it. The museum displays beautiful sculptures across the valley. There are multiple exhibitions, both indoors and outdoors.

After a busy day trip to Hakone, it’s time to make your way back to Tokyo again. After visiting the Open Air Museum, you can get back on the Hakone Tozan Railway and travel to Hakone-Yumoto Station. From there, the Hakone Free Pass allows you to take the train back to Shinjuku.

How to get to Hakone from Tokyo

There are different ways to get to Hakone from Tokyo, depending on what passes you hold:

1. Odakyu local express train (Hakone Free Pass)

The cheapest way to get to Hakone from Tokyo is by taking the Odakyu local express train from Shinjuku. This is the route included with the Hakone Free Pass and requires a change at Odawara Station. From there, you travel onwards to Hakone-Yumoto Station.

The train does stop at every station along the way and takes around two hours , but you can enjoy some stunning views of Mount Fuji. Plus, it’s a real money-saver!

2. Romancecar (Hakone Free Pass upgrade)

The fastest way to get to Hakone from Tokyo is by taking the ​​Odakyu Romancecar. This direct service takes you from Shinjuku to Hakone in around 80 minutes. 

If you already have purchased the Hakone Free Pass, you can pay an additional ​​fee to upgrade to the Romancecar. You can opt for this at the Odakyu Sightseeing Service Centers

If you’re using the JR Pass to travel through Japan, you can use it to travel towards Hakone (but not all the way). From Tokyo, you can take the Shinkansen to Odawara on the JR lines. This part of the journey will be covered by the JR Pass.

From Odawara Station, you won’t be able to use the JR Pass. Instead, it’s best to pick up a Hakone Free Pass from Odawara Station – this version doesn’t include the return ticket from Shinjuku and is slightly cheaper. However, it still includes all public transport within the Hakone area and countless discounts on restaurants and museums.

Is Hakone included in JR Pass?

No, the Hakone area is not included in the JR Pass . You can get to Odawara Station from Tokyo with the JR Pass, but from there, it’s best to use the Hakone Free Pass. 

Normally, it comes with a return train ticket from Shinjuku Station to Hakone, but it’s also possible to buy it at a discounted price without this ticket. This is a good option if you hold the JR Pass during your trip to Hakone.

Is the Hakone Free Pass worth it for one day?

The Hakone Free Pass is a discount pass that can help you save money and time while exploring Hakone. Despite the name, it’s not actually “free”, but you can buy them for two or three days. Sadly, there’s no one-day equivalent of the pass.

So, what should you do when you’re going on a day trip to Hakone? I recommend still getting the two-day Hakone Free Pass.

This pass is such a big money and time saver, even when you’re only using it for a day trip. It includes a return train ticket from Shinjuku Station to Hakone, unlimited access to public transport within the Hakone area (including the sightseeing cruise and the ropeway), and countless discounts for restaurants, onsens and other attractions.

But the money saving isn’t the only big plug of this pass. It’ll save you a lot of time and hassle. Since the pass gives you access to all public transport in Hakone, you don’t have to worry about buying individual tickets or paying the correct fare. Instead, you simply flash your Hakone Free Pass and you’re good to go.

We have a full guide on the Hakone Free Pass for more information – but I highly recommend it!

Is Hakone worth a day trip?

Yes, Hakone makes for a great day trip from Tokyo. It’s a lovely getaway from the big busy city, and there’s a lot you can see in a day. If you follow the Hakone Loop with the Hakone Free Pass, you should be able to see most of the area in 6–8 hours.

However, if you have enough time to add an extra day to your itinerary, I recommend staying for longer. Two or three days in Hakone is the sweet spot. Since the town is home to many onsens (Japanese hot springs), it’s an excellent opportunity to stay in an onsen hotel and try the naturally heated water for yourself.

We have a guide on where to stay in Hakone with our top hotel and Ryokan recommendations.

Finish your Japan itinerary

Weather note – the weather in Hakone can be a little temperamental. Clouds are often covering Mount Fuji, making it (almost) impossible to see. If you have a few days in Tokyo, try to be flexible when choosing your Hakone day trip.

Hakone is one of my favourite places in Japan, so I hope this guide has helped you plan your own trip there. If you’re looking for more Japan travel inspiration and advice, check out the following guides:

• Three week Japan itinerary
• Two week Japan itinerary
• Best things to do in Japan
• 6 day Tokyo itinerary .

Nele (Nay-la) graduated from Manchester Metropolitan University with an English and Creative Writing Degree and has lived in the UK for nearly 10 years. She has had an interest in Japan and its culture for as long as she can remember. Since her first trip in 2018 surpassed all expectations, she has continued to return to Japan to explore more of all it has got to offer. You can read her full story here .

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2 thoughts on “The Perfect Hakone Day Trip From Tokyo”

I normally don’t bother to leave comments but for you I have to make an exception… I was looking desperately for 1 day tour of Hakone capturing the highlights, to do on my own using public transport instead of taking expensive tours. You nailed it! Thank you so much!

Thank you so much! Super glad to hear it’s been useful 🙂 Hope you have a great time in Hakone!

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The ultimate Tokyo Day Trip to Hakone – Travel Guide and Detailed Itinerary

If you have a couple of spare days left in your itinerary and aren’t quite ready to leave Tokyo just yet, then we would suggest that you take a daytrip to Hakone.

We love a day trip, it’s like a miniature holiday during a holiday. And there so many areas near Tokyo that are worth an excursion. You could get a close-up view of Mount Fuji from the Five Lakes area. You could get to know one of Japan ’s most loved TV characters in Shibamata. Or you could take a trip back in time to Kawagoe. But as a first-time Tokyo visitor, we highly recommend you spend your day outside of Tokyo immersed in nature in iconic Hakone.

Hakone (箱根) located 100 kilometres North of Tokyo, is part of the Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. It is particularly famous for its hot springs, natural beauty, staggering amount of onsen day spas and the potential to catch a glimpse of nearby Mount Fuji.

OUR SUGGESTED ITINERARY FOR THE PERFECT TOKYO DAY TRIP TO HAKONE

Below is the itinerary we roughly followed when we visited Hakone during our first trip to Japan . It pretty much follows the Hakone Loop in a clockwise direction. This worked well for us. But feel free to flip the itinerary on its head and add or subtract places as you like.

The itinerary heavily relies on Hakone’s public transport and assumes that you did purchase a Hakone Pass. Make sure to check the status of all Hakone Transport before your trip. Due to the volcanic nature of the area, it can happen that certain routes are temporarily closed. So, you need to remain flexible.

Also make sure to pop on some comfortable shoes, there will be some hiking involved.

7:38AM – TRAVEL FROM SHINJUKU TO HAKONE-YUMOTO STATION

Start your day bright and early at Shinjuku Station. We recommend you take one of the earliest trains departing from Shinjuku and aim to arrive in Hakone-Yumoto no later than 10.30am. This way you will have ample time to explore Hakone at your own pace.

If you haven’t done so already, pick-up your Hakone Pass, then find the Odakyu Line or the Romance Car. Make sure to tap out your SUICA / IC card and get your Hakone Pass stamped at the manned gantries.

If you have an active JR Pass take the Shinkansen train to Odawara instead. You can then use your Hakone Free Pass for the rest of your journey.

The journey from Shinjuku Station to Odawara Station should take about 89 minutes.

In Odawara Station board the Hakonetozan Line train and travel to Hakone Yumoto Station. This should take another 17 minutes, after which you have finally arrived.

If you can, choose a seat on the right side of the train, to catch a glimpse of Mount Fuji!

9.30AM – ARRIVE AT HAKONE YAMOTE STATION

Most daytrips to Hakone start in the rural town Hakone Yamote. Your train should arrive here around 10.20am. Head towards the exit and explore the town. You can either start your day here or end it here with a relaxing soak and dinner like we did.

Hakone Yamote has one main street that runs past the station and is lined with old buildings, restaurants and shops. If you haven’t had breakfast yet, this is a good place to grab something.

A river runs parallel to it. You can follow it, to the Tamadare waterfall and Shogenji Temple

10.00AM – TAKE THE BUS FROM HAKONE YAMOTE TO MOTOHAKONE-KO

Just opposite to the train station is the bus station. Hakone has an extensive bus network and most busses that run in the Hakone area stop here. In fact, you might find a large crowd of people waiting here for their bus. The staff manning the bus stops don’t typically speak English, but should at least be able to direct you to the correct bus line nonetheless.

Get on the bus heading to Hakone-jinja-iriguchi, or Motohakone-ko. When we visited Hakone buses for those destinations were located at Stop 4. Buses leave frequently. Try to grab a seat if you can, the journey to Lake Ashinoko from Hakone-Yumoto take about 35 minutes.

Note that in Japan you board the bus from the back. We would also advise you find your day pass or money whilst you are waiting in line. Bus drivers need to ensure everything runs on time and will therefore have little patience for you if you are fumbling around in your pockets.

ITINERARY TIP

You can board a bus to Hakone Machi instead, then follow the next part of the itinerary in reverse order – visit Hakone Checkpoint, then walk along Tokaido Highway to Hakone Jinja Shrine and board a sightseeing cruise in Moto-Hakone. It is your choice.

10.35 AM – EXPLORE LAKE ASHINOKO

Disembark your bus in Moto-Hakone. The bus should stop near the ferry terminal, right on the shore of Lake Ashinoko (芦ノ湖). Lake Ashinoko is the heart of Hakone and one of the five famous lakes in the Fuji-izu region. The lake was formed in the caldera of Mount Hakone after the volcano’s last eruption over 3000 years ago.

Hakone has gained a reputation for its views of Mount Fuji and Moto-Hakone has some of the best views in the area, especially on cloudless days. In fact, the symbol of Hakone is Lake Ashinoko with Mount Fuji in the background. So if you are lucky you might catch a glimpse of the tip of Mount Fuji as you walk around the lake. Visibility tends to be best early in the morning or late in the afternoon during the colder seasons.

But there are plenty of other activities and attractions around Lake Ashi. For one there is the famous Hakone Shrine to which you will be heading next. A little further along is Hakone Check point. And another great place to visit near the lake is Onshi Hakone Park.

Lake Ashi is also a great place to go hiking, with plenty of path that run along its shores. In fact, if you love hiking and are staying in Hakone for a few days, you could actually follow the trail all the way from Hakone-Yumoto to Moto-Hakone, instead of taking the bus. The route takes about 1.5 hours to complete and passes by the 350-year-old teahouse Amazake-chaya, whose family have been serving travellers since the Edo period.

We wouldn’t suggest you take a day trip from Tokyo to Hakone if your main reason is to see Mount Fuji. There are better locations to see the famous volcano up close in the Fuji Five Lake area. Furthermore, the likelihood of you actually spotting the summit of Mt. Fuji is highly dependent on the weather.

10.55 AM – VISIT HAKONE JINJA SHRINE

5 minutes walk from previous location

Whilst you are in Moto-Hakone, you simply must visit Hakone Jinja Shrine (箱根神社), a famous Asian temple that sits at the foot of Mount Hakone, along the shores of Lake Ashinoko. It’s only a 5-minute walk from where you got off the bus.

Cross the road at the bus stop then start walking anti-clockwise around the Lake towards the mountains (with the shore on your left).

Although the shrine is hidden in the dense forest, its location is marked by a Huge Torii Gate that stands proudly in the Lake. A path leads from the Torii gate up a series of steps, flanked by beautiful lanterns that light the way and huge cedar trees. The cedar trees are more than 800 years old and create an atmosphere of wonder and beauty.

Explore the over 1200 year old shrine. Hakone Jinja is a Japanese Shinto shrine that was founded in 757 during the reign of Emperor Kōshō and worshipped by the Tokugawa Family. The original Hakone Shrine actually sat at the summit of Komagatake, one of Mount Hakone’s multiple peaks. It was then relocated in its current location and form in 1667. Hakone Jinja Shrine is particularly popular among Japanese women, as visiting it is said to bless your marriage. The shrine features a cedar tree decorate with sacred straw ropes, is said to be a symbol for an easy delivery when giving birth. There is also a small museum where five items regarded as national Important Cultural Property are displayed. Admission to this museum is discounted with the Hakone Freepass.

Once you are done exploring the shrine, head back down the steps towards the lake and the floating Peace Shrine Gate. This must be one of the most iconic sights in Hakone and there is usually a line of people around it waiting to take a selfie. In fact, it’s probably more famous than the shrine itself. This Torii gate is pretty much a smaller version of the one on Miyajima Island.

Hakone Jinja has to be one of the most atmospheric shrines we visited in our two weeks in Japan. It is a beautiful shrine at any time of the year, but especially in the rain or when shrouded in mist.

OPENING TIMES: 8.00am to 5.00 pm (March-September) 8.00am to 4.30 pm (October to February)

CLOSED ON: Open all year round

ENTRANCE FEE: free

Before entering a Shinto Shrine it is customary to purify yourself at the water fountain. Fill the ladle with water and pour it over your left hand, then wash your right hand and final rinse your mouth. Place the ladle back and you have completed the Temizu Ritual.

To pay your respect at a Shinto Shrine, start by bowing, gently toss in a coin, ring the bell twice, bow twice, followed by two claps with the left hand slightly in front, make a prayer, then end with a final bow.

11.25PM  – HEAD DOWN TOKAIDO HIGHWAY CEDAR AVENUE

30 minutes walk from previous location

From Hakone Shrine head back to Moto-Hakone and then down the path in the opposite direction towards Hakone-Machi. This time Lake Ashi should be on your right-hand side. This will lead you to the Tokaido Highway, or what is left of it.

During the Edo period, Hakone was located on one of the five main highways that connected Tokyo to Kyoto. Not much of the original highway remains these days, but you can walk along an original section of it on the way to your next destination.

Known as Tokaido Highway Cedar Avenue, the 500-meter-long path runs along the shore of Lake Ashi and is flanked by century old cedars. These were planted along the old Takaido road to protect travellers from the weather. Some of the trees are up to 3 meter high with a diameter of over 4 meters. This section of the highway still has its original stone pavement.

It will only take 3 minutes from the boat pier of Moto-Hakone to reach the start of Cedar Avenue. Once you spot a parking lot to your right, you have reached the end of the original Tokaido Highway.

At this point, you could explore Onshi Hakone Park or visit Sekisho Exhibition Hall, just factor this into the timing of the itinerary. The way to the barrier checkpoint and the small museum are clearly signposted.

11.55PM  – GO BACK IN HISTORY AT HAKONE CHECKPOINT

30 minutes walk from Moto-Hakone

Continue skirting along the lake until you get to your next destination, Hakone Checkpoint. The walk here from Moto-Hakone, should take about 30 minutes, if you don’t stop en-route.

During the Edo period, Hakone checkpoint was an important stop on the Tokaido Highway. It was one of the largest and most important checkpoints at its time and controlled traffic between Tokyo to Kyoto. Among other functions, it ensured that weapons weren’t brought into Kyoto and prevented the wives of Lords from escaping Tokyo.

The current building is a replica of the original Hakone Checkpoint, but its location and style are pretty accurate to the one that existed during the Edo Period. Renovation works in 2007, restored the structure to be consistent with the original, including the gates, fencing, lookout point, housing for the foot soldiers and the prison.

You can pass through the checkpoint without going inside the building and this won’t cost you anything. But those interested in Japanese history, should definitely consider visiting the building and its exhibition hall. It is pretty fascinating to explore a Japanese checkpoint of the feudal period and you can even climb all the way up to the look-out tower.

OPENING TIMES: 9.00am to 5.00 pm (March-November) 9.00am to 4.30 pm (December to February)

ENTRANCE FEE: 500 yen (400 yen for Hakone  Freepass  Holders)

Judge whether you have enough time to visit Hakone Checkpoint, based on how late you are running in the morning and which other attractions you might want to see. You could for instance skip a visit to Hakone Open Air Museum in favour of Hakone Checkpoint. Or you could decide not to head into Moto-Hakone to see the Jinja Shrine

12.30PM  – HAVE LUNCH IN HAKONE-MACHI

After a busy morning hiking, you might be getting hungry. So we suggest you refuel at this point. There are a decent number of restaurants in Hakone-Machi serving anything from ramen, to udon noodles, katsu curry, soba noodles and seafood rice bowls. Furthermore, there are far less options on the other side of the lake at Togendai.

We would suggest however that you check the timetable of the ferries and grab your ticket before you find a place to eat. That way you will know how much time you have and won’t be rushing your meal to catch the next ferry.

Consider having lunch at Daimasa, located merely 3 minutes away from Hakone Checkpoint. The restaurant specialises in sashimi sets and has an English menu. Plus the portions are very generous. To get here cross the main road and walk down the hill. Daimasa is on the left hand side.

If you are running late in the morning, you might want to consider taking a bus straight from Hakone Yumoto to Hakone Machi. This does however mean that you won’t be able to visit Hakone Shrine. You will need to satisfy yourself with seeing the famous Torii gate from afar from the deck of your sightseeing boat.

1.10PM – CRUISE ON A PIRATE SHIP FROM HAKONE MACHI TO TOGENDAI

Once you have had your fill of the south side of Lake Ashi, board a Hakone Sightseeing Boat to cross the lake to Togendai.

There are two different ferry lines on Lake Ashinoko. Whilst you were walking along the shore, you probably spotted three colourful “pirate ships” sailing across the lake. They are pretty hard to miss! Well, these are operated by the Hakone Sightseeing Boat company and accept the Hakone Free Pass. In fact, sailing on one of these slightly cheesy boats is completely free with the pass. The white passenger ships, on the other hand, are operated by Izuhakone Sightseeing Boats, and the Hakone Free Pass isn’t valid on them. It is far more fun to sail on a pirate ship anyway.

You can get on a Hakone Sightseeing Cruise from three locations. Either on the northern side at Togendai-ko or on the southern shore at Hakonemachi-ko or Motohakone-ko. The pirate ships leave one or twice an hour, so aim to get on the ship departing at 2.10pm. Be aware though that boarding starts ten minutes before and that Japanese don’t like to run late.

The “pirate ships” are actually meant to resemble English battleships. All three ships have a similar layout. If you easily get sea sick or refer to sit down, stay below deck. The best views of Lake Ashinoko however can be enjoyed from the open air-deck. If you are willing to pay an extra 500 yen, you can get tickets for the first-class area. First class passengers get their own open air deck at the front of the boat and plush couches indoors below deck. We would only recommend paying for first class tickets though, if you are visiting Hakone on a particularly busy day.

The boat ride from Hakone Machi to Togendai will take about 25 to 35 minutes, so there is plenty of time to get some beautiful pictures. Sailing across Lake Ashi on a clear day is one of the best ways to get a view of Mount Fuji from Hakone. But there are plenty of other great photo opportunities in this scenic location. Make sure to get a pretty shot of the iconic red floating Torii gate of Hakone Shrine.

OPENING TIMES: First ship departs at 9.30am, last ship departs at 4.20pm

CLOSED ON: The cruise will be cancelled in bad weather conditions

ENTRANCE FEE: 1000 yen for one way, 1500 yen for one way in first class, 1840 yen for a return ticket, 2610 yen for a first class return ticket (free unlimited journeys for Hakone  Freepass  Holders)

Departure times can vary depending on the season, so definitely check the timetable to ensure you don’t have to wait too long.

1.45PM – TAKE THE HAKONE ROPEWAY FROM TOGENDAI STATION TO SOUNZAN STATION

Once you have arrived in Togendai-Ko, immediately make your way to the Hakone Ropeway. There really isn’t much to see in Togendai, apart from the ferry terminal. You might spot a long queue at the ticket counter, but if you have a Hakone Pass, you can skip this and go straight to the boarding area.

The Hakone Cable Car runs between Togendai Station and Sōunzan Station and the entire journey takes about 30 minutes. Gondola’s depart every minute and can fit about ten people each. The carriages have huge windows, so this is a great way to get a birds-eye-view of the valley, Lake Ashi and the mountains that surround it. Take a good look at the geothermal landscape that surrounds you!

Because the ropeway runs through an active volcanic zone, you might be given a wet towel to cover your face and block out the sulphurous fumes. Don’t worry though, the fumes aren’t dangerous, they just have a slightly unpleasant smell of rotten eggs.

Note that the Hakone Ropeway actually has three separate sections. The first sections takes you from Togendai Station up to Ubako Station. The second section takes you from Ubako Station up to Owakudani Station. And the third section runs between Owakudani Station and Sōunzan Station. A transfer is only required at Owakudani Station. Depending on volcanic activity, you will want to get off in the middle anyway to explore Owakudani, before heading on to Sōunzan.

OPENING TIMES: 9.00am to 5.00pm (March to November), 9.00am to 4.30pm (December to February)

CLOSED ON: during bad weather and on days with strong volcanic activity

ENTRANCE FEE: 1480 yen one way (free with the Hakone Freepass)

If there is an increase in volcanic activity in the area, use of the cable car might get suspended. The entire area might even get shut down. This was the case when we visited Hakone. However, there is usually a replacement shuttle bus that you can take from Togendai station to Sōunzan Station, which is the most efficient way to get across the mountains in this scenario. Simply follow the signs for the shuttle bus and expect the ride to take about 10 minutes. This thus however sadly means, that you won’t be able to explore the next attraction – Owakudani. So make sure to check before your trip to Hakone.

2PM – EAT BLACK EGGS IN OWAKUDANI – THE VALLEY OF HELL

Since Hakone is famous for its hot springs, the Great Boiling Valley is definitely a must-visits on any Hakone tour. In fact, this next part of the itinerary will probably be a highlight of your Hakone itinerary. So, don’t skip it unless you are forced to by volcanic activity (like we were) or you have a respiratory condition.

Disembark your cable car at Owakudani (大涌谷), also known by locals as “Hell Valley”. The valley was created 3000 years ago, when the Hakone volcano exploded. It is still an active volcanic zone where you can peer down into a smoking abyss, where yellow sulfur is exposed above ground and experience the sulphurous fumes, hot springs and hot rivers of Mount Hakone.

It is also particularly popular with tourists because of its scenic views. On a clear day you will get an amazing scenic view of Mount Fuji. On an overcast day however, Fuji-san will be hiding in the clouds and you’ll never know it’s there. Don’t despair, the thick mist on such days give Owakudani a particularly dreamy atmosphere.

A ten-minute walking trail leads from the ropeway station to a number of steam vents and bubbling pools. At the start of this path you will spot the small buddhist Enmei Jizouson Temple. It marks the spot where Buddhist monk Kobo Daishi (who founded the Shingon sect in Japan) visited Owakudani over 1000 years ago, to pray for those suffering in the hell realms and placed a statue of the Bodhisattva Jizo.

Follow the path that leads to the peak of Mount Kamiyama until you reach the hot springs. Here you can watch eggs being cooked in batches in the steaming mineral-laden water. Known as Kuro-Tamago, the shell of the eggs turns black because of the reaction with the sulfur in the water. They are a local speciality and completely safe to consume. In fact, they are supposedly lucky and said to add 7 years to your lifespan. But apparently eating more than two is unlucky, so it’s not a great way to gain immortality. The eggs are sold in the souvenir shop. A set of five will set you back around 500 yen. Once you have peeled off the shell, the eggs look normal, and they taste like a standard hard-boiled eggs too. Another cheap snack you can buy in the souvenir shops are salty rice crackers roasted over a coal fire. If you have a sweet tooth you might want to try the black coloured vanilla ice-cream or the yellow eggnog flavoured ice-cream sold at the peak. There are also several Japanese restaurants in this area, in case you haven’t had lunch yet.

If you are feeling adventurous, you can follow one of the various side trails and hiking trails around Owakudani. The trail to the peak of Mount Kamiyama will take about two hours to complete.

OPENING TIMES: 9.00am to 4.00pm (determined by the operation hours of the Hakone Ropeway)

CLOSED ON: days with strong volcanic activity

ENTRANCE FEE: 500 yen for a set of five Kuro-Tamago

Access to some of the side trails and hiking trails is sometimes restricted because of noxious volcanic gases and volcanic activity. Sometimes the entire area around Owakudani is off-limits, even though the ropeway continues to run. So check the status of the area before you visit Hakone, if you have your heart set on seeing Owakudani.

2.45PM – RIDE ON THE TOZAN CABLECAR FROM SOUNZAN STATION TO GORA STATION

Once you have seen, smelled and tasted everything in Owakudani board the ropeway and head on to Sōunzan Station. Enjoy the scenic views then climb aboard the Tozan Cable Car and ride it down towards Gora Station.

The funicular is only a few carriages long and stepped on the inside to match the slope of the tracks. Although the Tozan Cable Car looks like a tram, it is in fact pulled up and lowered by a cable. The overall distance travelled from Sounzan to Gora is relatively short, the ride itself however is slow and takes about ten minutes in total.

It is a very pleasant way to travel between both locations, especially if you manage to get a seat near a window. The track is surrounded by greenery on either side and the views along it are stunning. In summer you will notice plenty of hydrangeas blossoming near the tracks and in autumn the foliage turns a fiery red.

The Hakone Cable Car makes several stops between Sounzan and Gora stations. If you wish to go to the Hakone Art Museum then you will need to get off at Koen-kami Station. If you want to see the Hakone Photography Museum then Koen-Shimo is the station you are looking for. Otherwise wait until you reach Gora Station before you alight.

OPENING TIMES: 8.25am to 6.20pm

ENTRANCE FEE: 430 yen one way (free unlimited rides for Hakone  Freepass  Holders)

Make sure to exit the Tozan Cable Car in the right direction. Not all stations offer an opportunity to cross to the other side. If you got out on the wrong side, you will need to wait for the cable car to stop at the station to be able to walk through it.

3.45PM – SPEND SOME TIME IN GORA

Return to the Tozan Cable Car or walk down the hill to Gora.

Gora is a small village and hillside hot spring resort in the mountains of Hakone. It is actually one of the more recently developed areas of Hakone and previously was nothing more than a barren wasteland of rocks. In fact, the name of the village comes from these rocks, that are said to resemble tortoise shells.

In the 1900s a hot spring was discovered in the area and several resorts were developed around it. The construction of the Tozan Railway line made it particularly popular with tourists. Gora has earned the nickname “the hot spring with five pastel shades” as it produces spring waters with different colours and alleged effects.

But there is more to Gora, than hot springs. You will find several attractions in this area, including the Hakone Museum of Art, Gora Park, and a ninja cafe.

If you have decided to stay in Hakone for more than one day, you might end up booking a hotel in this area. There are many inns located around the slopes of the cable car routes. We would suggest you choose one with onsen facilities. In this case you won’t have to follow this one day Hakone itinerary past Hakone Open Air Museum

STROLL THROUGH GORA PARK (OPTIONAL)

8 minutes walk from Gora Station

Gora Park (強羅公園) is a western style landscape park built into the steep slope of Gora. It is the perfect place to relax, unwind and enjoy the magnificent misty views across Hakone.

Inspired by French landscape gardens, Gora Park features a large fountain, rose garden and two Greenhouses. One of the greenhouses is filled with tropical flowers while the other contains the flower garden.

There is also a traditional Japanese Teahouse and a crafthouse where visitors can learn to blow glass, sandblast, make dried flower arrangements or create some pottery. Note that these activities will set you back an additional 1000 to 5000 yen.

Explore the park in a clockwise direction. We really enjoyed the tranquility of Gyoen Park. It isn’t as popular with tourists, so it almost felt like we had the entire park to ourselves. It is best to visit the park between mid and late November, when the autumns foliage reaches its peak.

OPENING TIMES: 9.00am to 5.00pm

ENTRANCE FEE: 550 yen, free for children under 12 years old (free with the Hakone Free Pass)

We believe you need at the very least half an hour to do this attraction justice. We therefore only included Hakone Gora Park as an optional stop in this Tokyo Itinerary. Feel free to add it to your own itinerary, if you started the day on an earlier train or find yourself with spare time, because the Hakone Ropeway has been closed due to bad weather. You could also skip having lunch in Hakone-Machi, in order to fit the attraction in. After all, there are plenty of opportunities to snack all around Hakone

4.00PM – GET ARTSY AT THE HAKONE OPEN AIR MUSEUM

15 minutes walk from Gora Station

There are over a dozen of museums in Hakone, which is one of the many reasons that the area is such a great place for a weekend trip from Tokyo. But if you only have time to visit one museum, then make it the Hakone Open Air Museum. In fact, this expansive outdoor sculpture museum is worth a day-trip to Hakone on its own, as there simply isn’t anything like it in Tokyo.

Hakone Open Air Museum was Japan’s first outdoor sculpture park, when it opened in 1969. The 70000 acres featuring 120 sculptures by the likes of Henry Moore, Barbara Hepworth, Kyoko Asakura, Taro Okamoto and several other notable artists.

A few noteworthy sculptures, from slightly lesser known artists, include La Pleureuse by Francois-Xavier – a sculpture of a women’s head shedding tears into the water below her, the interactive Curved Space – Diamond Structure by Peter Pearce and the Horiuchi MacAdam’s Knitted Wonder Space 2 – a colourful structure created from 650kg of braided nylon.

There is also an entire indoor pavilion dedicated to the work of the Spanish painter Pablo Picasso, four further indoor exhibitions, a hot spring to dip your feet in and an all-you-can-eat café. You could therefore easily spend two or three hours, if not the entire day at the Hakone Open air Museum.

OPENING TIMES: 9.00am to 5.00pm (last entry 4.30pm)

ENTRANCE FEE: 1600yen for adults / 1200yen for university and high school students/ 900yen for middle and elementary school students (1400 yen with the Hakone Freepass)

5.10PM – HEAD BACK TO HAKONE-YUMOTE ON THE HAKONE TOZAN RAILWAY

3 minutes walk from Hakone Open Air Museum

When you are done at the Open Air Museum, head back to Hakone-Yumoto on the Hakone Tozan Railway (箱根登山電車). Simply walk to Chokoku-No-Mori Station.

Hakone Tozan Railway is Japan’s oldest mountain railway. The 35-minute journey winds itself through a narrow and densely wooded valley, over the 43 meter high Deyama Bridge and through tunnels, stopping at several stations on the way. In fact, it has to take a couple of switchbacks in order to overcome the 400 meter height difference between Gora and Hakone Yumoto.

The interior of the train is dated but very clean and comfortanle, as is often the case in Japan. There are plenty of windows and we recommend that you sit on the left-hand-side.

This train ride is particularly beautiful in June and July when the tracks are lined with beautifully blooming Hydrangeas or in autumn when the forest sparkles in orange and red.

The Hakone Tozan Railway was temporarily closed between Gora Station and Hakone-Yumoto station, after it was damaged by typhoon Hagibis in 2019. At the time a replacemen

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A Tokyo to Hakone Day Trip Itinerary (Hakone Round Course Loop)

By: Author Charles

Posted on October 25, 2023

Just south of Tokyo, you will find Hakone – one of the most unique places to visit in Japan. A Hakone day trip will give you plenty to see and do as you explore all that it has to offer.

You will find beautiful views of Mt. Fuji, relaxing hot springs, and some incredible natural beauty. From the geothermal activity to the area down by Lake Ashi, Hakone is surely not to disappoint.

It is also home to the Hakone Round Course Loop – a series of several different transportation options to take you on a full circle around the Hakone area.

This guide will focus on everything you need to know when taking part of a Tokyo to Hakone day trip and the Hakone round course loop in particular.

By the end of reading through, you should have no trouble getting yourself on your way. With that said lets get into it!

*  Affiliate Disclosure : This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission if you make a purchase through the links provided, at no additional cost to you. Thanks for supporting the work I put into TripTins!

1) Tokyo to Hakone Day Trip Overview

Without a doubt, one of my favorite memories of Japan is the Tokyo to Hakone day trip.

If you are not familiar with Hakone, it is a town that is made famous due to its proximity to Mount Fuji. Throughout a day exploring Hakone, you will be able to take in views of Mount Fuji consistently from all different angles.

The Round Course Route

One of the most popular ways to go about the day trip is to take part of the Hakone Round Course. This loop route has you going on several different transportation types, as you get to see all that Hakone has to offer along the way.

A standard Hakone day trip will look something like this:

• Train : Tokyo to Odawara or Hakone Yumoto
• Hakone Tozan Railway : Odawara / Hakone Yumoto to Gora
• Hakone Tozan Cable Car : Gora to Sounzan
• Hakone Ropeway : Sounzan to Togendai (with stop in Owakudani)
• Lake Ashi Boat : Togendai to Hakone-machi or Moto-Hakone
• Hakone Tozan Bus : Moto-Hakone to Odawara or Hakone Yumoto
• Train : Odawara or Hakone Yumoto to Tokyo (or next destination)

Now, while a Hakone day trip is a popular option, staying overnight in Hakone is another way to about it. That way you can spend more time exploring and also take part of some relaxing Ryokans.

The Freepass

What makes a trip to Hakone so simple is that you can buy the Hakone Freepass, which will include all the transport for the day (starting in Odawara). There is also the option to include the round trip transport from Tokyo, when purchasing the pass (more on that next!).

The Highlights

Throughout a day of exploring Hakone, there will be many top highlights to look out for along the way. It is not just taking the various transportation that make this day trip so unique, but rather what you will see & experience. Some of these highlights include:

• Exploring Gora
• First Views of Mt Fuji from the Ropeway
• Owakudani Volcanic Valley
• Trying Some Black Eggs
• Cruising Lake Ashi
• Onshi Hakone Koen Park
• Hakone Shrine
• And Plenty of Mt Fuji Views Along the Way!

