tokyo day trip to hakone

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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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.

Check Hotel Availability

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Tokyo Vacation Checklist

• For all the essentials in a brief overview, see my First Time In Tokyo guide
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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 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!

Friday 10th of January 2020

Hi Charles, Thanks for this blog, very helpful. I'm planning on going to Hakone and doing your 1 day round trip. I'll go either Thursday 2nd April or Friday 3rd April, I understand it gets pretty crowded around that time, so would Thursday be better than Friday - less people? Also the Hakone Tozan bus from Moto-Hakone back to Odawara, is that one bus or two - the map shows 2, and how long does it take? Thanks for your help David

Saturday 11th of January 2020

Hey David - no problem! Glad you have found it useful. As for Thursday vs Friday, I do not think there would be too much of a difference. The weekends would be the most crowded though.

The bus from Moto-Hakone back to Odawara was just one bus for me that took around 40 minutes or so. There is a conductor at the station who will help you out get on the correct bus.

Hope that helps! Feel free to let me know if you have any other questions.

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.

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• Destinations

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

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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)

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HAKONE FREE PASS – Is It Worth Buying?

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• 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: 

Japan Travel Guide

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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 Day Trip from Tokyo: 1 Day Itinerary with Must-See Attractions

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How to plan a day trip to Hakone?

If you only have one day to visit Hakone, how would you plan this one-day trip to Hakone?

I believe that for many people, if they want to travel to Hakone, they must stay in a local hot spring hotel, enjoy the hot spring slowly, and the cuisine provided by the hot spring hotel. Probably only such a Hakone itinerary plan can be considered a complete Hakone travel itinerary.

But also because not everyone has enough time to arrange a two-day one-night, three-day two-night trip to Hakone. Therefore, if you want to visit Hakone within the limited travel time, you can only arrange a one-day trip to Hakone, and try to grasp the limited travel time to experience Hakone's attractions, food, and hot springs.

There are many attractions and hot springs in Hakone, so in today’s article, I will share with you different types of Hakone day trip plans.

For example, from the itinerary of visiting different scenic spots, the itinerary of experiencing the natural environment of Hakone, the itinerary of enjoying Hakone hot springs, etc., you can choose the most interesting itinerary to experience the characteristics of Hakone. In addition, we will recommend some Hakone one-day tour guide groups, ticket discounts, and accommodation discounts for you, so that you can plan a unique Hakone one-day tour.

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Hakone Day Trip with Hakone's Unique Transport

If you can only arrange a one-day trip to visit the entire Hakone area, the best itinerary to experience the characteristics of Hakone must be to take different Hakone-style transportation and enjoy the scenery of Mount Fuji and Hakone natural hot springs on the way.

morning itinerary

First depart from Hakone-Yumoto Station at 09:00 in the morning, and arrive at Moto-Hakone Port before taking the Hakone Tozan Bus. First go to the Hakone Shrine to worship, and then take the Hakone Pirate Sightseeing Boat to enjoy the natural scenery of the Hakone area and the scenery of Mount Fuji on Lake Ashi.

noon itinerary

After arriving at Togendai Station, transfer to the Hakone Ropeway to visit the natural hot spring scenery of Owakudani and experience the unique black hot spring eggs in Hakone. After staying in Owakudani for about 30 minutes, you can take the Hakone Ropeway to Sounzan Station, and then transfer to the Hakone Tozan Cable Car to Gora Station.

At Gora Station, you can find a large number of Hakone-style restaurants, such as Tamura Ginkatsutei, which specializes in fried pork chops and tofu dishes, or Gora Silver Tofu, which are some very popular restaurants at Gora Station.

afternoon itinerary

After lunch, at about 14:00 in the afternoon, you can take the Hakone Tozan Railway from Gora Station and return to Hakone Yumoto Station. while in Hakone Yumoto Here, you can find many shops specializing in Hakone specialties, which are very suitable for buying some Hakone specialties to take home and give to friends.

After spending about an hour shopping in Hakone Yumoto’s Box Store Street, you can take the Odakyu Electric Railway back to Tokyo around 18:00 in the afternoon, just in time for the dinner peak time of Tokyo restaurants, and you won’t return to Tokyo because it’s too late. And when all the restaurants are closed.

Recommended discounted transportation packages in the Hakone area: Hakone Freepass

Of course, you can choose to go to different scenic spots in Hakone from another direction. For example, starting from Hakone Yumoto, first go to Gora and Owakudani to visit, then take the Hakone Pirate Sightseeing Boat from Taoyuantai to Motohakone Port, and finally take Hakone Mountaineering Wansora returned to Hakone-Yumoto from Moto-Hakone Port. However, you must pay attention to the frequency and timetable of the Hakone Pirate Sightseeing Boat before departure. Because the Hakone Pirate Sightseeing Boat only leaves once an hour on average, and usually stops sailing at 15:30 in the afternoon.

Therefore, by arranging the itinerary of the Hakone Pirate Sightseeing Boat to depart from Moto-Hakone Port in the morning, you can ensure that you can arrive at Togendai Station on time, and it will not affect the subsequent itinerary.

Hakone Day Trip Focused on Visiting Art Museums

In addition to the Hakone one-day tour itinerary with different means of transportation, you can choose to focus on visiting Hakone art galleries and gardens during the Hakone one-day tour itinerary, giving you the opportunity to take a few more commemorative photos and participate in some hand-made experiences class.

For example, it is very famous in Hakone Gora Park , Hakone Glass Forest Museum , Hakone Sculpture Museum , are some scenic spots that gather garden attractions and art exhibitions. If you spend 2 hours visiting each art gallery, Gora Park, Hakone Glass Mori Art Museum, and Hakone Sculpture Mori Art Museum, these 3 attractions just fill up the whole day's itinerary.

Another advantage of this one-day trip to Hakone is that the distance between these art galleries is not very far. So you can save a little more traffic time, and then after visiting these art galleries, you can go shopping in the shopping street of Hakone Yumoto.

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Hakone day trip to enjoy hot springs and shopping

If the goal of your itinerary this time is to shop and experience the hot springs in Hakone, basically in the entire Hakone day trip itinerary, you only need to arrange departure to Gora Station and Hakone Yumoto Station.

Because near Gora Station there is a Hakone Kowakien Hot Spring Theme Park It is a place that combines hot springs and water parks. You can experience different types of hot springs in a whole day for only about ¥3,500 yen. Moreover, the characteristics of Hakone Kowakien Hot Spring Theme Park are You can wear a swimsuit and enjoy the hot springs , for some travelers who are used to being naked in front of the public, this is a rare opportunity to experience hot springs in Hakone.

If you like to experience hot springs in Hakone Kowakien Hot Spring Theme Park, you can also stay until 18:00 in the afternoon until the official closing. Otherwise, you can also choose to spend about 3 hours in the morning Hakone Kowakien Hot Spring Theme Park , and then have lunch near Gora Station at noon.

For the afternoon itinerary, you can choose to arrange shopping in Hakone Yumoto's shopping street, or start to visit Gora Park.

And as long as you buy Hakone Freepass If you don’t, you don’t need to worry about how much you will spend on transportation throughout the day, and you can get discounts on additional special admission fees when you visit Gora Park or other specific Hakone attractions.

Hakone Day Trip Combined with Mount Fuji Sightseeing Itinerary

As long as you set off to Motohakone Port and take the Hakone Pirate Sightseeing Boat to Togendai Station, you can enjoy the scenery of Lake Ashi and Mount Fuji on the boat.

But how can there be only one way to appreciate Mount Fuji? If you have an extra day of travel time, you can arrange a itinerary that combines Hakone and Mount Fuji, so that you have the opportunity to enjoy the view of Mount Fuji from different angles.

Itinerary for the Hakone area

For example, departing from Hakone Yumoto Station at 09:00 in the morning, first take the Hakone Tozan Bus to Motohakone Port. Take the Hakone Pirate Sightseeing Boat in Hakone Town to Togendai Station, and enjoy the view of Mount Fuji on the way.

Around 11:00 in the morning, you can arrive at Taoyuantai Station. First take the bus to Gotemba Station, and then transfer to the Kawaguchiko Bus Line to Kawaguchiko Station. It takes about 2.5 hours, that is, you can depart from Togendai Station to Kawaguchiko Station at around 14:30 in the afternoon.

Itinerary for Kawaguchiko area

When you arrive at Kawaguchi Station, you can first enjoy the view of Mount Fuji near Kawaguchiko Station, or stay in a hotel next to Kawaguchiko, and quietly enjoy the sunset scenery of Mount Fuji and Kawaguchiko in the hotel room, as well as the view of Mount Fuji at night .

choose to stay Hotels near Lake Kawaguchi , because you will not miss the opportunity to enjoy the sunrise view of Mount Fuji in the room, and you can also enjoy the reflection of Mount Fuji in Lake Kawaguchi. And these unique accommodation experiences can only be experienced in hotels in Kawaguchiko. If you like Mount Fuji, you must not miss it!

Recommended discounted transportation packages in the Mt. Fuji area: Mt. Fuji – Hakone Area 3-Day Tour Pass

Further reading: Kawaguchiko hot spring accommodation recommended! A hot spring hotel and private bath where you can see the reflection of Mt. Fuji from the room!

Choice of Hakone one-day guided tour

Perhaps for some people, the itinerary of a one-day trip to Hakone is to visit Hakone with a professional tour guide. At the same time, you don’t need to spend time understanding the different transportation methods in Hakone. You only need to know the departure time of the tour group in Tokyo and the tour guide It will be enough time for the tour group to return to Tokyo.

If you all have the same idea, you can consider some travel options from Tokyo to Hakone One-day guided tour , let the company hosting the tour guide solve the itinerary planning and transportation arrangements for the whole day for you. You only need to arrive at the meeting point in Tokyo on time, and the guides of the guided tour will take you to visit the main attractions in different areas of Hakone and Mt.

If you need to travel to Hakone with your elders this time, and you find it difficult to plan your itinerary, you may choose some Hakone Day Tour will be your best choice.

The most convenient way to visit Hakone! [Professional tour guide] Hakone one-day tour guide group The most convenient way to appreciate Mt. Fuji itinerary!

Transportation and itinerary planning for a one-day trip to Hakone

If you start from Shinjuku Station in Tokyo, you can take the Odakyu Electric Railway to Hakone Yumoto Station to start a full-day Hakone day trip.

Under normal circumstances, because it takes 2 hours to take the Odakyu Electric Railway train from Shinjuku Station to Hakone Yumoto Station, it is highly recommended to depart from Shinjuku Station in Tokyo at 07:00 in the morning, so that you can arrive at 09:00 in the morning Hakone Yumoto Station.

To put it simply, because there is only about 9 hours of sightseeing time, among the several itineraries with different themes just now, you can actually only choose one of them as a one-day trip plan for Hakone. For example, you can choose to take different means of transportation in Hakone, and go to Lake Ashinoko to enjoy the scenery of Mount Fuji, and to enjoy the scenery of hot springs in Owakudani. They are all trips that mainly start to some natural attractions in Hakone.

However, if you want to go around Hakone for sightseeing and experience in the same day Hakone Kowakien Hot Spring Theme Park , and visit Hakone Glass Forest Art Museum If you don't, you may miss the last train of the Hakone Ropeway. So if you want to visit several different attractions in Hakone, it would be better to arrange a two-day tour itinerary.

Recommended accommodation in Hakone, Kawaguchiko and Tokyo

Although during the one-day tour of Hakone, there will be no time to stay in a hot spring hotel in Hakone, but if you change your mind, or if you can arrange an extra day in the itinerary, you can consider the following in Hakone and Lake Kawaguchi , and accommodation recommendations in the Tokyo area:

Recommended places to stay in the Hakone area: Hakone Lake Ashino Hanori , Hakone Ki no Yu Setsugekka Onsen , Ten Yu Inn Hakone Kowakien , Hotel Indigo Hakone Gora , are some very popular accommodation options in the Hakone area.

Recommended accommodation in the Kawaguchiko area: Wind Terrace KUKUNA , Lake Kawaguchi Shuhokaku Lake Moon , Fujikawaguchiko Onsen New Century Hotel , are some accommodation options that have a view of Mt. Fuji from the room.

Recommended accommodation in the Tokyo area: APA Hotel – Shinjuku Kabukicho , Hotel Gracery Shinjuku , Tokyu Stay Shinjuku , are some accommodation options that are very convenient to Hakone near Shinjuku Station.

If you are planning to go to Hakone for sightseeing for the first time, and you don’t have much time to spend in Hakone, a one-day trip to Hakone will probably be the most suitable itinerary for you.

However, if you want to choose the most worthwhile experience in Hakone, you must stay in different hot spring hotels and try some high-end meals in traditional hot spring hotels. Therefore, in order to truly experience the characteristics of Hakone, it is inevitable to arrange a two-day tour or a three-day tour.

No matter what, Hakone is also a place worth visiting again and again. If you can’t go this year, you can arrange to go next year or the next year. If you want to know more travel information about the Hakone area, Mt. article sharing. In addition, in the category of Tokyo travel information, various practical travel information in the Tokyo area are also sorted out for you. If you will arrange departures to these places, I believe that the articles in it can bring you a unique itinerary experience!

More Mt. Fuji and Hakone travel information

Mount Fuji area

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Perfect Day Trip To Hakone From Tokyo (2024 Guide)

A day trip to Hakone from Tokyo is among the top day trip options done by both locals and international travellers. 

Thanks to the town’s proximity and transportation advancement in Japan, Hakone is easily reachable by public transportation from Tokyo. 

These make Hakone an ideal location to wind down and have a short getaway from the bustling metropolis.    

Besides, Hakone is known for many stunning attractions too. 

From numerous natural hot springs to scenic walking trails and fascinating art museums, you are bound to have a pleasant time in this lovely mountainous town.  

So to make your travel planning easier, I have written a detailed article on wonderful things to do in Hakone, how to get there, utilising Hakone Free Pass, must-try local food, useful travel tips, and others. 

Let’s dive right in!

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Disclaimer: This page may contain affiliate links and I may get a small commission if you decide to make a purchase through my links, at no additional cost to you. Thank you. 

What Is There To Do In Hakone For A Day Trip

• Visit Hakone Shrine
• Have An Instagrammable Shot At Hakone Cedar Avenue
• Explore Hakone Checkpoint
• Enjoy Scenic View of Lake Ashi At Onshi Hakone Park
• Get On The Hakone Sightseeing Cruise
• Admire Mount Fuji View On The Hakone Ropeway
• Enjoy Eating Black Eggs At Owakudani
• Experience The Zen Vibe At Choanji Temple
• Visit Hakone Open-Air Museum
• Admire The Stunning Artwork At Pola Museum of Art
• Explore Lalique Museum
• Create Your Own Arts At Gora Park
• Shop At Gotemba Premium Outlets 
• Have A Stroll Along Mishima Skywalk
• Visit Odawara Castle
• Get Souvenirs At Hakone-Yumoto Shotengai
• Have A Dip At Local Onsen

Hakone Travel: USEFUL PRE-TRAVEL TIPS AND LINKS

Here are the shortcuts to the links of useful resources for your Hakone trip:

• Buy  JR pass  to travel around Japan and explore its beautiful cities, including Hakone.
• Book Hakone Free Pass online for convenient, queue-free, and fuss-free travel experience.
• Get a  Japan local sim card  or  portable WIFI router  for 24/7 internet connection while exploring Hakone.
• Book your Hakone accommodation using  Booking.com .
• Make sure you are  fully insured  before flying into Japan. You can get your travel insurance at  World Nomads .

Disclaimer: World Nomads provides travel insurance for travelers in over 100 countries. As an affiliate, we receive a fee when you get a quote from World Nomads using this link . We do not represent World Nomads. This is information only and not a recommendation to buy travel insurance.

Unmissable Things To Do At Hakone

1. visit hakone shrine.

The first stop to visit during your day trip Tokyo to Hakone is Hakone Shrine .  

Located at the base of Mount Hakone, this beautiful shrine has a history dating back to more than 1200 years ago. 

Hakone Shrine is highly visited by the travellers to pray for overall better luck or a safe trip.   

One of the main highlights of the Hakone Shrine is its bright red torii gate standing tall in Lake Ashi. 

With the total package of Instagrammable spot criteria consisting of  the torii gate, blue lake water, and tranquil mountains as the backdrop, many visitors storm to this highlight first upon reaching the shrine ground. 

The main shrine entrance also makes a great photo spot with tall cedar trees in the background.

Nevertheless, there are plenty of things to admire in the Hakone Shrine. 

These include the shrine’s traditional architecture and nicely-preserved artefacts in its treasure museum. 

Address: 80-1, Motohakone, Hakone-machi, Ashigarashimo-gun, Kanagawa, 250-0522

Visiting Hours: Always open

Entrance Fee: Free

How To Get To Hakone Shrine

Take bus line H of Hakone Tozan Bus from Hakone-Yumoto Station to reach Moto-Hakone boat pier. This bus journey will take about 35 minutes. Then walk for 5 minutes from the boat pier to reach Hakone Shrine. 

Hakone Free Pass: Covered

2. Have An Instagrammable Shot At Hakone Cedar Avenue

Hakone Cedar Avenue is a beautifully-preserved spot that will leave you in awe. 

This 500-metre long avenue was part of the bustling path (Tokaido highway) used by foot-walking travellers back in the Edo Period linking Kyoto to Tokyo. 

Travel tip: These tall cedar trees are believed to have been planted in 1618 and thus they are at least 400 years old!

You can wander around this avenue for free and admire its tranquillity while reminiscing about its important transportation role several centuries ago. 

And before you leave, make sure to spend some time taking several Instagrammable shots at Hakone Cedar Avenue. 

Address: Kanagawa, Ashigarashimo, Hakone

How To Get To Hakone Cedar Avenue

From Hakone-Yumoto Station, take the Hakone Tozan Bus (Line H) to Hakone Port. Alight at Hakone-Shishomae. This takes about 35 minutes. 

3. Explore Hakone Checkpoint

If you walk down south of Hakone Cedar Avenue, there lies Hakone Checkpoint . 

During the Edo Period, Hakone was the main checkpoint for travellers travelling between Kyoto and Tokyo.  

To restore its former condition and offer a chance to visitors to learn more about pre-modern Japanese checkpoints, Hakone Checkpoint was reconstructed in 2007. 

The technique and tools from the Edo Period were used during the reconstruction process so that the buildings’ authenticity is still retained at the highest possible level. 

You can expect to see tall gates, fences, housing quarters for soldiers and staff, prison, and a lookout tower within the Hakone Checkpoint. 

You can also learn more about Hakone Checkpoint history at Hakone Sekisho Shiryokan during your day trip to Hakone from Tokyo.. 

This small museum located next to the checkpoint has a collection of old exhibits for visitors to admire. 

Address: 1 Hakone, Ashigarashimo District, Kanagawa 250-0521, Japan

Visiting Hours: 9 am-5 pm (Until 4.30 pm from December to February)

Entrance Fee: US$5 (500 yen) or US$4 (400 yen) with Hakone Free Pass

How To Get To Hakone Checkpoint

You can reach Hakone Checkpoint at the other end of Hakone Cedar Avenue. 

Alternatively, you can take a 40-minutes Hakone Tozan Bus ride (Line H) from Hakone-Yumoto Station to the Hakone-machi bus stop. 

4. Enjoy Scenic View of Lake Ashi At Onshi Hakone Park

Onshi Hakone Park is where the former Japanese imperial palace was located. 

Built in 1886, most buildings within the palace ground were destroyed by the major earthquakes in the 1920s and 1930s. 

Nevertheless, you can still find a small part of the imperial palace standing tall in Onshi Hakone Park. 

This last remaining palace building is known as the Lakeside Observation Building . 

Documents about Hakone Palace history and construction are kept and exhibited here for visitors to learn more. 

And once you are on its balcony of the second storey, you get to admire the scenic view of Lake Ashi with Mount Fuji as the backdrop. 

This beautiful park also has several walking trails for visitors to wander around enjoying the scenery of pretty flowers and trimmed plants. 

Onshi Hakone Park is best visited during spring and autumn too. 

The park attracts a large tourist crowd to enjoy cherry blossoms and autumn foliage when the respective season commences. 

Address: 171 Motohakone, Hakone, Ashigarashimo, Kanagawa, 250-0522, Japan

How To Get To Onshi Hakone Park

From Hakone Yumoto Station, take the Hakone Tozan bus (Line H) and alight at the Onshi-koen-mae bus stop. This takes about 45 minutes. 

5. Get On The Pirate-Shaped Hakone Sightseeing Cruise

An iconic symbol of Hakone, Lake Ashi was formed 3000 years ago after Mount Hakone’s volcano eruption.

Apart from visiting Onshi Hakone Park to enjoy the lake scenery, visitors typically sign up for Hakone sightseeing cruises where they can admire Lake Ashi views as they are transported across to Togendai Station. 

While you are on the cruise, you also have a chance to have a glimpse of the Hakone Shrine’s torii gate with Mount Fuji as the backdrop from afar. 

The view is spectacularly stunning, especially on clear days where the majestic mountain is not blocked by the clouds. 

Travel tip: It is not easy to have a clear view of Mount Fuji. The visibility of Mount Fuji is at its best during cold seasons either in the early morning or late afternoon. 

There are two companies in Hakone offering such sightseeing cruises to travellers; Hakone Sightseeing Boats and Izu Hakone Sightseeing Boats .

The more popular option is the cruise trips offered by Hakone Sightseeing Boats. That’s because Hakone Free Pass holders can board for free!

Boarding Address: 6-40 Motohakone, Hakone, Ashigarashimo-gun, Kanagawa 250-0522, Japan

Cruise Price: Free for Hakone Free Pass holders or US$10 (1050 yen)

Cruise Duration: 30 minutes

Operating Hours : 10 am-5 pm (Might change depending on the weather and season)

How To Get To Moto-Hakone Pier

To board the Hakone sightseeing cruise, make your way to Moto-Hakone pier. 

Take a 50-minute Tozan Bus (Line H) from Odawara to Moto-Hakone via Hakone-Yumoto. 

6. Admire Mount Fuji View On The Hakone Ropeway

Riding on the Hakone Ropeway is another unmissable thing to do when visiting Hakone for a day. 

This cable-car-like system has 4 stations; Togendai, Owakudani, Ubako, and Souzan . 

If you are getting on at Togendai Station, it takes about 25 minutes to reach the last station. 

Hakone Ropeway offers visitors another breathtaking angle to admire Mount Fuji, Lake Ashi, and the surrounding lush green mountains at higher altitudes. 

Address: 164 Moto-Hakone, Hakone-machi, Ashigarashimo-gun, Kanagawa-prefecture

Ticket Price: Free for Hakone Free Pass or US$7 one-way (740 yen) 

Operating Hours: 9 am-5 pm (February to November) and 9 am-4.15 pm (December to January)

How To Get On Hakone Ropeway

You need to get to Togendai Station first. This station is located adjacent to the pier of the Hakone sightseeing cruise across Lake Ashi. 

7. Enjoy Eating Black Eggs At Owakudani

Of course you can’t miss out on Owakudani from your day trip Hakone from Tokyo itinerary! 

This sulphuric valley was created about 3000 years ago due to a volcanic eruption. 

Thanks to this phenomenon, Owakudani offers a chance to visitors to experience the picturesque natural hot springs view and sulphurous fumes environment first-hand. 

Eating black eggs in Owakudani is also one of the top things to do in this volcanic area. 

These oddly coloured eggs are sold by the shop near Owakudani Station where the eggs are boiled in hot spring’s sulphuric water. 

With a taste like a typical hard-boiled egg, this unique delicacy is rumoured to extend one’s lifespan by 7 years !

Address: 1251 Sengokuhara, Hakone, Ashigarashimo-gun, Kanagawa-prefecture

Visiting Hours: 9 am-5 pm (February to November) and 9 am-4.15 pm (December to January)

How To Get To Owakudani

The nearest station to Owakudani is Owakudani Station. Take the Hakone Ropeway from Togendai Station before alighting at the next stop (16 minutes). 

You can also board the Hakone Ropeway from Souzan Station (8 minutes) if you are exploring the Hakone Loop in an anti-clockwise direction.  

8. Experience The Zen Vibe At Choanji Temple

You can find beautifully-preserved temples in almost every part of Japan, and that includes Hakone too. 

Though Choanji Temple is not as easily accessible as other highlights, this Buddhist temple makes a great stop for a short break from the bustling city life and to experience the zen vibes.

Built in 1365, you can find several scenic walking trails around Choanji Temple grounds. 

Travel tip: The autumn foliage scenery in Choanji Temple is absolutely spectacular and attracts large visitor crowds during the season in November .  

You can also expect to see over 200 Rakan (Buddhist disciples) statues with varying interesting expressions decorating the temple grounds.   

Most visitors spend some time wandering around and searching for similar facial expressions on the statues to theirs for fun before moving on to the next highlight.  