Here are just a few essentials to think about when going about the day trip:

• Duration : 6 – 8 hours to fully enjoy the experience (starting in Odawara)
• Cost (with JR Pass) : 5,000 JPY
• Cost (without JR Pass) : 6,100 JPY (includes round trip from Tokyo)
• Weather : Mount Fuji Forecast
• Guided Option : Hakone Tour

2) Hakone Freepass

I want to start off talking about the Hakone Freepass as that is what you will be using as you make your way around Hakone.

Basically in the Hakone area there are many different transportation options available such as trains, cable cars, ropeways, boats, busses, and more – these in essence make up the Round Course Loop.

The Freepass gives you access to all of these by just showing your pass. No need to purchase separate tickets every time for each mode of transportation. Simply show your pass and be on your way.

It also gives you discounted or free access to many museums, parks and different sites around Hakone, making it a very cost-efficient option for those that will be touring around.

At the end of the day, even if just taking part of the Round Course Loop you will still be saving money (plus the convenience factor) vs. purchasing individual tickets for each mode of transportation around Hakone.

Hakone Freepass Options

There are a two main options when it comes to purchasing the Hakone Freepass:

• 2 Day Hakone Freepass (Starting in Odawara) : the cost for a Freepass is 5,000 JPY for a 2 day pass. Even if just doing a day trip, the 2 day pass is worth the cost (and there is no 1 day pass option). This is recommended if you have the JR Pass (as the JR Pass will already cover free transport to Odawara).
• 2 Day Hakone Freepass (including Round Trip from Tokyo) : If you are coming from Tokyo and doing the day trip (or an overnight and going back to Tokyo after) you can pay 6,100 JPY for the 2 day pass. This gives you the round trip train on Odakyu Railway from Shinjuku Station to Odawara Station.

Romancecar Add On from Tokyo : there is an option to pay an additional fee to upgrade your Odakyu Railway ticket on the Romancecar (+1,150 JPY one way or +2,300 JPY round trip). The Romancecar takes you directly to Hakone-Yumoto (instead of Odawara) in just 75 minutes.

Purchasing the Hakone Freepass

There are a few different ways to purchase the Hakone Freepass for your trip:

• Purchase the Hakone Freepass online (Odakyu)
• Purchase in Person (Shinjuku or Odawara Stations)

You can upgrade to the Romancecar by purchasing a seat reservation online or buying at the Shinjuku train station from Odakyu Railway.

Once you are in Odawara (or Hakone-Yumoto if you took the Romancecar), you will be able to use the Freepass on a bunch of different types of transportation around the round course loop.

Note: there are also 3 day passes available for those who are not planning on doing the day trip, but rather staying a few days in the Hakone area.

3) Hakone Logistics

Before getting into the Hakone Round Course Loop, we first need to get you there. To take part of the Tokyo to Hakone day trip, you will need to utilize the super-efficient train system that Japan offers.

And with that said, there are a few different options to choose from depending on whether or not you have a JR Pass handy.

After departing Tokyo, the first part of the Hakone Round Course Loop journey will start in Odawara and then onto the Hakone-Yumoto station.

This section will focus on the round trip options from Tokyo. In the following section, I will talk more about a one way option (either continuing onto another destination at day’s end or staying overnight).

Here are your options for getting to Odawara / Hakone-Yumoto:

With JR Pass

Getting to Hakone is pretty straightforward if you have a JR Pass. There are trains leaving from Tokyo Station to Odawara and can be as fast as just 35 minutes (with local trains taking closer to 90 minutes).

To get on these faster trains, take a look at the Tokaido Shinkansen on the Kodama or Hikari lines. The timetables can be found on the Hyperdia website (departure Tokyo / arrival Odawara).

Once you arrive in Odawara you can purchase the Hakone Freepass for 5,000 JPY (or purchase online ahead of time).

After you arrive in Odawara and purchase the Freepass, you can then hop on the quick 15 minute local train up to Hakone-Yumoto to start the round course.

Learn More : For more about the JR Pass, check out the Japan helpful tips section

Without JR Pass

Now if you do not have a JR Pass and want to take part of the Hakone Round Course day trip from Tokyo, you can choose from three main options.

Note that all the prices reflect round trip costs including the Hakone Freepass .

1. Hakone Freepass + Shinjuku to Odawara (Odakyu Line) : Purchase a Hakone Freepass for 6,100 JPY, which includes a round trip from Shinjuku Station on the Odakyu line (~90 minutes). This price not only will include your round trip from Tokyo to Odawara, but also includes the unlimited use of transportation in Hakone. Total Cost: 6,100 JPY

2. Hakone Freepass + Shinjuku to Hakone-Yumoto (Odakyu Line) + Romancecar Add On : You also have the option here to upgrade and reserve a seat on the faster Romancecar (75 minutes) for an additional +1,150 JPY one way (+2,300 JPY round trip). This will take you straight to Hakone-Yumoto Station (about 15 further along than Odawara), where you can start the round course journey. Total Cost: 8,400 JPY

3. JR Train from Tokyo to Odawara : Even if you do not have a JR Pass you can still opt to take the fast JR train (35 minutes) to Odawara. This will cost 3,810 JPY one way (7,620 JPY round trip) and leaves from Tokyo Station (not Shinjuku). Total Cost: 12,620 JPY

Options 1/2 make most sense from a cost perspective but if you either want to get there/back as quickly as possible or want to leave from Tokyo station instead of Shinjuku, option 3 could work as well.

Tip : if you opt for the Odakyu line from Shinjuku to Odawara (not the Romancecar) be prepared to stand or have somewhat of a crowded train as this is a commuter train. If you want the peace and quiet, along with a nice reserved seat then opt in for the Romancecar.

4) Hakone Overnight or Pit Stop

If you ARE NOT going back to Tokyo at the end of the day, you may need to re-think your options. Instead of going for the round trip, you can also continue on to your next destination or stay overnight in Hakone.

Below are some options to consider (many of which are similar to above). You will just need to add 5,000 JPY (for the Freepass) to the train cost.

With the JR Pass : simply take the 35 minute fast train from Tokyo Station to Odawara.

Without the JR Pass : If you do not have the JR Pass you can choose from the following options –

• Shinjuku to Odawara (Odakyu Line) : One way ticket from Shinjuku Station on the local Odakyu line to Odawara for 910 JPY one way (90 minutes)
• Shinjuku to Hakone-Yumoto (Odakyu Line) + Romancecar : Option to upgrade to the Romancecar straight from Shinjuku to Hakone-Yumoto, for a +1,150 JPY surcharge (2,060 JPY total)
• JR Train : JR fast train from Tokyo Station to Odawara for 3,810 JPY (35 minutes)

Once you arrive in Odawara you can then purchase the Hakone Freepass (5,000 JPY). If taking the Romancecar, you should buy the Freepass at the same time of the Romancecar purchase .

5) Where to Stay in Tokyo / Hakone

There are many different areas to choose from when deciding where to stay in Tokyo. I would recommend staying in or near Shinjuku, which is a great place for nightlife, restaurants, transportation and more!

• Hotel Gracery Shinjuku
• Citadines Central Shinjuku
• Hyatt Regency Tokyo

If you are staying the night near Hakone, here are a few highly rated accommodation options to choose from.

• Laforet Club Hakone Gora Yunosumika
• Yutorelo-an
• Hakone Yutowa
• Hakone Ashinoko Hanaori

6) Hakone Day Trip Map

See below for a map of the round course with the color coded modes of transportation. These will make up the main route as you go about your Hakone day trip:

• (1) Hakone Tozan Railway from Odawara/Hakone Yumoto to Gora
• (2) Hakone Tozan Cablecar from Gora to Sounzan
• (3) Hakone Ropeway from Sounzan to Togendai (w/ a stop in Owakudani)
• (4) Hakone Boat Tour from Togendai to Hakone-machi or Moto-Hakone
• (5) Hakone Tozan Bus back to Hakone Yumoto or Odawara (if going back to Tokyo) or Gora (if staying overnight)

Note : if staying overnight in Gora, check into your hotel and drop your stuff off before getting on the cable car (2).

7) Hakone Day Trip Tours

While doing the Hakone Round Course on your own is certainly possible, taking part of a tour is another way to go about the day. Now, these tours may not follow the exact circuit as they can leverage their own private transport along the way to save some time.

However, joining a tour can remove any logistical issues and take care of you from beginning to end. Here are some potential options to consider when it comes to Hakone tours:

• Mount Fuji Full-Day Tour and Hakone Cruise
• Mt. Fuji, Hakone, Lake Ashi Cruise and Bullet Train
• Guided Day Trip to Hakone, Owakudani & Mt. Fuji

8) Hakone Round Course Loop

I will now walk you through each mode of transportation used and what to expect as you make your way around the area. For the most part everything is pretty simple to follow and you should not have much trouble getting from one place to the next.

The whole loop starting and ending in Odawara should take anywhere from 6-8 hours depending on how long you plan on staying in each place. It could take even shorter but at that point you may feel too rushed.

(A) Hakone Tozan Railway from Odawara/Hakone Yumoto to Gora

If you did not opt for the Romancecar, your journey will begin in Odawara.

Once you arrive in Odawara and purchase the Freepass (if you have not done so already), you will hop on the quick 15 minute train ride to Hakone Yumoto. Once in Hakone Yumoto you will need to get on another train that takes you up to Gora.

This section will take about 40 minutes as the train zig zags its way up the mountain.

Since it is quite an incline for a train, there will be a few switchbacks, where the train will switch directions – as in the front of the train will become the back of the train and vice versa.

Once the 40 minute journey is complete you will arrive in the town of Gora. If staying the night in Hakone, Gora is one of the more popular options to choose from and you will have plenty of onsens in the area to decide between.

You can drop your luggage at your hotel before continuing on with your day.

Even if you are not staying overnight I would still advise to take a walk around town and head to Gora Park . If you are there during cherry blossom time you will have some great flower photos to take!

(B) Hakone Tozan Cable Car from Gora to Sounzan

Next up on the round course loop is the quick cable car from Gora to Sounzan .

The cable car is about 10 minutes long and it will make a few stops before arriving at the final destination of Sounzan.

(C) Hakone Ropeway from Sounzan to Togendai (w/ a stop in Owakudani)

After getting off the cable car it is time to hop on the Hakone Ropeway.

The ropeway is made up of two parts – one from Sounzan to Owakudani and the next from Owakudani to Togendai .

Note that you must get off the cable car and switch in Owakudani. Both of these portions should take about 10 minutes each.

The ropeway is much more than a simple ropeway though. About half way up to Owakudani, you will be welcomed to the one and only Mount Fuji out in the near distance. And believe me, it is quite the site seeing Fuji appear so close for the first time.

Soon enough you will also be hovering over the geothermal area of Owakudani with plenty of sulfur gasses coming out from the ground.

The ropeway coupled with Mount Fuji and the geothermal area is one of the most unique experiences I had during my time in Japan.

After the 10 minute cable car and taking in some views from above you will arrive in Owakudani. This is the perfect spot to get all sorts of pictures of Mount Fuji (this will be the closest you get during the round course loop) and the geothermal area down below.

On top of those views I would also recommend getting some lunch here as there are a couple restaurant options.

And finally don’t forget to buy some of those famous black eggs that are boiled in the nearby water – legend has it that eating these eggs can add 5+ years to your lifespan, so why not give one of them a try.

Don’t worry though, the eggs themselves don’t taste any different from regular eggs, just the shell is black. A pack of 5 costs 500 JPY at the nearby stand.

After taking some pics of Mount Fuji and the geothermal area, having some lunch, and trying those black eggs, it is time to hop back on the cable car and down to Togendai.

During this portion of the ropeway you should be able to see Mount Fuji for the majority of the ride – sit on the front right side of the ropeway for the best pics! You have the option to get off at Ubako or just continue along to Togendai.

(D) Lake Ashi Boat from Togendai to Hakone-Machi or Moto-Hakone

Lake Ashi will be your next stop on the Hakone round course loop as you board a “pirate ship” at Togendai to the opposite side of the lake to Hakone-machi or Moto-Hakone.

This 40 minute ride will take you through Lake Ashi’s waters and as you get further along the route, Mount Fuji will come back into view – this time a bit further away but just as beautiful.

You have two options to choose from when it comes to getting off the boat – either Hakone-machi or Moto-Hakone.

Hakone-machi Port

If you get off at the first stop Hakone-machi, you can make the nice walk towards Onshi Hakone Koen Park. From the park you can get some great views of Mount Fuji at a higher vantage point.

You can then continue the walk out of the park and along the water, passing the Moto-Hakone port area (where you can get some great shots of Fuji and the Hakone Shrine Torii gate) and on to the Hakone Shrine itself, before returning to Moto-Hakone to catch the bus back.

Moto-Hakone Port

There are a couple reasons I see to get off at the second port (Moto-Hakone).

If you want to capture the shot of the Mount Fuji with the Hakone Shrine Torii gate from the boat, you can only take that picture if you get off at Moto-Hakone. You can however, capture a very similar picture by the shore near Moto-Hakone.

A second reason to get off here is if you have no interest in heading to the Onshi Hakone Koen Park. The second port is closer to the Hakone Shrine area, so you will basically skip the park and just make the short walk over to the shrine before heading back to the port bus stop.

If you zoom into the map I inputted earlier on in the article, you can see where the ports, the park, and the shrine are located.

(E) Onshi Hakone Koen Park

As just mentioned, once you get off the boat you have the chance to head up to Onshi Hakone Koen Park .

It is basically right in the middle of the two ports and it gives some great vantage points of Lake Ashi and Mount Fuji from above. There are a few steps to get up there just a heads up!

(F) Hakone Shrine

After finishing up with the park if you decided to do so, you can then make the nice walk alongside the water ending up at the Hakone Shrine .

You will be able to get up close and personal to the famous Torii gate and get a nice photo op in. Do note though that there most likely will be a line of folks trying to get that same picture too! When I was there, the line was about 20 minutes long!

(G) Hakone Tozan Bus

After a full day of exploring the Hakone area, taking various modes of transportation, seeing Mount Fuji, and plenty more, it is time to hop onto the Hakone Tozan Bus and back to either Odawara (back to Tokyo or your next destination), Hakone-Yumoto (Romancecar back to Tokyo), or Gora (if staying overnight) depending on your plans.

There are bus stations right outside the port area and there should be busses every 20-30 minutes or so. Just make sure you get on the right one!

9) Hakone Weather

One of the biggest concerns I had when planning my trip to Hakone was whether or not the weather would hold up. Unlike the cities of Japan, where you do not necessarily need clear days to enjoy your time, Hakone is a bit different.

If you want to enjoy Hakone with those Mount Fuji views then you need clear weather both in Hakone and around Mount Fuji itself.

If it is a cloudy day between the two, you are at risk of not being able to see Mount Fuji at all. And believe me you do not want that to happen!

So, my advice when planning a Tokyo to Hakone day trip is to BE FLEXIBLE. If you are in Tokyo for four days, you do not need to pick one exact day to visit Hakone. You should take a look at the weather forecasts and choose which day out of the four is best for the day trip.

Now if you are planning an overnight to Hakone as you make your way across the country, then it would be a bit harder to navigate the weather as you will be more on a schedule. In that case you just need to hope that the weather is looking good!

10) Quick Luggage Tips

A) If you are using Hakone as a pit stop between two cities (Tokyo and Kyoto for example) and are not staying overnight in the Hakone area, there are luggage storage options in Odawara and Hakone-Yumoto .

Once you arrive at either of these stations you can store your luggage before doing the loop and then pick it back up at the end of the day before heading out.

B) You also have the option to use the Takuhaibin luggage forwarding service if you do not want to deal with your bags at all. For around $20 per bag you can send your luggage to your next destination or you can send your bag to your hotel in Hakone if staying the night there.

That way you will not need to worry about putting your bags in lockers or dropping them off at your hotel and simply start your day right away.

11) Is Hakone Worth It?

With all of that said, you may be wondering if Hakone is worth it. And without a doubt, I can say that Hakone is well worth the day trip.

While there are many logistical parts of a Hakone day trip, there are such a variety of highlights all along the way. Getting to see those views of Mount Fuji consistently throughout the Round Course just makes it that much better.

I will say though that if you have less than ideal weather conditions with no views of Mount Fuji, then I would not have the same answer. A day trip to Hakone is going to feel so much more worth it if you can actually see Mount Fuji.

The great thing about opting for the day trip, is that you can pick and choose which day to head out based on the weather. Keep an eye out when you are there, and select the most weather optimal day for your trip.

That about wraps up the guide to a Tokyo to Hakone Day Trip. Take a look at the other Japan itineraries and guides to help out with any other trip planning.

If you have any questions about the trip please feel free to comment below!

Some other top guides on the site include:

• 5 Day Tokyo Itinerary
• 3 Day Kyoto Itinerary
• Tokyo to Kamakura Day Trip
• Nara Day Trip from Kyoto
• What To Do in Takayama
• and Plenty More!

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Tuesday 30th of April 2024

Hello, many thanks for this fabulous article! I'm visiting in late March 2025 with my teenage son who's a little afraid of boat trips. I just wondered how choppy or calm Lake Ashi is?

Tuesday 21st of November 2023

Thank you for putting together this information! It was very helpful 😊 I am going to be in Japan for 5 days in March and have one question for you. My plan is to take a one-day trip to Hakone on a weekday, but if the weather forecast is better during the weekend, would you rather go there then, even if it will be more crowded there?

Wednesday 29th of November 2023

@Charles, Hi Charles, seeing Mt Fuji is important to me, so I will keep the weather in mind. Thank you for the advice:)

Sunday 26th of November 2023

Hi Morten - I would recommend basing your decision on the weather if seeing Mt Fuji is a priority. While I am sure the weekends can get more crowded, getting the full experience with nice weather and views is worth it in my opinion. Enjoy!

Monday 13th of March 2023

Thank you for this beautifully written guide, I will be using it when visiting Hakone in may this year! Can't wait :) I was just wondering about one thing - I am staying at a Ryokan in the vicinity of Hakone-Yumoto. I need to check in at about 5.30 pm latest and I really want to see Owakudani and the Shrine. Can I make the trip in the morning or would you suggest to take it easy and rather do it the day after relaxing at the hotel? Thanks!

Tuesday 21st of March 2023

@Charles, thank you for the estimate!! I will think about it but looking at the pictures I really don't want to rush the trip and beauty and maybe take my time with it if the weather allows it :)

Thursday 16th of March 2023

Hi Laura - you are welcome! You will have a great time. If you arrive early enough in the day, then you can certainly do the round trip and make it back to Hakone-Yumoto by 5:30. The round course should take about 6-8 hours. It just depends on your overall schedule/itinerary. If you start the day too late, then you risk the possibility of not making it in time. Any other questions, let me know!

Sunday 5th of February 2023

Thank you for the very detailed itinerary! Question. In April, we will be staying in Mishima near Mishima Station. Can we purchase our Hakone Free Pass at Mishima Station and take the JR Tokai Bus to Hakone Machi-Ko where we will start by getting on the Pirate Ship? I also read somewhere that the Ropeway was closed for a good part of the day. I assume because this is during Winter months. Will it be open with better access in April? Thank you for your insights!

Tuesday 7th of February 2023

Hi Rick - yes, you can purchase the pass in Mishima as it is part of the "free area". And yes, from my understanding the ropeway may have been closed in the winter for a couple of months, but I believe it is now up and running again. Hope you enjoy your trip!

Tuesday 20th of December 2022

Thank you for this blog! Its so helpful! I almost wanted to book a day trip to Hakone. After reading i decided to do it free and easy on our own! I wonder if this itinerary works during Winter period in January?

Thursday 22nd of December 2022

Hi Ann - from my understanding it is possible to take part year round. However, I would double check once you arrive in Tokyo just to be certain. Hope you enjoy the trip!

• Tokyo Cheapo (繁體中文)

Hitting Up Hakone: Day Trip from Tokyo

There’s plenty to do in Hakone . Take a dip in a hot spring, head to the mountains, walk around a stunning lake, and take in the views of Mt. Fuji .

Hakone also has volcanic scenery, hiking trails, art museums, pirate ships, and bountiful history. And if you’re an Evangelion fan, there’s probably no need to tell you there’s plenty to see from the anime . Really, there’s no end to what you can do, whether you are going for a day , a weekend, or longer. Here are a few pro tips on how to get the most out of your getaway from Tokyo — of course, while keeping that budget nice and low.

How to get to Hakone

Hakone-Yumoto is the main gateway to Hakone and is a jumping-off point for most of the main sights. If you’re getting to Hakone by train (as most people do), you’ll arrive at Hakone-Yumoto Station.

There are lovely hot springs and a couple of shrines to see in Hakone-Yumoto itself; however, most visitors travel further, heading either to Gōra , a town in the mountains, or Lake Ashi , a crater lake with stunning views of Mount Fuji.

While you can do both on a day trip, we recommend not burning yourself out and staying overnight instead. After all, Hakone is a place people go to relax.

Pro tip: The Hakone Free Pass (HFP) is almost always a good deal. It gives you unlimited rides on Hakone area transport, plus small discounts to some popular attractions, and you can buy it from Klook or Headout . Hakone travel notice Following increased volcanic activity and area closures in mid-2019, the Hakone ropeway has since resumed full operations, and the Owakudani area can also now be visited, although some pathways remain closed. As it is still a level-two warning area (as determined by the Japan Meteorological Agency), it is advised that you check for transport updates before traveling -- just in case. --> Read about all the different ways of getting to Hakone from Tokyo .

Hakone Free Pass

If you opt to go on your own, we recommend getting the Hakone Free Pass from Headout or Klook . This useful 2 or 3-day transport voucher gives you free access to many methods of transportation around Hakone, including the funicular railway, most buses, the ropeway, and the sightseeing pirate ship that sails across Lake Ashi.

The full pass also covers round-trip travel from Tokyo (usually Shinjuku Station) to Hakone-Yumoto Station via the Odakyu Line. However, if you want to take the special limited express Romancecar train, you’ll need to buy a separate limited express ticket for ¥ 1,200 ( ¥ 1,150 if bought online) each way.

Getting to Hakone from Tokyo

make a reservation for a panoramic view. You'll likely need to book a week or more in advance, but on weekdays and later in the day it is much easier to find seats available.-->

Where can I buy the Hakone Free Pass?

Using buses in Hakone

Hakone tours and deals

There are many ways to enjoy Hakone, and you’ll find a range of package deals on offer for Cheapo travelers.

Mt Fuji and Hakone Day Trip

One of the most popular packages is an all-inclusive sightseeing day trip from Tokyo that takes you to both Mt Fuji and Hakone.

You can take a bus tour with Klook — this costs ¥ 12,980 . However, Viator also offers a similar itinerary, but you can ride the Shinkansen back to Tokyo .

If those are sold out, there’s two more “bus out, bullet train back” itineraries we suggest, one on Viator which includes a trip to the boiling sulfurous Owakudani Valley and a similar Mt Fuji and Lake Ashi option with JTB Sunrise Tours ( ¥ 24,500 ). The exact itinerary varies between providers.

Private guide

If you fancy having someone take you around, there are plenty of private guide options. This highly rated 6-hour private guide service costs ¥ 24,000 per person. You’ll need to make your own way to Hakone though, and the price only includes the guide — so you’ll probably want to pick up the Hakone Free Pass as well.

Outdoor adventures

If you like a bit of exercise and a good view, check out this relatively easy hiking tour of Hakone . The hike has an altitude gain of about 500 meters, includes lunch at a Japanese restaurant, and hot spring at the end.

There are also a number of mountain biking tours of the Hakone and Mount Fuji area .

Lake Ashi: Mt. Fuji views and more

Lake Ashi is at the southern end of Hakone. We recommend visiting the lake early in the day — for a better chance of seeing a clear panoramic view of Fuji.

Getting to Lake Ashi

From Hakone-Yumoto Station, take the Hakone-machi (H) Line bus from stand No. 2. The top sights can be accessed on foot from H Line bus stops around Lake Ashi.

For reference, it takes about 30 minutes from Hakone-Yumoto Station to the bus stop at Motohakone, the most developed part of Lake Ashi. The bus fare is ¥ 1,080 — or free with the Hakone Free Pass .

Things to do in Lake Ashi

There’s a lot to do on the southern edge of Lake Ashi. Sights are spread out between the two ports, Hakonemachi-kō and Motohakone-kō.

Hakone Shrine

10-minute walk from Hakone-jinja-iriguchi (Bus Stop No. 150) H Line bus from Hakone-Yumoto Station (30 minutes, ¥ 1,080 without HFP) Free

Hakone Shrine draws visitors with its Heiwa no Torii, the red shrine gate that appears to be rising out of the waters of Lake Ashi. It reminds us of Miyajima down in Hiroshima (which is one of Japan’s most famous viewpoints!).

If you plan to get a photo in front of the Hakone gate, we’d ask you to reconsider: there is nearly always a long line leading up to it — and the photo usually comes out under-lit.

The shrine itself has quite a few buildings and is surrounded by tall cedar trees, but the most interesting spot is the gate (and the somewhat hidden vermillion bridge nearby).

Hakone Checkpoint

2-minute walk from Hakone-sekisho-ato (Bus Stop No. 154) H Line bus from Hakone-Yumoto Station (40 minutes, ¥ 1,080 without HFP) ¥ 500 ( ¥ 400 with HFP)

The Old Tōkaidō Road was once a vital trade route connecting Tokyo and Kyoto. This was during the Edo period (1603–1868) when the route was heavily guarded. Travelers had to pass through several checkpoints, with Hakone being one of the most important ones.

Hakone Sekisho — “sekisho” means “checkpoint” — served as a customs and immigration station, where officials would check travelers’ paperwork and belongings before allowing them to pass. Today, it’s a museum showcasing Edo period customs and traditions.

Parts of the Old Tōkaidō Road still exist, and visitors can walk some of it in Hakone. The closest part of the road to the checkpoint is Cedar Avenue, which gives you a little sample of what to expect on a proper hike.

Hakone Sekisho Checkpoint

Amazake-chaya: A traditional teahouse

Amazake-chaya (Bus Stop No. 322) K Line bus from Hakone-Yumoto Station (23 minutes, ¥ 710 without HFP) Sweets and drinks around ¥ 500

If you have spare time, it’s worth going to Amazake-chaya . This rustic little teahouse is situated alongside the Old Tōkaidō Road and has served as a pit stop for travelers to the region since before Tokyo was, well, Tokyo. It’s been run by the same family for about 400 hundred years.

A fun way to spend an hour or two is to add a visit to the teahouse on your way to Lake Ashi from Hakone-Yumoto. The bus stop for Amazake-chaya is on the K Line route; it takes about 25 minutes to get there from Hakone-Yumoto.

At the teahouse, enjoy a cup of the warm, sweet, nutritious rice drink known as amazake (it’s not actually tea), together with some homemade mochi (sticky rice cakes).

Then, carry on walking along a preserved section of the Old Tōkaidō Highway to Motohakone. The walk, over cobblestones worn smooth with age, takes about 30 minutes.

Amazake-chaya Teahouse

For more details on hiking the Old Tōkaidō Highway, see our guide to three stunning hikes in Hakone .

Onshi Hakone Park

1-minute walk from Onshi-kōen-mae (Bus Stop No. 153) H Line bus from Hakone-Yumoto Station (35 minutes, ¥ 1,080 without HFP) Free

Onshi Hakone Park is a serene area that isn’t overrun with people like some other spots in Hakone. It features a variety of walking paths, picnic areas, and seasonal flowers, such as cherry blossoms and azaleas. You also shouldn’t miss the view of Mount Fuji from the observation deck.

The park is a short walk from Hakone Checkpoint and Cedar Avenue.

Hakone Sightseeing Cruise

1-minute walk Motohakone-kō (Bus Stop No. OH67) H or K Line bus from Hakone-Yumoto Station (32–35 minutes, ¥ 1,080 without HFP) ¥ 1,200 one-way , round-trip ¥ 2,220 (free with HFPass)

Feel like a buccaneer (or Luffy from the anime One Piece) aboard the Hakone Sightseeing Cruise. You’ll set sail on a golden boat that resembles a pirate ship from Motohakone Port to Tōgendai Port — where you can get the ropeway up to Ōwakudani.

During the trip across Lake Ashi (25 to 30 minutes), visitors can see the beautiful Hakone mountains and the famous torii gate of Hakone Shrine. The cruise is also an excellent way to get a closer look at Mt. Fuji, especially on clear days.

Note: You can also get the ship from Hakonemachi Port — which is closer to Hakone Sekisho — but the circuitous route only goes one way and will take you to Motohakone first before stopping at Tōgendai.

Ōwakudani: The Great Boiling Valley

As the whole Hakone area is a hot-spring hotspot, a visit to Ōwakudani, The Great Boiling Valley (not to be confused with the snow monkey haunt of Jigokudani ), is a must-visit on any Hakone tour. Riding a gondola up the mountain, you pass over an ominous, sulfuric landscape that looks like the lair of Smaug.

Getting to Ōwakudani

You can reach Ōwakudani via the J Line bus (or car, though parking is expensive) but most people visit via the Hakone Ropeway, which travels between Tōgendai and Sōunzan. Sōunzan is closer to Gōra, reached via the Hakone Tozan Cable Car.

From Tōgendai, the ropeway takes 30 minutes and costs ¥ 1,500 ; from Sōunzan, it’s 15 minutes and ¥ 1,500 . Or with the Hakone Free Pass rides on the Hakone Ropeway are free. There’s no admission price to Ōwakudani.

From Togendai Port: Hakone Ropeway (through station Ubako) to Owakudani (30 minutes, [price amount=1500] without HFP)[cheapo_icon name="route-solid"] From Hakone Yumoto Station: Hakone Tozan train to Gōra (40 minutes), Hakone Tozan cable car to Sounzan (10 minutes), Hakone Ropeway to Owakudani (10 minutes) ([price amount=2390] without HFP)[cheapo_icon name="map-marker-alt-solid"] Ōwakudani Ropeway Station[cheapo_icon name="coins-solid"] Free-->

Things to do in Ōwakudani

Once you reach Ōwakudani, you are invited to try the area’s signature black eggs — hard-boiled eggs that have been cooked in steaming, mineral-laden water. Supposedly they’re lucky and eating them can add years to your life, but mostly it’s the novelty of it, the hellfire and brimstone surroundings, and the distinctive smell that make it worth the trip.

Note: There are various side trails and hiking routes around Ōwakudani, but they are sometimes access-restricted because of noxious volcanic gases. Currently, only the short nature trail loop around Ōwakudani is open but requires advanced reservations (online in Japanese). While the main gondola route generally remains open, people with asthma or other respiratory conditions might want to give Ōwakudani a wide berth.

Gōra: Museums in the mountains

Gōra is up in the mountains, at an elevation of 533 meters (1,749 ft). Take your time with Gōra as there are plenty of museums, activities, and sights to see.

Getting to Gōra

Gōra is closer to Hakone-Yumoto. The Hakone Tozan Train runs between Gōra Station and Hakone-Yumoto Station and takes around 40 minutes. Coming from Hakone-Yumoto, Gōra is the last stop.

It’s deceptively far from Lake Ashi, so you may find yourself overstretched if you plan to do both in a day.

To get to Gōra from Lake Ashi, you can follow the circuitous route via Ōwakudani that involves taking the Hakone Sightseeing Cruise, the Hakone Ropeway, and the Hakone Tozan Cable Car, alighting at the terminus in Gōra. This takes well over an hour, not accounting for time spent in transit or at Ōwakudani.

Things to do in Gōra

If you only have time to see one or two museums, take a look at our personal favorites below. But if you want to take it slow, there are plenty of others to find here and elsewhere around Hakone.

5-minute walk from Gōra Station ¥ 550 (free with HFP)

Even those without a botanical bent will appreciate this delightful mountainside park. The views across to the steep and sometimes misty mountains make for a great setting in which to appreciate the glasshouses of tropical plants, trees, and shrubbery.

There’s also a traditional teahouse for you to enjoy a cuppa the Japanese way. Gōra Park scores bonus points for being quiet with no lines of tourists, and has free entry with the Hakone Free Pass.

Hakone Gora Park

Hakone Open-Air Museum

2-minute walk from Chokoku-no-mori Station Hakone Tozan Train from Gōra (2 minutes, ¥ 160 without HFP) ¥ 1,600 ( ¥ 1,400 with HFP or ¥ 1,500 with online discount )

There are over a dozen museums in Hakone, but our favorite has to be the Hakone Open-Air Museum . This expansive outdoor sculpture museum on the side of a mountain has lots of fun interactive art and a breathtaking setting.

It showcases over 100 modern and contemporary pieces by renowned artists from all over the world. They often have limited-time exhibitions — just like the shy, giant pink cat we spotted.