Address: 82 Sengokuhara, Hakone, Ashigarashimo District, Kanagawa 250-0631, Japan

How To Get To Choanji Temple

You can take Hakone Tozan Bus from Togendai and alight at the Sengoku bus stop. This takes 15 minutes. Then walk about 2 minutes before reaching the temple. 

9. Visit Hakone Open-Air Museum

A day trip from Tokyo to Hakone will not be complete with a visit to Hakone Open-Air Museum . 

This unique museum houses different types of indoor and outdoor art installations and sculptures. 

You can also find an exhibition hall dedicated to showing the artwork, sculptures, and ceramic works created by the renowned artist, Picasso . 

Another beautiful sculpture-like tower that is worth admiring in the Hakone Open-Air Museum is the Symphonic Sculpture . 

Visitors can walk up the spiral staircase of this symbolic sculpture to the viewing platform to enjoy the park scenery as well as the surrounding mountainous hills views. 

Address: 1121 Ninotaira, Hakone-machi, Ashigarashimo-gun, Kanagawa-prefecture  250-0493

Visiting Hours: 9 am-5 pm

Entrance Fee: US$13 (1400 yen) for Hakone Pass Holder or US$14 (1600 yen)

How To Get To Hakone Open-Air Museum

You can walk from Gora for 15 minutes to reach the museum. 

Alternatively, take Hakone Tozan Railway from Hakone-Yumoto to Chokoku No Mori Station (30-minute ride). Hakone Open-Air Museum is just next to this station. 

10. Admire The Stunning Artwork At Pola Museum of Art

Another museum in Hakone that you can include in your Hakone day trip is the Pola Museum of Art . 

This simplistic museum was opened by the famous cosmetic company, The Pola Group, to showcase the world-famous art exhibits collected by the former group owner, Suzuki Tsuneshi. 

These famous art exhibits include Monet’s, Picasso’s, and Renoir’s. 

Apart from these, you can also enjoy the lovely modern and contemporary sculptures, paintings, and ceramics works of Japanese and European artists in the Pola Museum of Art. 

Some of the art sculptures can be admired along its outdoor nature trail.  

Travel tip: The lush beech trees planted in front of the museum entrance are at least 300 years old. 

Address: 1285 Kozukayama, Sengokuhara, Hakone-machi, Ashigarashimo-gun, Kanagawa, 250-0631 Japan

Entrance Fee: US$14 (1600 yen) for Hakone Free Pass holder or US$16 (1800 yen)

How To Get To Pola Museum of Art

Take a 15-minute Hakone Tozan Bus ride  from Gora Station and alight at Pola Bijutsukan bus stop. 

11. Explore Lalique Museum

If you can’t get enough of visiting museums, you can add Lalique Museum to your to-visit list.  

This intriguing museum displays over 1500 glass objects and jewellery created by a famous French craftsman, René Lalique.

You can expect to find a French cuisine restaurant and a small garden within the museum grounds. 

Visitors can also opt for a high tea session in the stunning Orient Express wagon for the luxurious ambience. 

Address: 186-1 Sengokuhara, Hakonemachi,AshigaraShimo-gun, Kanagawa 250-0631, Japan

Visiting Hours: 9 am-4 pm

Entrance Fee: US$14 (1500 yen)

How To Get To Lalique Museum

From Hakone-Yumoto Station, take a 30-minute Hakone Tozan Bus ride towards Togendai and alight at Sengoku Annai-jo Mae. 

12. Create Your Own Arts At Gora Park

If you are inspired by the numerous art exhibits in the art museums of Hakone, you can easily create yours in Gora Park . 

This beautiful French-styled park is home to two lovely greenhouses, a fountain, a restaurant, a teahouse, and the Crafthouse.  

The Crafthouse offers several craft classes to visitors who are keen to learn new craft skills . 

Some available craft workshops include glassblowing, pottery, and dried flower arrangement. 

Even if these hands-on workshops are not your cup of tea, you can still have a stroll around Gora Park and enjoy its enchanting scenery. 

Address: 1300 Gora, Hakone-machi, Ashigarashimo-gun, Kanagawa 250-0408, Japan

Entrance Fee: Free for Hakone Free Pass Holder or US$5 (550 yen)

Workshop Fee: US$9 to US$44 (1000 yen to 5000 yen)

How To Get To Gora Park

You can walk from Gora Station to Gora Park within 5 minutes.  

13. Shop At Gotemba Premium Outlets

Want to have a shopping spree during your Tokyo to Hakone day trip? Make sure to head over to Gotemba Premium Outlets . 

This popular mall houses many designer brands stores, restaurants, a hotel, a Ferris wheel, and a public onsen. 

Over here, you can get cheaper priced luxury goods with a great view of Mount Fuji at the back.  

Address: 1312, Fukasawa Gotemba-Shi, Shizuoka, 412-0023, Japan

Operating Hours: 10 am-7 pm (March to November) or until 8 pm (December to February)

How To Get To Gotemba Premium Outlets

Take the Hakone Tozan bus (Lines L, M, or S)  from Gora Station to Gotemba Premium Outlets. It takes about 45 minutes to reach there. 

14. Have A Stroll Along Mishima Skywalk

Mishima Skywalk is perhaps a lesser-shared place on the internet when it comes to the Tokyo to Hakone day trip itinerary. 

Nevertheless, this suspension bridge has much to offer to visitors. 

Also the country’s longest pedestrian suspension bridge , Mishima Skywalk is a great place to admire the picturesque view of Mount Fuji and Suruga Bay surrounded by lush greenery that extends to as far as the eyes can see. 

Travel tip: The best time to enjoy the beautiful scenery at Mishima Skywalk is early morning or during sunset. 

Another thrilling way to admire the scenery is to sign up for its Long Zip Slide (glide for 300 metres suspended in the air) or other fun climbing activities.  

You can also find a cafe serving food made from local produce located near the stunning bridge. 

Some of the popular dishes to try are Mishima Curry and Mishima Croquette. 

Address: 313 Sasahara Shinden, Mishima City, Shizuoka Prefecture

Visiting Hours: 9 am – 5 pm (Depending on the weather conditions)

Entrance Fee: Adult US$9 (1000 yen)/ Free to US$5 (500 yen) for child

How To Get To Mishima Skywalk

From JR Mishima Station, take the Tokai Orange Shuttle Bus to Motohakone Port and stop at Mishima Skywalk station. This takes about 20 minutes. 

15. Visit Odawara Castle

If you are a fan of Japanese Castle, you will be glad to know that this lively town is home to Odawara Castle . 

With a history dating back to the 15th century, the current castle was reconstructed several times over the years due to wars and natural disasters.  

Nevertheless, the traditional castle architecture with a nostalgic vibe is still retained. The castle keep was rebuilt based on the Edo Period’s models. 

You can see the old samurai artefacts such as swords at the Samurai Museum located within Odawara Castle grounds. 

The castle also houses a Ninja Museum where visitors can join the ninja obstacle course and learn a thing or two about ninja culture. 

Odawara Castle is a great spot for hanami (cherry blossoms) watching among the locals in spring. 

So make sure not to miss out on Odawara Castle during your day trip in Hakone!

Address: Jonai, Odawara, Kanagawa 250-0014, Japan

Visiting Hours: 9 am – 5 pm

Entrance Fee: US$5 (510 yen)

How To Get To Odawara Castle 

Take a 10-minute walk from Odawara Station through Ohoribata Street to Odawara Castle.

16. Get Souvenirs At Hakone-Yumoto Shotengai

In Hakone, the best place to get some cheap souvenirs during Hakone day trips is at Hakone Yumoto Shotengai .

Travel tip: Shotengai refers to the covered shopping arcade.

At Hakone Yumoto Shotengai, you can find many everyday items, souvenirs, Japanese snacks, restaurants, and cafes sold and operated by local vendors. 

Some of the popular Hakone souvenirs to get are kamaboko (fish products) and Yosegi zaiku , a type of local woodcraft. 

Address: Shiroishi-shimo, Yumoto, Hakone Town, Ashigarashimo District, Kanagawa

Operating Hours: Varies depending on stores (Typically from 8.45 am to 5.30 pm) 

How To Get To Hakone-Yumoto Shotengai

Hakone-Yumoto Shotengai is a few minute-walk from Hakone-Yumoto Station. 

17. Have A Dip At Local Onsen

If you are planning to overnight at Hakone, make sure to go for a dip at the local onsen before calling it a day. 

Some of the onsens are infused with a variety of interesting items, such as red wine, green tea, Japanese sake, and so much more. 

Here are some of the recommended onsens to get to in Hakone: 

• Kohan-no-yu

This relaxing session comes in handy to wind down and rest after exploring this beautiful town during the day. 

Travel tip: Make sure to check out the onsen’s policy on visitors’ tattoos before heading over. Some onsens deny entry to any inked visitor. 

And that’s the wrap! I hope you will have a blast on your day trip to Hakone.

Getting From Tokyo To Hakone

There are several ways to get from Tokyo to Hakone, depending on whether you have the JR pass with you. 

Regardless of which method you pick, the typical sequence is that you will have to travel from Tokyo to Odawara before getting to Hakone-Yumoto Station to kick start the Hakone Loop circuit. 

With JR Pass

If you have already activated your JR pass, you can board the JR train from Tokyo Station to Odawara . This will only take about 35 to 40 minutes. 

Upon reaching Odawara Station, you can get the Hakone Free Pass ticket for US$44 (5000 yen). 

From there, you can board the Hakone Tozan Train to Hakone-Yumoto Station. 

Note: This ticket does not include the round trip between Shinjuku and Odawara. 

Planning to visit to several Japanese cities during your vacation? JR Pass is the most convenient, fast, and wallet-friendly way to do so.

Without JR Pass

Though utilising the JR Pass to get from Tokyo to Odawara is easier and time-saving, you can still get there without one. 

Here are some other alternatives for day trip Hakone from Tokyo travel and respective tickets to get:

• Buy a Hakone Free Pass for US$54 (6100 yen) that includes a round trip from Tokyo’s Shinjuku Station to Odawara Station on the Odakyu Line. The duration is about 1.5 hours. 

Note: The train on this line is the typical commuter train so it can be crowded at times with limited seats.

• If you want to travel comfortably and at a shorter time , you can consider getting on the Romancecar train . 

The train will stop directly at Hakone-Yumoto Station and the whole journey takes about 75 minutes. 

This Romancecar seat will cost an additional US$10 (1100 yen) one-way on top of the Hakone Free Pass ticket. 

Note: You will need to make a reservation online for a Romancecar seat or get it at Shinjuku Station at Odakyu Railway.

For easy comparison, check out this pricing table on different travel methods from Tokyo to Hakone: 

Note: The Hakone Free Pass pricing listed here is for a 2-Day pass only. The figure shown is a rough estimate only.

Getting Around Hakone

Hakone free pass.

Hakone Free Pass is a great way to explore around Hakone at a discounted price , especially for budget travellers. 

This travel pass allows visitors to take unlimited rides on the 5 main transportation modes (buses, trains, ropeways, boats, and cable cars) in Hakone. 

So instead of queuing to purchase different transportation tickets, you can just show the Hakone Free Pass to the drivers before alighting. 

This makes travelling around Hakone so convenient and saves lots of time too!  

About 50 attractions in Hakone can also be entered for free or at a discounted price for Hakone Free Pass holders. 

Travel tip: You can always look for the sticker pasted on the buildings’ doors if they are the participants of this program. 

Types Of Hakone Free Pass

There are 2 types of Hakone Free Pass to choose from; 2-Day and 3-Day. 

There is no day trip Hakone Free Pass ticket available, so your best bet will be the 2-Day pass .  

Where To Buy Hakone Free Pass

Unlike a train ticket, Hakone Free Pass is not easily obtainable from the typical ticketing machines in every train station. 

You can only get the Hakone Free Pass at Odakyu Sightseeing Centres at:

• Shinjuku Station
• Odawara Station
• Hakone-Yumoto Station

Or the stations on the Odakyu Lines. 

However, the queue at these counters can be long at times especially on weekends and peak seasons and ultimately greatly affects your Hakone arrival time. 

To skip the queue, you can buy the Hakone Free Pass conveniently online at Klook . The online ticket price is also way cheaper than those at the ticketing counter. 

Save time and money? That is so totally for me and I hope that is for you too! 

After you have bought the Hakone Free Pass online, you can visit the Odakyu Sightseeing Centre to collect the ticket up to 7 days in advance. It is that convenient.  

Get your Hakone Free Pass online at Klook at a cheaper price and queue-free!

Hakone Loop

Hakone Loop refers to the Hakone travel circuit where visitors can follow easily and visit most of the major highlights within 1 day. 