Hakone Open Air Museum

Pola Museum of Art

Pola-bijutsukan (Bus Stop No. 439) S Line bus from Gōra Station (15 minutes, ¥ 310 without HFP) ¥ 1,800 ( ¥ 1,600 with HFP)

The Pola Museum of Art is a beautiful facility with a great collection of Impressionist artists, including Matisse, Monet, and Renoir. The museum’s building is also a work of art in itself, designed by architect Ban Shigeru to blend into the surrounding forest. Its spacious galleries and scenic location make it a popular destination for art lovers and nature enthusiasts alike.

Note: You can go direct from Hakone-Yumoto Station, but there are limited bus departures per day and it takes around 40 minutes on winding roads.

Top hot springs in Hakone

Onsen in Hakone are too numerous to count. However, some picks that may be of particular interest to international guests are Yunessun, Hakone Yuryō, and Tenzan.

Hakone Kowakien Yunessun

2-minute walk from Yunessun-mae (Bus Stop No. 138) H Line bus from Hakone-Yumoto Station (20 minutes, ¥ 650 without HFP) From ¥ 2,100

Yunessun is a kind of hot spring theme park, with sprawling grounds and baths both inside and out. They have lots of fun baths, including tubs filled with wine, coffee, and herbs (separately, of course), as well as a water slide.

The most important thing to note is that this is a co-ed, swimsuit-wearing onsen . It’s a good choice for those who want to try the hot spring experience but are just too shy to go starkers, or those who want to share the experience with friends or family of different sexes. Read more about Yunessun . For admission, you can buy discounted tickets online .

Hakone Yuryō

16-minute walk from Hakone-Yumoto Station Shuttle bus from Hakone-Yumoto Station (3 minutes, free) From ¥ 1,600 ( ¥ 200 – ¥ 300 discount with HFP)

Hakone Yuryō boasts several outdoor and indoor hot spring baths, offering guests the opportunity to relax and rejuvenate in therapeutic waters while taking in the surrounding nature.

There are both public and private baths available. Entry for the public onsen starts at ¥ 1,600 . The private onsen is considerably more expensive, starting at ¥ 9,400 for two hours, but you can get a discount with the Hakone Free Pass.

There is also an atmospheric restaurant in the facility where you can cook your food over an open hearth.

Hakone Yuryo

Tenzan Onsen

2-minute walk from Okuyumoto-iriguchi bus stop Free shuttle or K Line bus from Hakone-Yumoto Station (6 minutes, ¥ 240 without HFP) ¥ 1,450

Tenzan is a standard hot spring, with beautiful rock-lined rotenburo (open-air baths) against the mountainside. The onsen offers a free shuttle bus from Hakone-Yumoto Station, but what makes this spa notable is its acceptance of tattoos , somewhat rare in the world of Japanese baths. The official policy is that inked patrons aren’t exactly welcomed — guidelines say you need to come alone — but you won’t exactly be booted out, either. Just be discreet, and you should be fine.

Kohan-no-yu

How to avoid the crowds, faqs: what is hakone known for and more, what is hakone famous for.

Most of all, Hakone is known for its hot springs. Onsen are everywhere — in day spas, ryokan, hotels, and foot baths. This is the main reason people visit. That and views of Mt. Fuji from Lake Ashi. If you’re an anime fan, you might also recognize Hakone from Neon Genesis Evangelion .

How many days should I spend in Hakone?

While Hakone can be done in a day, most stay overnight to take in all the areas. Two to three days is enough to see everything, but one day is sufficient if you cut out some sights.

When is the best time to visit Hakone?

Hakone can get very busy, so it is best to visit on a weekday and outside of the fall season when it is extra crowded and hotel prices shoot up.

Late spring is when the ajisai (hydrangeas) bloom alongside the tracks of Hakone’s cute mountain train and winter is preferable because of clear Mt. Fuji views and toasty hot springs.

While on the way to Hakone, why not jump off at Odawara Station and see Odawara Castle ?

Looking for more day-trip recommendations? Consider checking out top day-trip destinations like Kawaguchiko and Kamakura .

While we do our best to ensure information is correct, it’s subject to change. This article was first published in January 2015 and has been contributed to by Carey Finn and Chris Kirkland. Last updated in February 2024 by Alexandra Ziminski.

閱讀中文版本: 東京近郊一日遊：玩轉箱根

• Hot springs
• Mountain walks
• Weekend-getaway

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Hakone Guide — The Day Trip You Need in Your Tokyo Itinerary

This Hakone guide will show you the best route to getting around Hakone — especially for those who only have a day to spare.

Hakone felt a lot like exploring Disneyland — think pirate ships, old trains that zig zag up the mountains and cable ropeways that hover over foggy volcanic valleys. After spending a few days in Tokyo , Hakone was truly a whole new world.

Throw in onsens and a view of Mount Fuji across the lake, it’s no wonder why locals from Tokyo love hopping by for the weekend.

Read also: 10 Day JR Pass itinerary from Tokyo to Osaka for under S$1.1k

Getting Around With A Hakone Free Pass

This is the only transport pass you’ll need to cover all the key sights in Hakone. It comes in a 2-day (¥5,700) and 3-day (¥6,100) option and includes all the different transport needed to reach the main attractions as well as discounts on certain vendors.

We got the 2-day Hakone Free Pass  through Klook for ~S$62 and collected them at the  Odakyu Sightseeing centre  (Shinjuku Station). If you’re following this itinerary, we’d recommend collecting it the day before so you can catch the first train. The Odakyu counter only opens at 8AM.

*Jan 2020 Update: The 2-day pass now costs ~S$72 and the 3-day pass costs ~S$77

If you’re wondering whether the pass is worth its value since we’re only using it for a day, find out from our budget breakdown at the end of the post .

Getting from Tokyo to Hakone

Budget Option via Odawara

Included in the Hakone Free Pass is the ride from Shinjuku to Odawara station (85mins) via the Odakyu Line. At Shinjuku station, show your Hakone Free Pass   at the manned gantries to have it stamped.

From Odawara, transfer to the Hakone Yuzan train and get off at Hakone Yumoto Station; where your adventure begins!

Premium/Direct Option (Romance Car)

Photo credit: Odakyu Electric Railway

A more convenient route is via the  Romance car . This requires a ¥890* top up on top of the Hakone Free Pass but you get to ride in the train with large panoramic windows. This train also travels direct from Shinjuku to Hakone Yumoto station so there’s no need to change trains at Odawara.

*Mar 2018 Update: Top up for the Romance Car now costs ¥1090 one-way (Shinjuku to Hakone-Yumoto station) instead of ¥890.

Hakone Day-Trip Itinerary (Clockwise Route)

From Hakone-Yumoto station, all the main attractions can be covered in a circle around Hakone so there’s 2 ways around it. Most people take the anti-clockwise route starting from taking the Hakone Tozan train to Gora and ending at with a bus ride from Moto-Hakone. This route is ideal because the Hakone Ropeway that brings you to Owakudani closes at 4pm.

However if you’re looking to beat the crowds, you can try the clockwise route instead starting from the most iconic part of Hakone.

1) Hakone shrine & torii gate

One of the most iconic symbols of Hakone is the grand Torii gate. In fact, it’s probably more famous than the shrine itself. Sitting on the edge of Lake Ashinoko, you’ll need to climb down a flight of stairs to get to this spot.

How to get there: From Hakone Yumoto, take the Hakone Tozan Bus to Moto-Hakone Boat Pier (35 minutes).

2) Ancient Cedar Avenue

One of the best preserved parts of old Hakone is this 500m path lined with tall cedar trees. It was the original path used during the Edo period where travellers mainly walked on foot between Tokyo and Kyoto.

Photo credit: Cubie

If you love hiking, there’s a longer route (~1.5 hours) between Moto-Hakone and Hakone-Yumoto that passes by a 350 year old teahouse,  Amazake-chaya whose family have been serving travellers since the Edo period.

How to get there:  From Moto-Hakone Boat Pier, it’s a 3-minute walk. At the other end of the Cedar Avenue is the Old Tokaido Checkpoint.

¥350 for Vanilla soft serve on rusk (toasted honey bread) from Bakery & Table cafe

3) Hakone Old Checkpoint Museum

View from the Lookout Tower

Hakone used to be an important checkpoint along the Tokaido highway (connecting Kyoto and Tokyo). Although the structure is a reconstruction of the former Hakone Checkpoint, its location and style is a pretty accurate replica of the Edo period.

Photo credit: Gonzague Gay Bouchery

The checkpoint functions like an immigration point to control the access of 1) the wives of the lords from escaping Tokyo and 2) that weapons aren’t brought in from Kyoto.

Entrance Fees: ¥500 (¥400 for Hakone Free Pass Holders) Opening Hours: 9am – 5pm (Closes at 4:30pm from Dec – Feb)

4) Lake Ashinoko

Lake Ashinoko is the heart of Hakone and one of the 5 famous lakes in the Fuji-izu region. The best way to cross this is via a sightseeing cruise that leaves Moto-Hakone Boat Pier and arrives at the Togendai-ko station. The boat leaves about 1–2 times an hour so check the boat schedule to plan your trip.

Photo credit: Kentagon

A famous sight on the cruise is the floating Tori gate of the Hakone shrine as well as Mount Fuji on days when the skies are clear.

Cost:  ¥1000 (Free for Hakone Free Pass Holders)

5) Owakudani — Valley of Hell

This was one of our favourite parts of Hakone. Although the weather was apparently at its worst while we were there, the thick mist and cool air here — despite being 34° in Tokyo —gave the place a serene and dreamy atmosphere.

On a clear day, you’ll be able to spot a scenic view of Mount Fuji.

There is a hiking path that leads to the peak of Mount Kamiyama but tends to close when there’s increased activity of volcanic gases.

On that same path is also where you’ll spot hot spring pools where eggs are dipped in batches to cook. The shells turns black because of the reaction with sulphur in the water but rest assured they’re still safe to consume — in fact, eating the egg is believed to add 7 years to your life!

Honestly they don’t taste very different from regular eggs. A set of 5 kuro-tamago (black hard boiled eggs) cost ¥500.

Tamago flavoured ice cream (¥350)

Opening hours: ~9am – 4pm (determined by the operation hours of the Hakone Ropeway) How to get there:  From Togendai-ko, take the Hakone ropeway up to Owakudani station (16 minutes). If you’re coming the other way around it’d be from Sounzan station (8 minutes).

6) Odawara Castle

Before returning to Tokyo, make a quick stop at Odawara to check out the 15th century castle — a famous spot for its cherry blossoms in late March to April.

Odawara Chirashi (小田原鱼河岸でん)

While you’re in Odawara, stop for dinner dinner at this Michelin Guide Chirashi place which serves fresh chirashi don bowls at reasonable prices.

*Pro-tip:  Add a bowl of Miso soup for ¥100 — comes in a medium sized bowl with a piece of fish in each and a good dose of dashi.

Cost: ¥880 – ¥24800 (Our bowl of “local fish” cost ¥1280) Opening Hours: 11am – 10pm Address:  Japan, 〒 250 – 0011 Kanagawa Prefecture, Odawara, Sakaecho, 2 Chome – 3 – 4, Miyuki Building

Is the Hakone Free Pass worth a day trip from Tokyo?

The short answer is yes.

The longer answer? Here’s the homework done for you 🙂

Getting around Japan via single tickets is generally a lot more expensive. Despite only using the 2-day Hakone Free Pass for a day trip, we saved a total of ¥2130 (~S$26.50) on top of saving the hassle of purchasing individual tickets. But if you have more time to spare, give yourself 2–3 days to soak up all the serenity of Hakone before picking up the pace again in Tokyo.

*The prices below have been updated as of Jan 2020

Hope you found this Hakone Travel Guide useful. Let us know if we missed anything out in the comments!

This post was brought to you by Klook .

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95 comments.

Thanks for the awesome guide! Can’t wait to go to Hakone soon.

Hello! I find your guide really useful! Thank you 🙂 Can I check if I purchase the free pass from Klook, how do I upgrade it to Romancecar?

Thanks for the kind words!

You can top-up for the romance car option at the Odakyu Sightseeing centre when you collect your pass 🙂

More info: http://www.odakyu.jp/english/romancecar/

hi, if i purchase whole JR pass, do i still need to buy the hakone pass? thanks

Yup you have to! JR Pass does not cover the internal transport within Hakone as there are a few areas.

How many hours did you take in all from item 1 to the end?

About 6-7 hours? But we took our time to take pictures and videos so I guess you can finish the route around 4-5 hours

Hello, I have a question. Does the Hakone Pass include roundtrip from Tokyo to Hakone and Hakone back to Tokyo or will I need to purchase separate fare?

Yup! It covers the trip from Shinjuku and back to Shinjuku station.

We have a 14 day JR pass. We will be starting from Tokyo for 5 nights. We have a place to stay in Hakone for 1 night before we start to go Kanazawa for 2 nights then to Kyoto/Osaka for 5 nights. So we are flying in from Los Angeles to Haneda and then flying out from Osaka back to Los Angeles. Do we still need to buy a pass for Hakone even if we are only there 1 day/night? How do we get from Hakone to Kanazawa?

Hi Vicky! The JR Pass doesn’t cover internal transport within Hakone. If you are only visiting 1 or 2 places within Hakone you probably don’t need the pass. But if you are travelling from Tokyo to Hakone and want to see many things within Hakone, getting the pass makes sense. It’ll also help when you are leaving Hakone on Day 2.

Hi, how do you get to Hakone-Yumoto from Sounzan? Can you go straight without passing Gora?

Hi Cara, yes there’s a bus from Hakone-Yumoto that goes to Sounzan in 20-30minutes but I’m not sure if the Hakone Free Pass covers that bus. Perhaps you could inquire again at the station.

Hi Cherie, thank you for your useful guide! We have a 7-day JR Pass. We’ll be in Tokyo first for 5-days and then we’ll make our way south, first stop being Hakone. We’re thinking of purchasing the Hakone Free Pass to travel from Shinjuku to Hakone and use the Hakone Free Pass during our time in Hakone. Then the following day, we’ll start using our JR Pass for the rest of our trip south. Do you know if it is possible for us to start using the JR Pass from Hakone? Thanks!

Yup! You can take the JR train from Odawara station onwards but remember to collect your pass before leaving Tokyo! You can ask for the pass to be activated on a later date when you collect it from the JR office

Great blog! I hope you don’t mind me asking. So I’ve managed to book my family, tickets to Hakone Yumoto. We’ll be arriving at 12:24. Now I have two sets of returning tickets. And this is where my dilemma is! Tickets A: leaves at 16:28 but they are front observation deck seats! Ticket B: leaves at 17:28 but they are rear observation decks. Can I do Hakone ( both trains in the mountains, ropeway, pirate ship and then the bus back( or taxi if it helps) all in 4 hours time? Or will we be scrambling? Of course, the usual me would say, take the safe route and go for the 17:28 return so we’re not stressed. But we managed to book front observation deck seats, which I’m hesitant to let go! My kids both love trains and this would be a once in a life time trip! What do you think?

Your post save me a hassle from planning from scratch! However i’m confused a little. With the Hakone Free Pass, does it include 2 ways transports back to Shinjuku via Romance car (top up of 890 per way)?

Hi Wendy, the Hakone Pass doesn’t include the Romance Car, but you can still top up to get it like you mentioned.

Hi, we just spent our weekend in Hakone and this entry served as our guide. Thank you so much!

PS. now we add ¥1090/one way if we want to ride the romance car. 🙂

Yay! Always happy to know the guides have served someone well 🙂

Oh man, that’s price jump.. but thanks for the update!

Hi Odi… Would you be able to share where you stayed in Hakone?

Does the Hokane pass covers departure from Tokyo Station to Hakone Yumoto Station (via Odawara station) or must be from Shinjuku Station? Can I collect Pass in Singapore instead of Odakyu Sightseeing centre ?

Yes, you will need to validate your Hakone pass at Shinjuku station.

Unfortunately, Odakyu is the only place you can collect the pass at the moment (even if you’re buying it direct).

Did you see many people use the clockwise route instead? Having read on tripadvisor, people seem to get caught up with all the queues for the ropeway. I take it if you end up circling the other way though, would you avoid a lot of the queues?

Thanks! Kevin

Do you mean they get caught up if they visited the ropeway early in the morning or towards the end of the day? We did the clockwise route and didn’t face a lot of crowds most of the way but felt it was a bit of a rush trying to reach Owakudani before it closes at 4PM. I guess there’s equal pros and cons to each. Perhaps the best way to avoid this would be aiming to visit Hakone during off peak seasons? 😛

Thanks Cherie. Understandable. We are thinking of getting into Hakone early in the morning. What time did you leave Tokyo/Shinjuku?

We are spending the night in Gora and have hotsprings to enjoy there. We will leave Hakone for Kyoto on the second morning.

How would you recommend how we best spend our time? Because of the “loop” we’re not sure how we should spend our time! We were thinking of doing the anti-clockwise loop to get access to the ropeway etc. and owakudani (most likely with everyone else!). If the ropeway or owakudani is closed though, we’ll go clockwise. We were thinking of using the second morning to quickly explore the Hakone-Yumoto STN and Odawara before leaving.

Cool! Really wished we stayed overnight for the onsens too.

Perhaps you could cover the sights clockwise until the end of the Lake Ashinoko cruise then take a bus from Togendai-ko station towards Gora to relax at your Ryokan. The next morning from Gora, take the anti-clockwise route towards Owakudani (try to arrive right when it first opens at 9AM). If you take it slow, you can probably spend around 2-3 hours here before returning to Tokyo in the afternoon.

Hi—Are there specific times to get all transportation with the pass or is it an open pass to get rides to Hakone and on the lake cruise and then back to Shinjuku? And even though it’s a 2-day pass, I can do this all in one day?? Thanks!

Not too sure if I understand your question but most of the transport in Hakone are quite regular, except for the cruise (every 30mins if I remember right!). And yes! It’s definitely possible to finish them in 1-day if you start early. But definitely more enjoyable if you spend a night to enjoy the onsens! 🙂

hi i can’t seem to find the hakone free pass on look anymore ..

Hey Asyaraf! Looks like they were out of stock a few days back due to increase interest but Klook has restocked it and the link works fine now 🙂

Hi what time did you guys arrive at hakone station to start the adventure? I plan on taking the route to the shrine first, then to checkpoint. how do I get from the check point to take the cruise near the shrine boat harbor?

We arrived around 9AM cus that’s when stuff generally opens although I think it wouldn’t hurt to have arrived a little earlier and have the famous torii gate all to ourselves for pictures 😛 There was already a queue when we got there around 9:30AM.

From the checkpoint, I think there’s a bus you can take for 1-2 stops but we decided to walk instead. It’s only slightly more than 1km to get to the MotoHakone pier and quite refreshing to walk through a portion of the Cedar forest 🙂

Hi Cherie, since the Odakyu Center opens at 8am, did you purchase your free pass in advance?

Yup! We collected the passes the day before since we were in the Shinjuku area

Hello! Thank you for this; I’m researching for my trip to Japan in June and found this helpful. May I know if Klook still sells the Hakone pass though? I clicked the link above but it did not direct me to the relevant website.

Also, we will be travelling to Hakone when we land at Narita airport in the morning, then staying at Hakone for 2 nights, before travelling to Shinjuku on our third day in Japan. Could you kindly advise if we should get the Hakone free pass from Shinjuku or Odawara? Which is more cost-efficient? Thank you (:

Sorry, not too sure about this. We travelled to and from Tokyo to Hakone so it definitely made sense for us to get the pass from Shinjuku. Perhaps you could compare the prices on Hyperdia.com?

If you’re getting the pass from Odawara, you could activate your JR Pass (if you have it) after Hakone since that will cover your ride from Odawara to Shinjuku.

Yes they do! The tickets were sold out when you checked but the link works fine now 🙂

Hi Cherie, i’ve read in the internet that the Odakyu Office in Shinjuku opens at 8 am only. Does this mean that we cannot leave early to Hakone? We plan of purchasing the Hakone free pass. Thank you

If you plan to leave early, it’d be better to collect the pass the day before!

Hi Cherie, We plan to go to Osaka and stay for 6 days /5 nights, then travel to Tokyo (on the 6th day )for 4 days/3 nights and return to Osaka (on the 9the day )for another 4 days /3 nights (and leave on the 12th day). During the first part of Osaka trip, we plan to travel to Kyoto for 4 days (taking day trips), and during the Tokyo trip, we plan to go on day trips to Hakone, etc. Upon returning to Osaka on the last leg of our trip, we plan to visit Nara and Kobe. I am planning to activate the JR pass from the day we travel from Osaka to Tokyo, use it in Tokyo, and back to Osaka and eventually using it for the airport ride to Osaka KIX. Do you think it’s a good idea? We can use the ICOCA during our first few days in Osaka (to Kyoto), correct? Thanks .

Hi Winnie, Wow! There’s a lot you can do in Japan for 12 days. Are you getting the 7 day or 14 day pass ? If it’s 7, just make sure you have enough time to take the long trip back from Tokyo to Osaka before it expires!

While Kyoto is only 30 minutes from Osaka, I think it’s worth staying a night or 2 in Kyoto instead of making 4 day trips. Have you read our Tokyo to Osaka Itinerary: https://thetravelintern.com/japan-budget-guide-jr-pass-tokyo-to-osaka/

With 12 days, you might even be able to fit in more stuff like the Rabbit Island or Art Island (Naoshima) in this itinerary: https://thetravelintern.com/jr-pass-japan-budget-itinerary-osaka-hiroshima-kyoto/

In Osaka, the ICOCA card works as a rechargeable card but if you’re looking for unlimited travel, the Osaka Amazing Pass is quite worth it. Hope this helps!

Will Hakone be luggage friendly? Not planning to go back to Tokyo but will proceed west wards after that. I suppose if I choose a hotel near the lake, I should go straight to the hotel first, then start the “loop” from there.

Hi Speck, it’s pretty luggage friendly. But if you do not want to carry your bags around, you can consider leaving them at the station lockers?

So you mean put main luggage in locker and check into my hotel with just a travel bag containing just essentials?

Hi! How did you get from Owakudani to Odawara castle?

Hi Anon, You can take the Hakone Ropeway from Owakudani to Souzan Station, and take a bus from there. It’s easier to ask them about the bus on the spot!

Hi, Where did you eat your lunch in Hakone? Any other restaurant recommendation near Odawara aside from Odawara Chirashi?

HI, any recommendations for a budget friendly ryokan with private onsen?

Unfortunately we didn’t get to experience one in Hakone 🙁

Anyone else with recommendations? Would love to hear of them!

I am travelling in end Nov to Japan for 10days. My itinerary is as follows: Day 1: Osaka Day 2: Osaka Day 3: USS Day 4: Nara day trip Day 5: kyoto day trip, then take night bus to lake Kawaguchi Day 6: Lake Kawaguchi Day 7: Hakone Day 8: Tokyo Day 9: Tokyo Day 10: Disneysea

How do you think of this? Should I get a JR pass?

You must really love theme parks! 😉 Are you planning to catch your flight back in Osaka? If you are then definitely get a JR pass! If not, a single ticket will be much cheaper for this itinerary.

Hi! We are planning to have a day tour from Tokyo to Hakone. Is it advisable to get the 2-day Hakone Pass? or there is also 1 day Hakone Pass?

2 days would be less of a rush! That’s why the pass only comes in the 2 day pass.

Hi there, Very informative guide. I’ll be travelling with me family to Tokyo in March 2019 (Cherry Blossoms yay) and this was real helpful in my research and plannings. This might be many months late but I noticed you have a miscalculation (on how much the free pass saved you) while I was doing mine. The hypothetical total for individual tickets should’ve been JPY7270 instead of JPY6960. So you actually saved JPY2130 :).

You are right! Thanks for spotting 🙂 For cherry blossom hunting in other parts of Japan you might find this useful too: https://thetravelintern.com/2018-cherry-blossom-japan-guide/

How can I go to Hakone Open Air Museum? TIA

Unfortunately we didn’t go there!

Hi Cherie, we will be in Tokyo on the 3rd week of March 2019. If we make a day trip to Hakone, will it be cloudy or is there a chance to see Mt. Fuji clearly?

Hi Jennifer. It really depends on the weather! There is a better chance in the colder months but it really depends on the weather on the day itself. Often it is clearest in the mornings so do wake up early!

Hi Cherie, I want to ask if you don’t mind. Can I buy the Hakone free pass in the vending ticket machine? And can I use it directly to go to Hakone and use all the covered transportation with that Free pass without changing it first? Thannk you.

hmm, not sure about buying through vending machines. It wasn’t available during my trip there in 2017. The e-ticket purchased from Klook is an exchange voucher so that alone will not give you access to the transport system. You’ll need to visit the Odakyu sightseeing centre at Shinjuku to collect the pass before leaving for Odawara.

Hi! Thank you for this lovely post! We are planning our trip to Japan at the moment at your post about the daytrip to Hakone inspires me!

Hello! Thank you for sharing! 🙂 You have inspired me to get this pass. But could you answer few questions for me? 🙂 How long does doing all of those things take? I was thinking of doing everything you posted about and also visiting an onsen for few hours. Do you think thats possible? You said the buses stop at 4pm? Does that mean you have to head home to Tokyo by 4 pm? I want to do a daytrip to Hakone and see everything PLUS go to an onsen. Is that possible you think? Does it all end by 4 pm? Or is it possible to take later trains to Tokyo? thank you!

you’re welcome 🙂 hmm, I’d high recommend staying a night to properly enjoy the onsen. If budget is important, you can stay in hostels around Odawara station and travel back to Hakone Yumoto the next day. The Hakone Pass is for 2 days anyway!

Hello, can i ask if i the hakone free pass bring us to the kawaguchi station straight from shinjuku station.

Hi Peter, nope it doesn’t. Kawaguchi Station is actually closer to Mount Fuji than Hakone.

Hello. Thanks for the suggested hakone itinerary. May I know after visiting the hakone shrine and torii gate, do we have to go back to Hakone Yumato to walk over to Ancient Cedar Avenue? From the map its seems walkable from one point to the other. And from the checkpoint museum, I understand from your earlier reply that its also walkable to the Moto Hakone Pier to catch the cruise to Togendai-ko station. Is my understanding correct? Appreciate your advice!

Hello Kaijun, you can definitely walk from the Hakone shrine to the Ancient Cedar Avenue and from the Checkpoint Museum to the Moto Hakone Pier but there’s no need to return to Hakone Yumoto as that’s in the opposite direction

Thanks for the suggestion. On point and with useful tips! May i know how long is the total itinerary? I want to leave Tokyo at 8.30-9.00 (not an early bird), but i don’t want to miss the 4pm ropeway.

Thank you! 🙂 We took the first train out but if you’re starting slightly later, you can cover the route anti-clockwise and start with the ropeway.

Is it possible to buy the Hakone Freepass anywhere else in Tokyo besides the Odakyu Sightseeing Service Center? I’m arriving in Tokyo around 4PM on a Thursday and I don’t think I’ll have enough time to go to the Odakyu Sightseeing Service Center before they close. I am planning on going to Hakone early Saturday morning but the Odakyu Sightseeing Service Center is kind of out of the way for my plans on Friday.

If it’s not sold anywhere else, I’ll have no choice but to purchase on Klook and pick it up sometime on Friday.

Thanks in advance!

We’re not too sure but this site says you can get it at the major railway stations like Shinjuku, Odawara and Central Tokyo Station. However, I’m not sure if they sell the actual pass or an exchange voucher. The latter will still require an exchange at the Okakyu Sightseeing Service centre. We got ours from Klook anyway because it’s cheaper than the ones from the stations!

Hi Cherie, thank you for sharing your itinerary with us!

I am planning to visit the Hakone shrine and Torii gate. Is the cost of the bus trip from Hakone-Yumoto to Moto-Hakone also included in the Hakone Free Pass?

Yep! You can take the Hakone Tozan Bus (Line H) for free with the Pass

Hi Cherie, We are group of 9 (6 adults & 3 teenage) plant to travel to Lake Kawaguchiko (stay for 4 days 3 night) next year 2nd week Apr ,as we are so many of us think of self drive to Lake Kawaguchiko & Hakone can save time in public bus in Lake Kawaguchiko. Beside that we would like to drive to Hakone for one day trip and buy the Hakone 2 days freepass (4600Yen this pass only travel inside Hakone).Reasons of buying the pass because we would like to try all the transport (in Hakone freepass).Is this looks ok ? By using individual tickets will be cost more. Due to stay in Hakone is very expensive we plan to travel round trip Lake Kawaguchiko. Knowing all the pass in Lake Kawaguchiko & Hakone is either 2 days or 3 days.Therefore if we buy the pass still have one day transport need to think of a way back to Shinjuku.

Hi SF, looks like you have thought this through pretty well! The plan sounds good. Now we need to hope for the weather to be good too!

Hi Cherie, this guide is really in time as I’m planning for my trip in Oct!

I just have a few question about the pass that I hope you can help. I am travelling from Tokyo to Kyoto then to Hakone.

Is there only 1 collection point? Is it possible to collect the pass on 25-Oct and start using it on 28-oct when I’m in Hakone?

Thanks so much for any information you can share 🙂

Hi Li, unfortunately not. If you click on the Klook link, they currently only distribute it from that point.

You can however collect it earlier before using it though! “Pick-up service is available from 7 days before the date you selected. The day pass is valid for 2 or 3 consecutive days from the date you selected.” This means when booking, “the date you select in the calendar upon booking should be the same as your day pass activation date”

Great post! So informative and full of useful details.

aww thanks Anna!

this guide was one of the best one I read. thanks for writing it!

Hi, Is there a way to add the Shinkansen to or from Hakone/Tokyo to this?

Hey Don! We would not recommend it as it’s more worth it to use the Hakone Free Pass!

great post! can you advice for the day-trip, what time did you started the journey and what is the return timing? Is it tiring to do this with a 2 year old kid?

We left Shinjuku at 7am and finished what we needed around 4-5pm. Many places close at 4pm so it’s best to head there as early as you can if you’re only planning for a day trip. It’s a great place for kids! We saw lots of families with young children there 🙂

Very good blog, thank you!

We are planning to have a day tour from Tokyo to Hakone. Is it advisable to get the 7-day Hakone Pass? or there is also 1 day Hakone Pass?

The minimum is a 2-day pass

Hi Cherie, we will be in Tokyo on the 3rd week of September 2022. If we make a day trip to Hakone, will it be cloudy or is there a chance to see Mt. Fuji clearly?

Hey, we just did a quick search on Google and found out that it’ll be typhoon season in September. Visibility may be low, but it really depends on the weather on the day itself. Accuweather is a pretty accurate forecasting site, you can check that nearer to date! Thanks.

Nice. Your post helps to clear alot of doubts for F&E travel in Japan. Can I also check, does the Hakone free pass covers bus service to Lake Kawaguchi?

My itinerary as follows:

Day 1-3: stay in & explore Tokyo Day 4-5: stay in Hakone with day 5 day trip to Lake Kawaguchi then train from Hakone to Kyoto in the evening Day 6-9: Kyoto with day 9 day trip to Nara and evening train to Osaka Day 10-11: Osaka with evening train back to Tokyo.

Does this itinerary look ok?

Thanks a mil!

Hello Dawne, glad the post helped! The Hakone Free Pass only covers Lake Ashinoko. To cover Lake Kawaguchi and the mt fuji area, you might want to consider topping up with a Mt Fuji Pass or get the Fuji Hakone Pass instead (valid for 3 days)

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Tokyo to Hakone Day Trip (7 Fun Things You Can’t Miss)

This site uses affiliate links, meaning that if you make a purchase through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Hakone is well known for its many hot springs and stunning viewpoints of Mt Fuji (when the weather cooperates). Its sightseeing highlights include pristine Lake Ashi, Owakudani (Hell Valley) with plumes of sulfurous steam gushing upward, several fascinating museums, and many other attractions.

Located roughly 60 miles west of Tokyo, Hakone is a perfect day trip destination.

Get the most out of your Tokyo to Hakone day trip and follow this one-day handpicked Hakone itinerary. Here are 7 fun things you can’t miss!

For a complete list of things to do in Hakone, make sure to check out: 19 Amazing THINGS to DO in HAKONE (Useful Maps+Photos+Practical Tips)

You might also like:

HAKONE FREE PASS – Is It Worth Buying?

14 Exceptional Must-See Things at HAKONE OPEN AIR MUSEUM

Find Out More About Japan: 

Ultimate 16-DAY JAPAN ITINERARY for Marvelous Culture, History, and Nature

First Visit to Kyoto – How to Visit and What to See (11 Things You Can’t Miss)

7 Fun and Easy DAY TRIPS from KYOTO (Useful Maps+Photos+Tips)

Perfect ONE DAY in OSAKA Itinerary (6 Best Things to Do)

You Might Also Like: 

275 Best QUOTES About JAPAN (JAPANESE Culture, Nature, Food, Anime, Proverbs)

165 Beautiful CHERRY BLOSSOM QUOTES and CAPTIONS

• 1. How to Get from Tokyo to Hakone
• 2. Should you Get Hakone Free Pass
• 3. Do the Hakone Loop Counterclockwise
• 4. Tokyo to Hakone Day Trip - 7 Fun Things to Do
• 4.1. Visit Stunning Odawara Castle
• 4.2. Explore Hakone Open-Air Museum
• 4.3. Take the Ropeway to Owakudani (Hell Valley)
• 4.4. Go on Hakone Sightseeing Cruise on Lake Ashi
• 4.5. Learn About Hakone's History at Famous Hakone Checkpoint
• 4.6. Take a Leisurely Stroll on Ancient Cedar Avenue
• 4.7. Visit Spectacular Hakone-jinja Shrine
• 5. Intrepid Scout's Tips for Tokyo to Hakone Day Trip

How to Get from Tokyo to Hakone

From Tokyo Station in Tokyo take either JR East Tokaido Line or JR Central Tokaido-Sanyo Shinkansen Westbound to Odawara Station in Odawara .

If you have JR Pass , then your trip on either JR East Tokaido Line or JR Central Tokaido-Sanyo Shinkansen Westbound will be covered by the pass.

If you decide to take JR East Tokaido Line , then you will be able to reserve your seats online and pick them up at several convenient locations. The travel time on JR East Tokaido Line from Tokyo Station to Odawara Station is about 1 hour.

If you decide to take JR Central Tokaido-Sanyo Shinkansen Westbound , then you will not be able to reserve your tickets online, however, you can make reservations at any JR Central office locations. Traveling on JR Central Tokaido-Sanyo Central Shinkansen is comfortable and fast. It will get you to Odawara in only 35 minutes.

Once you arrive at Odawara, take the West Exit and proceed to board the Odakyu Line Train .

Odakyu Line Train will take you to Hakone-Yumoto Station. The journey time is about 18 minutes. The trains leave pretty much every 20 minutes, so if you miss one train, there will be another one arriving in a few minutes.

The second option for getting from Tokyo to Hakone is to take the Odakyu Line LTD. Express Romancecar  from Shinjuku Station in Tokyo. It will take you directly to Hakone-Yumoto Station. Travel time is 1 hour and 15 minutes. Reservations are required and can be made at Odakyu Sightseeing Service Center at Shinjuku Station in Tokyo.

The Romancecar is not covered by JR Pass.

Romancecar is called ‘Romancecar’ for nothing. It is one of the most luxurious trains in Japan. It has fully reclining seats, panoramic windows, and full onboard service. In addition, it travels through some most spectacular areas with views of Mt Fuji in the distance.

Should you Get Hakone Free Pass

Should you get Hakone Free Pass ? Absolutely, it is worth buying! It will help you save money on your trip to Hakone.

It includes round-trip travel on the Odakyu Line and unlimited use of eight Hakone-area transportation modes. Plus, you will get discounts on entrance tickets to all major attractions in Hakone.

Make sure to read my helpful post: Hakone Free Pass – Is It Worth Buying? and find out:

• which pass to buy (different options are available)
• how much does Hakone Free Pass cost (it is called ‘Free Pass’, however, it is not ‘Free’)
• where can you buy the pass
• what is included in Hakone Free Pass
• how much will you save if you buy the pass

Intrepid’s Tip: 

Read: Hakone Free Pass – Is It Worth Buying?

Do the Hakone Loop Counterclockwise

The best way to explore Hakone is by circling the region by going either clockwise or counterclockwise. It is known as ‘ Hakone Loop ‘.

My preferred method is to go counterclockwise.

Hakone Map /  Photo Credit: Hakone Free Pass / Tokyo to Hakone Day Trip

To Print the Map of Hakone

Click: HERE

Tokyo to Hakone Day Trip - 7 Fun Things to Do

Visit stunning odawara castle.

If you are traveling on JR East or JR Central, then Odawara Station will be your first stop and it is a perfect opportunity to visit Odawara Castle. From Odawara Station take the East Exit and follow the signs.

Odawara Castle is no more than a 10-minute walk from Odawara Station. You will see Odawara Castle Donjon (a massive tower) from the distance.

Odawara Castle / Tokyo to Hakone Day Trip

Odawara Castle was an impregnable castle owned by the fifth daimyo of the Hojo clan , the samurai family that governed Kanto area for about a century from the end of the 15th century. It functioned as a cornerstone of defense for Hakone.

The current castle tower was rebuilt in 1960.

This three-layered, four-story castle tower has a tsuke-yagura (connecting tower) and watari-yagura (hall turrets) on the top. Make sure to go to the top floor of the tower and enjoy a full view of Sagami Bay.

In addition, don’t miss Tokiwagi Gate Samurai museum. The exhibition truly captures the artistry of the samurai armor and the spirit of the samurai.

I would recommend getting a 3-Hall Common Ticket that covers the Castle Tower, Tokiwagi Gate, and Odawara Castle Historical Observations Hall. However, if you are limited on time, then make sure to at least visit the Castle Tower.

Tokiwagi Gate Samurai Museum / Tokyo to Hakone Day Trip

Once you are done exploring Odawara Castle head back to Odawara Station. Next, take Odakyu Line Train to Hakone-Yumoto Station.

Finally, from Hakone-Yumoto Station take Hakone Tozan Train and get off at Stop OH56 – Chokoku-no-mori Station. It takes about 30 minutes to get to Chokoku-no-mori Station. Your next stop will be Hakone Open-Air Museum!

However, what you need to know is that a ride on Hakone Tozan Train , Japan’s oldest mountain railway, is a treat for more than just railway fans!

Hakone Tozan Train / Tokyo to Hakone Day Trip

The Hakone Tozan Train is built to climb steep mountain slopes. It winds through narrow, densely wooded valleys, over many bridges and tunnels, stopping at small stations along the way and changing directions at three switchbacks.

The ride on the Hakone Tozan Train is especially beautiful in June and July when thousands of hydrangea are in bloom along the tracks.

Special trains run from mid-June through mid-July between Hakone-Yumoto and Gora Stations for the viewing of the illuminated flowers. They depart in the evenings, twice in each direction, and require seat reservations.

My favorite moment on the train is when it passes over the 43-meter-high Deyama Bridge . If you happen to be visiting in the fall, you will be amazed by the scenery!

Explore Hakone Open-Air Museum

Once you get to Chokoku-no-mori Station follow the signs for Hakone Open-Air Museum . It is no more than a 10-minute walk from the station.

Hakone Open Air Museum is a world-class open-air gallery and you should not miss it on this day trip to Hakone! It covers an area of 70,000 square meters of beautiful lawns and gardens surrounded by forested hills.

Its collections include some of the world’s most significant sculptures and works of art of the late 19th and 20th centuries by Western and Japanese artists.

However, many pieces of art at designed for kids to climb and explore , so the day trip to Hakone and the visit to Hakone Open Air Museum could be a lot of fun for the entire family. In addition, Hakone Open Air Museum has an outdoor foot bath . How cool is that!

The most notable of the indoor exhibits is a collection of Pablo Picasso’s creations. It includes more than 300 of Picasso’s works, comprising oil paintings, prints, sculptures, ceramics, and gold objects.

One of the most popular pieces at Hakone Open Air Museum is the Symphonic Sculpture by Gabriel Loire.

Symphonic Sculpture   is a tower enclosed by colorful stained glass. Furthermore, inside the stain-glass tower is an 18-meter tall circular staircase that you can ascend all the way up to the viewing platform.

Sphere Within Sphere by Arnaldo Pomodoro is one of the more famous designs at Hakone Open Air Museum.

Actually, there are other spheres made by Arnaldo Pomodoro. They are located all over the world.

The surface of the sphere is brightly polished and can be spotted from a far distance gleaming in the sun. As you come closer, you notice that there is a tear in the perfect orb. It looks like a part of it was either ripped out or torn away. The tear exposes the interior with another sphere inside.

The opening hours are 9 am to 5 pm. Moreover, the last admission is at 4:30 pm.

The entrance ticket costs 1,600 yen, however, if you have the Hakone Free Pass , then you can purchase a discounted ticket for 1,400 yen.

Hakone Open-Air Museum / Tokyo to Hakone Day Trip

Continuing on, jump back on Hakone Tozan Train and get off at Gora Station . It will be no more than a 10-minute ride. Next, from Gora hop on Hakone Tozan Cablecar and get off at Sounzan . It will take you about 10-15 minutes to get there.

And finally, from Sounzan take Hakone Tozan Ropeway and get off at Owakudani . It is no more than a 10-15 minute ride.

Hakone Ropeway / Tokyo to Hakone Day Trip

Take the Ropeway to Owakudani (Hell Valley)

Owakudani is known as ‘the Great Boiling Valley’ or ‘Hell Valley’. Specifically, it is a large volcanic crater formed 3,000 years ago following an eruption of Mount Hakone.

Owakudani still remains an active volcanic region. It has hot springs, boiling pools of water, and huge vents spewing hot steam and fumes. You will be able to smell the volcanic fumes of sulfur from far away. The fumes have an unmistakable scent of rotten eggs.

Owakudani Valley in Hakone / Tokyo to Hakone Day Trip

Interestingly enough, tourists flock to this area seeking the f amous Owakudani black eggs or ‘kuro-tamago’.

Owakudani black eggs or “Kuro-tamago” are basically hard boiled chicken eggs in the Owakudani’s hot water pools.

The sulfur in the water turns the eggshell black, however, the inside still looks like a normal hard-boiled egg.

Legend has it that eating just one egg will extend your life by 7 years. Incidentally, there is an addendum to the legend that says that you should not eat more than two of these eggs. So, there is no chance here of becoming immortal.

But, If you are looking for original souvenirs , I think that getting some eggs as a gift with a promise of life extension might be pretty sleek.

Owakudani BLack Eggs / Tokyo to Hakone Day Trip

After you are done exploring Owakudani hop back on Hakone Tozan Ropeway and get off at Togendai-ko . Be on the lookout for Mt Fuji and make sure to take one final glance at Owakudani.

By the way, if you have Hakone Free Pass, then the cost of the Hakone Tozan ropeway will be covered by the pass.

Once you reach Togendai-ko, follow the signs for Hakone Sightseeing Cruise on Lake Ashi.

Go on Hakone Sightseeing Cruise on Lake Ashi

The Sightseeing Cruises leave every 20 minutes from Togendai-ko and last about 30-40 minutes.

To be honest, the cruise on Lake Ashi is my favorite part of the day trip to Hakone. The scenery is breathtaking no matter what time of the year you visit.

In addition, Lake Ashi is really well known for the inverted reflection of Mt. Fuji. And, here, hopefully, you will get another chance to catch a glimpse of Mt Fuji.

Did you know that Lake Ashi is a crater lake created by a phreatic (stem and minerals) eruption 3000 years ago? It sits at 725 meters (2,378 feet) above sea level. Lake Ashi has a circumference of 21 km (11 miles). It abounds in black bass and trout.

The sightseeing cruise stops at two ports. The first port is Hakone Machi-ko and the second port is Moto-Hakone-ko. Make sure to get off at the first stop which is Hakone Machi-ko . Next, follow the signs for Hakone Checkpoint .

Hakone Sightseeing Cruise on Lake Ashi / Tokyo to Hakone Day Trip

Learn About Hakone's History at Famous Hakone Checkpoint

Hakone Checkpoint and Hakone Sekisho Exhibition Hall are about a 10-minute walk from Hakone Machi-ko port.

I find this part of a day trip to Hakone the most interesting. I love history and this area has so many stories to tell.

During the Edo period, a nationwide road network was developed in Japan. Along with the development of roads came many ‘sekisho’, which are checkpoints. The purpose of the checkpoints was to inspect the travelers and their loads .

Hakone Sekisho was one of the most important checkpoints that safeguarded the security of Edo (now Tokyo) as the seat of the Shogunate.

Once you reach Hakone Checkpoint, you will be able to see a historically accurate restoration of the original checkpoint.

Do not miss Hakone Sekisho Exhibition Hall . It displays many artifacts of the Edo period, such as travel certificates, officials’ diaries, and samurai weaponry.

The opening hours are 9 am to 5 pm and the last entry is at 4:30 pm. Moreover, the entrance fee is 500 yen, however, if you have the Hakone Free Pass, then you can purchase a discounted ticket for 450 yen.

Hakone Checkpoint and Hakone Sekisho Exhibition Hall / Tokyo to Hakone Day Trip

Take a Leisurely Stroll on Ancient Cedar Avenue

I have to honestly say that Ancient Cedar Avenue is my second favorite part of the day trip to Hakone (right after the cruise on lake Ashi).

Ancient Cedar Avenue stretches for about two kilometers.  It is an absolute delight to walk under the cedars planted over 400 years ago and enjoy the shade they give travelers.

Here you can get great views of Lake Ashi and Mt Fuji as well.

Ancient Cedar Avenue in Hakone / Tokyo to Hakone Day Trip

Visit Spectacular Hakone-jinja Shrine

Next, continue your stroll and follow the signs for Hakone-jinja Shrine .

The shrine was founded in 757 and it was where Tokugawa and other samurai families worshiped.

I have to say that of all the shrines I visited in Japan, this shrine is situated in the most visually captivating setting I have ever been to.

The road leading to it will give you many opportunities to capture some breathtaking pictures.

However, the main tourist attraction here is the vermilion-colored torii . Here, tourists line up to take some great pictures of lake Ashi framed by torii.

This is the end of the sightseeing loop and now it is time to get back to Tokyo.

The first step is to take Bus K–Hakone Tozan Bus from Moto Hakone-ko to Hakone-Yumoto . Or, you can take bus R which operates Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays only. The bus ride is about one hour.

Once you get to Hakone-Yumoto , then you need either catch the Romancecar directly to Shinjuku Station in Tokyo or take the Odakyu Line to Odawara and then continue from Odawara to Tokyo Station .

Intrepid Scout's Tips for Tokyo to Hakone Day Trip

This is quite a list, right? What if you had time to do just a couple of things? Ok, no problem. Here are my recommendations of the absolute top things to do in Hakone:

•  Take the ropeway – you will love it! The views of the Owakudani Valley are awesome and I do hope that you get to see Mt Fuji.
• Do not miss the cruise on Lake Ashi – the scenery is stunning no matter when you are visiting!

More Information About Japan:

Amazing 3 DAYS in TOKYO (Thrilling Itinerary with 21 Stops)

14 Amazing Things to Do in Arashiyama (Map+Useful Tips)

Amazing Fushimi Inari Taisha in Kyoto (8 Things to Know Before You Visit)

Perfect Day Trip to Miyajima from Kyoto, Osaka, or Hiroshima

10 Amazing Things to Do in Hiroshima You Can’t Miss of Your Visit 

Perfect One Day in Kanazawa – 7 Things to Do (Great Day Trip from Tokyo, Kyoto, or Osaka)

Read All the Posts About Japan in: 

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10 thoughts on “ Tokyo to Hakone Day Trip (7 Fun Things You Can’t Miss) ”

Hi Anna, Thank you so much for this, we will be going to Japan next year and it is difficult to find posts with such detail with regards to sightseeing. We will be staying one night in Hakone then on to Takayama.

Hi Phil, Thank you for your kind comment. I am so glad you found my article useful. If this is your first visit to Hakone, then you will find the entire area very charming and abundant with variety of things to do for every taste. I hope you had a chance to review my other post on Hakone, where I listed 19 Unmissable Things to Do in Hakone. It goes over everything there is to do and see. It might give you a couple more ideas to add to your itinerary.

Thanks for sharing. Japan is amazing place for a great vacation with the kids.

Hi, Thank you so much for your comment! Are you traveling to Japan soon? Or, have you just visited?

I love this this great article! We are in Tokyo and have been looking for good instructions to make the trip to Hakone. I visited the open air museum in 1972 when I was 9 and have always hoped to go back. With your helpful information we are making arrangements! Thank you so much!!

Hi Peggy, I am beyond happy that you find my article useful! Have a great time in Hakone and let me know if I can be of further assistance! Anna

Thanks so much for laying this all out so well. Have been going back and forth on doing this day trip in April, but definitely adding it to our list now! About what time do you think you’d head back to Tokyo following this method? Also any recommendations for where/when on this itinerary to eat?

Hi Emily, Going to Hakone takes an entire day. Go as early as possible and plan on staying as long as you can, meaning, if it starting getting dark, then it is time to head back. Wherever I go, I start as early as possible, and I stay as long as I can. You are going in April, so the days will start getting longer. As far as lunch, there is always some options for a quick bite. Again, I am a type of a traveler that has a few protein bars in the backpack also a cup of tea and or coffee would carry me on as well. The entire Hakone area is so beautiful. April will be just lovely! Enjoy!

Realmente interessante. Adorei o post e veio em otima hora pois estou preparando minha viagem para outubro. Tinhamos tudo reservado para abril mas a pandemia mudou todos os planos. Vou seguir tuas recomendações a risca. Muito lindo brigada pelas dicas.

Thank you so much for your kind comment! I hope your trip works out in October. I had to change many of my plans as well. By the way, I used google translate and it detected Portuguese. Are you from Portugal? If yes, then I just want to say that I went to Portugal many years ago and I truly loved this beautiful country.

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Hakone loop itinerary: the best Hakone day trip

If you’re thinking of doing a one-day trip to Hakone, this Fuji Hakone pass itinerary – also known as the Hakone circuit or Hakone loop – is exactly what you’re looking for.

We have made – and actually done – this Hakone loop itinerary. It covers most of the must-see spots in Hakone and can easily be done in a day. Although we do not recommend only a day for it – read on to see why.

It’s a really fun way to explore the area, basically circling around Hakone. And you use five different means of transport to do it!

Do you know the reason why it’s called – among other things – a Hakone Free Pass itinerary? For enjoying these locations and activities, the Hakone Freepass is quite a must – it makes the whole trip cheaper and more convenient.

Anyway, our guide here covers information on what and where is Hakone, how can you visit it, where to stay if you’d like to, and the itinerary itself, as well as additional activities to do in the area. Enjoy!

This post might contain affiliate links, which means that if you purchase anything via them, we might earn a small commission – at no extra cost to you. Check our affiliate disclaimer for more information. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases .

Our experience from Hakone Loop

A perfect way to enjoy Hakone is to follow a round course itinerary. It encompasses all the main places of interest and uses all the five means of transportation. Actually, six – your feet as well 😊

You can start this 1 day Hakone itinerary at any of the local villages , returning to the same one – as it’s a Hakone circuit. Altogether, it would take around 8 hours to complete , however, that depends on how fast or slow you prefer to enjoy the various places.

Hakone Loop would be doable as a 1-day round trip from Tokyo as well, even though that would make for a really long day. We recommend exploring at your own pace to fully enjoy the experience. However, if you prefer a more structured approach, consider booking a guided tour from Tokyo to Hakone. This way, you won’t miss any of the key attractions and can enjoy a hassle-free trip.

But as we already said, we really recommend staying in one of the many Ryokan Hakone offers to savor this amazing place at a slower pace. Or you could skip our best-recommended accommodation in Hakone, and book directly on Booking.com and choose what suits you best!

Cablecar from Gora to Sounzan and Hakone ropeway from Sounzan to Owakudani

If starting in Gora, hop on the cable car for a 10-minute ride to Sounzan. In Sounzan change for the ropeway and get off at Owakudani .

Owakudani is an active volcanic area – in fact, it is a crater that was created some 3000 years ago during an eruption of Mt. Hakone. Numerous steaming vents spewing sulfurous fumes and bubbling hot pools are found here. Owakudani is also the source of water for many of the onsen in the Hakone area. Mt. Fuji is visible from here on clear days as well.

A peculiar experience not to be missed is the local black eggs (kurotamago). They are boiled in sulfurous water that dyes the shell black and supposedly have more umami flavor than normal hardboiled eggs.

A legend has it that each black egg that you eat adds seven years to your life. While the extra umami flavor has actually been scientifically confirmed, the latter hasn’t 😊.  

The eggs are sold only here in Owakudani and make for a perfect snack, so why not try them? As a dessert, try the black bamboo charcoal ice cream (yup, a typical Owakudani snack is black 😊).  

Note: A walking trail among the steam vents and bubbling pools in Owakudani is open from 9am to 5pm and requires advance reservation. Allow 30-60 minutes for visiting. If you have respiratory problems, consider skipping the area as the sulfuric gases might make your condition worse. The area occasionally gets a bit too steamy and gets temporarily shut down by the authorities – either whole or some parts of it.

Hakone ropeway from Owakudani to Togendai and the Pirate cruise ship!

From Owakudani, hop on the ropeway again and continue down to Togendai, enjoying the views of majestic Mt. Fuji on the way (if the weather cooperates, that is 😊).

Togendai sits on the northern shore of the picturesque Lake Ashi and offers several restaurants. By the way, just like Owakudani, Laki Ashiniko also owes its creation to the last eruption of Mt. Hakone 3000 years ago.

When ready, board a pirate ship here and savor the scenic half-an-hour cruise to Moto-Hakone. There are beautiful views from the open upper deck, including Her Majesty Mt. Fuji from the southern part of the lake.

Next up – Moto-Hakone or Hakone-machi

Get off the Hakone sightseeing cruise boat at Moto-Hakone or Hakone-machi .

Both Hakone-machi and Moto-Hakone are situated at the southern tip of the lake and are about a 20-minute walk apart. They boast several interesting places to visit and also offer several good options for lunch.

We definitely recommend visiting Hakone Shrine . It’s a breathtakingly beautiful Shinto shrine located about 5-minute walk from Moto-Hakone. The shrine buildings are hidden among tall trees; however, your first clue will be the vermilion torii gates. There are three of them that lead to the shrine, the first one actually standing in the lake itself. From there, follow the steps up into the dense forest to experience the magical atmosphere of the shrine. We were lucky to catch a glimpse of a traditional Japanese wedding here, perhaps you’ll be as well.

The southern shore of the lake is another great spot for admiring views of Mt. Fuji. Our 1-day Hakone itinerary offers several opportunities to enjoy the magnificent vistas of Japan’s tallest mountain. And it’s good to bear in mind that even if Mt. Fuji is often hidden in the veil of clouds, they usually come and go during the day, so if even you didn’t spot Mt. Fuji an hour ago at Owakudani, you might spot it an hour later from Moto-Hakone. A great place for this is Onshi-Hakone Park which lies between Moto-Hakone and Hakone-machi.

Hakone Checkpoint

Hakone used to be an important checkpoint on the ancient Tokaido road, linking Kyoto and Tokyo (then called Edo) many moons ago. Hakone Checkpoint, along with part of the ancient highway, was reconstructed in 2007 and can be visited. Tickets to Hakone Checkpoint , also known as Hakone Sekisho cost 500 YEN , but you can get a discount if you still study, or traveling with kids!

Hakone Sekisho is open daily from 9 am to 5 pm , but remember, if you get there in the winter season, it’s only till 4:30 pm . The last admission is 30 minutes before closing time. However, we recommend to fact-check the information on the official website.

It’s located between Hakone-machi and Moto-Hakone, right next to Onshi-Hakone Park. Even better, you can walk a part of the old Tokaido route – from Moto-Hakone to Amasake Chaya. It’s about a half-an-hour nature walk, partly on cobbles, that will take you to over 400-year-old teahouse Amasake Chaya.

Note: If you have walking difficulties, or if the cobbles seem too slippery after rain, you might consider skipping this. You can instead take a bus (line K from Moto-Hakone bound for Hakone-Yumoto).

Amasake Chaya teahouse

Amasake Chaya has been welcoming visitors – travelers on the old Tokaido road since the 1600s. Its recipe for amasake – a non-alcoholic sweet rice drink – has been unchanged ever since it opened. Enjoy it cold if it’s hot outside, or warm if it’s cold outside, accompanied by mochi – traditional Japanese rice cakes that are handmade here every morning. This is a perfect stop for your afternoon snack.

Bus for Hakone-Yumoto and Hakone Tozan train

From here, hop on the bus (line K) bound for Hakone-Yumoto. The bus stop is right in front of the teahouse.

The bus will take you to Hakone-Yumoto , a lively resort town with many hotels and ryokan in the Hakone loop area , numerous public onsen as well as a plethora of restaurants and shops. You might stroll around, perhaps get a souvenir, and then get on the scenic Hakone Tozan train that will take you back to Gora.

It is Japan’s oldest mountain train, winding its way from Hakone-Yumoto to Gora through a densely wooded valley over bridges and tunnels and changing its direction three times at switchbacks. It’s an utterly scenic 40-minute ride. And here we are, back to Gora, where we started in the morning.

Note: This Hakone circuit can be started at any of the local villages – Hakone-Yumoto, Gora, Togendai, or Moto-Hakone. You’ll simply return in the evening to the same spot. Likewise, you might prefer to do the whole circuit clockwise or anti-clockwise – it works both ways.   

Where is Hakone?

Hakone is a part of Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. It is the most visited national park in Japan and for a good reason.

It is an area of outstanding natural beauty, easily reachable from Tokyo and offering a superb mix of some of the quintessential Japanese experiences. There are many onsen (natural hot baths) to enjoy and plenty of great ryokan (traditional Japanese inns) to stay at. And, as the name of the national park suggests – there is the iconic Mt. Fuji dominating the skyline.

While the whole national park is rather big, the Hakone area itself is rather compact. It offers a lot of sights and experiences in a relatively small area which makes it very suitable for visiting, especially for first-time visitors to Japan .

As we’ve mentioned before, it’s definitely possible to visit Hakone on a day trip from Tokyo . However, for a more relaxed experience, we recommend considering an overnight stay. If you’re in a hurry, it’s still a good option.

With staying in thea area, the whole experience will be more relaxed. We stayed two nights in Gora, a mountain village in the heart of the Hakone area.

We thoroughly enjoyed our stay in a ryokan, relaxed in its in-house onsen, feasted on incredible kaiseki (Japanese haute cuisine) meals and explored the beauty of the whole place on a Hakone itinerary using no less than five different means of transportation.

It was our favourite part of the whole 10-day Japan itinerary and also its most relaxing part. 

Why should you visit Hakone?

To slow down. To unwind. To immerse yourself in the beauty of Japanese nature. To experience Japanese hospitality and cuisine in a luxurious ryokan. To dip in the healing waters of natural hot springs which are abundant in this area. To admire the majestic Mt. Fuji.

Sounds tempting?

Not only tempting! I dare to say this is the hottest and steamiest place we visited in Japan.

No pun intended – part of Hakone is a live volcanic area 😊

What is a Hakone Freepass?    

Hakone Freepass allows unlimited travel within the Hakone area. It is a convenient single ticket that also saves you money – if you’re following our 1-day Hakone pass itinerary, it definitely is a good value.

It’s available either as a 2-day or a 3-day pass and may cover only the Hakone area or a round-trip between Tokyo Shinjuku and Hakone (for a surcharge). It also allows discounts at numerous tourist spots in the area.

You can get it online or in one of the Odakyu sightseeing service offices located at the train stations in Shinjuku (Tokyo), Odawara and Hakone-Yumoto. But we strongly suggest that you get it online . First of all, it’s actually cheaper than getting it at the Odakyu sightseeing offices. And second, it’s less hassle than purchasing it at the station – you just need to exchange your voucher for the pass.

If you get your pass online , be aware that it can take even 5 working days for it to arrive. If you need to get it sooner, you can contact the seller, they say they might be able to work something out.

How to get to Hakone?

The most convenient way to get to Hakone is by train. There is a direct train from Tokyo Shinjuku station to Hakone-Yumoto operated by Odakyu and is covered by Hakone Freepass (for a surcharge).

This is a convenient option if you’re visiting from Tokyo and also returning to Tokyo. The train journey from Tokyo to Hakone-Yumoto lasts approximately 80 minutes.

However, if you already have a valid JR pass (and if you don’t have, we definitely recommend you buy one , it’s going to save you a lot!), or if you’re coming from (or continuing to) Kyoto instead, we recommend using the JR trains to travel to Odawara (Shinkansen trains from Tokyo and Kyoto stop here). At Odawara station you may get your Hakone Freepass (the cheaper one only for the Hakone area) and hop on the local Hakone Tozan train to Hakone-Yumoto and further on to Gora (or wherever you’re headed to in the area). This is the best option if you’re following our 10-day Japan itinerary.

How to get around Hakone?

The great news is that getting around Hakone is not only super easy but also super fun. The area boasts no less than five different means of transportation – a really scenic train, a cable car (sort of a funicular, if you will), a ropeway (a gondola), a sightseeing boat and a bus.

Hakone Tozan train

The Hakone Tozan train connects Hakone Yumoto and Gora. This journey takes about 40 minutes and is incredibly scenic. The train gains more than 400 m on this journey, winding its way through a narrow valley. There are several switchbacks where it changes direction – an interesting engineering idea that was needed to help the train overcome the steep terrain. It also connects Hakone Yumoto to Odawara, where one can change for a Shinkansen to Tokyo or Kyoto.

Cable car – Hakone ropeway

The cable car connects Gora to Sounzan where one can change for the ropeway (gondolas) operating between Sounzan and Togendai. The ropeway has several stops on its way including the active volcanic area of Owakudani. The part between Owakudani and Ubako offers breathtaking views of Mt. Fuji.

Hakone sightseeing boats

The sightseeing boats connect Togendai on the north of Lake Ashinoko with Moto-Hakone and Hakone-machi on its southern shore. Several companies operate the boats, please note that Hakone Freepass is valid only on Hakone Sightseeing boats. Cruising on these boats that resemble ancient pirate ships is a very pleasant experience. Beautiful views open up from the upper deck – including those of Mt. Fuji from the southern part of the lake. The cruise takes about 30 minutes.

Several local buses operate in the area.

Can you visit Hakone in winter?

Yes, you can. Actually, we kind of accidentally did it.

If you’ve seen our Japan photo diary , you might know that we visited Japan in November.

Well, just when we were going to Hakone, it snowed in the area. And it was the first time in 40 years that the snow came in November (at least that’s what we were told).

All of the transportation up to Gora just… stopped, as the buses or cars (taxis) didn’t have chains on yet, and the trains… even the trains didn’t run. We were planning to enjoy the romantic Hakone Tozan train, and that didn’t work out for us.

We were delayed from arriving at our hotel for the whole afternoon, just trying to figure out how to get there. Anyways, we also created a whole article about traveling to Hakone in winter , so if you are more interested about it, just deep in!

But on the other hand, the trip the next day – the Hakone loop – was more interesting because of the snow. Albeit a bit colder than Kyoto the previous days.

Anyway, the answer, again, is yes, you can visit Hakone in winter. Just make sure to pack accordingly so that you’re not cold.

Can you do a day trip to Hakone from Tokyo?

As I’ve mentioned already in this article, yes, it’s quite possible to do a Hakone day trip from Tokyo .

You don’t even have to wake up at dawn – but don’t sleep in, either. The best time to leave Tokyo is around 7am. It takes just under 2 hours to get from Tokyo to Hakone, thus giving you basically a full one day there.

If you take the Odakyu limited Express romancecar , the journey takes approximately 80 minutes but is a tad bit more expensive. Although it does give you better views – there’s a huge panoramic window.

Take the express train from the Shinjuku station to the Odawara station (it’s the Odakyu Line), then change to the Hakone-Tozan Line to go to the Hakone-Yumoto station.

But we do really recommend that you spend a night or two in the Hakone area so that you can have one full day in Hakone. And so that you get to enjoy a ryokan, as Hakone is one of the best places in Japan to enjoy a ryokan with an onsen .

Should you do a Hakone Loop as a day trip or overnight?

In case you’re still wondering if you should do a Hakone day trip or overnight there, then again, we definitely recommend a stay in Hakone .

That way, you don’t have to worry about catching a train back to Tokyo and can enjoy everything at a more leisurely pace.

Plus, this gives you time to enjoy more of Hakone than a day trip would allow!

Where to stay while visiting Hakone?

If you decide to stay a night or two in Hakone there are several mountain villages in the area. Each offers a choice of hotels and ryokan, as well as restaurants, cafes and other tourist attractions.  And they are all very well interconnected by the local transportation.

Hakone-Yumoto

Hakone-Yumoto is the gateway to the whole area, with a direct train to Tokyo. It has a wide selection of hotels and ryokan, stores and restaurants. You’ll also find numerous public onsen here – the largest choice in the whole area. Other attractions include a golf course and a Forest Adventure Park.

Gora is a picturesque mountain resort and offers the largest choice of hotels, especially ryokan, ranging from budget to luxury. It is easily reachable by the local Hakone Tozan train and boasts nice mountain views (not of Mt. Fuji, though). This is a great base for exploring the Hakone area. There’s also a Western-style park and a splendid Open-Air Museum.

Did you know it has one of the world’s largest collections of Picasso’s work?

Gora is where we stayed when we visited Japan. We stayed in the Tensui Saryo ryokan in Gora and enjoyed our stay, so can recommend it to you, too.

Moto-Hakone or Togendai

Moto-Hakone and Togendai are two mountain villages right by the lake Ashinoko. The village of Moto-Hakone offers amazing views of Mt. Fuji and is also home to Hakone Shrine, with one of its torii gates being in the lake itself. The choice of accommodation is a bit smaller compared to Gora and Hakone-Yumoto.

Here are some of the best Ryokans to stay in the Hakone area.

If you’d like to create a hakone 2 day itinerary….

There are loads of things to do in the Hakone area, so if you’d like to create a Hakone 2 day itinerary, it’s easy!

Different – many different – museums in Hakone.

The most prominent things to do that we didn’t really include in our 1 day Hakone itinerary are visiting different kinds of museums, of which there are really many in Hakone. Let me mention just a few of them.