There are 5 different transportation modes involved to make this day trip Hakone Loop a success one:

• train, 
• boat, 
• ropeway, 
• and cable car. 

This loop is typically done in an anti-clockwise direction where both the starting and ending point is  Hakone-Yumoto Station.  

Travel tip: Most visitors visit the attractions in the anti-clockwise direction and hence it can get touristy. 

Below is the typical order of transportation used based on the anti-clockwise direction of Hakone Loop: 

• Odawara to Hakone-Yumoto Station and to Gora (Hakone Tozan Train)
• Gora to Sounzan (Hakone Tozan Cable Car)
• Sounzan to Owakudani and to Togendai (Hakone Ropeway)
• Togendai to Hakone-machi or Moto-hakone (Hakone Boat across Lake Ashi)
• Hakone-Yumoto to Odawara (Hakone Tozan Bus)

Nevertheless, you can choose to run the Hakone Loop in the clockwise direction or start from any point in Hakone. 

And regardless of which route you take, you can expect to complete the round course within 8 hours and head back to Tokyo directly after the day trip Tokyo to Hakone concludes. 

But if you have extra time and spend the night in Hakone, the best way to end the day is by pampering yourself for an onsen session!

Note: This article follows the clockwise direction of Hakone Loop. 

Additional Places To Go In Hakone

Pampas grass field.

Pampas Grass Field covers the base of Mount Hakone for more than a hundred metres long. 

Most visitors visit this beautiful grass field during autumn when the pampas grass turns a whitish golden colour offering stunning scenery.

Nevertheless, Pampas Grass Field is picturesque at any time of the year. 

The field changes colour according to the season which is charming in its own way; bright green in early summer to yellowish-green in late summer and brown in winter. 

There is a clear walking path for visitors to stroll along admiring the vast grass field from the entrance point to the other end. 

So if you are looking for ample photo opportunities on your day trip to Hakone from Tokyo, make sure to head over to Pampas Grass Field!

Travel tip: It is recommended to stay on the path and not to stray into the field for your safety.   

Address: Sengokuhara, Hakone, Ashigarashimo District, Kanagawa 250-0631, Japan

How To Get To Pampas Grass Field

You can take Hakone Tozan Bus from Togendai Station and alight at the Sengoku Kogen bus stop. The duration is about 5 minutes. 

Hakone Travel Pass: Covered

How Many Days Do You Need In Hakone

You can explore Hakone and visit all the main attractions by following the Hakone Loop circuit within a day . 

But if you prefer to explore this lovely onsen town at your own pace or plan for a long hike, it is recommended to stay in Hakone for at least 2 days. 

Where To Stay In Hakone

Depending on your budget, here are some recommended places to stay in Hakone if you decide to stay for the night: 

• Budget: K’s House Hostels , Hakone Hostel 1914
• Mid-range: Rohen Resort & Lounge , Yumoto Station Hotel
• Luxury: Hakone Onsen Sanso Nakamura , Hakone Lake Hotel
• Ryokan: Hakone Kowakien Tenyu , Gyokutei

Travel tip: Fancy staying in a ryokan and enjoying the privacy soaking in your own onsen without sharing the bath with strangers? Oh yes I’m talking to you, anti-nudists!

Check out my detailed article on the best ryokan with private onsen in Hakone to book for your upcoming vacation!

What To Eat In Hakone

Here are Hakone’s specialities that you should not miss during your Hakone day trip: 

Kuro-Tamago (Black eggs)

This unique delicacy is a must-get snack when you are at Owakudani . 

Kuro-tamago is prepared by boiling the eggs in Owakudani’s hot spring at 2 varying temperatures and durations. 

The black colour of the shells is owed to the chemical reaction between the minerals and water. 

Kuro-tamago tastes just like a typical boiled egg and legend has it that consumption of an egg can help to extend one’s lifespan by 7 years!

Kamaboko is made of fresh fish paste and is usually eaten as snacks or with soup. 

You can find many variations and colours of kamaboko in Hakone, where white and pink coloured are the most common ones. 

Travel tip: These two colours are associated with good luck. 

The best place to try and buy kamaboko is at Hakone-Yumoto Shotengai . Some vendors offer free samples to travellers so that they can try and buy as souvenirs for people back home. 

Wakasagi (Pond smelt)

Wakasagi is found in Hakone’s Lake Ashi and it is a popular delicacy among the locals. 

In Hakone, the most common method to cook wakasagi is by deep-frying and soft boiling. 

This simple fish dish is best paired with white rice and sweet soy sauce. 

You can indulge in wakasagi at the restaurants near Lake Ashi after the cruise and continue admiring the scenic lake view while eating. 

Unique Tips When Visiting Hakone

Here are some helpful tips to know for a better travel experience to Hakone day trip from Tokyo: 

Visit Hakone On Weekdays Or Off-Season

Hakone is highly visited by the Tokyo urbanites on weekends for a short getaway from the bustling metropolitan. 

So the best time to visit Hakone without massive crowds is on weekdays or during off season. 

Get To Hakone Early From Tokyo

Depending on which transportation mode you take to get to Hakone from Tokyo, it is always advisable to leave for this beautiful onsen resort early in the morning. 

This is especially for Hakone day trip travellers who want to visit every major highlight of Hakone before the last train for Tokyo leaves.

Therefore, it is recommended to reach Hakone within 8.30 am to 9.30 am so that you can check out the places at your pace without rushing around too much. 

Visit Hakone Shrine Early Morning Or Late Afternoon

Hakone Shrine is one of the main tourist attractions in Hakone thanks to its floating torii gate facing Lake Ashi. 

If you are not a big fan of queuing for photoshoots, you can visit the shrine either in the early morning or late afternoon to skip the crowd. 

Travel tip: You may need to wait in line for an hour just to take pictures of the torii gate with dazzling Lake Ashi and lush green mountains as the backdrop.  

Wear Mask At Owakudani

Owakudani is an active volcano valley that emits sulphuric fumes constantly. 

The acidic fumes might be too strong for some visitors so it is best to bring along a mask to cover your nose before visiting this picturesque valley.  

Wear Comfortable Walking Shoes

Though you can easily get from one place to the other via the various transportation modes in Hakone, there is still some walking involved. 

Hence, make sure you are in your comfortable walking shoes so that you have a pleasant and memorable day trip Hakone from Tokyo.

FAQ: Day Trip To Hakone From Tokyo

How long is the train ride from tokyo to hakone.

You can conveniently reach Hakone from Tokyo by train within 1.5 to 2 hours. 

And hence, Hakone is typically popular among the urbanites for a short, relaxing getaway during the weekends.

Can you do a day trip to Hakone from Tokyo?

This is what this detailed article is about—a day trip from Tokyo to Hakone!

You can leave the metropolitan city in the early morning by train for a thrilling Hakone day trip. 

Once you reach Hakone, you can expect to spend around 6 to 8 hours visiting its main attraction before boarding the last train back to Tokyo. 

Should I stay overnight in Hakone?

A big yes for that—especially if you want to explore Hakone at a slower pace. You can end your first day in Hakone by having a relaxing dip in the onsen at night. 

The next morning you can still visit other beautiful Hakone highlights before going back to Tokyo. 

Day Trip To Hakone From Tokyo: Conclusion

So there you go—the many fun-filled things to do for a day trip to Hakone from Tokyo that you will not be disappointed with!

Generally, it is easy to get to the major highlights around Hakone thanks to its variety of public transportation systems. And you will never go wrong with a Hakone Free Pass. 

Are there any other things to do in Hakone that I did not include in this article? Please share them with me—I would really love to hear from you.

Or if you are planning a Tokyo Hakone day trip, make sure to save this article for future easy reference and not to forget to share it with your travel buddies!

More Articles:

• Best 16 Kyoto Food Tours (For Delicious Feasts!)
• Best 12 Bike Tours In Kyoto In 2023 (+E-Bike Options!)
• Top 23 Snacks In Japan To Try (And Where To Get Them)
• Tokyo Treat Review In 2023: A Quick Read (100% Unbiased)
• Takayama in Winter: All You Need To Know (2023 Guide)
• Top 15 Instagrammable Places In Kyoto You Should Not Miss

Sam Lee, founder of Sam Lee Travel, is a seasoned traveler with over 10 years of experience exploring various Asian countries. Having lived in Singapore for almost a decade, Sam has developed a deep understanding of the culture, customs, and attractions in the region.

With a passion for outdoor travel adventures and water sports, Sam has helped over 25K readers per month plan their trips around Asia, including off-the-beaten-path destinations, offering helpful travel tips and unfiltered personal travel experience.

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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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Would you eat a black egg? Visiting Hakone’s Boiling Valley.

• By Sarah Steiner
• Updated On March 22, 2024

Visiting Hakone on a day trip from Tokyo is one of the most popular day-trips in Japan.  It’s relatively easy to make the trip independently (once you have grasped the Tokyo rail systems at least somewhat) and is an interesting adventure for a day in Japan. 

The Hakone area is famed for its abundant nature and hot-springs, and thus its popularity extends to both Japanese and international tourists.  And plus, its only two hours from Tokyo. 

On our first visit to Tokyo we only had a few days to spare, so a day trip to Hakone was perfect for our schedule.  Here’s everything you need to know to make for a smooth day trip in Japan. 

The Great Boiling Valley in Hakone

The whole region of Hakone is a hot spring hotspot; hence the attraction for tourists to the many onsen and hot spring baths in the area.  However, the must-see attraction in the Hakone area is a visit to Owakudani (the Great Boiling Valley).  

Owakudani is a volcanic valley formed over 3000 years ago. It is a famous sightseeing spot in Japan where you can see geothermal and thermal volcanic activity from a safe distance. And from a gondola that goes right up the side of the mountain! 

Most of the hot springs in Hakone actually receive their thermal spring water from Owakaduni. So it is an interesting and important sight for this region of Japan. 

The Valley Gondola 

The Hakone Ropeway is a sightseeing gondola in Hakone.  The ropeway is split into three sections, starting from Sounzan Station (which connects with the main train from Odawara via a few stops and changes).  

The most popular route on the gondola runs between Sounzan Station and Owakudani.  But it is possible to take the ropeway further; changing cars at Owakudani. 

A trip on the gondola between the four stations does not take long: 

• Sounzan Sta. – Owakudani Sta. – 8 minutes
• Owakudani Sta. – Ubako Sta. – 8 minutes
• Ubako Sta. – Togendai Sta. – 8 minutes

But the main site to see in the Great Boiling Valley is the first gondola stop at Owakudani. 

Note: It’s specified on the Hakone Ropeway website and at the gondola station, that making the journey up the Great Boiling Valley is not recommended for certain people. Due to the influence of the volcanic gases, the ropeway is not recommended for persons with allergic asthma, bronchial disease and others in poor physical condition.

Check the finer details for health specifications here .

Hakone Black Eggs

Once you reach the top of Owakudani and alight at the station, there are several café options for lunch and refreshments. However, the most important thing to try about visiting Hakone is the areas signature black eggs.  These eggs have been cooked in the steaming mineral-laden water from the thermal hot springs. 

And apparently, these thermal black eggs can add years to your life by eating them. 

The eggs are in fact ordinary chicken eggs (nothing more sinister, I’m fairly sure) but the shells turn black due to being boiled in the sulfuric springs.  Signposts confirm the local traditions that depict for each egg eaten, seven years is added to your life… 

The eggs are for sale at  Kurotamogo House  overlooking the valley.  Five black eggs cost 500 JPY including tax. 

Hakone Geo Museum 

Right next to the Owakudani Station is the Hakone Geo Museum, split in to two main areas. There is a free information zone and a Geo Hall of exhibits. Entrance to the Geo Hall costs 100 JPY including tax.  

We found the free information zone interesting for a wander around. Signs and information at the museum is largely documented in English and Japanese. 

How to get to Hakone on a day-trip from Tokyo

This, is the fun part!   In all seriousness, it can be overwhelming contemplating how to change from subways and over rails in Tokyo, to bullet trains and gondolas out in rural Japan.  But don’t worry; we’ve got you covered. (Remember, we’re from New Zealand where we don’t have many trains and certainly non that travel at the speed of a bullet; or underground!). 

The end goal of the trip to ride the gondola up to Owadakuni. And the journey to get there is best broken down into steps. 

The following is the easiest (and least stressful) method that we found.  

• All tickets for these trains can be purchased at the station on the day of visiting.

(If you are planning ahead and want to pre-book, there is a direct train from Shinjuku Station to Hakone called the  Romancecar . Details can be found on the Hakone website). 