Hakone GeoMuseum

If you’d like to learn more about the Owakudani volcano, make sure to visit the Hakone GeoMuseum. It’s located right at the Owakudani station, so this museum might be a perfect addition to your Hakone itinerary. And it’s especially good if you’re visiting Hakone in winter, as it’s a good way to warm up a bit.

And if you’re worried about costs, know that there’s a free exhibition in the museum – we actually went to that one.

Hakone Open Air Museum – discounted entry with the Hakone freepass!

As we already mentioned, the Hakone Open Air Museum is located in Gora. It’s full of artwork and sculptures, including 300 hundred pieces by Picasso that are housed in the aptly named Picasso Pavilion. This museum is the first one in Japan where you can enjoy artwork against the backdrop of nature.

Hakone open-air museum is good for families with children, too. Kids can enjoy attractions like Soap Bubble Castle or Net Forest.

Narukawa Art Museum

The Narukawa Art Museum was opened in 1988 to show entrepreneur Minoru Narukawa’s collection of Japanese-style paintings (Nihonga) from the mid-1950s onward. It’s located on the hill overlooking Lake Ashi, the bright orange floating torii gate of the Hakone Shrine, as well as, of course, mount Fuji. There’s a permanent exhibition of the hidden treasures of China in the Narukawa Art Museum, as well as significant masterworks by contemporary Nihonga paintings.

Hakone Botanical Gardens of Wetlands

Unless you visit Hakone in winter, consider going to the Botanical Gardens of Wetlands. Yes, wetlands, plural, as in this garden, you get to see different types of marshlands – bogs, fens, swamp forests, and others. And there are some 1200 different types of plants that you get to enjoy, both Japanese and from different other countries and areas.  

Note: If you’d like to visit several different museums in the Hakone area (including the Botanical Gardens), consider getting a combination ticket – that way, you’ll be able to save some money. The admission prices add up, and even with the Hakone freepass, the discount is smaller than getting a combination ticket. You do have to get a ticket at the museum to combine it with others.  

Hiking Lake Ashi

Yes, it’s possible!

There’s a trail by Lake Ashi called Ashinoko Loop Hiking Trail. Although I don’t know why it’s called “loop” everywhere, though, as it’s basically just on the West bank of the lake.

Anyways, it’s an easy-to-moderate and long trail through forests. You can see most of the attractions mentioned here in the itinerary, as well as enjoy beautiful views of the lake.

You can go point-to-point and just take the Sightseeing cruise to get back.

Hiking the Hakone caldera

If you’re in great physical shape, why not spend a day hiking around the Hakone caldera? The caldera traversing takes approximately 4-5 hours and the trail is approximately 9km long. The ascent has a 500m altitude change, and it takes approximately 90 minutes.

During this hike, you get to see Mount Fuji (if it’s not hiding behind the clouds, of course), as well as a bamboo field, Sakura in the spring or autumn foliage in, well, autumn.

Have lunch in a local Japanese restaurant and at the end of the tour, relax in an onsen. Both included!

In case you’re more interested in booking a guided tour, there are plenty of options. Based on our point of view and recommendations from other travelers, we would like to show you this specific tour where you traverse a Hakone Caldera, and will relax in an onsen.

Hakone forest adventure

If you crave a bit of adventure, there’s an obstacle course available up in the trees! Traverse from tree to tree on moving swings, nets, and ziplines. According to the website, there are no age limits (although they state them on some tracks).

Tours to Hakone

If you’d like to visit Hakone, but even after this article feel like you’d rather have someone else take you there, why not go on a tour?

There are many different ones available.

For example, have a guide that helps you create a full 8 hour private tour of Hakone . Or just have a private pre-made tour , if you really don’t want to think too much about anything.

Both of these tours start and end in Hakone, though.

If you’re in Tokyo and would like to have a day trip to Hakone Loop from Tokyo, check out this one which uses public transport. Or there’s even one which uses private transportation from Tokyo to Hakone Loop.

In conclusion about the Hakone Loop itinerary

There are lots of things to do in Hakone that offer both some interesting experiences as well as the ultimate relaxation. Whether you do a day trip to Hakone from Tokyo or decide to spend a few nights there, it’s definitely worth a visit.

FAQ: Hakone Loop and Hakone itself

The Hakone free pass itinerary; Hakone round course; Hakone Circuit;

You can easily do the Hakone Loop in a day, as you see from this itinerary. Even in the winter, if you start early enough.

The Hakone Loop, of course!

We recommend staying at least 2 nights. That way, you have a full day to do the Hakone Loop and enjoy being pampered for a couple of nights in a good ryokan .

Honestly, whichever way you’d like. Some sources say clockwise, some – counterclockwise. We have it written out counterclockwise, though, as that’s what the Japenese suggest.

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Photographer & Local Expert

Michal Nizky is the main photographer and planner of Wanderlust Designers. He's visited over 300 places in 60 countries and is the expert on planning trips, all while working a full-time job. He knows he can teach others all about planning and travelling while still working full-time.

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A day trip to Hakone from Tokyo: What to see and do

Located in Kanagawa prefecture, Hakone is a volcanic and mountainous area, part of Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. It’s famous for its onsens (hot springs) and known for the stunning views of Mt Fuji (on clear days). Filled with hot springs, pirate ships, old trains and volcanic valleys, it’s a perfect day trip from Tokyo.

Table of Contents

Visiting Hakone using the Hakone FreePass

Hakone FreePass is a ticket that’s great to cover all your transport to all the key sights in Hakone, also providing discounts to attractions and museums. Despite being called ‘free’, it is a discount pass for either a 2-day pass for ¥5140 and 3-days for ¥5640. The Hakone FreePass covers unlimited rides on all the different types of transport within the Hakone area, including train, cable car, ropeway, boat and bus.

We picked up our pass at the Odakyu Sightseeing Service Centres , which is one of Japan National Tourism Organization-authorized information centres. It is located in Shinjuku West Station, South Exit location . The process was easy, we spoke to an English representative at the counter to purchase our tickets. Since the information centre is only open between 08:00-19:00, we picked up our Hakone FreePass the day before because we were planning to catch the train before 8 am. Alternatively, you can buy the Hakone FreePass online and then pick it up at the information centre.

Note: this information centre is open from 08:00 to 19:00 and they also have representatives that speak in different languages, including Chinese, Thai-, Russian- and Hindi.

Other information centres where you can pick up a free pass includes:

• Odakyu Sightseeing Service Center, Shinjuku South
• Odakyu Sightseeing Service Center, Odawara
• Hakone-Yumoto Tourist Information Center

*All prices are correct at time of post. Please check before going.

Follow our day trip adventures below:

How to get to Hakone from Tokyo

One of the best ways to get to Hakone from Tokyo is to take the Romancecar (Odakyu Limited Express). With the Hakone FreePass , the Romance train costs an additional ¥1090 (one-way).

Tokyo to Hakone by train

→ A) Hakone via Romancecar – Odakyu Limited Express (direct train )

Shinjuku station → Hakone-Yumoto station

Subway takes approx 80 mins Take the Romancar express train with reserved seating only. Cost: additional ¥1090 (one-way) on top of the Hakone Free Pass

→ B) Hakone via subway on the Odakyu Line

Shinjuku station → Odawara station →   Hakone Tozan train → Hakone Yumoto station

Subway takes approx 115 mins Take the Odakyu Line Express (100mins) then change to Hakone Tozan Line (15mins). Cost: included with the Hakone FreePass

→ C) Hakone via JR trains

If you have a JR Pass, you can take the train to Odawara Station on the Tokaido Shinkansen line . From Odawara, take the Hakone Tozan Line mountain train to Hakone.

Get to Hakone by Bus

Take the direct Odakyu Hakone highway bus from Shinjuku station to Laki Ashi takes around 2 hours.  A single trip ticket costs around ¥2000.

Getting around Hakone

The Hakone FreePass includes all transport networks in Hakone:

Hakone Tozan Train

• Hakone Ropeway
• Hakone Tozan Bus
• Tokai Bus Orange Shuttle
• Hakone Tozan Cable Car
• Hakone Sightseeing Cruise
• Odakyu Hakone Highway Bus
• Hakone Tozan Bus/Kanko Shisetsu-Meguri Bus

Is the Hakone FreePass worth it?

We got great value from the 2-day Hakone FreePass even though we were only there for a day. We were able to use it for unlimited rides, which was convenient and saved time rather than buying tickets for each transport. It covered the round trip ticket for the Odakyu Line, which was a bonus (additional cost for the Romancecar).

Now that we know how to get to Hakone, let the adventure begin!

→ More: Kinosaki Onsen: A glimpse into an Onsen town

Things to do in Hakone: One Day Itinerary (Hakone loop)

The most common way to travel around Hakone is by circling around in a counterclockwise direction. We wanted to see the grand Hakone Torii gate before the afternoon crowds. So we decided to loop around Hakone in a clockwise direction. It’s possible to circle around either direction in a day.

If you are staying overnight, you may start and end at a different spot depending on your accommodation.

Hakone shrine & Torii gate

Our first stop was the iconic Hakone grand Torii gate. I always thought the floating Torii gate was only on Miyajima and was excited to find out there was one here too! Once we arrived, there were already some people there taking photos and after a while, a queue formed. Best to hit this spot early!

To get here, take the Hakone Tozan Bus (30 mins) from Hakone-Yumoto station to Moto-Hakone Bus stop (元箱根) then take a short 10 minute walk to the Torii gate.

If you explore more within the forest, you’ll find the Hakone Shrine.

Sail across Lake Ashi in a pirate ship

At the heart of Hakone is Lake Ashinoki (芦ノ湖) , one of the 5 famous lakes in the Fuji-izu region. It was formed after the last volcanic eruption 3000 years ago. The best way to enjoy the lake views is by taking the sightseeing cruises for 30 mins. There are 3 routes departing from Motohakone-ko, Hakonemachi-ko and Togendai-ko.

We boarded the pirate ship and headed up to the windy upper deck. The calm waters presented stunning views, even though it was cloudy. As we cruised along the lake, we spotted the floating Tori gate of the Hakone Shrine, from where we were just taking photos. On clearer days you can spot Mount Fuji.

Important note: May 19, 2019 Due to an increased possibility of a volcanic eruption, a no-entry zone is currently maintained around the Owakudani area. As a result, the Hakone Ropeway is out of service, and the Owakudani area cannot be visited. Substitute buses operate between Sounzan and Togendai. The other areas of Hakone are not affected.

Owakudani (大湧谷)  — Valley of Hell

After the cruise across Lake Ashinoko, we took the cable car to the top of the mountain to Owakudani. The natural beauty of Owakudani is the volcanic valley, known as the ‘Valley of Hell’, which formed during the last volcanic eruption which was about 3000 years ago. It’s an active volcanic valley with rising volcanic gases and active sulphur vents.

→ More: Overnight temple stay at Mt Koyasa n

Hakone Ropeway How to get there: Togendai-ko → Owakudani or Souzan station Opening hours: 9am – 4pm (hours of operation may vary) Cost:  Included with the Hakone FreePass Time: approx 30 mins

Black eggs of Owakudani

At the top of Owakudani, we tried the local specialty of black eggs called the Kuro-Tamago . These eggs have been boiled in the hot spring pond in Owakudani. It’s cooked in natural spring water for 60 minutes at a high temperature of 80 degrees. The eggs are then steamed for 15 minutes at 100 degrees in steel baskets. The shell turns black from the reaction with hydrogen sulphide in the water and iron particles adhering to the eggshell. Despite having a black eggshell, it tastes like a boiled egg. It is believed to add years to your life – legend has it, eating one will add 7 years to your life.

A bag of 5 Kuro-Tamago black eggs costs ¥500.

Next, we travelled on the Hakone Tozan Railway to Gora. We visited Japan’s oldest formal French garden that has been opened for over 100 years. It’s apparently lovely during all seasons with various types of flowers blossoming and light displays during summer and Christmas. Entrance to Hakone Gora park is included with the Hakone FreePass.

Hakone Tozan Cablecar How to get there: Sounzan to Gora Cost: Included with Hakone FreePass Time: 10 minutes, departures every 20 minutes

Art in Hakone

Closeby, we tried to visit the Hakone Open Air Museum in Gora. We made it before if the last entrance (4:30pm) but that meant there was only left 30 minutes before it closed. There was only so much we could fit in one day, so we decided to skip it. I’ll definitely be visiting next time.  

Hakone Open Air Museum is Japan’s first open-air museum with both indoors and outdoors sculptures. I was very interested to see the Picasso Pavilion exhibit. It exhibitions the world’s best collection of Picasso’s works. Other artworks in pieces by Picasso, Henry Moore, Taro Okamoto, Yasuo Mizui, and more.

Hakone Open Air Museum Where: 1121 Ninotaira, Hakone-machi, Ashigarashimo-gun 250-0493, Kanagawa Prefecture Open: 9am to 5pm (last entrance 4:30 pm) Cost: 1600 yen (1400 with Hakone FreePass )

Hakone is home to many kinds of art, includes:

• Pola Museum of Art
• Lalique Museum, Hakone
• Hakone Venetian Glass Museum
• The Hakone Open Air Museum
• Museum of the Little Prince and Saint-Exupery
• Narukawa Art Museum

*Some provide a discount with the Hakone FreePass

From Gora, we needed to head back the Hakone-Yumto Station for our onsen booking. The Hakone Tozan Train zigzags through the mountain and takes around 40 mins to Hakone-Yumto Station. During the ride, there are switchbacks when the driver and conductor change shifts. This means the train the reverses and switches directions.

Hakone Tozan Train How to get there: Gora to Hakone-Yumoto Station Cost: Included with the Hakone FreePass Time: 35 minutes, departures every 10-20 minutes

Hakone Onsen

Hakone is a popular place for onsens, so we couldn’t leave without trying one, of course! After a full day of exploring Hakone, it was finally time to relax.

We booked a private Onsen at Hakone Yuryo . To get there we took the free shuttle bus from Hakone-Yumto Station. It runs every 15 minutes from 9am to 80pm on weekdays and is a short 3 minute ride to Hakone Yuryo. There are large communal baths called ‘Honden Yurakuan Oyu’, costs ¥1,500 for Adults. It also offers 19 private open-air onsen baths called ‘Hanare Yuya Kaden’. It costs ¥3,900-¥56300 per hour for a private onsen.

Surrounded by the open-air views of the green forest, we relaxed in one of the private onsens. It was a well decorated room with a table and chairs to relax. The alkaline mineral-rich hot spring water smoothes the skin.

Make sure to book in advance if you can!

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• Transportation Info

Plan Your Hakone Trip

Before Your Trip

Crowd Forecast

Accommodations

Seasonal Highlights

• Trip Itineraries

Onsen (Hot Springs)

Sightseeing

• Experiences

Destinations

• Hakone-Yumoto
• Miyanoshita, Kowakidani, Gora
• Sengokuhara, Owakudani, Togendai
• Motohakone, Hakonemachi, Old Tokaido road

Discount Passes

Transportation

Directions to Hakone

Getting Around Hakone

• Hakone-Yumoto Station
• Gora Station
• Sounzan Station
• Owakudani Station
• Togendai Station & Port
• Hakonemachi-ko
• Motohakone-ko
• Sengoku Bus Stop
• Odawara Station
• Gotemba Station
• Mishima Station

MY TICKET use

• # Hakone Freepass
• # Mount Fuji
• # Accommodations
• # Historic Spots
• # Transportation

• Your First Hakone Trip! A One Day Travel Plan With Must-See Spots

Hakone is a sightseeing area where you can enjoy abundant nature and hot springs while being only an hour and a half away from Tokyo. The area is popular with both Japanese and international tourists for its variety in picturesque Japanese landscapes, like Mt. Fuji and the autumn leaves. In this article, we will introduce a one day trip itinerary around must-visit destinations in Hakone such as Owakudani and Lake Ashi. Use the Hakone Freepass to travel around Hakone and receive discounts at the facilities we’ll be introducing!

7:30 AM – From Shinjuku to Hakone-Yumoto by Romancecar

In this article, we will introduce a travel course using the Hakone Freepass . The pass allows you to travel within Hakone for a great value and also offers discounts at participating facilities (some exclusions may apply). Unless stated otherwise, all methods of transportations can be used for free with this pass. Use the pass to start your Hakone travels the fun and smart way!

Ride the Romancecar to travel from Tokyo to Hakone. The Romancecar is a limited express train that can be used to go from Shinjuku to Hakone-Yumoto Station (OH51) with just one train. It will take about an hour and a half. All seats are designated so that you can travel in comfort while enjoying the scenery (*1).

Make sure to look out for Mt. Fuji, which can be seen from the windows during clear weather.

*1: If taking the Romancecar with the Hakone Freepass from Shinjuku Station to Hakone-Yumoto Station, a separate express fee (1,090 yen) will be required.

9:20 AM – Hakone-Yumoto Station, the Entrance of Hakone

Hakone-Yumoto Station (OH51), the Romancecar’s last stop, is the entrance to Hakone. From here, you can head to sightseeing spots using other transportation methods such as the Hakone Tozan Train or Hakone Tozan Bus.

A convenient luggage storage service (from 800 yen including tax) is also available at the station if you will be staying in the area. If you leave your bags with the service counter inside the station, they will transport it to your accommodation. This allows you to be able to enjoy your sightseeing more freely. Show your Hakone Freepass to receive a 100 yen discount.

Hakone-Yumoto Station Area (Along Japan National Route 1)

Information

9:25 AM – Ride to The Hakone Open Air Museum on the Hakone Tozan Train

First, let’s head to Chokoku-no-Mori Station (OH56) from Hakone-Yumoto Station. Take the Hakone Tozan Train when you want to visit the Hakone Open Air Museum or the Gora area. The train travels up the mountain path from Odawara Station (OH47) at a 14m elevation and ends at the 541m-high Gora Station (OH57).

Due to the route being located on steep slopes, you’ll also be able to enjoy the use of switchbacks (*2).

*2 Switchback: a special way the rail is constructed so that the train continues in a zigzag motion while changing its direction of travel when going up a hill.

10:00 AM – Take a Stroll and See Art at the Hakone Open Air Museum

The Hakone Open Air Museum is Japan’s first outdoor museum where you can appreciate artwork against the backdrop of Hakone’s nature. There are many things to see while exploring the museum! You’ll find the Picasso Pavilion, an exhibit that houses 300 pieces of the artist’s works, the Happiness in Symphonic Sculpture, a piece made of beautiful stained glass and a popular photo spot, outdoor sculpture pieces, and much more!

If you are coming with children, we especially recommend exhibits like the Soap Bubble Castle or Net Forest, where you can experience art while in giant capsules and nets. If you’re feeling tired, you can also take a short break at the footbaths on the grounds.

The entrance fee is 1,600 yen for adults, 1,200 yen for high school and college students, and 800 yen for elementary and junior high school students. By showing your Hakone Freepass, your fee will be discounted to 1,400 yen for adults, 1,100 yen for high school and college students, and 700 yen for elementary and junior high school students (all prices including tax).

The Hakone Open Air Museum

11:20AM – Make your way to Owakudani

After admiring the art, head to what is considered one of the highlights of Hakone sightseeing: Owakudani. Here, you can experience the magnificence of a volcano from up-close.

To get there, first, transfer to the Hakone Tozan Cable Car from the Hakone Tozan Train at Gora Station (OH57) and enjoy the climb and the rumblings of the retro cable car.

11:45 AM – Enjoy a View of Mt. Fuji on the Hakone Ropeway

Once you’ve arrived at Sounzan Station (OH62), the last stop on the cable car route, transfer to the Hakone Ropeway . Cars on the ropeway depart every minute.

During the ropeway ride, you will steadily travel up the slope and climb over the mountain summit. Once you pass the mountaintop, you will be greeted by a beautiful mountain range and a gorgeous valley. The magnificent Mt. Fuji is also visible on sunny days! It takes a little under 10 minutes to reach Owakudani Station (OH63), allowing you to have a pleasant journey high up in the sky.

Hakone Ropeway

12:55 PM – Great Nature and Regional Cuisine at Owakudani

Owakudani is a volcanic valley that formed about 3000 years ago. It is now a famous sightseeing spot and allows visitors to enjoy its continuous volcanic activity from a close distance. Many of the hot springs in Hakone receive their spring water from Owakudani. You will feel the power of nature seeing the smoke that billows up from the volcano’s surface.

Taste the Famous Curry

First, let’s eat the specialty curry at Owakudani-eki Shokudo . The Deluxe Owakudani Curry (1,250 yen including tax), a black-brown color inspired by the smoky grounds of the volcano, is flavorful with a Japanese-style dashi stock seasoned with spices. It is recommended you enjoy it by mixing the hot spring egg into the curry.

Owakudani-eki Shokudo

Eat the Famous Black Egg

Kurotamago , or black eggs, are another local specialty that can only be found here. They are a must-try snack! The egg is steamed after being carefully boiled in the heat of the spring waters, which gives it its characteristic pure-black shell. It is said that eating one of these eggs will prolong your life by seven years. Kurotamago house sells five for 500 yen including tax.

Kurotamago House

Learn About the Owakudani Volcano at Hakone GeoMuseum

Hakone GeoMuseum , located right next to Owakudani Station, is a museum split into two areas: a free information zone and the Geo Hall (100 yen including tax). Here, you can enjoy various exhibitions on the structure of volcanoes, the history of Hakone, and other highlights of Owakudani.

Hakone GeoMuseum

2:20 PM – Cross Lake Ashi on the Hakone Sightseeing Cruise!

After visiting Owakudani, head to Lake Ashi, which has a superb view of Mt. Fuji. Here, you can enjoy the Hakone Sightseeing Cruise !

Take the Hakone Ropeway from Owakudani to Togendai Station (OH65), then board the cruise at Togendai Port. With an interior inspired by European battleships, this is a cruise with a great view of Mt. Fuji reflected on the clear lake surface and the beautiful nature surrounding Lake Ashi.

The cruise anchors at either Hakonemachi-ko (OH66) or Motohakone-ko (OH67). This time, we stopped at Motohakone-ko (OH67) which is where Hakone-jinja shrine is.

Hakone Sightseeing Cruise

3:40 PM – A Visit to the Historic Hakone-jinja shrine

Hakone-jinja shrine , built on the bank of Lake Ashi and a 10 minutes’ walk from Motohakone-ko, is a shrine with over 1260 years of history. Since ancient times, those crossing the Hakone-ji (*3) and Tokaido (*4) would come to the shrine to pray for safe journeys. It is said that the shrine is effective in bringing luck for competitions and economic fortune. How about making a prayer here yourself?

Take a stunning picture at the Torii Gates of Peace , built right on the lake. Your photo will include the gorgeous scenery of the lake beyond the red torii with the Hakone mountains in the background.

To return back, take the Hakone Tozan Bus (K, R, H routes) to Hakone-Yumoto Station (OH51). It will take about 40 minutes from Motohakone to Hakone-Yumoto (*5).

*5: Please note that the evening bus route is often late due to the congestion of the roads.

Hakone-jinja shrine

5:00 PM – Gift Shopping at Hakone Tozan Meisan-ten Yumoto shop

Lastly, if you’ll be purchasing Hakone souvenirs, then make a visit to Hakone Tozan Meisan-ten Yumoto shop in Hakone-Yumoto Station. The market is open until 21:00, making it perfect for taking your time shopping after your day of fun.

Make sure to look for limited edition merchandise. Some products include the Hakone Tozan Train Sable Biscuits (540 yen for a box of 10 including tax), filled with maple cookies in a box shaped like the Hakone Tozan Train, and the Hakone Tozan Train Bento (1,080 yen including tax). It’s also recommended to purchase a bento box to eat on the way home in the Romancecar.

Hakone Tozan Meisan-ten Yumoto shop (Hakone-no-ichi Shop)

The best way to travel around hakone.

In this article, we introduced a travel course that includes must-visit sightseeing spots in Hakone. By taking advantage of the Hakone Ropeway and Hakone Sightseeing Cruise, you can efficiently visit several spots in a day. Please refer to this article when visiting Hakone!

*Please note that various data, such as restaurant menus or prices, are subject to change.

About Discount Passes

Use discount passes when traveling in Hakone! For example, with the Hakone Freepass, you can ride most transportation for free. You will also receive deals on admission for art museums and other locations. Find out how you can save money during your Hakone trip.

Related Spots

Doll house museum hakone, hakone kohanso eatery sakura honjin, gora brewery & grill, yamahiko zushi, fukuya kuzuryu mochi sweets, naraya café, related articles, enjoy hakone’s cherry blossoms a recommended itinerary from lake ashi to gora.

Hakone Day Trip From Tokyo

Hakone is a popular destination in Japan known for its hot springs and amazing views of Mt. Fuji. Although many people choose to stay overnight in a luxurious Hakone ryokan , it’s entirely possible to do a Hakone day-trip from Tokyo . 

With a little help from a discount pass called the  Hakone Free Pass , it’s possible to DIY a Hakone day-trip from Tokyo, starting and ending at Shinjuku station. 

Hakone Free Pass Options for a Hakone Day Trip from Tokyo

The Hakone Free Pass is a transportation pass offered through Odakyu, a private railway company. The Free Pass is valid for either two days, or three days. You can also select where the Free Pass validity starts from; Shinjuku, Machida, or Odawara. 

For this one day in Hakone itinerary, you’ll need a 2-day Hakone Free Pass, valid from Shinjuku. 

If you’ve already ordered a JR Pass , you only need to buy the Hakone Free Pass from Odawara. You can ride the Shinkansen bullet train to Odawara and back from Tokyo using the JR Pass, then the Hakone Free Pass for all other transport.

Tip : When transiting from Tokyo to Hakone, sit on the right side of the train for views of Mt. Fuji! 

Hakone Day-Trip from Tokyo Map

Hakone is a perfect day-trip destination from Tokyo because all of the area’s highlights lie along one big loop. The Hakone Free Pass gets you to and around all of these locations on one ticket. 

Awesome methods of transportation and sightseeing that are included in the Hakone Pass include the following:

• Pirate Ship – called the Hakone Sightseeing Cruise, you’ll ride a Pirate Ship over beautiful Lake Ashinoko, with views of Mt. Fuji and the Hakone shrine’s torii gate on the water. See the cruise’s  timetable here . 
• Hakone Ropeway – two different ropeways take you to the top of Owakunadi mountain. A slight sulfur smell is worth enduring for the incredible Mt. Fuji views. 
• Hakone Tozan Cable Car – Take this colorful, slanted vessel down to Gora station, where you’ll find a sleepy town with many parks and museums. 
• Busses between Gora, Hakone-Yumoto, Odawara, and Lake Ashinoko towns
• The train between Shinjuku and Hakone Yumoto 

Tip : Before you go on your Hakone Day Trip from Tokyo,  check this regional map  to see which transportation options are currently operating in Hakone. 

Hakone Day Trip From Tokyo Itinerary

Start: shinjuku to odawara by train or shinkansen.

The Hakone Free Pass is valid for the Odakyu railway line between Shinjuku and Odawara only. If you’re coming to Shinjuku station from another Tokyo station, remember to tap out your Suica card (or other IC card) before you use your Hakone Free Pass to enter the Odakyu railway platforms. 

If you have the JR Pass, you can take the Shinkansen to Odawara from Shinjuku. Purchase a Hakone Free Pass once you arrive in Odawara, to start your Hakone Day Trip from Tokyo. 

Odawara to Hakone-Yumoto by Train

Once you reach Odawara Station, you need to make a short transfer to Hakone-Yumoto Station.

Included in the Hakone Free Pass is a ride on the Hakonetozan Line which runs between these two stations. This line departs from a platform within Odawara Station, a little further down than the Romacecar platform.

If you want to pay a little extra to get to the same place (and save 10 minutes or so), you can ride the Romacecar train to reach Hakone-Yumoto Station. The Romacecar trains leave Odawara station a few minutes before the Hakonetozan Line, and attendants standing in front of the doors will charge you for the additional fare. 

Hakone-Yumoto to Lake Ashinoko by Bus

Hakone-Yumoto is a small town that gives you a feeling of being in rural Japan. Old buildings line the main street, and a scenic river passes just behind them. You can spend time having breakfast here, or go straight to an even more picturesque place: Lake Ashinoko.

From Hakone-Yumoto Station, you can take a bus to Lake Ashinoko. Normally there are large crowds of people waiting here for the different busses that are running in the area. Take a bus heading to Hakonemachi-ko, or Motohakone-ko. Staff manning the area don’t speak a lot of English, but they can at least direct you to which bus line you should stand in. 

Busses to Lake Ashinoko from Hakone-Yumoto take 30 minutes or more through winding mountains. If you can, try and take a seat so you don’t have to stay standing for this part. 

Lake Ashinoko and the Hakone Sightseeing Cruise

The Hakone Sightseeing Cruise makes three stops around the lake: Hakonemachi-ko, Motohakone-ko, and Togendai-ko. The two towns on the south side of the lake are where you can first get on the pirate ship, after being dropped off by the bus. 

If you’re interested in stopping by the Hakone Shrine and see the torii gate over the water (a popular Instagram spot), Motohakone-ko is the closest port. 

Once on the pirate ship, you can see the torii gate from the water, as well as a beautiful view of Mt. Fuji’s peak looking down over the lake. 

The three different pirate ships that operate on Lake Ashinoko have a similar layout. Plenty of seating is available under the deck, but the best views can be had from the open-air decks. The entire boat ride takes 25-35 minutes from one end of Lake Ashinoko to the other, which gives you plenty of time to take great pictures. 

If you want to pay extra, you can book tickets at the piers for the first class area. Plush couches downstairs and views unimpeded by selfie sticks on the upper levels await you if you choose this option. 

Hakone Ropeway

Once the ship drops you off at Togendai-ko, follow the path towards the Hakone Ropeway. When I visited, we encountered a massive line at the ticket office before the ropeway. Turns out this was a massive tour group, so with the Hakone Free Pass, we were able to pass everyone and go straight to the ropeway boarding area. 

The ropeway takes you over an  active volcanic zone , so sometimes visitors are given wet towels that they can put over their mouths to block out the sulfurous fumes. Don’t worry it’s nothing dangerous, it just smells a bit like boiled eggs at the Owakudani summit. If volcanic activity underground is high, the ropeway and surrounding area will close.

Owakudani Summit

The Owakudani summit is a lively place to spend some time during a Hakone day-trip from Tokyo. Peer down into a smoking abyss, where yellow sulfur is exposed above ground. Shop till you drop at the many large souvenir stores. Breathe in the fresh mountain air mixed with the sulfurous air, and take a walk across the parking lot for the best views of Mt. Fuji. 

If you started your day early from Shinjuku station, you’ll likely reach Owakundai in time for a late lunch. In addition to several traditional Japanese restaurants here, you can try some snacks that Hakone is famous for. Don’t miss Hakone’s famous black eggs , which are cooked in hot sulfur springs, turning the shell black. Eating these eggs is said to prolong your life! At the summit, you’ll also undoubtedly smell some fresh rice crackers roasting over coals, which are a cheap and perfect salty snack.  

Hakone Cable Car and Gora Town

To get down the other side of Owakudani summit, you need to take the ropeway as well as a cable car. The Hakone Cable Car makes several stops between Sounzan and Gora stations. 

One of Hakone’s best kept secrets is the  Hakone Art Museum , for its incredible Japanese garden. Although the museum itself is nothing to write home about, the large garden on the property is a great place to connect with nature. The museum is up the hill from Gora Park and its tea house, another popular stop in Hakone. From Gora Station, it’s a quick walk to the  Hakone Open Air Museum .

Spend the rest of the afternoon at  Yunessun , an Onsen Theme-Park. Both swimsuit, and no-swimsuit onsens are available here, as well onsens where you bathe in wine, coffee, green tea, or sake!  Buy an e-ticket  for Yunessun here. 

Staying the Night in Hakone: Gora Town

If you’re spending the night in Hakone to make it a two-day trip from Tokyo, I recommend staying in a ryokan (traditional Japanese inn) to get the full Hakone experience. There are a number of Hakone ryokan with private onsen (hot springs) so you can fully relax during your travels.

If looking for centrally-located accommodation, try the little town of Gora. Gora is in a convenient location near the train station for your trip to Hakone from Tokyo. Here are some options: 

• A budget, but still highly-rated, option to stay in is  Emblem Flow , a hostel with an attached public onsen. 
• Another accommodation with an onsen attached is  Hakone Yutowa , with reasonably-priced private rooms and spacious common areas. 
• For the ultra-luxurious, take a peek at the ryokan  Gyokutei . With traditional Japanese interior and Japanese garden views, plus amazing dinner and breakfast included, this is the cream of crop for accommodation in Hakone. 

Returning to Tokyo from Hakone

To finish up your one day in Hakone itinerary, take the bus back from Gora to Hakone-Yumoto or Odawara station. At the time of writing, the train that runs between Gora and Hakone-Yumoto remains closed after damage from the 2019 Typhoon Hagibis. Check the status of all  Hakone transport here . 

Using your Hakone Free Pass one last time, finish this Hakone day trip from Tokyo by taking the Odakyu Train line back to Shinjuku. 

Pin This Hakone Day Trip Itinerary!

Are You Prepared For Your Trip To Japan?