The first step is to get from Tokyo to Odawara.  And in order to do that, you need to get to Tokyo’s Shinjuku Station. 

Metro: To Shinjuku Station

Take the Tokyo Metro to Shinjuku Station.  Shinjuku Station is Tokyo’s busiest station, and actually the busiest station in the world! (An extra cool reason to visit and start your trip from here). 

Purchase a ticket at Shinjuku for the Odakyu Line to Odawara. 

Train: Shinjuku Station to Odawara

Odawara is located at the east of Hakone Region, and is known as the gateway for guests coming from Tokyo to Hakone.  Odawara station is directly accessible from Shinjuku in Tokyo. 

Take the Odakyu line from Shinjuku Station. The Rapid Express takes between 90 – 100 minutes.

Train: Odawara to Hakone-Yumoto and Gora

The Hakone Tozan Railway that runs between Odawara and Gora is Japan’s oldest mountain railway.  Small trains wind through narrow, densely wooded valleys and over many bridges and tunnels.  The train stops at small stations along the way, and changes directions at three major switchbacks. 

Transfer at Odawara Station onto the Hakone-Tozan line.   

This section of the journey is also split into two parts:

• Odawara to Hakone-Yumoto:  This section is served by Odakyu trains and only takes about 15 minutes.
• Hakone-Yumoto to Gora:  This is the most beautiful track of the journey. Part of the track is especially beautiful (and popular) in June and July when thousands of hydrangea flowers bloom.  Trains run every 10 to 20 minutes between Hakone-Yumoto and Gora and the ride takes 35 minutes. A one-way fare is 410 JPY (or covered by the Hakone Free Pass if you are traveling on that). 

Cable Car: Gora to Sounzan 

This is the last piece of the journey to reach the Great Boiling Valley and your gondola ride.  Sounzan Station (the start of the gondola) at the ropeway’s eastern end can be reached in a short cable-car ride from Gora. 

Gondola: Sounzan to Owakudani 

And this is the final leg by gondola up over the incredible Boiling Valley to Owakudani.  There is the option to go further from Owakudani onwards by gondola, and you can purchase tickets from Sounzan Station. However, we found the Boiling Valley interesting (and the journey to get there sufficient!) and were well satisfied with a couple of black eggs and the chance to relax and take it all in. (Along with adding those seven years to our lives in doing so!). 

The verdict?

It is a big day out; but I would do it all again. Making a day trip to Hakone is a cool adventure from Tokyo.  And, as complicated as it looks with multiple stops and different modes of transport – gondola, metro, over-rail train and cable car – it is well signposted, and the stations are set up for easy transfers. 

So go eat some black eggs! And – don’t forget to stop by and let us know how many extra years you managed to add to your life… 🙂

More useful links for your travels in East Asia and beyond…

These are the companies we use while traveling fulltime as a family and that we would recommend to anyone planning and booking travel. 

• Booking.com  – The best all-around accommodation booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates. They have the widest selection of budget accommodation and it’s easy to filter and sort into price and availability with all the extras you are looking for personally. 
• Hostelworld – The largest inventory of hostel accommodation in the world. 
• Skyscanner   – This is by far our favourite flight search engine. They are able to search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites often miss. We book all our flights through Skyscanner.  
• GetYourGuide – Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions offered all around the world including everything from walking tours, to street-food tours, cooking classes, desert safari’s and more!
• SafetyWing  – A global travel insurance that covers people from all over the world while outside their home country. You can buy it short or longterm; and even if you are out of the country. 
• World Nomads   – Travel insurance tailored for longterm travel and nomads (including those who have already left home). 

Read more about travel in East Asia

• The ultimate travel guide for Japan with kids.
• Fushimi Inari Shrine: Walking up Mount Inari.
• Taiwan with kids: A complete Travel Guide.
• Visiting Taroko Gorge, Taiwan.
• Taiwanese food: The real deal traveling in Taiwan.
• Visiting Busan’s Jagalchi Market, South Korea.
• Hong Kong: Mount Davis (accidentally) and the Monster Building.

Wondering about itineraries?  Questions about schooling?  See our Family Travel Guides and FAQ here . 

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2 thoughts on “Would you eat a black egg? Visiting Hakone’s Boiling Valley.”

Thank you very much for the useful information, I was confused according to Google, but now I believe that I will reach the destination and finally see The Great Boiling Valley in Hakone 🙂

Hi Monika that’s great. Have a fantastic time in Japan!

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Classic day trip to Hakone from Tokyo

Using the new digital version of the Hakone Freepass

When looking for a quick and easy getaway from Tokyo, Hakone is a popular choice amongst residents of Tokyo thanks to its proximity and ease of access from the metropolis as well as for its abundant nature, views of Mount Fuji, hot springs and museums. There is plenty to see and do in the scenic town of Hakone with something for everyone from the young to the old.

Odakyu Romancecar directly connects central Tokyo to Hakone in approximately 80 minutes, and a classic tour of Hakone is a round course which can be completed as a day trip. This round course starts and ends at Hakone-Yumoto Station, the entrance to Hakone, and is easily completed by public transportation. In this article, I will be going on a day trip to Hakone from Tokyo, visiting some of the major sightseeing spots in the area, all by public transportation.

A convenient and useful pass to get when touring Hakone is the Hakone Freepass , a discount pass offered by Odakyu Electric Railway. The pass allows for a round trip from a station on the Odakyu Line, including Shinjuku in central Tokyo, and unlimited travel on all Odakyu-affiliated buses, trains, ropeways, cable cars and ships in the Hakone area for two or three consecutive days. The pass can be purchased at ticket counters and ticket machines, or ticketless in digital form online on your smartphone.

The process of purchasing a Digital Hakone Freepass is quick and easy. Simply access the Odakyu Electric Railway website on your smartphone, select the Hakone Freepass and purchase the pass with a credit card. Afterwards, just show the ticket on your smartphone to the staff at the ticket gates. Some of the benefits of purchasing a digital pass compared to a physical ticket include being able to purchase the ticket anytime and anywhere before your trip, and not worrying about losing the pass.

For my day trip to Hakone, I purchased a Digital Hakone Freepass, which I breezed through. I started my journey from Shinjuku Station in central Tokyo and took the Limited Express Romancecar on the Odakyu Line which requires an additional limited express ticket, to Hakone-Yumoto Station.

My day out in Hakone started with an approximately 30 minute bus ride from Hakone-Yumoto Station to Amazake Chaya , a traditional teahouse which has been family run since it was established about 400 years ago. The tea house is located along the old Tokaido, Japan's most important highway during the feudal times connecting Tokyo - then known as Edo - with Kyoto along the Pacific Coast, and has been offering tired travelers a place to take a break, have some food and drink for centuries.

A drink not to be missed is amazake, the namesake of the tea house. Amazake is a non-alcoholic, sugar-free drink made from rice which was fermented with koji yeast. The naturally sweet and nutritious drink can be drunk hot or cold, and would have nourished many tired travelers over the centuries. I ordered amazake and a small snack for sustenance in preparation for the next leg of my trip, walking part of the old Tokaido.

As mentioned earlier, the old Tokaido was Japan's most important highway during the feudal period, and two checkpoints were built to control traffic along the road. Hakone was one of these two checkpoints overseeing traffic in and out of Edo. Parts of the old Tokaido road have been preserved and the portions near Amazake Chaya is one of them.

My walk on the old Tokaido started from Amazake Chaya and led about 1.5 kilometers west towards Lake Ashi, which took me about 50 minutes. There were slightly steep inclines along the way, but it was nothing too strenuous and can be completed comfortably by those of average fitness. The preserved cobblestone path is flanked by tall trees, and I imagined that the view I saw must have been the same sight that travelers of the past saw. The old Tokaido road continues along the lakeshore towards the Hakone Checkpoint, but my walk ended in the small lakeside town of Moto-Hakone.

Moto-Hakone is where some of the best views of Mount Fuji in Hakone can be had when visibility is good. Additionally, sightseeing cruises depart from the Motohakone-ko pier, and the atmospheric Hakone-jinja Shrine is a short walk along the shores of Lake Ashi.

I continued on foot towards Hakone-jinja Shrine after arriving at Lake Ashi in Moto-Hakone, and went to the large torii gate that stands in the waters of the lake first. An image of the torii gate in the water together with Mount Fuji in the background make for an iconic image of Hakone, but alas, Mount Fuji remained hidden behind the clouds when I was there.

Located in the woods and surrounded by tall trees, Hakone-jinja Shrine is an oasis of calm and serenity. I made my way up the flights of stairs from the torii gate in the water to the main shrine building to pay my respects before going to the pier to catch a sightseeing cruise.

A fun mode of transport in Hakone is the Hakone Sightseeing Cruise , in which a few different types of pirate ships sail the waters of Lake Ashi. I boarded a pirate ship at Motohakone-ko and arrived in Togendai-ko approximately 30 minutes later. The cruise is fully covered by the Hakone Freepass, and was an entertaining ride across the lake. At Togendai-ko, I transferred from the boat to the ropeway to get to Owakudani.

Owakudani is a volcanically active spot in Hakone that was formed over 3000 years ago when Mount Hakone erupted. Today, the area is a popular tourist attraction in Hakone where visitors can see volcanic landscape like smoking vents and boiling pools. Owakudani is also a nice place to view Mount Fuji when visibility is clear, like at Moto-Hakone. Owakudani is one of the major sources of the hot spring waters in Hakone, and its waters are piped from there to the various hot spring facilities.

In addition to seeing the volcanic landscape, Owakudani is famous for its black eggs - chicken eggs whose shells turn black from being cooked in the sulfuric pools. The black eggs are sold in packs of five, and eating one egg is said to extend your life by seven years. If eating eggs are not your kind of thing, other "black" foods at Owakudani include black curry, which I heard is quite delicious, black ramen, in which the noodles are black, and black soft serve ice cream which is made with bamboo charcoal. I couldn't help but go for the black ice cream before leaving the area.

Continuing on my day trip, I got back on the ropeway, transferred to the cable car, then finally the train to get to the Hakone Open-Air Museum . The museum is one of the first outdoor muesums in Japan, and the spacious grounds contain a large variety of sculptures, installations and paintings in both indoor and outdoor exhibition areas. One of the missions of the museum is for visitors to enjoy and experience art in nature, and I had a lovely time walking in the wide lawns enjoying art alongside the colors of the season.

A visit to the Hakone Open-Air Museum typically takes about two to three hours, but I have been told that it is not unheard of for some to spend an entire day just at the museum and taking in all the sights leisurely. After spending some time at the museum, it was time to start winding down my day. I got back on the train and made my way back to Hakone-Yumoto Station, from where it was a three minute free shuttle bus ride to Hakone Yuryo.

Hakone Yuryo is a day visit hot spring facility, which has both public and private baths. Having gone for a nice hearty walk in the morning and seeing one of Hakone's hot spring sources at Owakudani, going for a bath at Hakone Yuryo felt like a nice and deserving way to wind down. It was so relaxing to soak in a hot spring bath after a whole day out, and I felt recharged and refreshed after that.

As I had a bit of time before my train back to Tokyo, I took the opportunity to check out the local souvenirs in the shopping street beside the station. I had a great day out visiting the major sightseeing spots in Hakone, and I was already planning another trip back, an overnight one perhaps, as I left Hakone.

Hakone can be accessed from Shinjuku Station in central Tokyo, and Hakone-Yumoto Station is one of the area's main transportation hub. Regular trains make the journey between Shinjuku and Hakone-Yumoto in about two hours, and a transfer at Odawara Station is required. The Limited Express Romancecar provides a direct route between the two stations in about 80 minutes, but note that an additional limited express ticket is required which is not covered by the Hakone Freepass.

Within Hakone, a network of buses, trains, ships, ropeways and cable cars provide access to many of the sightseeing attractions. The modes of transport taken in this article are fully covered by the Hakone Freepass.

The Hakone Freepass is a discount pass offered by Odakyu Electric Railway. The pass allows for a round trip from a station on the Odakyu Line, including Shinjuku in central Tokyo, and unlimited travel on all Odakyu-affiliated buses, trains, ropeways, cable cars and ships in the Hakone area for two or three consecutive days. The pass can be purchased at ticket counters and ticket machines, or ticketless in digital form online on your smartphone.

The process of purchasing a Digital Hakone Freepass is quick and easy. Simply access the Odakyu Electric Railway website on your smartphone, select the Hakone Freepass and purchase the pass with a credit card. Afterwards, just show the ticket on your smartphone to the staff at the ticket gates.