Be sure to check out my Japan home page for Japan travel information, insider tips, reading list, and must-haves for traveling to Japan!

• Book Your Flights  – To find the cheapest flights, flexibility is key. I use both  Google Flights  for their low fare calendar, and  Skiplagged , which uses airfare loopholes to get the lowest prices. For a trip to Japan, check flights to both Tokyo airports (Haneda, Narita) and to Osaka (Kansai). 
• Getting Around Japan : Prepare your  JR Pass  and  Suica transit card  before you depart.
• Book Your Accommodation  – Check out  Booking.com for the largest selection of accommodation in Japan. Consider having a bit of fun at one of these Weirdest Hotels in Japan too 🙂 
• Book Local Excursions  – Don’t miss out on world-class experiences, like  Teamlab Planets  or Tokyo Disneyland , by booking tickets online now. Check  GetYourGuide and Klook for fun experiences all around Japan. 
• Stay Connected: Order a pocket WiFi for airport pickup if you’re traveling with family or with a large group. Solo traveling to Japan?  Order a SIM  card just for you. 
• Buy Travel Insurance  – It’s better to protect yourself from mishaps when traveling. Get a quote from  World Nomads  to see how much it’ll cost to get you covered! 
• Pack Your Essentials – Check out my posts about Long Term Travel Gear , and Carry-On Luggage Packing Essentials . 
• Read more on my Travel Resources page!

You might also like:

Ghibli Museum vs Ghibli Park – Which should you visit?

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12 Hakone Things To Do – A One Day Trip Itinerary With All The Best Activities

Things to do in Hakone

Tokyo may be the epicentre of all Japanese experiences, but nothing quite ripens one’s historical and cultural appreciation for all things Japanese like a day trip to charming Hakone – an idyllic town just an 80-minute train ride from Shinjuku station. 

Even if your current holiday itinerary has city pit stops such as Kyoto and Osaka , from leveling up your onsen experience with a sake bath to extending your life with a legendary black egg, here are 12 Hakone experiences not to be missed on your next trip to the Land of the Rising Sun.

PSA: Expect Sakura blooms if you’re travelling in April or even during the winter months – the snow adds to Hakone’s already gorgeous aesthetic, with the nearby Mount Fuji looming majestically in the background wherever you go.

Getting to Hakone

The easiest way to get to Hakone from Tokyo is through Shinjuku station. We recommend picking up a Hakone Freepass (¥5,700, ~S$73.60) which can be purchased there or from any station on the Odakyu line . It is difficult to travel by taxi in Hakone because there aren’t many of them, so familiarising yourself with the public transport system will come in handy. 

The 2-day Hakone Freepass gives you unlimited rides on any Odakyu -affiliated transport and free or discounted admission to most attractions. One of the trains that takes you from Shinjuku to Hakone-Yumoto is called the Romancecar. 

To ride the Odakyu Limited Express Romancecar , both a regular ticket (free with the Hakone Freepass) and a limited express ticket are required. The limited express ticket from Shinjuku to Hakone-Yumoto is priced at ¥1,110 (~S$14.20) one-way so it requires an additional top-up. 

Here’s our suggested itinerary for a day trip to Hakon e:

Hakone Day Trip Itinerary

• 8AM: Shinjuku Station – Board the Odakyu Romancecar bound for Hakone-Yumoto
• 9.30AM: Hakone-Yumoto Station – Take the Hakone Tozan Bus bound for Hakone-machi-ko (H Line)
• 10.30AM: Take a 10-minute walk to Hakone-jinja Shrine
• 12PM: Take a 10-minute walk back to Motohakone-ko and board the Hakone Sightseeing Cruise
• 1.30PM: Reach Togendai Station and take the Hakone Ropeway bound for Owakudani
• 2.30PM: Disembark at Owakudani Station
• 3.30PM: Board the Hakone Ropeway again bound for Sounzan . At Sounzan Station, board the Hakone Tozan Cable Car* bound for Gora .
• 4PM: Take a 5-minute walk to Hakone Gora Park or bus (or a 15-minute walk) to the Hakone Open Air Museum
• 5PM: Head back to Hakone-Yumoto Station to take the return train to Shinjuku .

*The Hakone Tozan Cable Car will resume operation on 20th March 2020.

We’ve created a GoogleTrip map which you can see here . Most travellers will take the train from Shinjuku to Hakone-Yumoto – which is the train station located in Hakone town. They’ll start their sightseeing and eventually circle back to Hakone town to take the train back to Shinjuku . 

This route is the most recommended way to explore Hakone as you get to tick off all the major sights including the Hakone Shrine, Lake Ashi and the volcanic Owakudani area along Hakone Ropeway . 

If you’d like to extend your trip, you can follow our recommendations at the bottom of this article – stay at one of the onsen hotels at GORA or head over to the the GOTEMBA outlets for some shopping.

1. Hakone Town – Eat kamaboko

Hakone town serves as the hub that connects Hakone to the rest of Japan, set against a beautiful mountain backdrop. After alighting from the train station, you can visit one of the hot springs in the area, the souvenir shops, foot baths or try some of the street food the town is known for like Kamaboko (fish paste).

When you’re on a day-trip, hours are limited so we recommend only exploring Hakone at the end of the day if time permits. Take the 35-minute bus ride at Hakone-Yumoto Station by Hakone Tozan Bus (Line H) to Moto-Hakone boat pier. It’s free if you have the Hakone Freepass or priced at ¥980 (~S$12.65) otherwise. Buses depart every 15 minutes.

2. Hakone-jinja Shrine – receive love blessings

We recommend checking Google maps during your commute so you know where to alight. After you arrive at Moto-Hakone boat pier, Hakone-jinja Shrine is a 5-minute walk away. 

You’re going to pass two large wooden structures called Torii gates, which in Shintoism signifies that you’re entering a sacred area. Walk down to the Heiwa no Torii (Gate of Peace) that appears to be floating on the surface of Lake Ashi . Be prepared to wait about an hour for your turn to take a picture.

If you’d like to visit the main shrine, you can climb up the Seisando (path of pilgrimage) which is several hundred stone steps long. Hakone-Jinja was a popular shrine for samurai with its origins tracing back to the Nara period in AD 757. You’ll see lots of pine and cedar trees here which can’t grow in Tokyo. We were told that these trees are exceptionally popular for their straightness and height that represent honesty in Japanese culture.

Today, these sacred trees along with Lake Ashi make Hakone Shrine a spiritual hotspot for blessings in relationships. And that’s why you’ll see many couples from all over Japan coming here to take a picture at the Heiwa no Torii .

Address:  80-1 Motohakone, Hakone, Ashigarashimo District, Kanagawa 250-0522, Japan Price: Free Treasure house (Homotsuden) : Adults: ¥500 (~S$6.46), Students: ¥300 (~S$3.87) Opening Hours : Main Shrine 9AM | Heiwa no Torii 24 hours Directions : 35-minute bus ride at Hakone-Yumoto Station by Hakone Tozan Bus (bus line H) to Moto-Hakone boat pier

3. Board a pirate ship through the Hakone Sightseeing Cruise

Walk back to Moto Hakone and board one of the three Hakone Sightseeing Cruise ships – the Royal II, Victory or Queen Ashinoko that’ll take you across Lake Ashi and straight to the Hakone Ropeway. Be sure to head to the Moto Hakone pier which is slightly further down. The Lake Ashi cruise pier is for boats run by Izuhakone , which are not covered under the Hakone Freepass.

Lake Ashinosko or Lake Ashi for short, was formed after Mount Hakone erupted about 3,000 years ago. The Hakone Sightseeing Cruise  offers a lovely view of Lake Ashi and Mount Fuji, with the journey to the other side taking around 30 minutes. 

C heck the cruise schedule for the latest timings.

Address:  6-40 Motohakone, Hakone, Ashigarashimo-gun, Kanagawa 250-0522, Japan Price: Free with the Hakone Freepass or  ¥1050 (~S$13.56) otherwise, for the full cruise from opposite sides. Opening Hours : 10AM-5PM. Cruises operate every half an hour but operating hours may differ based on the season.

Hakone Sightseeing Cruise

4. Get the best view of Hakone on the Hakone Ropeway

After you depart at Togendai , you can walk right over to Hakone Ropeway. Togendai is the first of 4 stations belonging to this cable car-like ride more accurately called funitels . It’ll take you 24 minutes to go from this station to the last – Sounzan Station.

Hakone Ropeway ride cuts through the mountainous terrain while giving you a gorgeous view of Hakone from above including sights like Lake Ashi and Mount Fuji. We recommend skipping Ubako – the station you have to stop at is Owakudani .

Address: Togendai Station – 164 Moto-Hakone, Hakone-machi, Ashigarashimo-gun, Kanagawa-prefecture Price: Free with the Hakone Freepass, otherwise from ¥740 ( ~S$9.54 ) one way. Opening Hours : 1st Feb – 30th Nov 9AM-5PM | 1st Dec – 31st Jan 9AM-4.15PM

Hakone Ropeway Website

5. Eat Japanese Curry amidst volcanic activity

You’ll be greeted by the volcanic fumes of sulphur as you approach Owakudani , an active volcanic area that dates back 3,000 years. You’ll also be able to visit an onsen here thanks to the natural hot springs, or grab a bowl of Japanese curry from Owakudani Station restaurant.

The smell of sulphur was a bit too intense for me and some advise wearing a mask if you’re sensitive.

6. Extend your life with a black egg

Grab a black egg also known as kurotamago from this shop while you’re at Owakudani station before continuing your journey to Sounzan station. Legend has it that these black eggs prolong your life for 7 years, but don’t report us for fake news if that doesn’t turn out true. These eggs get their colour after being boiled into sulphuric water and after you peel the shell away, they taste like your typical yummy hard-boiled egg.

Address: Owakudani Station – 1251 Sengokuhara, Hakone, Ashigarashimo-gun, Kanagawa-prefecture Price: Free  with the Hakone Freepass, otherwise from ¥570 (~S$7.36) one way. Opening Hours : 1st Feb – 30th Nov 9AM-5PM | 1st Dec – 31st Jan 9AM-4.15PM

Once you’re at Sounzan station, transfer to the Hakone Tozan Cable Car, a railway train that will take you to Koen-kami station at Gora . Hakone Gora park is a 5-minute walk away.

7. Create couple art at Hakone Gora Park

Hakone Gora Park is a French-style landscape park that’s been around for over a hundred years. The main attraction here is the craft house which attracts couples who partake in workshops that range from ceramics to sandblasting. You can even create your own customised matching couple beads here.

Highlights include a tropical plant pavilion, greenhouses and a tea house which consist of 3 tea rooms.

Address: 1300 Gora, Hakone-machi, Ashigarashimo-gun, Kanagawa Prefecture 250-0408 Price: Free under the Hakone Freepass, otherwise ¥550 (~S$7.10). Opening Hours : HAKONE CRAFT HOUSE 9AM-5PM, Entry until 4.30PM | Isshikido Saro 10AM-5PM, L.O. 4.15PM | HAKUUN-DO tea garden (Tea ceremony houses) morning session 10AM-12PM, afternoon session 1PM-4PM

8. Visit the Hakone Open-Air Museum

Hakone Open-Air Museum is Japan’s first outdoor art museum, that’s about 600M away from Gora Park. It opened in 1969 with the mission to make sculpture art more popular. There are over 120 all-weather art pieces scattered over the park and five indoor exhibits.

Here are 2 exhibits popular with kids – “Wood of Net” and “Curved Space-Diamond”.

The highlight for me was the Picasso museum , which houses over 300 works of Pablo Picasso. It includes over 188 ceramic works that are all real.

One of the most eye-catching exhibits here is “Miss Black Power”, created by Niki de Saint Phalle.

Address: 1121 Ninotaira, Hakone-machi, Ashigarashimo-gun, Kanagawa-prefecture  250-0493 Price: ¥1,600 for adults (~S$20.66), ¥1,200 for students (~S$15.49) with Hakone Freepass save ¥200 adults, ¥100 students Opening Hours : 9AM-5PM, last admission at 4.30PM. Directions: Here

Hakone Open-Air Museum

If you’re following our 1-day itinerary, it would be getting quite late now and you can opt to head back to Hakone-Yumoto to head back to Tokyo, or head over to the Yunessun spa area which has a host of onsen accommodation options. Here are some other ideas if you’re planning to stay in Hakone for the night.

9. Soak in a Wine spa at Yunessun Complex

Hakone is also known for being the main location in the anime series Neon Genesis Evangelion, so don’t be surprised to be greeted by its manga memorabilia at the entrance of Yunessun .

Hakone Kowakien Yunessun is an outdoor and indoor spa complex that looks a bit dated, but holds fond memories for many Japanese. The complex is divided into two areas, a Mori no Yu (no clothes) area and a Yunessun unisex area where everyone is in swimsuits.

You’ll see groups of guys hanging out together and groups of girls mingling and it kinda feels like you’re at the start of a Japanese high school movie where the 2 leads meet each other.

What makes this spa interesting is its unique baths. There’s a wine bath, coffee bath, sake bath and performances every few hours where staff bring out actual wine and coffee and pour them into the baths. There’s also a foot spa area called Doctor Fish.

Address: 1297 Ninotaira, Hakone-machi, Ashigarashimo-gun, Kanagawa-ken 250-0407 Japan. There’s a free shuttle bus at Gora station. Price: Passport for both areas Adults: ¥3,500 (~S$45.19) or with the Hakone Freepass save ¥500 for adults and ¥300 for children Yunessun area only: Adults: ¥2,500 (~S$32.28) Mori no Yu area only: Adults: ¥1,500 (~S$19.37) Opening Hours : Varies – do refer to their website for more accurate opening hours.

10. Shop At Gotemba Premium Outlets

About 30 minutes away from the Gora area is Gotemba Premium Outlets, one of Japan’s most popular outlet malls. Located near Mount Fuji, you can shop at over 200 shops divided across the East and West Zone, separated by a photogenic bridge. It’s a very popular area among Chinese tourists.

The West Zone is located at the entrance where the shuttle buses alight, and here you can expect fashion brands like LongChamp, Burberry and Michael Kors.

Look out near the bridge for a kids playground if you wish to deposit your little ones here before heading over to the East Zone. There, you’ll find brands like Nike, Polo Ralph Lauren and a Food Bazaar that even sells Singapore chicken rice!

The biggest discounts at outlet malls are usually from the fashion apparel from previous seasons. You can also visit the visitor centre and show them your passport to get tax free purchases at designated stores or scan certain discount QR codes.

In April 2020, a brand new Hillside zone is going to open up with another 88 stores. This new zone will also make Hotel Clad accessible by foot from the outlet area.

Address: 1312, Fukasawa Gotemba-Shi, Shizuoka, Japan 412-0023 Opening Hours : 10AM-8PM

Website | Map of shopping area | Directions

11. Stay at the aesthetic HOTEL CLAD

HOTEL CLAD is a spanking new hotel and the only one within walking distance from the Gotemba Premium outlets. Styled in Japanese modern aesthetics, you can think of the hotel as a more upmarket version of the Muji hotel. You can get amazing views of Mount Fuji from the restaurant, lobby and your hotel room on a non-misty day.

The onsen facilities at Konohana no Yu are worth mentioning. Apart from special private bathing rooms you can book, their facilities include 3 indoor onsen baths including a carbonic acid and cold onsen bath and 2 outdoor onsen baths with a view. There are also many resting areas and a massage area.

Address: 2839-1 Fukasawa, Gotemba City, Shizuoka Prefecture 412-00233

12. Find yourself at Choanji Temple

Choanji Temple isn’t one of the most convenient locations to get to, located 5KM between both Gotemba and Gora . It’s a Buddhist shrine that was founded in 1658, known for its gohyaku rakan – over 500 statues of disciples of Buddha. These statues are carved with unique facial expressions and some people come here to try and find a statue with a face that is similar to theirs.

You can get here by buses covered under the Hakone  Freepass and it’s a 25-minute-ride away from Hakone-Yumoto .

Address: 82 Sengokuhara, Hakone, Ashigarashimo District, Kanagawa 250-0631, Japan Directions : Ride the Hakone Tozan bus (Lines T and L) bound for Sengoku/Togendai from Hakone-Yumoto . Stop at the Sengoku (仙石) bus stop and walk for 1 minute.

Hakone is a town filled full of natural beauty that’ll have you falling more in love with Japan. It’s great for first-time inter-city travellers, who have never been out of Tokyo who want to explore a more scenic part of the country. Find out more about Hakone and the Hakone Freepass here .

Check out our other Japan guides:

• 8 non-touristy things to do in Tokyo
• 11 restaurants in Tokyo with affordable and satisfying meals under USD8
• How to navigate the Tokyo train system
• A guide to Shibuya Scramble Square – Tokyo’s newest attraction
• 11 authentic Japanese ramen places

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Hakone trip planning》Hakone one-day tour/two-day tour itinerary & Hakone transportation and accommodation recommendations!

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Itinerary planning for Hakone one-day tour and Hakone two-day tour

If you were to travel to Hakone, what would you think of the first time? Are you staying in a different Hakone hot spring hotel, a private bath, or a Hakone hot spring hotel with traditional characteristics?

In fact, besides being a very popular hot spring attraction, Hakone is also a holiday hotspot frequented by local Japanese, especially Kanto people. Basically, when it comes to long vacations, everyone will stay with family and friends in those traditional hot spring hotels in Hakone to relax and relieve the pressure of work.

The Hakone area is very vast. In addition to hot springs, there are also different scenic spots, art galleries, and different tourist experiences in the entire area. There are some unique attractions in Hakone, such as water torii, mountain tram, glass art museum and so on. So if you go to Hakone, you must not miss these unique experiences!

In addition, in fact, Hakone is also in Kanagawa Prefecture, which is around Mt. If you have enough time, it is very worthwhile to go to two different hot spring areas in the same vacation!

Things to do in the Hakone area

Overall, in addition to different hot spring hotels in Hakone, there are actually more than ten different attractions that are worth visiting, including some Hakone-limited transportation experiences, art galleries, Owakudani Hot Springs, pirate ships, etc.

Since different types of attractions are located in different areas of Hakone, and it takes a lot of time to travel to different attractions by different means of transportation, it is highly recommended to plan the order of visiting different attractions before departure.

Selection of sightseeing itineraries in the Hakone area

Geographically, Hakone is located near Tokyo, about an hour away by rail. So in simple terms, there are 3 different itinerary plans to choose from when traveling to Hakone:

• Hakone Day Trip, Day Return Tokyo – Hakone
• Hakone 2-day tour, stay in Hakone Onsen Hotel itinerary
• Three-day trip to Hakone, deeply experience the hot spring hotels and scenic spots in Hakone

The above three different itineraries allow you to visit different attractions in Hakone and get different hot spring experiences. And which itinerary is the most suitable for you depends on how long you plan to stay in Japan and whether there are other areas you want to visit.

To put it simply, if you arrange a one-day trip to Hakone, the attractions you can visit in one day are very limited, and you don't have much time to stay in the hot spring hotel. So if time permits, it would be better to choose a hot spring hotel in Hakone.

On the other hand, if you like shopping and visiting different attractions, it is also a good choice to arrange a three-day trip to Hakone. Because you can fully enjoy the hot springs in Hakone and also have time to visit different attractions in Hakone slowly, without having to look at flowers in a hurry for the next itinerary. Another important point is that you can go to Gotemba Outlet from Hakone, or further use Fuji Hakone Tour Package Go to the Kawaguchiko area and arrange to enjoy hot springs and visit Mt. Fuji in one itinerary!

Enjoy the entire Mt. Fuji & Hakone with one set ticket! [Best Offer] Mt. Fuji – Hakone Area 3-Day Tour Pass The best choice to save transportation expenses!

Preparations required before departure to Hakone

If you are planning a one-day trip to Hakone, it is recommended to learn about the transportation in Hakone, the method of luggage storage, the discount package suitable for a one-day trip in Hakone, the accommodation plan, etc. before departure. Your Hakone The journey will be smoother!

Transportation to Hakone

To start a one-day trip to Hakone, you must first start from Shinjuku Station in Tokyo! The Odakyu Electric Railway is the most convenient means of transportation to the Hakone area.

Generally speaking, there are two types of trains for Odakyu Electric Railway to Hakone, one is Romance Express and the other is ordinary tram. The difference between the Romance Express train and ordinary trams is that the Romance Express provides seats in the "observation car" at the front of the train, so that you can experience the same scenery as the cab!

How to reserve Romancecar

If you want to take the Romantic Limited Express "Observation Car" on your trip to Hakone, you must book a seat online before departure in order to successfully experience this special car!

In addition, it is very important that the seats of all Romantic Express trains are reserved seats, so tickets must be marked on the spot in advance or booked online.

Reserve a seat on the Romance Express, "Observation Car"

Odakyu Limited Express Romancecar Timetable

Hakone one-day tour, two-day tour luggage storage arrangements

When you usually go to other areas for sightseeing, you usually go to the hotel to check in the room first, and then leave the suitcase in the hotel before starting the whole day of sightseeing.

However, because many hot spring hotels in Hakone are far away from the main station, if you have to arrive at the hotel first to store your luggage, and then start a full-day sightseeing trip, you will waste a lot of time. Therefore, Odakyu Electric Railway cooperates with local hot spring hotels. As long as you stay at the designated hot spring hotel on the day, you can use the "hot spring hotel luggage delivery service" and let them deliver your luggage to the designated hot spring hotel in advance.

The entire process of storing luggage is very simple. As long as you pay the specified shipping fee according to the size of the luggage you need to store, the shipping company will send your luggage to the hot spring hotel you want to stay in. Basically, when you check in in the afternoon, your suitcase will arrive at the hot spring hotel you are staying in earlier than you.

Generally speaking, as long as you register before 12:30 noon, your luggage will be delivered to your designated hot spring hotel around 15:00 pm. That is, just after you have visited different scenery, you can check in the room to enjoy the hot spring time, so that you can save more time to visit different attractions.

The same is true when you leave a hot spring hotel. You can use the luggage delivery service to send your suitcase from the hotel to Hakone Yumoto Station. As long as you register before 10:00 in the morning, you can pick up your suitcase at Hakone Yumoto Station at 13:30 in the afternoon!

Charges for checked luggage service

In Hakone Yumoto, the charge for "Hot Spring Hotel Luggage Checking Service" is about ¥800-¥1500, and the charge is calculated according to the volume of the luggage. Although simply looking at the shipping cost, the shipping cost of ¥800 seems a bit too high. However, if you calculate the transportation time to the hot spring hotel in advance, the charge is actually very worthwhile.

In addition, when you use the luggage delivery service, one thing to note is that the shipping service companies have signed contracts with different hot spring hotels, so the luggage delivery service can only deliver luggage to designated hot spring hotels, and It is not an address other than the designated hot spring hotel. If your friend also lives in Hakone, they cannot send your luggage to your friend's residence.

Details: Hakone-Yumoto Station Facilities Hakone "Onsen Ryokan Baggage Delivery Service"

Choose a suitable transportation package

If you are traveling to Hakone for the first time, you may find that there are many package tickets that are suitable for you to use in the itinerary of Hakone one-day tour and Hakone two-day tour.

Among the many packages, " Hakone Freepass "," Hakone Kamakura Freepass "," Fuji Hakone Pass ", these three are commonly used preferential transportation packages. And to choose which discounted transportation package, it depends on how your Hakone itinerary is planned, and the ticket will depart to Lake Kawaguchi, Mount Fuji, or arrange a day trip to Kamakura.

To put it simply, if you plan to only go sightseeing in the Hakone area, and not depart to Lake Kawaguchi, Mount Fuji, and Kamakura at the same time, buy " Hakone Freepass " will be the most suitable transportation package choice for you.

Tips for sightseeing in the Hakone area

Hakone is a large area, and there are different types of transportation and different attractions at the same time. If you want to arrange the smoothest itinerary, you must agree with the characteristics of the entire Hakone area before departure!

Characteristics of the Hakone area

After introducing the transportation methods to Hakone and the special methods of luggage storage, it is time to understand the characteristics of the Hakone area.

Simply put, the entire Hakone can be divided into 3 parts.

The first part is Hakone-Yumoto Station on the right side of the Hakone area, the second part is Gora Station in the middle of the Hakone area, and the third part is the part of "Motohakone, Togendai, and Owakudani" on the left side of the Hakone area.

The main attractions of Hakone are scattered throughout the Hakone area, and it takes a lot of time to reach different attractions. Therefore, when planning the itinerary, it is highly recommended to arrange the scenic spots in the same direction to visit together, so as to save the traffic time the most. Otherwise, it will happen that you go to the left first, then go to the right, and then waste a lot of time in different means of transportation, and the attractions that can be visited are very limited.

The time required to visit various places in Hakone

It is also because the main scenic spots in Hakone are scattered in different areas, and there are many scenic spots. Therefore, when planning a one-day or two-day trip to Hakone, you must pay attention to the number of scenic spots arranged every day and the required visiting time.

Generally speaking, each attraction in Hakone will take you about 1 hour - 1.5 hours to visit, plus half an hour of traffic time.

Simple calculation, if it is a one-day trip to Hakone, it is probably to visit one attraction in the morning, and then visit another attraction in the afternoon. If you add the time of waiting for transportation in the middle, for example, if you just can’t get on the Hakone Pirate Sightseeing Boat, it will take you an extra hour just to wait for the next sightseeing boat.

In other words, although the one-day tour has about 9 hours of travel time, within the actual Hakone one-day tour, it will limit what you can visit in a whole day because you need to wait for different means of transportation. Number of attractions.

Therefore, when planning a one-day or two-day trip to Hakone, it is recommended not to arrange a very tight itinerary. Generally speaking, it is enough to arrange 2-3 attractions. And some people have said that Hakone is a place suitable for enjoying the scenery slowly, not a place where you need to constantly catch up with the itinerary.

Further reading: Recommended Hakone Onsen Hotel! List of Luxury Ryokan Accommodations with Private Baths!

Travel itinerary planning for the Hakone area

If you are visiting the Hakone area for the first time, you can refer to the following one-day, two-day, and three-day itinerary plans to arrange a Hakone travel itinerary that suits you best!

Hakone one-day tour, one-day round-trip hot spring experience sightseeing itinerary

If you are starting a day trip to Hakone this time, the whole day's itinerary can be arranged like this:

Morning itinerary of Hakone day trip

First, take the JR train and Tokyo Metro from the hotel in Tokyo to Shinjuku Station, then transfer to the Odakyu Electric Railway, and take the train to Hakone Yumoto Station. It is recommended to depart from Shinjuku around 07:00 in the morning, so that you can arrive at Hakone Yumoto Station before 09:00 in the morning, and strive for the most time for sightseeing in the Hakone area.

After arriving at Hakone Yumoto Station, you can go to Lake Ashi to visit the Hakone Shrine and Hakone Water Torii. And I chose to take the Hakone Pirate Boat for sightseeing in Lake Ashi in the morning because the chances of seeing Mount Fuji on a clear day are relatively high.

If you depart from Hakone Yumoto Station at 09:00 in the morning, you will arrive at Hakone-machi Port where you can take the Hakone Pirate Ship at around 10:00. If you just make it in time to board the Hakone Pirate Ship, you can arrive at Togendai Station at about 11:00. Otherwise, it is possible to arrive at Taoyuantai Station at 12:00, which will affect the subsequent itinerary.

Afternoon itinerary of Hakone day trip

After arriving at Togendai Station by Hakone Pirate Ship, you can have lunch at a restaurant near Togendai Station. Then take the Hakone Ropeway to Owakudani, enjoy the hot spring environment of Owakudani, and try the unique Hakone hot spring eggs.

Stay in Owakudani for about 30 minutes, then continue to take the Hakone Ropeway to Sounzan Station. After arriving at Sounzan Station, transfer to the Hakone Tozan Ropeway to Gora. If you want to buy some Hakone specialties, or plan to sit down and have a rest, there are also many shops and restaurants near Gora Station. However, because the crowds of people visiting Jon Lot are very strong, basically if you see that there are vacancies in that restaurant, you can just walk in and order food.

If you depart from Togendai Station at 12:00 noon, you can complete your visit to Owakudani and arrive at Gora Station at about 14:00. You can choose to spend a few more laps at the restaurants and shops near Gora Station, or consider going earlier Hakone Yumoto At the station, try to visit the shops in Hakone Yumoto's shopping street before closing.

And it takes about 30 minutes to take the transportation between Gora-Hakone Yumoto. If you depart from Gora Station at 15:00, you can have enough time to go shopping in Hakone Yumoto’s shopping street, or you can take the earlier Odakyu Electric Railway train to avoid the crowds returning to Tokyo from Hakone on holidays.

In addition, because it takes about 2 hours to take the Odakyu Electric Railway from Hakone Yumoto Station to Shinjuku, Tokyo. If you choose to leave Hakone Yumoto at 18:00 in the afternoon, you will not miss the dinner hours of most Tokyo restaurants when you arrive in Shinjuku, Tokyo. You still have the opportunity to dine in the restaurant before returning to your hotel room.

At 22:00 in the evening, the one-day trip to Hakone was officially completed.

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Hakone two-day tour, a sightseeing itinerary that matches the Hakone hot spring experience

Itinerary for the first day of the hakone 2-day tour.

If you can arrange a two-day trip to Hakone this time, you can also refer to the one-day itinerary for the first day's itinerary.

For example, you can set off to Lake Ashi in the morning to take the Hakone pirate ship, and enjoy the view of Mount Fuji on Lake Ashi along the way. Then in the afternoon, depart from Togendai Station, take the Hakone Tozan Cable Car to visit Owakudani, and go to Gora for lunch. The last is to check in at the hot spring hotel around 15:00 in the afternoon, so that you can buy time to enjoy the hot spring.

For the dinner arrangement on the first day, you can choose the restaurant meal plan in the hot spring hotel. Especially in Hakone, there are many traditional Japanese hot spring hotels to choose from, all of them can prepare the most luxurious traditional Japanese cuisine for you.

Itinerary for the second day of the Hakone 2-day tour

If you plan to visit some Hakone art museums, such as the Hakone Glass Forest Art Museum and Gora Park, it would be more appropriate to arrange the itinerary on the second day.

Since the business hours of these art museum attractions are relatively short, if you choose to visit the next morning, you can have more time to visit slowly and take pictures. Especially in the days when the sunshine time is relatively short in winter, you can arrange some scenic spots that you are particularly interested in visiting in the morning of the next day, so that it is easier for you to take beautiful photos.

Of course, you can also consider staying in the hot spring hotel until 11:00 in the morning before checking out, so that you can enjoy the hot spring until the last moment.

So for a two-day trip to Hakone, how to arrange the next day's itinerary mainly depends on whether you are more interested in which kind of activity you are interested in between enjoying hot springs and visiting different attractions in Hakone.

And in the itinerary of the next afternoon, you can spend a little time in the Hakone Yumoto Station Visit the nearby shopping street and buy Hakone's special products, and then take the Odakyu Electric Railway from Hakone Yumoto Station to Shinjuku Station in Tokyo.

Recommended discount package: Hakone Freepass (2 days/3 days)

Hakone three-day tour, experience Hakone hot springs and Hakone scenic spots at the same time

If you have three days of travel time and want to visit different attractions in Hakone, visit the natural scenery of Hakone, and appreciate Mount Fuji, a three-day trip to Hakone will be the most suitable.

Hakone three-day itinerary focusing on Hakone attractions

Because during this three-day trip to Hakone, you can have the opportunity to stay in two different hot spring hotels and get two completely different accommodation experiences. For example, arrange check-in on the first day combined with modern hotel design Hotel Indigo Hakone Gora , and then stay in the traditional hot spring hotel design on the second day Ten Yu Inn Hakone Kowakien , so that you can get two different hot spring experiences in one go within a few days.

In addition, arranging a three-day trip to Hakone can also allow you to slowly visit every art museum in Hakone.

Since it takes a lot of traffic time to go to different attractions in Hakone, and some art galleries are relatively large, it takes about 2 hours on average to complete the visit. Basically, you can only visit 2-3 attractions in a day. So arrange a three-day trip to Hakone, and you can concentrate on visiting different art galleries on the second and third days.

A three-day itinerary in Hakone focusing on admiring Mount Fuji

Of course, in addition to arranging a sightseeing itinerary in the Hakone area, you can also buy a Mt. Fuji – Hakone Area 3-Day Tour Pass , and then use this package ticket to take unlimited transportation in the Hakone area and Mt. Fuji area, and enjoy Mount Fuji from different angles and experience different hot spring hotels within 3 days.

In this three-day trip to Mt. Fuji and Hakone, you can split the three-day itinerary into a one-day trip to Lake Kawaguchi on the first day and a one-day trip to Hakone on the third day. The itinerary for the second day, you can choose to enjoy it in the morning Lake Kawaguchi's hot springs Until the moment of check-out at 11:00, it takes about 3 hours to take a bus from Kawaguchiko Station to Hakone.

At about 15:00 in the afternoon, you can arrive at Hakone Station and go directly to the Hakone Onsen Hotels procedures. And such an itinerary allows you to enjoy the hot springs every minute and every second of the three-day tour itinerary.