• Hakone Freepass - Official website about the Hakone Freepass

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Asia , Japan

Day trip to hakone from tokyo.

Last updated on May 18th, 2020 at 01:16 pm

During our week long trip to Tokyo, we were only able to take one day trip. We decided to spend one day visiting Hakone, because we wanted to see Mount Fuji. If you are interested in taking a day trip to Hakone from Tokyo, here is everything you need to know. 

Table of Contents

Why take a day trip to Hakone?

Hakone is in the Kanagawa Prefecture of Japan, surrounded by the mountains of Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. The town is known for its glorious views of Mount Fuji over Lake Ashi, as well as its onsen hot springs, Hakone Shinto Shrine, and sulfur springs of Owakudani Valley.

Hakone is about an hour and a half (depending on method of transportation) outside of Tokyo, which makes it an easy day trip or weekend getaway for tourists and locals. There is much to do in Hakone and it is a breath-taking place to visit.

When to Visit Hakone

The busiest months to visit Hakone are January, March, and April. Luckily, we went in January. I honestly do not recommend going during this time of year, at least not around New Year’s. There were so many people it didn’t feel worth it, although perhaps if we had more time it would have been better.

REad More: The Best Tokyo Itinerary

The spring is busy due to cherry blossom season, but can be rainy. Summer is the slow season in Hakone, with warm temperatures, humidity and fewer tourists. Fall can be slow as well and brings colorful foliage and snow towards the end of the season. The winter brings temperatures between 51°F and 59°F, but still sees a large amount of tourists.

Mount Fuji, one of the many reasons to visit Hakone, is not always visible due to cloud cover. The best time of year to see the famous volcano is during the winter months, specifically December and January. This is why we decided to visit Hakone during our trip to Tokyo over New Year’s. April through August usually has the worst visibility.

Hakone has much to offer any season of the year. If you are planning a trip to Hakone, avoid visiting over the weekend. Determine the best season for your visit based on what Hakone has to offer at that time of year, whether its views of Mount Fuji, the cherry blossoms, or fall colors.

Hakone Freepass

You can purchase the Hakone Freepass for your visit to Hakone, which I highly recommend because it allows you access to the sightseeing cruise across Lake Ashi, the ropeway, and the cable cars so you can see Mount Fuji better. During our visit, the Hakone Tozan Train line was out of order, so that section of the trip was replaced with buses. Check the status of the construction here . 

The Hakone Free Pass is 5700 yen for adults and must be purchased at an Odakyu Sightseeing Service Center or from a ticket vending machine at Shinjuku Station.

How to take a day trip to Hakone from Tokyo

If you have the JR Rail Pass, you can board the Shinkansen train in Tokyo going to Odawara Station and transfer to the Hakone Tozan Railway line (or a replacement bus). This is the fastest option but only really makes sense if you are visiting several different cities in Japan and are already planning on getting the JR Rail Pass.

If you have the Hakone Free Pass, you can board any trains going to Hakone from Shinjuku Station except the Romance Car, which involves purchasing an extra ticket. The Romance Car is only 1100 yen extra and this is worth it in my opinion because on the Romance Car you have your own seat, food and drink are allowed, and there are restrooms. It is also more obvious which train is the correct train, if you are like me and are easily confused about transportation in different countries. The train we ended up taking was standing room only for the majority of the ride, which was not enjoyable. 

Once at the Hakone-Yumoto station, it was necessary to wait in line to transfer to a bus, which then took us to Hakone. Once the construction is complete, you would transfer to the Hakone Tozan Railway line to get to Hakone. It ultimately took us four hours to arrive in Motohakone due to the line for the bus and a relay race that caused traffic to be horrible.

One Day in Hakone

Lunch in hakone.

Once we finally arrived, we were starving. We ate some delicious dipping soba noodles and tempura at Shinsho Soba . The soft cream here looked amazing, so I recommend trying some. Instead I went for the matcha flavor they had next door, but I could tell I had made the wrong choice. 

Read mOre: 25 Things you need to eat in tokyo

Hakone-jinja shrine.

The Hakone-jinja Shrine is a very popular spot for good reason. We visited the Shinto shrine, but it was packed because the Japanese people were doing Hatsumōde, the first shrine visit of the year.

We also tried waiting in line for Hakone Jinjya Heiwa-no-Torii and after waiting for 45 minutes in line and still having a fourth of the line left, we gave up so we wouldn’t miss our boat across Lake Ashi.

The trip across Lake Ashi that is included in the Hakone Free Pass is a Pirate Ship, which is very fun but can make it difficult to get pictures without the ship in them. The views were incredible. This was my favorite part of our visit to Hakone. 

Hakone Ropeway

The boat trip takes about 30 minutes. They deboard at Togendai-ko, where you must catch the ropeway or return on the pirate ship. The ropeway takes you over Ōwakudani , a volcanic valley with active vents that release volcanic gas. Many of the components of this volcanic gas are toxic and can be dangerous for people with preexisting conditions. Please read more here to determine if the ropeway is a good choice for you. The ropeway provides breathtaking views of Mount Fuji, Lake Ashi, as well as the volcanic valley.

It is possible to get off at Owakudani, where you can eat a black hard-boiled egg ( Kuro-tamago) boiled in the volcanic hot springs, which is supposed to increase your life by seven years. Unfortunately, all the delays we had experienced were catching up with us and we had to board the next ropeway immediately before they closed.

At the end of the ropeway is usually the cable car, but as the Tozan Line was under construction, we had to wait in more lines to return on the bus. This part of the trip also took forever because of traffic, although I am not sure what was causing it at that point. We then transferred to the Hakone Tozan Train to return to Hakone-Yumoto.

Other Things to do in Hakone

Japanese onsen.

Hakone is famous for its Japanese onsen, or natural hot springs, that are heated from Mount Hakone, an active volcano. There are many hotels in the area that offer access to a Japanese onsen. However, traditional onsens do not permit swimsuits. If you are just visiting for the day, or you prefer to wear your swimsuit, Yunessun Hot Springs has a day pass option where you can experience their many hot springs, some more traditional than others.

Hakone is a beautiful, mountainous town, which makes hiking a ready and available activity to enjoy during your visit. Hiking around Hakone in the fall, with the leaves changing color, sounds amazing. Tokaido Road is a good option because it is not too difficult and has a historic significance. During the Edo period, from 1603 to 1868, this trail linked Kyoto and Tokyo and many traveled along the path. The current trail begins at Motohakone and ends at Hakone-Yumoto, with a small section near Moto-Hakone remaining paved with stones. There is also a traditional rest house, Amazake-chaya , that people still frequent when traveling along Tokaido Road. At this rest stop you can try amazake, a rice drink, and mochi while you rest your feet.

There are many other trails to explore around Hakone, depending on the desired difficulty and sights. There are several waterfalls in the area as well, which could be visited by hiking or using the Hakone Freepass to take the bus.

Hakone Open Air Museum

The Hakone Open Air Museum is an outdoor museum featuring sculptures and works of art from Picasso, Henry Moore, as well as many Japanese artists. There is also an indoor section of the museum featuring sculptures. Wander the gardens of the museum and observe the works of art against the backdrop of Hakone’s beautiful mountain scenery. If museums interest you, Hakone has several other museums you can check out as well.

Should you take a day trip to Hakone from Tokyo?

The short answer? No. While Hakone is incredibly beautiful, there is much to do and it is hard to really enjoy it in just one day. I suggest instead spending at least one night in Hakone, perhaps at a traditional Ryokan. This will alleviate any stress of rushing to do everything and traveling to and from Hakone in one day. This will hopefully also allow you to experience parts of Hakone in the morning and evenings, before the day trippers arrive. I highly recommend visiting Hakone on a week day and not during the holiday season.

Have you ever taken a day trip to Hakone from Tokyo? What was your experience?

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Hi! I’m Shelby, recent graduate from University of Colorado, Boulder, full-time food and travel lover. When I am not traveling, I am thinking about traveling, enjoying Denver, Colorado, or hanging with my boyfriend, Luke, and our dog, Kona. Since being a recent graduate does not pay that well, I will be sharing ways to incorporate my love of travel into my home life (mostly to keep myself from aimlessly searching google flights), by sharing food, restaurants, and books with you! In the meantime, I am looking forward to planning my next trip.

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The Hakone day trip guide that covers everything (2024 edition)

By: Author Sylvia

Posted on Last updated: January 23, 2024

Are you making a Hakone day trip and wondering what you could do? You came to the right place.

A Hakone day or weekend trip is ideal to escape the hustle and bustle of Tokyo.  Hakone is a small town but it has lots to offer to its visitors.

Besides the famous hot springs and the gorgeous views of Mount Fuji, there are plenty of other activities to keep you busy. 

Many people visit Hakone as a day trip but if you don’t want to rush through the place we would recommend a visit of 2 or 3 days.

In this Hakone travel blog post we share the best time to visit Hakone, how to get to and around Hakone, the best organized day tours to Hakone , and more.

So definitely keep on reading.

There is a really good chance that this post contains affiliate links. If you click one of them, we may receive a small commission (for which we are deeply grateful) at no extra cost to you.

Table of Contents

Japan Essentials

We almost always find the best flights to Tokyo and Osaka on Momondo .  It may be worthwhile to compare these with Skyscanner and a new but promising flight aggregator, WayAway .

Don’t lose time upon arrival at the airport and order your Japan travel SIM  or portable WiFi device in advance so that it’s ready and waiting for you at the airport when you arrive.

Find out which JR Pass will save you the most for your trip to Japan.

Check out our ultimate Japan travel blog where you can find many more interesting Japan articles to prepare for your trip.

Need help with your Japan trip planning? Check out this post on how to plan your trip to Japan.

Where is Hakone? 

Hakone is situated in the Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. 

It is less than a hundred kilometers from Tokyo and can be reached by train from Tokyo in about an hour and a half.

You can also take a bus, the bus will take two hours to reach Hakone.

• How to plan your day trip from Tokyo to Mt. Fuji. 
• Where to stay in Tokyo.

What’s the best time to visit Hakone

Since Hakone is only 100 km from Tokyo, the climate is more or less similar to Tokyo. In general, the temperatures are slightly lower and there is a higher chance of rain.

Since both climates are the same, Hakone is an ideal day or weekend trip in spring or autumn .

However, the best chances of seeing Mt Fuji are in winter, when temperatures are milder. From November to February there are usually more clear and sunny days during which you have fantastic views of the mountain.

Complete Japan packing list 

How many days should you spend in Hakone

The Hakone loop that we describe below can be done in a day.

Keep in mind that if you are making a day trip to Hakone, much of the day will be traveling, both to and from Hakone, as well as between the various points of interest on the spot.

Therefore, if you want to rush less, go hiking, and relax in an onsen we recommend staying for 2 or 3 days in this splendid region.

Hakone has some charming ryokans and several Spa resorts. A number of highly rated recommended accommodations can be found at the end of this article .

The Hakone Loop

The so-called Hakone loop brings you along most of the main attractions in one day.

The circuit is very touristy and quite easy and straightforward to follow.

You can do the loop clockwise or counterclockwise. Here we briefly describe the counterclockwise circuit which is done by most visitors.  Further on in this article, we go into more detail about the different sights you will see.  Here we just describe the loop itself.

1 – Most people start at Odawara.

You start your adventure by hopping on the Hakone Tozan train that will take you to Gora.

The route is quite spectacular as the train takes some switchbacks halfway to overcome the 400-meter height difference.

2 – Once in Gora, you continue your journey with the Hakone Tozan cable car to Sounzan.

3 – Next, you jump on the Hakone ropeway to Owakudani.

4 – From Owakudani you can continue on the ropeway to Togendai.

5 – In Togendai you can board the pirate ship for a cruise on Lake Ashi.

You can choose to get off the boat at Hakone-machi or you can directly continue to Moto-Hakone.

Are you wondering which stop to get off?

Those who don’t mind a little hiking can get off at Hakone-machi where you can visit the Hakone Checkpoint and the Onshi Hakone Koen Park. Once you’ve visited these sights you can make a lovely stroll along the lakeshore to the Hakone Shrine.  It’s just 20 minutes and you will be rewarded with some nice views.

If you’re short on time, don’t like walking, or aren’t interested in the Hakone Checkpoint and the park you can stay onboard until Moto-Hakone. From here it’s a 5-minute walk to the Hakone Shrine.

6 – The Hakone Tozan Bus will bring you back to Odawara or your next destination.

What you need to know about the Hakone loop:

The loop takes 6-8 hours if you don’t spend too much time at the various sights along the way. It’s a super touristy loop and it can be done without much preparation or planning.

It can be done clockwise but most people do it counterclockwise.  This is also how we described it above.

If you don’t want to rush, we recommend that you spend at least one night in Hakone and create your own itinerary based on the things we describe below.

Hakone money-saving tip – The Hakone Freepass

One of the best money-saving tips for your day or weekend trip to Hakone is to get a Hakone Freepass.

The Hakone Freepass is a money-saving pass that gives you unlimited access to most of the transportation options in the Hakone region.

The Hakone loop is completely covered and you can also go shopping at the Gotemba Outlets and admire the view from the Mishima Skywalk

The pass also offers discounts at over 60 facilities including hot spring resorts, souvenir shops, museums, shrines, etc.

There is a pass for 2 or 3 days, but even if you do a day trip to Hakone and just do the Hakone loop, you will benefit from the pass. The most comprehensive version includes a return ticket from Tokyo and can be purchased online . The other version starts in Odawara.

Check out our Hakone Freepass Guide for

• All the details about the Hakone Freepass
• Including a map of the coverage area
• A detailed calculation of how much you can save

Check prices and availability: Hakone Freepass

How to get to Hakone

Taking the bus to hakone.

Buses leave from Shinjuku station for Hakone approximately every half hour.  The buses pass by Gotemba where you have the popular premium outlets. The bus journey takes around 2 hours.

The Hakone Freepass covers part of the journey.

Taking the train to Hakone

With a JR Pass

JR has no trains to Hakone itself but you can use JR to get to Odawara which is pretty close.

If you have a JR pass this will be your best and cheapest option.

With the Japan Rail Pass (the nationwide pass) you can ride the Shinkansen from Tokyo or Shinagawa station to Odawara.

With the Tokyo Wide Pass and other regional JR-East passes you can use the Tokaido Line or the Limited Express Odoriko to get to Odawara.

At Odawara station will need to transfer to the Hakone Tozan Train to Gora. This train is covered by the Hakone Freepass. (you don’t need the option of the round-trip ticket)

• An overview of the various JR passes in Japan .
• The complete guide to Tokyo’s public transport.

If you don’t have a Japan Rail Pass

If you don’t have a JR Pass our advice would be to buy the Hakone Freepass with a round-trip ticket from Tokyo. You can then hop on the Odakyu trains at Shinjuku Station (or any other Odakyu station in the Tokyo area). 

Odakyu runs local, express, and limited-express trains on this route. Some trains will require a transfer.  Only the local and express trains are covered by the Hakone Freepass. To ride the Romancecar , that’s what the limited-express train is called, you will need to pay a supplement of 1,200 JPY (one-way) .

Beware that the Romance car also requires advance seat reservations. If you have a Hakone Freepass and you want to ride the Romancecar you can use this page to reserve your seat .

Cost to get from Tokyo to Hakone

In this table, you can find an overview of the different prices.

(You may need to scroll left-right to see the full table)

How to get around Hakone

The Hakone Freepass includes the following 8 different transportation options in the Hakone area.

• The Hakone Tozan Train: To travel from Odawara or Hakone-Yumoto to Gora (part of the Hakone Loop)
• The Hakone Tozan Cable Car: Travel between Gora and Sounzan (part of the Hakone Loop)
• The Hakone Ropeway: Takes you over the mountain ridge and Owakudani Valley from Sounzan to Lake Ashi (Togendai) (part of the Hakone Loop)
• The Hakone Sightseeing Cruise: The Pirate Ship Cruise on Lake Ashi (part of the Hakone Loop)
• The Hakone Tozan Bus: A fairly dense bus network that connects the major hubs (Gotemba Station, the Gotemba Premium Outlets, Gora, Togendai, Moto-Hakone, HakoneMachi, Hakone-Yumoto, and Odawara) with most tourist sights
• Two sightseeing-busses to additional tourist attractions
• The Odakyu Highway Bus: Between Gotemba Station and the Odakyu Hotel de Yama (and the Komagatake Ropeway)
• The Tokai Bus to the Mishima Skywalk

This makes this pass all you need to visit the major sights in the region. Below is a map of the coverage area.

Taking an organized Hakone day tour

If you are short on time or don’t like to explore the region independently, you can opt for an organized Mount Fuji Day Tour.

Keep in mind that the below-mentioned tours combine the region around Lake Kawaguchiko and Hakone.

There are many things to do in Hakone. Because the tours combine both regions you won’t visit all Hakone sights that we mention in this article.

Mt Fuji and Hakone Cruise & Bus Tour 

This tour, which you can book with Klook , starts with a visit to a Mt. Fuji 5th station.

Next, you will make a cruise on the waters of Lake Ashi and take the Mt. Komagatake Ropeway which offers great views of Mount Fuji on a clear day.

This is a great family tour with lots of possibilities to take amazing pictures of Mt Fuji.

Note that the cruise can be canceled in case of bad weather.

Read reviews and book: Mount Fuji and Hakone Day Tour

Mt Fuji & Hakone Day Tour: Lake Ashi & Ropeway Day Trip from Tokyo

GetYourGuide offers this Mount Fuji day tour where you will visit Mount Fuji’s 5th Subashiri station.

In addition you will cruise Lake Ashi on a pirate ship and take the cable car to the Owakudani Valley. At Owakudani you can taste the famous Kuro Tamago black eggs that are boiled in the hot volcanic spring water of the Valey.

According to an old tradition eating these black eggs will extend your life for seven years. It doesn’t harm to try, right?

More information and booking: Mount Fuji and Hakone Day Tour

Mount Fuji and Hakone 1 Day Tour with optional return by bullet train

This 10-hour tour offered by Viator will take you to Mount Fuji highlights such as Mount Fuji Subaru Line 5th Station, Lake Ashi, and the Hakone Ropeway from where you can enjoy beautiful views of Mount Fuji.

At the end of the tour, you have the possibility to be dropped off at Odawara station where you can board the Shinkansen which will take you back to Shinjuku station in just 40 minutes.

This is a great option that allows you to get back to Tokyo faster at the end of this exciting but also tiring day. An added bonus is that you get to experience the iconic Shinkansen.

Of course, you can also return by bus.

You can also choose to include lunch in the package.

This is a flexible tour with a number of options that can make your experience more comfortable.  Especially the return in the fast and comfortable bullet train is highly-valued after a long and tiring day.

Check prices and availability: Mount Fuji tour

If you aren’t convinced of these tours, check out our full  overview of the different Mount Fuji tours  that exist.

You can also put together your own private tour together with a guide.  Have a look at the different private Mt Fuji Tours here.

Things to do in Hakone

Here is an overview of what to do in Hakone.

Best places to enjoy the views of Mount Fuji

Everyone who comes to Hakone hopes to get a glimpse of this mountain. For many, it is the main reason for their visit.

If you are planning on making a day trip to Hakone to see Mount Fuji, we would definitely advise checking the weather forecast and especially the cloud cover. It goes without saying that you increase your chances if you stay for 2 or 3 days.

On clear days the mountain can be seen from many different viewpoints. Here are some of the best places to enjoy the views of Mount Fuji.

Moto Hakone

Moto Hakone, a village on the banks of Lake Ashi, is a stop of the pirate ship cruise.

It offers some of the best views of the lake and Mount Fuji.

Hakone ropeway

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

Are you considering joining a guided tour?  This ropeway is included in a number of different tours.  Have a look at this tour , this tour with optional bullet train retour , this 12-hour tour offered by Klook ,  and this one that ends at the Gotemba outlets .

Mishima Skywalk

This is Japan’s longest pedestrian bridge. The bridge crosses a deep valley and takes you to an adventure center with zip lines, a treetop parcours, mountainbike rentals and more.

Most people come for the view of Mt. Fuji from the bridge but also the ziplines are always very popular.

Check prices and availability: Mishima Skywalk Ticket

Gotemba Premium Outlets 

This is without any doubt the best viewing spot for those shopaholics out there. Here you can shop and at the same time enjoy great views of Mount Fuji.

The Gotemba Premium Outlets are a good destination if you want to go shopping without feeling too guilty about not doing anything touristy. 😉

If you think about taking a guided tour. The Gotemba premium outlets are included in 6 different tours.  Check out the various options:

• Lake Kawaguchiko with the outlets
• Classic route including Mt. Fuji 5th station, Oshino Hakkai, and Gotemba outlets
• Tour including Lake Kawaguchi, Oshino Hakkai, and Gotemba outlets
• This tour that covers Oishi Park, Arakurayama Sengen Park, Oshino Hakkai, and the outlets
• This  tour with lunch at the Gotemba Outlets
• A tour with a visit to a Mt. Fuji 5th station, Fuji-Q Highland, and a generous 3h and 30 minutes stop at the outlets .

Go bathing in an Onsen

Hakone is a good destination if you’re looking for tranquil onsen or hot springs.  Historically the onsen were all situated near Hakone-Yumoto.

Today, this is still the region with the most sites, but the popularity of the Onsen has seen much more pop up throughout the whole Hakone region.

The onsen are typically split by gender because tradition dictates that you bathe naked in the mineral-rich hot springs.  Some onsen also have private baths for families or couples.

Most onsen welcome kids as long as they’re accompanied by their parents.

Here you can find more info on the best onsen in Hakone.

Go hiking around Lake Ashi

Hiking is a good way to escape the crowds and an excellent option to enjoy this green region.

It is possible to hike around Lake Ashi and there are several other trails with various difficulty levels.

Here is an overview of the different trails.

Ride the Hakone ropeway

On clear days the Hakone Ropeway offers unparalleled views of Lake Ashi, Owakudani, and Mount Fuji.

The cable car fee is 1.550 JPY one way.  It is covered by the Hakone Free Pass.

This ropeway is included in several guided tours.  Have a look at this tour , this tour with optional bullet train retour , this 12-hour tour offered by Klook ,  and this one that ends at the Gotemba outlets .

Eat black eggs in Owakudani Valley

Owakudani means “the great Boiling Valley”. By the locals, it’s also known as the “Hell Valley”. The valley was created about 3000 years ago when the Hakone Volcano exploded.

Nowadays it’s a popular tourist spot.

People come here to hike, enjoy the scenic views ( on a clear day, you’ll have a scenic view of Mount Fuji), and eat the famous black eggs which are said to extend your life for 7 years.

Opening hours: 9 am – 4 pm (determined by the operation hours of the Hakone Ropeway)

How to get there: The easiest way is by taking the Hakone Ropeway.

In the event of increased seismic activity in the region, Owakudani may be closed. In case of stormy weather, the ropeway is closed.

Do you prefer to join a guided tour?  All tours that include the Hakone Ropeway do a stop in Owakudani. This tour , this tour with optional bullet train retour , this 12-hour tour offered by Klook ,  and this one that ends at the Gotemba outlets .

Take the Komagatake Ropeway 

The Komagatake Ropeway takes you from the shore of Lake Ashi to the Komagatake peak of Mount Hakone.

It is not the same ropeway as the Hakone ropeway which leads from Gora to Togendai.

On a clear day, you can enjoy beautiful views of Lake Ashi and Mount Fuji from the top. Several hiking trails start here, leading to the banks of Lake Ashi, to Owakudani, and Sounzan station.

The ropeway may be closed in case of increased volcanic activity in the area.

A short walk from the ropeway’s upper station is the Hakone Shrine Mototsumiya. This is the original Hakone Shrine.  Today the Hakone Shrine at the lakeshore in Moto Hakone is more popular because it is easier to reach.

Round-trip fee: 1,800 JPY.  This ropeway is not included in the Hakone Freepass but you get a 10% discount if you have the pass.

Opening hours: 9 am- 4.30 pm ( up) and 4.50 pm ( down)

How to get there: 

Take the Odakyu Highway Bus (covered by the Hakone Free Pass).

This attraction is also included in this guided tour.  

Visit The Hakone Open-Air Museum

The Hakone Open-Air Museum is a lovely place to visit. In a beautiful setting, you can enjoy spectacular modern and contemporary sculptures.

There even is a Picasso exhibition.

Definitely worth a visit.

Entrance fee: adults: 1.600 yen, university, and high school students: 1.200 yen, middle and elementary school: 800 yen

With the Hakone Freepass adults get a 200 yen discount, all others 100 yen.

Opening hours: 9 am-5 pm ( entry until 4.30 pm) How to get there:  Take the Hakone Tozan Railway to Chokoku No Mori Station ( covered by the Hakone Freepass).

Take beautiful pictures of the Hakone Shrine

The Hakone Shrine is one of the most iconic symbols of Hakone. It features a photogenic floating torii gate that is close enough to the shore for some Instagram-worthy selfies. The picture is very popular so expect long lines…

Miyajima’s floating torii gate may be more popular, but if you aren’t going to Miyajima, this is the place to see this iconic Japanese symbol.