If you have never been to Hakone, we would recommend you to arrange a two-day, one-night trip to Hakone. Because the hot spring hotels in Hakone are very worthy of your stay, and it is also a rare experience that can bring you good memories. Of course, you can also refer to the three-day tour itinerary of Mt. Within a short trip, you can experience hot spring hotels in two different regions.

In addition, we put all the travel information related to Hakone, Mount Fuji, Lake Kawaguchi in Mt. Fuji - Hakone Classification allows you to study the attractions in the two regions first, and then decide how to plan your itinerary this time, focusing on hot springs and visiting Mount Fuji. If you are planning to travel to these two regions, you must not miss the useful articles in it!

More Mt. Fuji and Hakone travel information

Mount Fuji area

Mount Fuji hot spring hotel recommendation: Hotel Room with Hot Spring, Private Bath and Exclusive View on Mount Fuji! Bus Route Guide to Mount Fuji Kawaguchiko Station! JR train from Shinjuku to Kawaguchiko Station? The first choice for railway fans Fuji-Hakone Pass purchase discounts, itinerary planning sharing How to plan the itinerary of Lake Kawaguchi? Attractions, Transportation, Food and Overview The Flower Sea in front of Mt. Fuji Lake Kawaguchi》Annual Lavender Festival ⋯⋯ and MORE

Hakone area

Recommended Hakone Onsen Hotels》A list of high-end hot spring hotels with private baths! How to plan your trip to Hakone? Hakone Attraction Transportation Itinerary Sharing! Fuji-Hakone Pass purchase discounts, itinerary planning sharing Hakone Yumoto Attractions, hot spring hotel selection near the station ⋯⋯ and MORE

More Japan Travel Information: Tokyo | Kyoto | Hokkaido | Climbing Mt.Fuji | Hakone | Lake Kawaguchi Tips for Traveling in Japan | Japan Hotel Deals | Klook Latest Promo Code

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RakuRaku, which is 楽々 in Japanese. This site is committed to providing the most authentic travel information in Japan, bringing you a different Japan travel experience!

Kawaguchiko Herb Hall & Oike Park

Kawaguchiko herb festival: enjoy lavender & view of mt. fuji in summer, more different travel information, hakone freepass: 3 days itinerary planning & latest ticket discount, hakone ashinoko hanaori hotel: private onsen with best package in hakone, hotel indigo hakone gora: an ihg hotel with private onsen in hakone, hoshino resorts kai hakone: the best traditional onsen ryokan you must try, hakone day trip from tokyo: 1 day itinerary with must-see attractions, hakone yumoto station: onsen, shopping street and things to do, 11 best ryokan in hakone with private onsen, hakone open air museum, 하코네 베네치아 유리 박물관(유리의 숲), hakone gora park: best japanese garden near hakone onsen area.

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East Asia , Hakone , Japan , Tokyo , Travel

Tokyo 7-day DIY itinerary: Tokyo day trip to Hakone

August 30, 2018

I’ve been to Tokyo several times, but I have NEVER seen Mt. Fuji. I wanted to remedy that this time around… What better place to see Mt. Fuji than at Hakone – where there are supposedly multiple Mt. Fuji view points!

Traveling from Tokyo to Hakone

Souzan ropeway and cable car.

• Owadukani (volcano area)
• Lake Aashi Cruise to Motohakone

Ancient Cedar Avenue

• Heiwa No Tori

Hakone-yumoto

Purchase the Hakone 2-day Pass from Klook – it’s a really good deal at JPY 5,140! I love Klook so much <3 NOTE: I know it says it’s a 2-day pass, but even if you’re only going for a day trip, buying the Hakone Pass is still cheaper than purchasing tickets one-by-one while at Hakone (as you need to use a lot of transportation)

Once you arrive in Tokyo, head to the Odakyu Sightseeing Service Center (located near the Otakyu Department Store, Central West exit) to redeem your Hakone Pass AND buy Romance Car tickets for JPY 1,050.

Why book Romance Car tickets? Seats are better (they recline!), time slots are better and faster (direct to Hakone-yumoto). Having said that, if you’re not in a hurry, just take the normal train!

• Do NOT lose the Hakone Pass, it’s just a slip of paper, but it’s super valuable (or else that’s JPY 5,140 down the drain!)
• I would highly advise you to purchase Romance Car tickets as soon as you arrive (don’t do it the morning itself) – as tickets tend to run out.
• Try to get Car 7 so you have full window views!
• Take the 7:00AM Romance Car. That way, you can get to Hakone by ~8:30AM

From Hakone-yumoto, take a bus to Gora. Don’t worry – it’s all included in your Hakone Pass! If you’re tempted to shop – don’t (anyway, the shops mostly open at 10AM), and you’ll be back afterwards. From Gora, take the cable car to Souzan. If possible, try to ride the front car so you can have a nice view!

Then there’s a cable car before finally arriving at Owadukani (See? This is why the Hakone Pass is helpful… There are so many transportation options!). In my photo, you can see a FAINT view of Mt. Fuji – if you r

At Owadukani (the sulfuric volcano area), snap nice photos of Mt. Fuji – as much as possible, make sure to go on a day that’s sunny, with minimal cloud cover. But who am I kidding? We can’t control the weather unfortunately! That’s why… when we got here, there was nary a sight of Mt. Fuji to be seen. So sad!

Instead, I spent my time wandering around and taking photos of the sulfuric spewing ground

Afterwards, we got food to eat – including the famed kuro tamago, which is said to lengthen your life by 7 years for each egg you eat (but you can eat maximum of 3 eggs only!)

Afterwards, I took a photo with the real endorser -> Hello Kitty!!

Don’t worry, there are also other food stalls at Owadukani. They’re not exactly filling though…

Lake Aashi Cruise to Motohakone-ko

From here, you’ll have to take another ropeway to get to the Lake Aashi Cruise area. The total cruise takes a total of 40 mins – and I found it pretty lame to be honest. There’s not much to see, and there’s no commentary either. Here I am just snapping silly photos out of boredom

BUT, once you get closer to Motohakone-ko, ready your cameras! If you’re lucky, you’ll be able to catch a photo of the famed Heiwa No Tori, with Mt. Fuji in the background

Okay, once you get down at Motohakone-ko, make your way slowly to Heiwa No Tori via the ancient cedar avenue, so you can snap some more nice photos

When the cedar avenue ends, just continue strolling by the lakeside. Suddenly, a wild Mt. Fuji appears – oh thank God! I thought our whole Hakone trip was going to be a bust!

Heiwa-no-Tori

Finally, you’ve reached your destination – the famous Heiwa-no-Tori! Spend some time snapping away here. Believe me, there will be loads of tourists – so you may have to queue for your photo

Once you’ve taken enough photos, it’s time to grab a bus to Hakone-yumoto. Make sure you check the bus schedule (buses aren’t very frequent here!), so you don’t want to miss your bus. If possible, try to go there early to ensure you have a seat. At this time, a lot of tourists will be trying to get on the same bus, so it could get tricky and you might miss the bus because it’s full

Okay – and now we’re back at Hakone-yumoto. Told you we’d be back~ Enjoy the beautiful town and snap some photos of the rushing river

Afterwards, spend your time shopping!! And btw, the shopping is COMPLETELY justified because your Hakone Pass comes with a JPY 500 gift certificate (considered as good as cash) in the bakery and souvenir shop of the station itself!

Once you’re done, slowly make your way back to the station and catch a local train to Tokyo!

That, my friends, concludes our day trip to Hakone! Stay tuned for the rest of my Tokyo adventures 🙂

For my other Japan blogs, please do check out the following:

Everything you need to know about Tokyo (as a DIY tourist)

Eating my way through Tokyo – top picks!

What to see and do in Okinawa

TOKYO 7-DAY OFF-THE-BEATEN PATH DIY ITINERARIES

• Day 1: Tokyo Day trip to Kawagoe
• Day 2: Tokyo Disney Sea adventure
• Day 3: Tokyo Day trip to Yokohama
• Day 4: Tokyo Day trip to Hakone
• Day 5: Tokyo Day trip to Kamukara and Enoshima
• Day 6: Tokyo shopping day!
• Day 7: Imperial Palace Walking Tour + Odaiba

6 Replies to “Tokyo 7-day DIY itinerary: Tokyo day trip to Hakone”

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Hakone Day Trip Travel Itinerary from Tokyo

11 jun hakone day trip travel itinerary from tokyo.

I landed in Tokyo and after a couple of days in this overwhelming megacity, I was very excited to move out to see the Japanese countryside. Hakone is very popular among foreign and local tourists alike because it is so accessible from Tokyo. Not to forget the gorgeous bit.

On top of that, Hakone has been developed as the ultimate tourist experience. So much thought has gone into making this a seamless experience from start to end. You will get to travel to these highlands using trains, a funicular railway, cab cars, a ship and buses in comfort in one single day. And along the way, you will see lush green highlands, hot springs, blooming gardens, open-air museums, Shinto shrines and tori gates, the beautiful Ashi Lake and if you are lucky, Mount Fuji.

To be honest, I was quite nervous about planning the whole thing. Which train to catch, what to see. Worried that I would miss something worthwhile. But you know what, just follow the standard route and you should be okay. Everything is so intuitive that you will find your next ride as soon as you reach your next stop.

Why travel to Hakone?

With such close proximity to Tokyo and Kyoto, Hakone is a popular weekend tourist spot for a lot of people. But the thing that allures most people is the view of Mount Fuji. But here is the catch. You may not always get a view of Mount Fuji, especially during winter, rainy or foggy days. If that is your only purpose, I suggest you go to Lake Kawaguchiko instead where you are guaranteed a lovely view of Fuji-san. 

However, the Hakone highlands are stunning by themselves dotted with rural communities, holiday homes and luxurious Ryokans. There are also a lot of activities to do on the extensive route. Hakone is a place to relax where you can take a hot bath in an onsen and a few hikes if you have time. Mind you, even if you do miss a view of Mount Fuji, you can definitely get a view on the way to Kyoto.

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How to travel from Tokyo to Hakone

The answer to this can vary if you are travelling from Tokyo to Hakone and back after a day trip or from Tokyo to Hakone and onwards towards Kyoto or Osaka. Here are all the options you have:

1. Odakyu Local Express train

You can take the Odakyu local express from Shinjuku station to Odawara station (near Hakone).

From the Odawara station and you need to take another free local train to Hakone Yumoto Station to start your journey in Hakone. The full fare on this train is covered in the Hakone Free pass. But if you are buying a voucher online, you must get the physical ticket first at the Odakyu counter in Shinjuku station. 

Since this is a local train, the journey can take upto 2 hours as it stops at several stations in between. You cannot reserve a seat as well, so you may have to stand during your travel on weekends or busy days. A more comfortable solution would be to upgrade your ticket for the Romacecar train by paying ¥1,100.

2. The Romancecar

The Romancecar is a limited express train that runs only to some of the most popular holiday spots like Hakone from Tokyo. The train runs from Shinjuku station several times a day starting from 6.40 am towards Hakone Yumoto Station (starting point of Hakone).

The last train from Hakone to Shinjuku starts around 9.30 pm at night. 1-2 trains run every hour on this route. So the timings are ideal for someone to spend a long day in Hakone. Refer to their timetable here . It takes around 1.5 hours for the journey.

While it is not included in your Hakone free pass, you can get a discounted ticket by upgrading your train ticket at the Odakyu counter at Shinjuku station for ¥1,100. You can buy and prebook a ticket beforehand on their official website . Or you can buy the ticket at the counter in Shinjuku Station. 

3. Taking the Shinkansen

Taking the Shinkansen would be ideal if you have a JR Rail Pass and you are planning a journey down south towards Kyoto or Osaka. The Shinkansen (the bullet train) are different from Romancecar. You can take a Shinkansen from Tokyo Station that runs to Odawara Station (the JR Rail station for Hakone). From there you can take a local train to Hakone Yumoto Station.

Shinkansen tickets are not included in the Hakone Free pass, so you will either need to buy a ticket on this route or use your JR Pass. If you are travelling with luggage, you can drop it off in one of the lockers at Odawara station or at the left luggage counter. 2-3 Shinkansen run every hour on this route and the journey takes around 30-40 mins.

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4. Odakyu Hakone Highway Bus

You can also take a bus from the Shinjuku Express Bus terminal in Tokyo to Tongedai, somewhere north of Lake Ashi. It stops at Gotemba in between. This would mean that your itinerary will be slightly different from what we will have here.

Since the bus costs around ¥2,000 and takes around 2 hours for the journey, this is usually the least preferred option by tourists. The only upside is it gives direct access to Gotemba Premium Outlets if that is something you want.

5. Driving to Hakone

Self-driving is also a popular way to travel in Hakone. You can spend as much time at any place as you want. You can also continue your journey to the other lakes nearby and spend a night there somewhere. The roads are lovely and you would definitely want to stop at a few places to take in the views.

You can rent a car at Narita, Haneda or within Tokyo city. You will need an international driver’s license to do this. Of course, if you take a car, it will hardly make sense to buy a Hakone day pass since your commute is covered.

6. Guided Tour from Tokyo

If you want to sit back and enjoy the ride without the hassle of catching multiple commutes, you can consider taking a guided tour from Tokyo. This could be great for the elderly or if you are a solo traveller and looking for some company. Although the itinerary will be somewhat different from what we are going to talk about, it is still a great experience. 

Your commute will be using the bus that will take around 2 hours each way from Tokyo, so be prepared for it. You will also have a tour guide here who can assist you and also share some interesting facts about Hakone.

Here are some group day tours you can book. Make sure you read the itinerary before you decide.

Book a day tour to Hakone

Hakone Free pass

It is now time to discuss the Hakone free pass which is a really important thing to consider, especially if you are planning to take public transportation. You can get Hakone free pass for 2 days or 3 days. So even if you are going for a day trip, you will need to take the standard 2-day pass.

If you are travelling from Tokyo and back, you can take the Hakone Free pass worth ¥6,100. This includes the ticket on the Odakyu Local Express train from Shinjuku and back. Not to forget, you can always upgrade it to the Romancecar at Shinjuku station.

But if you have the JR pass and are taking the Shinkansen, you can buy the Hakone free pass worth ¥5,000 at the Odawara station. From thereon, all your commute will be included in this including the discounted price for some attractions.

You can also buy the pass online. But you will need to exchange your voucher with a physical ticket at Shinjuku or Odawara station at the Odakyu counter.

Book Hakone Free Pass Online

There is still the question if it is worth it or not. If you are doing the classic route (as you will see below), the total cost adds up to ¥7,000. So it does make sense to buy the pass. However, if you are planning to do only one or two places in the circuit, then perhaps not.

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Hakone Itinerary

It is time to look at what a classic itinerary usually looks like. Now it is a very standard route that most tourists take. The beauty of this is that you are free to do this on your own, stopping at the place you like for as long as you want. It is also fairly easy to follow. The route will look something like this:

1. Odawara to Hakone Yumoto Station

If you are taking the Odakyu Local Express train or the Shinkansen, you will start your journey at Odawara station. Once you get out of the JR station, just follow the signs and find the local platform where you will find the local train going to Hakone Yumoto station. You can also ask someone at the station and they will guide you to the platform.

If you need to buy the Hakone Free Pass or keep your luggage, you can do so at the station. Lockers are available that can easily keep a mid-sized suitcase as well.

2. Hakone Yumoto Station to Chokukonomori

From Hakone Yumoto Station, you will need to take the next train called the Hakone Tozan Railway train going to Gora. You will find the Tozan train at the nearby platform. All you need to do is look around. Now Gora is the last destination on this route, but you can stop at Chokukonomori which is the station right before Gora.

The reason to stop at Chokukonomori is to visit the Hakone open-air museum. From the station, you just need to walk 5 minutes to the museum. You will need to buy the ticket for this, although you can get some discount due to the Hakone Free pass.

The museum is lovely. It is actually a privately-owned art museum built on the valleys of Hakone overlooking the hillsides in the area. You can walk around and enjoy the artwork from some of the most famous artists around the world. Most artworks are in the form of physical spaces with which you can interact.

The highlight of this place is the Picasso Gallery which actually showcases a lot of work from Picasso himself. I couldn’t believe my eyes. You can also soak your feet in some hot water from the hot springs nearby since you will have a lot of walking to do on the same day.

Once you are done, make your way back to Chokukonomori station and wait for the next train.

3. Chokukonomori to Gora

In a few minutes, you will reach Gora. Gora is the point where you can take your next commute towards the highlands. But before that, you can check out a couple of places here as well. The best place to visit here is Hakone Gora Park. It is around a 10-minute walk uphill from the Gora station. 

The park has several sections and is really beautiful. It especially comes alive during the cherry blossom and autumn seasons with bright-coloured flowers and several shades of leaves. I found the European-style fountain in the middle especially gorgeous. You can spend around 30 minutes here.

There is also the Hakone Museum of Art behind the park, but it is a small one showcasing ancient Japanese terracotta and pottery. Visit it only if you have some time to spare although its garden is quite lovely. You can make your way back to Gora station and also stop somewhere to eat. We got some noodles at the Ninja Cafe where two ninja chefs made our soups. Super fun meal!

4. Gora to Sounzan

From Gora station, you can take the funicular railway to Sounzan, your next station. If you are taking this around midday, you may have to wait a while. Just hop on it and wait for it to arrive at the Sounzan. 

Sounzan station has some great views of the valley. So unless you are in a hurry to get on the ropeway, take some time and head over to their observation deck to take some photos because you are not coming back this way.

Once you are done, get in line for the cable car to your next stop.

5. Sounzan to Owakudani

The cable car will take you to Owakudani. And you will see some jaw-dropping views on your way. It is not so uncommon to see the lovely views of the surrounding valleys, especially during the autumn season. But you rarely see smoke and smell overpowering you in the middle of the air from sulphur mines around you. It is gorgeous and not so at the same time.

You will be able to see this view even from Owakudani station as well. The station also has a few restaurants and souvenir shops where you can rest and get something basic to eat. A popular souvenir or snack here is sulphur bakes eggs in dark brown or charcoal black colour. They may look weird or even unappetizing, but they are perfectly okay to eat. The egg actually just tastes like a regular egg.

If you are lucky, you can also catch a lovely view of Mount Fuji on the opposite side of the mines. Although it is mostly hidden behind mist and clouds during winter and rainy days. It is not as much of a close-up as you would have expected maybe.

From Owakudani, you can take the next cable car to Tongedai or Lake Ashi

6. Owakudani to Tongedai or Lake Ashi

Just hop on the next cable car and it will drop you off to the last cable car station Tongedai. Tongedai station is located right next to Lake Ashi. It means that you are travelling downhill and will find some lovely views of not just the valley but also of a beautiful lake in the foreground.

The Tongedai cable car station is connected to the Hokone Pirate ship Tongedai Port. And I am not kidding that this was the highlight of my trip.

7. Cruise ship to Hakonemachi-ko on Lake Ashi

Once you are at the Tongedai Port, you will be able to see some majestic pirate ships on the shore. They look so grand sailing lightly on the deep blue water and mountains in the background. On a lucky day, you will be able to see Fuji-san in the background as well. 

The ticket for the cruise is included in the Hakone Free Pass. But you can always get an upgrade on the first class by paying a nominal amount. I will insist that you do this. The first class has so much more space along with a private deck without a lot of people bombing your photos. You can enjoy the views with a deck seat as well. There is no food included. 

The ride lasts around 30 minutes. And by the end of it, you can see two tori gates on the water on your left side. It looked like I had finally arrived in the magical land of Japan. The tour ends at Hakonemachi-ko port on the south side.

By now you must be nearing the end of your day. There is one place left to do still. Read on.

8. Hakonemachi-ko to Motohakone-ko

This is your last leg before you head back to Odawara station. From the Hakonemachi-ko port area, you can take a bus to Motohakone-ko. Now there are several buses going to different places from here. I will suggest you show your Hakone pass and share your destination with someone and they will direct you to the bus you should take.

Once you reach Motohakone-ko, you can also stop at one of the 7-Eleven and pick up something to eat if you are hungry. Pick a place by the lake and enjoy the view.

From here, walk around 15 mins towards the Hakone shrine. It is a beautiful shrine sitting inside the forest. You will need to climb a few steps to reach the top. The main shrine is peaceful and an experience you will love.

Once you are done, you can also check out the Tori gate submerged in the water on the lake’s shore. There are quite a lot of people lined up to take photographs at a perfect angle. But if you can do without it, you don’t need to spend a lot of time here.

Make your way back to Motohakone-ko and catch your bus to Hakone Yumoto Station. If applicable, catch the local train to Odawara station and onwards.

Where to Stay in Hakone

There are so many places where you can stay in Hakone. And if you haven’t had the chance to stay in a Ryokan, I suggest you do that here. The most popular areas to stay are near the Hakone Yumoto station, Chokokunomori and Gora station, Tongedai and also near Hakone shrine. If you are planning to take public transportation, these places are the best areas to stay in.

The hotels around Hakone are usually on the expensive side. And by paying a bit more, you will be able to experience a Ryokan with lovely countryside. So that’s what I will suggest. Here are some that are on the more affordable side:

Hakone Pax Yoshino , Hatago Kintoen , Tokinoyu Setsugetsuka , Hakone Shirayunoyado Yamadaya Ryokan

Here are also some premium hotel options if you would like a more luxurious experience:

Ryokan Hanagokoro , Natural SPA Auberge gen Hakone Gora , Matsuzakaya Honten , Hakone Gora Byakudan

If you are taking a private vehicle you can also look for options between Gotemba and Gora. The area is lush with forests and also has some wonderful and surprising museums in the middle of nature.

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Snigdha Jaiswal

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Hakone Travel Guide: Unveiling the Best 2-Day Itinerary for an Enchanting Getaway

Last updated on April 9th, 2024 at 04:10 am

Welcome to the enchanting world of Hakone, a picturesque town nestled in the Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park, just a short distance from Tokyo. With its stunning natural landscapes, serene hot springs, and rich cultural heritage, Hakone is a must-visit destination for travelers seeking an escape from the bustling city life. In this Hakone Travel Guide, we will take you through a detailed Hakone 2 day itinerary that covers the best things to do in Hakone, along with valuable tips to make the most of your trip. From serene lakes to mesmerizing vistas of Mount Fuji, prepare yourself for an unforgettable adventure in this tranquil oasis.

Hakone 2 Day Itinerary Travel Guide

How to get to hakone.

By Train from Tokyo: The most popular and convenient way to reach Hakone from Tokyo is by taking the Odakyu Romancecar from Shinjuku Station. The Romancecar offers comfortable and scenic train rides with large windows, allowing you to soak in the picturesque countryside views during the approximately 85-minute journey. The train takes you directly to Hakone-Yumoto Station, the gateway to Hakone.

Using the Hakone Free Pass: Once you’ve arrived at Hakone-Yumoto Station, consider purchasing the Hakone Free Pass, a highly recommended option for exploring Hakone. This pass provides unlimited access to various modes of transportation within the Hakone region, including trains, buses, cable cars, and boats. It not only saves you money but also offers the flexibility to hop on and off at various attractions.

By Shinkansen (Bullet Train) and Odakyu Romancecar: If you are traveling from distant cities like Kyoto or Osaka, taking the Shinkansen (bullet train) to Odawara Station and transferring to the Odakyu Romancecar is an excellent option. The Shinkansen provides a comfortable and efficient journey, and from Odawara Station, you can use your Hakone Free Pass to continue your adventure.

By Bus: For a budget-friendly option, consider taking a highway bus from major cities like Tokyo or Osaka directly to Hakone. Several bus companies operate routes to Hakone, and the journey offers a chance to relax and take in the scenery along the way. Buses usually stop at various points in Hakone, providing easy access to different attractions.

Where to Stay in Hakoke

Traditional Ryokans for Authentic Charm:

For an authentic and immersive experience, Our Hakone Travel Guide recommends staying in a traditional Japanese ryokan is an excellent choice. These inns boast tatami-matted rooms, futon bedding, and exquisite kaiseki (multi-course) meals, allowing you to embrace Japanese culture to the fullest. Many ryokans offer private open-air hot spring baths, allowing you to soak in the therapeutic waters in utmost privacy. Consider establishments like Gora Kadan , Shirayunoyado Yamadaya , and Hakone Ginyu for a truly unforgettable stay.

Onsen Resorts for Healing and Relaxation:

Hakone is renowned for its therapeutic hot springs, and staying in an onsen resort is an ideal way to experience their rejuvenating benefits. These resorts typically offer a range of indoor and outdoor baths, along with exquisite traditional dining options. The Onsen Hotel Gorakan , Rohen Resort & Lounge , and Hakone Yutowa are highly regarded onsen retreats that promise to soothe your mind, body, and soul.

Best Things To Do In Hakone Japan and Top Sights

Hakone Lake Ashi : A Serene Haven in the Shadow of Mount Fuji

Hakone Lake Ashi, nestled in the picturesque Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park, is a serene and mystical oasis offering travelers a memorable retreat. This stunning crater lake is a top attraction in Hakone, known for its breathtaking views of Mount Fuji and the surrounding landscapes. The lake offers a range of activities, from peaceful boat cruises to tranquil lakeside walks, providing a perfect escape from the urban bustle. Whether you wish to witness the beauty of Mount Fuji mirrored in the calm waters or take a leisurely boat ride on a replica pirate ship, Hakone Lake Ashi promises an unforgettable experience in the lap of nature.

Hakone Shrine : A Sacred Sanctuary Amidst Nature’s Beauty

Hakone Shrine, a sacred Shinto sanctuary, is a hidden gem nestled along the shores of Lake Ashinoko in the captivating town of Hakone. This iconic shrine is renowned for its breathtaking red torii gates standing gracefully in the water, offering a picturesque backdrop of Mount Fuji. A visit to Hakone Shrine promises a serene and spiritual experience, with serene strolls through the torii gates and a tranquil ambiance that envelopes visitors in a sense of peace and harmony. Immerse yourself in the mystical allure of Hakone Shrine, where nature’s beauty and spiritual tranquility converge for an unforgettable journey which makes this a one of the must do things to do in Hakone.

Amasake Chaya Tea House – Tranquility and Tradition, A Must-Visit on Your Hakone Day Trip!

Discover the allure of Amasake Chaya Tea House on your Hakone day trip, where tradition and tranquility come together in harmony. This hidden gem offers an authentic Japanese experience, complete with traditional tea ceremonies and the delectable amasake drink. Immerse yourself in the serenity of its rustic architecture and beautifully landscaped gardens, while capturing stunning views of Mt. Fuji. Conveniently located along popular hiking trails, this tea house serves as a perfect resting spot during your exploration of the Hakone mountains. Make sure to include Amasake Chaya in your list of “must-do” things in Hakone for a truly enriching and soul-soothing escape.

Hiking the Old Tokaido Path : Exploring the Ancient Footsteps

Embark on an unforgettable Hakone day trip by hiking the Old Tokaido Path, a historical trail that winds through the stunning landscapes of Hakone. This scenic trek offers a perfect blend of nature and history, taking you on a journey through ancient times. As you walk along the footsteps of travelers from centuries past, you’ll be captivated by the breathtaking views of lush forests, serene rivers, and majestic mountains. The Old Tokaido Path provides a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the rich cultural heritage of Japan while enjoying the tranquility of nature. Don’t miss out on this extraordinary experience, as hiking the Old Tokaido Path is a must-do activity on your list of things to do in Hakone. The Old Tokaido Path in Hakone has several sections, and you can choose the one that suits your preferences. A popular option is the Moto-Hakone section, which offers stunning views of Mount Fuji and Lake Ashi. Another option is the Hatajuku section, known for its well-preserved historic buildings.

Hakone Ropeway Cablecar : Soaring High for Breathtaking Views

The Hakone Ropeway Cablecar offers a thrilling and scenic journey through the skies, providing travelers with awe-inspiring vistas of Hakone’s natural wonders. This exhilarating cable car ride takes you high above the treetops, offering panoramic views of Mount Fuji, Lake Ashinoko, and the surrounding landscapes. One of the top things to do in Hakone, the Ropeway Cablecar allows visitors to witness the beauty of Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park from a unique vantage point. Whether you are seeking stunning photo opportunities or simply wish to revel in the sheer beauty of nature, the Hakone Ropeway Cablecar promises an unforgettable experience that will leave you in awe of Japan’s captivating landscapes.

Hakone Open-Air Museum : Where Art and Nature Harmoniously Unite

The Hakone Open-Air Museum is a haven for art enthusiasts and nature lovers alike, offering a one-of-a-kind experience surrounded by the beauty of Hakone’s mountains. This extraordinary museum showcases an impressive collection of outdoor sculptures by renowned artists from around the world, set amidst lush gardens and picturesque landscapes. Visitors can stroll through the sculpture garden, interact with the artworks, and revel in the harmonious blend of art and nature. A visit to the Hakone Open-Air Museum promises a unique and immersive encounter, leaving you inspired by the creative brilliance and the serenity of Hakone’s natural wonders.

Forest Adventure Hakone – If you’re looking for fun things to do in your Hakone, an adventure park inside the forest awaits with zip lines, wall climbing, and rope courses. So if your looking for a little excitement, be sure to add this into your Hakone 2 Day Itinerary.

Hakone Mount Ashigara : A Scenic Gem for Adventurers

Hakone Mount Ashigara, an enchanting peak within the Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park, beckons adventurers seeking a thrilling experience in nature’s lap. This picturesque mountain offers a range of outdoor activities, including hiking, trekking, and birdwatching, amidst dense forests and breathtaking vistas. The panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes and Mount Fuji from the summit are truly awe-inspiring. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or a nature enthusiast, a Hakone Day Trip Journey to Mount Ashigara promises an exhilarating and rewarding escapade, immersing you in the untamed beauty of Japan’s mountainous wilderness.

Hakone Chisuji Falls : Nature’s Cascading Beauty

Hakone Chisuji Falls is a breathtaking natural wonder that captivates visitors with its cascading beauty. Nestled amidst Hakone’s lush forests, this picturesque waterfall offers a tranquil escape from the world’s hustle and bustle. The Chisuji Falls trail takes you on a serene journey through the verdant landscape, culminating in the mesmerizing sight of the falls plunging gracefully into the crystal-clear pool below. Whether you seek a peaceful hike or a serene spot to immerse yourself in nature’s splendor, Hakone Day Trip to Chisuji Falls promises a memorable and rejuvenating experience amidst Japan’s scenic beauty.

Day 1: Exploring Hakone’s Natural Beauty

Morning: Traveling to Hakone

Start your first day of your Hakone 2 day itinerary with an invigorating journey from Tokyo to Hakone, experiencing the scenic wonders en route. The Odakyu Romancecar from Shinjuku Station offers a picturesque ride, showcasing the lush countryside as you head to Hakone-Yumoto Station (Travel Time 80min).

You can rent a locker and store extra luggage inside the station. Otherwise exit Hakone-Yumoto station and head downstairs to the bus station outside. Take the Hakone Tozon Bus from station 4 to Amasake Chaya Tea House, travel time 30min.. Make sure to order the Amasake Tea, a 400 year old recipe.

Afternoon: Hiking, Hakone Shrine, Cruise, and Cable Car

As the morning turns to afternoon, hike along the Old Tokaido Path behind of Amasake Tea House down to Lake Ashi. (Approximately 1.5 kilometers, 40min). Once an ancient highway connecting Tokyo and Kyoto. This historical trail winds through lush forests and quaint villages, offering glimpses of Japan’s rich heritage. making it an unforgettable part of your Hakone adventure.

Visit the iconic Hakone Shrine, a sacred Shinto sanctuary steeped in history and nestled gracefully along the shores of Lake Ashinoko. Take a serene stroll to the Heiwa no Torii gate standing tall in the water, capturing picture-perfect moments against the backdrop of Mount Fuji. Immerse yourself in the tranquil atmosphere, offering a sense of peace and harmony.

After that, hop on the Pirate Boat Cruise, a unique and enjoyable way to explore Lake Ashinoko. Sailing aboard a replica pirate ship, relish the refreshing breeze and unparalleled views of Mount Fuji and the surrounding hills. The 30-minute cruise is a delightful experience for all ages, making your journey in Hakone even more memorable.

Next, continue on your exciting Hakone day trip by boarding the Hakone Ropeway cable car, offering a thrilling ride that will take you to the mesmerizing Owakudani Volcanic Valley. Soar high above the treetops and be enchanted by the breathtaking vistas of the surrounding landscapes and the iconic Mount Fuji. After immersing yourself in the captivating sights of Owakudani, continue your journey by riding the cable car to Sounzan Station. From there, transfer to the Hakone Tozan Cable Car for a scenic ride to Koen Kami Station.

Immerse yourself in the natural beauty of Hakone as you explore Gora Park, a picturesque haven adorned with vibrant flowers and charming scenic spots. Take a leisurely stroll through the landscaped gardens, and be captivated by the stunning views of Mount Fuji in the distance. After relishing the tranquility of Gora Park, continue your adventure by hopping back on the Tozan cable car, which will take you on a delightful journey back to Gora. With its serene ambiance and captivating vistas, Gora Park promises to be a highlight of your Hakone experience, offering a moment of tranquility and enchantment amidst Japan’s scenic wonders.

Finally, take the Hakone Tozan Train from Gora to Hakone Yumoto, with a travel time of just 40 minutes. Once you return to Yumoto, you have two exciting options. If you were on a Hakone day trip, you can head back to Shinjuku. On the other hand, if you decided to extend your stay, you can check into your hotel and treat yourself to a delightful dinner at one of Hakone’s charming restaurants, savoring the local flavors and culinary delights.

Evening: Dinner & Onsen

As dusk sets in, indulge in an kaiseki dinner & onsen experience at your ryokan or hotel. Among the many enchanting things to do in Hakone, indulging in an onsen experience at your Hakone ryokan is a must for any traveler. These traditional Japanese inns offer the perfect oasis to immerse yourself in the healing powers of hot spring baths. Let your worries melt away as you sink into the mineral-rich waters, surrounded by serene landscapes and a sense of tranquility, leaving you rejuvenated from your Hakone day trip adventure.

Whether it’s an open-air bath overlooking a lush garden or an indoor bath with soothing ambient lighting, each onsen provides a unique and unforgettable experience. Soaking in your Hakone ryokan onsen is a time-honored tradition that will leave you feeling refreshed, revitalized, and connected to the natural wonders that make this charming town a true gem of Japan. Beginners Guide to Onsens

Day 2: Unwinding in Therapeutic Tranquility

Morning: Enjoy Traditional Ryokan Breakfast

Begin your second Day by heading to the Hakone Open-Air Museum, a paradise for art enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. Explore the vast sculpture garden, showcasing masterpieces by both Japanese and international artists. The harmonious blend of art and nature creates a unique atmosphere that will surely captivate your senses.

Afternoon: A Tranquil and Therapeutic Delight

Visit Hakone Yuryo or Yunessun (co-ed baths that require swimsuits) and immerse yourself in the healing powers of a Hakone Onsen. Hakone is renowned for its natural hot springs, and Hakone Yuryo is one of the most delightful onsen experiences you can find. This serene sanctuary offers a variety of outdoor and indoor baths, surrounded by lush greenery and soothing sounds of nature. Let the warm waters wash away your worries.

Evening: What soothes you?

As your Hakone 2 day itinerary journey comes to a close, take some time to indulge in the last moments of serenity. Consider adding in an activity from my list of things to do in Hakone above or head on to your next destination.

Tips for an Unforgettable Hakone Trip

1. Pack light and comfortable clothing suitable for both day and night temperatures, as Hakone’s weather can be unpredictable.

2. Purchase a Hakone Free Pass, which offers unlimited access to various modes of transportation, including trains, buses, and boats within the Hakone region. Hakone Pass 5140Y Odakyu Sightseeing in Shinjuku Station or ticket machines. 

3. Try traditional local dishes, such as black eggs cooked in the Owakudani hot springs, which are said to add seven years to your life.

4. Respect the onsen etiquette by thoroughly washing and rinsing your body before entering the bath, as it is a communal experience.

5. Plan your Hakone Day Trip during the week if possible, as Hakone can get crowded on weekends and holidays.

Conclusion of Hakone Travel Guide

Hakone is a sanctuary of natural wonders, cultural treasures, and therapeutic bliss, providing a perfect escape from the bustling city life. This Hakone 2 day itinerary offers a taste of the best things to do in Hakone, from how to get to Hakone, the majestic Hakone Shrine to the exhilarating Pirate Boat Cruise and the tranquil Hakone Onsen. Embrace the magic of this charming town, and let it leave an indelible mark on your heart. With unforgettable sights, cultural riches, and rejuvenating experiences, Hakone beckons you for an enchanting journey amidst Japan’s scenic beauty.

How to Get to Hakone from Tokyo?

The easiest way how to get to Hakone from Tokyo is by taking the Odakyu Romancecar from Shinjuku Station, which offers stunning views of the countryside during the approximately 85-minute journey.

Can I see Mount Fuji from Hakone?

Yes, on clear days, you can catch breathtaking views of Mount Fuji from various vantage points in Hakone, such as Owakudani, Lake Ashinoko, and the Hakone Tozan Railway.

What are the best onsen options in Hakone?

Hakone has numerous onsen resorts and ryokans offering traditional hot spring baths. Some popular options include Tenzan Onsen, Yunessun, and Hakone Yuryo.

Is it possible to do a Hakone day trip from Tokyo?

Yes, it is possible to do a Hakone day trip from Tokyo, but we recommend this Hakone 2 Day Itinerary for spending at least one night to fully experience the beauty and serenity of this charming town.

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Tokyo & Hakone in 3 Days: A Cultural and Scenic Getaway

April 22, 2024 · 2 min read

Embark on a 3-day adventure through the bustling streets of Tokyo and the tranquil landscapes of Hakone. Begin your journey in the heart of Tokyo with a visit to the Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden, a peaceful oasis amidst the city's hustle. Spend the rest of your first day exploring the vibrant Shinjuku City, known for its endless entertainment options and characteristic neighborhoods. On day two, dive into the rich history of Tokyo with a visit to Sensō-ji, the city's oldest temple, and wander through the bustling Nakamise-dori Street, lined with traditional shops and local delicacies. Unwind at Sumida Park, a green haven along the river, before heading up to the Tokyo Skytree for panoramic views of the sprawling metropolis. The final day takes you away from the city's frenzy to the volcanic valley of Owakudani in Hakone, where you can witness active sulphur vents and hot springs. Conclude your trip with a leisurely day around the serene Lake Ashi, set against the backdrop of Mount Fuji. This itinerary promises a blend of cultural immersion and natural beauty, leaving you with memories to last a lifetime.

• Day 1: Serenity and Bustle in the Heart of Tokyo

Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden

Begin your Tokyo adventure with a peaceful stroll through the Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden, an oasis of tranquility amidst the city's hustle. As the first stop on your itinerary, this expansive park offers a blend of traditional Japanese, English, and French garden designs, creating a picturesque setting for relaxation and nature appreciation. Spend a couple of hours here to unwind and immerse yourself in the seasonal beauty, whether it's cherry blossoms in spring or fiery maple leaves in autumn.

Attraction Info

• 11 Naitōmachi, Shinjuku City, Tokyo 160-0014, Japan
• Suggested tour duration: 2-3 hour
• Open from 10/1-3/14,Tue-Sun,9:00am-4:30pm;Open from 3/15-6/30,Tue-Sun,9:00am-6:00pm;Open from 7/1-8/20,Tue-Sun,9:00am-7:00pm;Open from 8/21-9/30,Tue-Sun,9:00am-6:00pm;Closed on Mon，*The park is open every Monday from March 25 to April 24 and November 1 to 15; Rest days: year-end and New Year holidays (December 29th to January 3rd).

Recommended Nearby Restaurants

Shinjuku City

After rejuvenating your senses at the garden, dive into the vibrant life of Shinjuku City. Known for its dynamic atmosphere, this characteristic neighborhood is a microcosm of Tokyo's energy. Spend the rest of your day exploring the endless shopping options, entertainment venues, and culinary delights. From the robot restaurants to the hidden izakayas, Shinjuku's eclectic mix of modern and traditional will keep you enthralled throughout the day.

• Tokyo, Japan
• Suggested tour duration: 0.5-1 day
• Open 24 hours

Where to Stay Tonight

Shinjuku kuyakusho-mae capsule hotel, hotel yuyukan.

• Day 2: Tokyo's Timeless Traditions and Towering Views

Kicking off the second day with spiritual serenity, Sensō-ji Temple stands as a monumental beacon of tranquility amidst Tokyo's bustling streets. As the city's oldest temple, Sensō-ji is not just a place of worship but a journey through time, with its grand Kaminarimon Gate and the vibrant hues of the Five-Storied Pagoda. Spend an hour here to soak in the rich history and perhaps catch a glimpse of traditional rituals that continue to thrive in modern-day Tokyo.

• 2-chōme-3-1 Asakusa, Taito City, Tokyo 111-0032, Japan
• Suggested tour duration: 1-2 hour
• Open from 4/1-9/30,6:00am-5:00pm;Open from 10/1-3/31,6:30am-5:00pm

Nakamise-dori Street

Just a stone's throw from the temple's sacred grounds, Nakamise-dori Street awaits with its festive atmosphere and a treasure trove of souvenirs. This shopping street, lined with stalls selling everything from handcrafted fans to local snacks, provides a two-hour immersive experience into the heart of Tokyo's cultural charm. It's the perfect place to find gifts and indulge in some of the city's tastiest treats.

• 1-chōme-36-3 Asakusa, Taito City, Tokyo 111-0032, Japan

Sumida Park

After the bustling market vibes, Sumida Park offers a serene escape where city park greenery meets riverside views. It's an ideal spot to unwind for an hour, with lush landscapes and the Sumida River flowing gently by. The park's scenic beauty provides a picturesque backdrop for leisurely strolls or a tranquil moment to simply sit and appreciate nature's artistry.

• 1 Chome-1 Hanakawado, Taito City, Tokyo 111-0033, Japan
• Suggested tour duration: 1-3 hour

Tokyo Skytree

Concluding the day's journey, Tokyo Skytree presents an awe-inspiring ascent into the skies. As one of the tallest structures in the world, the Skytree's observation decks offer breathtaking panoramic views of Tokyo's sprawling metropolis. Spend an hour marveling at the cityscape from above, as the day transitions into a canvas of twinkling lights, marking a memorable end to a day filled with the essence of Tokyo.

• 1 Chome-1-2 Oshiage, Sumida City, Tokyo 131-0045, Japan
• Open from 04/01-04/06,10:00am-10:00pm;Open from 04/08-04/13,10:00am-10:00pm;Open from 04/16-04/20,10:00am-10:00pm;Open from 04/22-04/27,10:00am-10:00pm;Open from 05/07-05/11,10:00am-10:00pm;Open from 05/13-05/14,10:00am-10:00pm;Open from 05/16-05/18,10:00am-10:00pm;Open from 05/20-05/25,10:00am-10:00pm;Open from 05/27-05/31,10:00am-10:00pm;Open 10:00am-9:00pm on 04/15;Open 10:00am-9:00pm on 05/15;Open 9:00am-10:00pm on 04/07;Open 9:00am-10:00pm on 04/14;Open 9:00am-10:00pm on 04/21;Open from 04/28-05/02,9:00am-10:00pm;Open 9:00am-10:00pm on 05/12;Open 9:00am-10:00pm on 05/19;Open 9:00am-10:00pm on 05/26;Open from 05/03-05/06,8:00am-10:00pm，Last admission for the TOKYO SKYTREE Tembo Deck is 8 p.m. for the TOKYO SKYTREE Tembo Galleria is 8:30 p.m

Hotel Livemax Asakusa Sky Front

Entire typical japanese house1min walk to skytree.

• Day 3: Steamy Escapades and Serene Waters

Kicking off the final day of our Tokyo Hakone adventure, we venture into the heart of volcanic activity at Owakudani. Known for its active sulfur vents and hot springs, this valley offers a unique experience amidst billowing steam and the earthy scent of nature's power. Visitors can indulge in the local specialty of black eggs, boiled on-site in the naturally hot waters, which are said to extend one's life by seven years. The panoramic views of Mount Fuji on clear days make Owakudani a must-visit spot for those seeking to witness the raw beauty of Hakone's volcanic landscape.

• 1251 Sengokuhara, Hakone, Ashigarashimo District, Kanagawa 250-0631, Japan
• The specific business status is subject to the opening situation on that day.

As the day unfolds, we'll find tranquility on the shores of Lake Ashi, a crater lake formed by a powerful volcanic eruption nearly 3,000 years ago. The lake is renowned for its picturesque views of Mount Fuji and the iconic red torii gate of Hakone Shrine, which appears to float on the water. A leisurely cruise on Lake Ashi is the perfect way to soak in the scenic beauty, with reflections of the surrounding mountains rippling across the surface. Whether you're exploring the lakeside trails or simply enjoying the peaceful atmosphere, Lake Ashi's serene setting provides a fitting conclusion to our three-day journey.

• Lake Ashi, Motohakone, Hakone, Ashigarashimo District, Kanagawa 250-0522, Japan

The Prince Hakone Lake Ashinoko

* All user reviews in this article have been translated by machine.

* The information above is subject to change at any time. For the latest information, please check the websites of hotels and attractions.

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Hello everyone

We land at 3.55PM at Haneda Airport on 10-23-2024.

1- Tokyo 10-23 thru 10-27.( 3 full days & 2 half days)

2- Hakone 10-27 thru 10-29. ( 1 full day & 2 half days).

3 - Kyoto 10-29 thru 11-4. ( 5 full days & 2 half day).

4- Hiroshima 11-4 thru 11-7 ( 2 Full day & 1 half day) we leave 11-7-2024 from Tokyo .

It has been very challenging for me to just come up with the following places/ things to do

Just for Tokyo so far . Not sure it even makes sense.

Day 1 Arrival day

Shibuya Parco Mall .

Shibuya crossings.

Team lab planet museum

Tokyo trick museum

Rainbow Bridge

Statue of Liberty

Unicorn Gundam statue

Sensoji Temple

Don Quijote

Kappabashi Kitchen store

Ginza Yonchome

Ginza Itoya

Sony show room

Apple show room

Shinjuku Golden Gai street / Piss Alley

Tokyo Metropolitan building

Meiji shrine

Nakameguro art district

Meguro river

Meguro parasitological museum

Meguro sky Garden .

Ok so not sure if

1 Each day is doable

2. If Each day is in correct Order.

3. What can be changed day by day to make it better and more sensible.

4. If this a doable itinerary.

Very sorry for the long note here .

Please let me know if any or all is good. Open for any suggestions or criticism.

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Tokyo Hotels and Places to Stay

• Sample 5 Day Itinerary
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Tokyo with Kids (4-Day Itinerary + 12 Fun Things to Do)

F rom neon lights and tall buildings to theme parks and quirky dining experiences, visiting Tokyo with kids will be one that your children remember for years to come. In fact, the entire country of Japan is an incredible place to visit as a family.

One of the most popular destinations for family travel in Asia , Tokyo is easy to navigate and filled with unique activities and attractions. Not to mention, there are a lot of fun things to do in Tokyo for kids.

Whether you are looking for cultural experiences and educational elements for older children or fun theme parks and kid-friendly places in Tokyo, this larger-than-life city is a must-visit for families, and one of the best places to visit in Japan with kids .

Our experience in Tokyo with kids

We visited Japan with kids in 2018. However, so many things have changed since then. Some businesses have permanently closed, others have moved, many places have changed how they operate, and new businesses have opened.

So, we have researched and completely updated this Tokyo with kids itinerary with the latest information to help you plan your next trip. 

Tokyo was the last stop on our 2-week trip to Asia, which included a short stay in Beijing, China to see the Forbidden City and the Great Wall of China , and a full 10 days exploring Japan. 

We spent four of those days in the capital city of Tokyo and the surrounding area. The rest of our time in Japan was split between Kyoto , Nara , and Osaka.

We had 4 days in Tokyo, but giving yourself five days in Tokyo or even more would be better, as there are so many fun things to do in Tokyo for families. 

How to get around Tokyo and the rest of Japan

We arrived in Tokyo by train after spending 3 days in Kyoto . Luckily, Japan has an awesome public transportation system, so there is no need to rent a car. Navigating the rail and metro system in Japan can be overwhelming at first, but is fairly easy once you get the hang of it.

We arrived at Tokyo Station, which is in the center of the city. This is the primary train station that connects Tokyo to other cities across Japan.

Tokyo Station is a sight to see! The central train station has lots of food vendors, shops, and the most unique vending machines you’ll ever see.

Kids will particularly like choosing a toy from one of the dozens of capsule toy vending machines clustered together inside the train station. Vending machines are quite impressive in Japan, and have become one of the things that the country is known for . You can get everything from toys, to beer, to full meals in a vending machine.

In and around Tokyo Station, you’ll find plenty of great places to buy unique and meaningful souvenirs from Japan .

Where to stay in Tokyo with kids

There are several convenient neighborhoods in Tokyo if you are visiting as a tourist. Shinjuku, Shibuya, and Ginza are perhaps the most popular areas to stay in Tokyo.

Ginza is the area nearest to Tokyo Station. Many chose to stay here for the sheer convenience of being close to the main train station, a lot of restaurants, and great shopping. This is exactly what we did. Not having to take another train or the subway with all of our luggage was a huge bonus to staying near Tokyo Station.

The hotel prices can be quite high in the area, but we found Hotel SUI Ginza Kyobashi reasonably priced and just a couple of blocks away from Tokyo Station. The rooms at Hotel SUI Ginza are nice but extremely small by western standards. The bathroom was slightly larger than an airplane lavatory.

The small room size is not uncommon in Tokyo or the rest of Japan.

Many of the places to stay in Kyoto and Osaka are also small by western standards.

If you have a larger family or simply prefer more space, Oakwood Premier Tokyo and the Four Seasons Hotel Tokyo are located just 2 minutes from Tokyo Station. Although a bit pricier, the location is ideal, which makes it easy to get around Tokyo with kids.

If you choose to stay in a different area of the city, there are lots of family-friendly hotels in Tokyo that cater to those traveling with kids in other districts, as well.

CLICK HERE TO COMPARE PRICES AND FIND HOTELS NEAR TOKYO STATION.

Itinerary for 4 days in Tokyo with kids

There are so many Tokyo activities for kids, museums, restaurants, and even complete districts in Tokyo that are seemingly designed with children in mind. For this reason you could spend weeks in Tokyo with kids and have plenty to keep your family entertained.

It is one of only six cities in the world that has a Disney Resort. In fact, Tokyo has both Tokyo Disneyland and DisneySea .

Our daughter was still a toddler when we went to Tokyo, so we decided to hold off on visiting a theme park until she is a little older. But if you are visiting Tokyo with school aged children – Disney should definitely be part of your Tokyo with kids itinerary.

Here is a look at our suggested 4 day itinerary for Tokyo with kids:

Tokyo Itinerary with kids: Day 1

• Arrive in Tokyo 
• Check into hotel or drop off luggage
• Head directly to the Shibuya District
• Take the Scramble Crossing
• Shop and find a sweet snack in Harajuku
• Head to Shinjuku District to explore
• Walk through “Piss Alley”
• Dinner in a Shinjuku

Tokyo Itinerary with kids: Day 2

• Visit the Imperial Palace and Gardens
• Check out an arcade or two in Akihabara
• Tour the Sensoji Temple and Asakusa District
• Go up the Skytree Lookout
• Lunch in Asakusa
• Head to Tsukiji Fish Market
• Check out Kabukiza Theatre (pass on way from Tsukiji to Ginza)
• Enjoy some high-end window shopping and dinner in Ginza

Tokyo Itinerary with kids: Day 3

• Day trip to Hakone and Mount Fuji or Tokyo DisneyLand and DisneySea

Tokyo Itinerary with kids: Day 4

• Spend the morning in Odaiba District
• See the Rainbow Bridge, Statue of Liberty, and the Gundam Robot
• Play at Legoland Discovery Center
• Lunch at Tokyo Ramen Kokugikan Mai in Aqua City mall
• Museum of Emerging Science

As you may have noticed, this itinerary has some options. For example, we took a day trip to the town of Hakone , near Mount Fuji, during one of our four days in Tokyo.

While it was incredible, if you plan to visit one of the Tokyo Disney theme parks and you have only a limited number of days in Tokyo with kids, I would recommend skipping Hakone and doing Disney instead. 

12 awesome things to do in Tokyo with kids 

Now that we’ve laid out a solid – and jam-packed – 4-day Tokyo itinerary, here are a few of the things to do in Tokyo with kids that we mentioned on the itinerary above.

We have included what we consider the 12 best things to do in Tokyo with kids, going through our itinerary day-by-day.

But if 12 isn’t enough, you can read about some of the other quirky, and unique things to do in Tokyo that you might want to add to your itinerary.

Shibuya District and the Shibuya Crossing (AKA the Scramble)

Shibuya is the first place you should head after arriving in Tokyo and dropping off your luggage at your hotel.

The area of Tokyo known as Shibuya is home to the busiest crosswalk in the world. Often called ‘The Scramble’, at its peak time of day, 3,000 people cross the street at the same time.

While crossing the street may not seem like a tourist activity, the sheer number of people crossing the street at the same time is overwhelming! The Shibuya Scramble is the most “Tokyo” experience you can have, and a great place to start your Tokyo family vacation.

There are so many people, bright lights, and big city sounds in Shibuya that the district can be somewhat of an assault on the senses. But it is a sight worth seeing.

To escape the chaos of the crowds, head into one of the specialty chocolate shops in this area of Tokyo and indulge in a sweet treat or grab lunch at Katsumidori Seibu Shibuya , a unique sushi restaurant where the sushi comes out on a conveyor belt.

Known as kaiten sushi, or conveyor belt sushi in English, you’ll find several of these types of restaurants around Tokyo where your dishes go around on a conveyor belt so you can see and select what you want to order. 

Harajuku and Takeshita-dori Street

If you are visiting Tokyo with older kids, particularly preteens and teenagers, Harajuku and the street known as Takeshita-dori is a must-visit. Known in Japan as “Teen Holy Land”, Takeshita-dori is practically the headquarters of teen fashion and pop culture in Japan.

You’ll find lots of inexpensive stores carrying the latest in teen fashion as well as lots of food stalls and cafes specializing in fun and Instagrammable food.

Japan is known for its “Kawaii culture” where everything is cute and little, and there is no better place to experience this cutesy culture than Takeshita-dori.

Wander through the crowded streets of Harajuku and give your kids a little money to spend on whatever they want.

Then head to one of the popular creperies on Takeshita Street for a crepe almost too pretty to eat or check out Totti Candy Factory for the giant, colorful cotton candy your whole family can share.

If you’re visiting Tokyo with children, ordering a massive cotton candy will be a fun Tokyo activity! 

Takeshita-dori is roughly a 20-minute walk from Shibuya Station, but if you prefer a guided tour or want to make sure you see all the hidden gems of Shibuya and Harajuku you book a private guide here .

Shinjuku District

With your bellies full of sweet treats, head to the Shinjuku District. You can either take the metro which takes about 7 minutes or walk, which takes about 30 minutes.

If you decide to walk, you can also make a detour through Meiji Jingu Shrine . This beautiful shrine is surrounded by a beautiful park and forest in the middle of the city and is free to visit. It is a serene break from the busyness of Shibuya and Harajuku and the lights and city sounds.

If you have an hour to spare, you can even take a guided walking tour where you and your kids can learn about the history of the shrine and the culture of the Shinto religion. This is a great way to familiarize yourself with shrine etiquette and Japanese habits and ways of life.

When you arrive in Shinjuku, be sure to check out Shinjuku Station, the busiest train station in the world. Shinjuku is another district in Tokyo that is large, and at times, overwhelming.

In this particular area of Tokyo, you’ll find several ‘only in Tokyo’ experiences, including various cat cafes and other animal cafes, and Piss Alley.

Piss Alley is a narrow side street lined with small bars and cheap food stalls. Piss Alley got its name in the 1940s when it was an illegal drinking spot. Because of the lack of public restroom facilities, patrons who had a few too many would wander off and relieve themselves on the nearby train tracks, thus earning this small, lovely street its rather-unlovely nickname.

It can get quite crowded, so I’d recommend visiting on a weekday if possible.

If you’re a meat eater, definitely grab some yakitori while you’re there. Yakitori is a small skewer of flavorful grilled chicken, and basically the only thing our toddler wanted to eat the entire time we were in Japan.

If you plan to visit one of the animal cafes in Shinjuku or anywhere else in Japan, check the age restrictions ahead of time. Most of the cat cafes do not allow kids under the age of 11 to enter.

Shinjuku is a great place to end your first day in Tokyo with kids. Grab a bite to eat at one of the many restaurants or cafes in the district before heading back to your hotel for the night. 

Imperial Palace and Outer Gardens

Your second day in Tokyo with kids will start at the Imperial Palace . The palace and outer gardens are perhaps the most iconic setting in Tokyo and one of the top tourist attractions in Tokyo, Japan.

It is just a short 10-minute walk from Tokyo Station, so if you stay in a hotel in this central area, it is the perfect place to start day 2 of your Tokyo family itinerary.

Although you can’t actually enter the Imperial Palace or inner gardens because it is the actual home of the emperor of Japan and the imperial family, the outer gardens are lovely and offer a fair amount of space for kids in Japan to run around.

This is just one of many incredible parks and gardens in Tokyo to experience during your visit. 

You can book a walking tour through the outer gardens and public facilities with a local guide to see the highlights and learn more about the palace and history of Japan.

Akihabara is known as the electronics district in Tokyo. If your children love video games, this is the district to visit. There are even video games attached to some of the urinals in the 4-story Sega arcade.

Akihabara is also the center of anime in Tokyo, which is an extremely popular form of Japanese animation. Not familiar with anime? Some of the best movies about Japan are anime.

And if your child loves Pokémon, Akihabara is like a real-life setting from the children’s movies . We’d recommend checking one out before your trip so you’ll better appreciate Japanese animation.

While we are not personally big on video games or anime, we found that the district personified the uniqueness of Tokyo in an interesting and colorful way.

One of the best things to do in this district of Tokyo with kids is to meet the owls at the Owl Cafe in Akihabara . This is one of the few animal cafes in Tokyo that younger children can enter.

Or if you prefer, this is another great district to experience Kawaii culture at the Maid Cafe. It is another one of those places where you’ll find yourself saying “Only in Tokyo.”

Another fun option in Akihabara, if you visit the district at night, the Samurai Entertainment Night is a theater restaurant where you can enjoy a live performance while you eat dinner. 

Sensoji Temple and Asakusa District

After spending a few hours in Akihabara, head to the Asakusa district. If you didn’t eat lunch at the Owl Café or Maid Café in Akihabara, Asakusa has a wonderful array of restaurants.  

It is also home to the oldest temple in Tokyo, Sensoji Temple . This popular Buddhist temple and tourist attraction is unlike most temples in Japan that have a very serene and calming appeal. In fact, upon entering the outer gates of Sensoji Temple, you’ll find a bustling market where vendors sell a variety of trinkets, souvenirs, and food. 

Inside the main temple area, you’ll find the main hall, a five-story pagoda, several small shrines, and different areas where you can take part in Buddhist rituals. It is a beautiful place to learn about Japanese culture in Tokyo with kids.

Asakusa is home to the oldest theme park in Japan, Hanayashiki .

If you have the time, you can book a private family tour of Sensoji Temple, Asakusa and enjoy Hanayashiki, or if you need a break from walking you can book a rickshaw tour through the district that will take you by all of the attractions in a private chariot pulled by your tour guide.

Tokyo Skytree

Also in Asakusa, you’ll find the tallest structure in all of Tokyo – the Tokyo Skytree .

The lattice tower is more than 2,000 feet tall. From the top of the Skytree you’ll get 360° views of the city. In fact, on a clear day, you’ll be able to see the shy giant, Mount Fuji, off in the distance. 

Going up to the viewing platform at Tokyo Skytree is a great way to see Mount Fuji if you decide to spend day three in Tokyo with kids at Disneyland rather than taking a day trip to Hakone from Tokyo .

Although there is a small price for admission to Tokyo Skytree, the views make it well worth it!

Tsukiji Fish Market

After exploring Asakusa and seeing the epic views from atop Tokyo Skytree, head to the Tsukiji Fish Market . It  is one of the most unique experiences in Tokyo.

You used to be able to watch a live wholesale fish auction if you arrived early, early in the morning. But the wholesale auction moved to the outskirts of the city. However, you’ll still find vendors selling the freshest sushi and seafood you will ever taste in Tsukiji.

Tsukiji Fish Market is a foodie’s paradise! We ate until we couldn’t possibly eat anymore. It truly is one of the best specialty food streets in Tokyo . 

For children who are less adventurous eaters, there are stalls that sell things other than fish. In fact, you can find all sorts of unique and delicious foods from Japan .

You can purchase things like gyoza, yakitori, fruit, and mochi, all of which children will love! 

To truly experience and appreciate Tsukiji Fish Market, join a food and drink walking tour where you can explore the outer market with your taste buds and sample a range of foods with a local guide who will explain what you’re eating and details the famous market’s unique history.

Not far from Tokyo Station, Ginza is a great place to window shop and people watch. Every high-end fashion brand is represented in this posh district.

Even if you have no plans of buying anything, it’s still a cool place to visit. While we were there, we were able to watch a 3D printer building a Nissan concept car.

There are also a ton of great restaurants from which to choose. Whether you want to try out another conveyor belt sushi restaurant or dine in a private room where you can close a door and keep the kids contained, there are a lot of great family-friendly options in Ginza.

On your way back from the Tsukiji Fish Market, walk past the famous Kabukiza Theatre on your way to Ginza.

Odaiba District

Odaiba is a popular shopping district in Tokyo built on a man-made island in Tokyo Bay. There are several large shopping malls in this area which are great for rainy days.

To get to Odaiba, you will cross one of the prettiest bridges in Tokyo, the Rainbow Bridge , which looks especially scenic at night. The area is not only known for shopping but is also a popular entertainment district.

You could spend an entire day in Odaiba, Tokyo with kids. It is one of the most kid-friendly places in Tokyo, with fun museums like the National Museum of Emerging Science, theme parks and LegoLand Discovery Center , a great experience with lots of kid activities in Tokyo.

Outside Diver City Mall , you’ll find a massive Gundam statue, which is a popular robot anime series that we knew nothing about until this trip.

You’ll also find one of the world’s largest Ferris wheels, and a miniature replica of the Statue of Liberty. 

Tokyo Disneyland and DisneySea

If there is one word that is synonymous with family fun, it is Disney. Definitely one of the most fun things for kids in Tokyo, a visit to Tokyo Disneyland and DisneySea will make your visit to Tokyo with children the most memorable trip for your family.

Located on the Bay of Tokyo, not far from Odaiba, Tokyo Disneyland is the second most visited theme park in the world, behind Orlando, Florida’s claim to fame, Disney World. 

To visit both parks you should give yourself at least a couple of days. However, if you only have 4 days in Tokyo, choose between Disneyland and DisneySea and enjoy a full day at just one of the parks.

You’ll find rides appropriate for all ages – from teenage and adult daredevils to those visiting Tokyo with toddlers. 

Note: If theme parks aren’t your style, you can elect to skip Disney on day three, and do a day trip from Tokyo to Hakone.

Hakone is a charming and unique area with a volcanic valley, a pirate ship cruise and beautiful hiking trails. It is one of the best day trips from Tokyo for families!

Other things to do in Tokyo with kids if you have additional time

If you have extra time, here are a few more family activities in Tokyo that would make great additions to any Tokyo family itinerary.

Sanrio Cafe and Ikebukuro District

Food is often as much about presentation as it is about taste. And when it comes to presentation, Sanrio Café in Tokyo would top on a kid’s list.

The café, which is located in Ikebukuro offers a whimsical dining experience centered around the popular cartoon characters from Sanrio, including the widely popular Hello Kitty.

This is the perfect place to enjoy breakfast (or breakfast for lunch or dinner), especially if you have children. The décor and all the food served at the café is character themed, so you can get some Hello Kitty pancakes or sweet treats.

Ikebukuro is also home to the Sunshine Aquarium for kids who want to see and learn more about life under the water. The district is easy to access from Tokyo Station, Shinjuku, or Shibuya Station.

Ghibli Museum

Located in the Tokyo suburb of Mitaka , west of the city, Ghibli Museum is a fun, maze-like experience dedicated to the art of animation showcasing the work of the Japanese studio Ghibli.

The whimsical museum is currently a challenge to get tickets to. Due to the pandemic, a very limited number of tickets are available and book months in advance.  

Japan’s oldest zoo, Ueno, is home to more than 3,000 animals from 400 different species, including giant pandas, tigers, and gorillas. The zoo, located near the Tokyo National Museum , is not far from Asakusa and the Senso-ji Temple.

So, if you have more than just 4 days in Tokyo with kids, you could spend an entire day in this area of the city and add the Ueno Zoo and Park and the National Museum to your family-friendly Tokyo itinerary.

Tokyo Tower

If you skipped the Tokyo Skytree, Tokyo Tower is another opportunity to get an awesome view of the city’s skyline.

Located in the center of Tokyo this iconic red tower offers panoramic views both day and night. But at night the tower lights up similar to the Eiffel Tower in Paris and changes colors depending on the season. 

Learn more about Japan with kids

Tokyo was one of five cities we visited in Japan. While we love Tokyo, there are other areas of the country that are equally impressive and family-friendly.

For more information to help you plan your trip, check out all of our blog posts about Japan . But wherever you go in Japan, we promise the country will not disappoint.

Other resources for planning a family trip to Japan

• Buy your JR Pass 
• Where to Stay in Kyoto
• Japan with Kids – Complete Itinerary and Why You’ll Love It
• Nara Day Trip
• 3 Days in Kyoto with Kids
• 5 Days in Tokyo (an alternative itinerary)
• Hakone Day Trip Guide
• Beautiful Japanese Habits We Should All Embrace
• Is the Japan Rail Pass Worth It?
• Skiing in Niseko Japan
• Purchase Travel Insurance for Japan
• Book your Hotel
• Book a Family Photo Shoot in Japan

Have a question or comment about visiting Tokyo Japan with kids? Let us know your favorite Tokyo family travel experience or ask your questions in the comments below!

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