How to get there:

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

When following the Hakone Loop you will pass the shrine during the sightseeing cruise. To visit it, get off at Hakone-Machi or Moto-Hakone.

Make a Hakone Sightseeing cruise 

Although the pirate ships look ridiculously touristy this cruise is the best way to see the lake. The cruise passes the famous floating torii gate of the Hakone Shrine.

By the time we did the cruise, the sky had become completely cloudy. On a clear day, you will also have views of Mount Fuji from the ship. (and for that you don’t need to climb into the crow’s nest 😉)

There are 3 points where you can start your cruise.

Either at the northern side of the lake in Togendai-ko or at the southern edge of the lake in Hakone-machi or Moto Hakone.

There are 1 to 2 boats per hour, check the boat schedule  to plan your trip.

Cost: 1.200 yen for a one-way ticket. We sailed the lake up and down starting in MotoHakone-ko and ending in HakoneMachi-ko. We had the Hakone Freepass but it seemed like everybody could just stay onboard once they boarded the ship.

Free with the Hakone Freepass.

Would you rather join a guided tour?  The following tours include the Lake Ashi Pirate Cruise. This tour , this tour with optional bullet train retour , this 12-hour tour offered by Klook ,  and this one that ends at the Gotemba outlets .

Visit Hakone Checkpoint

The Hakone Checkpoint is located at the southern end of Lake Ashi.

It is a replica of an Edo-era checkpoint that was used to control the traffic along the Tokaido highway between Kyoto and Tokyo.

It used to be one of the largest and most important checkpoints at its time and was restored to its former glory in 2007.

You will see the original fences and gates, the officer’s quarters, the prison, and the lookout tower. There is also a small museum attached to it.

You can walk along a small section of the old Tokaido highway that leads to Moto Hakone.  The road is lined with more than a hundred-year-old cedar trees.

Those who want can continue to follow the road to Hakone-Yumoto.

Part of the road between Moto Hakone and Hatajuku still has the original stone pavements but the last section from Hatajuku to Hakone-Yumoto hasn’t been preserved and here you just walk along the main road.

Entrance Fee: 500 yen (400 yen for Hakone Freepass Holders)

You only pay an entrance when you want to go inside the buildings.

Opening Hours: 9 am–5 pm (Closes at 4:30 pm from Dec – Feb)

How to get here :

It’s a short walk from the Hakone-machi boat pier.

You could also take the Hakone Tozan bus in the direction of Hakone-machi and get off at the Hakone Sekishoato bus stop ( covered by the Hakone Free Pass ).

Go shopping in Gotemba Premium Outlets 

Shopaholics should definitely visit the Gotemba Premium Outlets. It’s one of the largest outlets in Japan. There are stores of most American and European premium brands such as Hugo Boss, Gap, Prada, Ralph Lauren, Godiva chocolates, etc.

We wouldn’t exactly call ourselves shopaholics, but we went to take a look and couldn’t resist some bargains. The prices of some things were really cheaper than what we are used to at home.

Most of the stores are also tax-free. We enjoyed an additional discount on the advertised price with our passport. Some shops offered this automatically, at others we needed to ask the cashier.

As a bonus you will be rewarded with amazing views of Mount Fuji as you’re shopping on clear days.

Here you can read some TripAdvisor reviews . 

Many organized tours also include some time for shopping.  Check out the various options:

Opening Hours:  March-November: 10 am-8 pm, December-February: 10 am-7 pm.

Closing Day: once a year on the third Thursday in February.

There are many possibilities to reach the Gotemba Premium Outlets. We decided to only list the quickest ways.

From Tokyo:

If you have a Japan Rail Pass: Take the JR Tokaido Line or JR Shonan Shinjuku Line from Tokyo or Shinjuku Station to Kozu Station. Transfer to the JR Gotemba Line to Gotemba Station where you can take the free shuttle bus to the outlets.

The journey will take approximately 2h30 minutes and is fully covered by the Japan Rail Pass.

If you don’t have a Japan Rail Pass or want to reach the Gotemba mall quicker:  Take the  Mount Fuji Limited Express Romancecar from Odakyu Shinjuku Station to Gotemba Station. At the station, take the free shuttle bus to the outlets.

The trip takes around 100 minutes and costs about 2.800 yen. It is not covered by the Hakone Freepass and since the train is not operated by JR it is not covered by the Japan Rail Pass either.

From Hakone:  

There are several options to drive to the Gotemba Premium Outlets from the Hakone region and it is (almost) always included in the Hakone Freepass

There are both direct buses to the outlet or to Gotemba station. If you don’t find a direct bus to the outlet you can ride to the station and then use the free shuttle bus of the outlet to continue your journey.

Visit Odawara Castle

There are many castles in Japan so it would be really odd if there were none in the Hakone region.

The Odawara castle used to be the stronghold of the Hojo clan that used to reign over Tokyo.

It is the closest castle to Tokyo and a visit can be easily combined with a visit to the Hakone region.

Entrance fee : adults: 500 yen, elementary and high school students:  200 yen. (50 yen discount for adults, 20 yen discount for students with the Hakone Freepass)

Opening Hours: from 9 am-5 pm (last entry at 4:30 pm)

How to get here : Odawara Castle is a 10-minute walk from Odawara station.

Walk over the Mishima Skywalk 

The Mishima Skywalk  is with a length of 400 meters the longest pedestrian-only suspension bridge in Japan.

It lies about an hour by bus from Hakone.

You can see views of both Mt. Fuji and Suruga Bay from the bridge.

Entrance Fee:  Adults: 1.100 yen, high school, and junior high school students: 500 yen; elementary school students: 200 yen. There is a 10% discount with the Hakone Freepass.

Opening Hours: from 9 am-5 pm

The bridge is open all year round but the service may be limited in the event of bad weather conditions such as strong wind or snow. For the best views it is recommended to go early in the morning or towards closing time.

From Hakone-Yumoto Station:

Take the Hakone Tozan bus bound for Hakone Port ( route K) to Moto-Hakone Port. From here take the Tokai Orange Shuttle Bus ( route N) bound for Mishima Station. Exit at Mishima Skywalk.

You can use your Hakone Freepass.

If you have a Japan Rail Pass the quickest way to Mishima is by Shinkansen. At Mishima, you can take the Tokai Orange bus to the skywalk.

Visit Lake Kawaguchiko

Do you also want to visit Lake Kawaguchiko , that other beautiful region near Mt. Fuji?

Hakone and Lake Kawaguchiko are not that far apart. A bus ride takes you to Lake Kawaguchiko in 2 hours.

Fujikyu runs several buses a day between Hakone and Lake Kawaguchiko. Buses leave from the JR Gotemba station or the Gotemba Outlets and take you to the train station in Kawaguchiko.

You can use the Hakone Tozan Bus to travel between Hakone and Gotemba. The bus is covered by the  Hakone Freepass .

Where to stay in Hakone

Did we convince you to stay more than one day in the Hakone area? Excellent idea! Here are some hotel suggestions.

Since Hakone is famous for its hot springs we picked two hotels with private onsen. Excellent for relaxing your muscles after a busy day of exploring.

This is just a small selection of the many hotels available. We discuss many more hotels in the next 2 articles.

• Ryokans with private onsen in Hakone.
• Ryokans in Hakone with a public onsen.

Hakone onsen ryokan

Mount view hakone ryokan.

Mount View Hakone is centrally located and easily accessible by public transportation.  There’re also several dining options as well as a convenience store nearby.  This traditional ryokan offers spacious, comfortable rooms. Very friendly and helpful staff. The hotel has a public onsen but if you are shy to go nude in public can use the private onsen.

This ryokan offers a luggage carry service from the train station.  You can arrange with them to pick-up and take your luggage to and from the train station. Very convenient if you want to start exploring the area immediately upon arrival.

This is an excellent Ryokan and a great place to experience the traditional rooms, the onsen, and the generous Japanese hospitality. It is an experience not to be missed.

More information and booking:

Booking.com

Hyatt Regency Hakone Resort and Spa

If you prefer the comfort of a regular bed or more extended spa facilities then the Hyatt Regency might be what you’re looking for.

The Hyatt Regency Hakone Resort and Spa is a beautiful hotel with spacious rooms, great views, and excellent service.

The hotel offers a  complimentary shuttle to/from Gora Station.

Awesome Onsen Hotel with a view of Mt Fuji

Hakone is an excellent destination for a side trip from Tokyo. 

The region owes its popularity to the beautiful view of Mount Fuji on a clear day, but it also has a lot to offer in its own right. 

The Owakudani Valley is nothing but spectacular and a must-see.  Lake Ashi is a magnificent lake and the area around the lake has some breathtaking scenery.  The icing on the cake is the floating torii gate of the Hakone Shrine.

Lastly, don’t skip a visit to an onsen.  Nothing beats relaxing in an onsen while enjoying a beautiful view of Mt. Fuji

Are you planning your Japan trip? Check out our Japan guide  with much more useful information about Japan.

Complete Guide: How To Get To Hakone From Tokyo

by Melissa Giroux | Last updated May 30, 2023 | Asia , Japan , Travel Tips

Hakone is a beautiful, mountainous region in Japan, and it can be the perfect retreat from chaotic city life. If you want to get away from Tokyo for a day or two, Hakone is the ideal destination!

In fact, Hakone is one of the best spots to see Mount Fuji.

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So, how can you get to Hakone from Tokyo? In this guide, we’ll explore the easiest way to get to Hakone from Tokyo by train.

If you have the JR Pass , the pass will cover most of the journey. Keep reading to learn more.

Getting From Tokyo To Hakone By Train

To get to Hakone by train, you can start your journey at Tokyo Station.

From there, you can take the Hikari or Kodama bullet train to Odawara Station. The journey takes around 40 minutes.

Then, you’ll need to purchase a ticket to Hakone-Yumoto (a local train that isn’t included in the JR Pass ). The journey takes around 20 minutes.

Depending on your hotel location, you may need to go on another local train.

So, to summarize, here are the steps to follow to get to Hakone from Tokyo:

• Go to Tokyo Station
• Take the Hikari or Kodama bullet train to Odawara Station (40 minutes)
• Take the train to Hakone-Yumoto Station (20 minutes)

Planning your upcoming adventures? Travel by bus! (It's cheap!)

If you’re unsure about the way, we recommend you go to the JR ticket office in Tokyo Station, and they can help you figure out your itinerary to Hakone.

Alternatively, if you don’t have the Japan Rail Pass , you can browse train and bus routes on 12GO .

Day Trip To Hakone From Tokyo

Hakone is the perfect spot for a day trip from Tokyo. However, depending on your itinerary, you might want to consider spending the night in Hakone.

You can organize a day trip by yourself or join a guided tour to explore Hakone. Most day trips last the whole day.

Book a day-trip

Now, it’s important to note that usually, you’ll have a higher chance of seeing Mount Fuji in the morning when the sky is clear. It’s possible that you won’t see it if it’s too cloudy, so I recommend you manage your expectations.

To increase your chance of seeing Mount Fuji, we recommend staying one night in the area.

While Hakone is known to offer breathtaking views of Mount Fuji, it can be difficult to see the mountain due to poor visibility. This is particularly true during midday when fog and low clouds tend to obscure the mountain.

To give you an idea, my partner and I left Tokyo station around 12PM. We arrived at our hotel around 2PM to drop off our luggage.

When we got to Lake Ashinoko around 3PM, it was extremely cloudy and started raining. The visibility was too poor, and we could barely see the lake.

Getting Around Hakone

From Hakone-Yumoto station, a local train goes all the way to Gora station. The train is quite slow and steep, and it’ll give the impression it’s going back and forth between places.

From Gora Station to Sounzan, you can take a cable car. From there, you can switch to Hakone Ropeway (it’s basically a gondola) to reach Togendai Station, where Lake Ashinoko is.

Togendai station is popular because you can do a sightseeing cruise from there.

You’ll also find buses and taxis around the main stations.

If you’re planning on visiting the area for two days or more, consider purchasing the Hakone Freepass for unlimited rides on the 8 transportation networks in the Hakone area.

Is Hakone Worth Visiting?

I believe Hakone is worth the trip . It’s a great place to see Mount Fuji, and enjoy the nature.

However, if you’re limited with time and can’t spend at least 1-2 nights in the area, it could be disappointing if you don’t get to see Mount Fuji.

Hakone is a special place, but the weather will dictate your experience, and you may not get to see Mount Fuji.

I know I’m repeating myself here, but it was an expensive and long trip for us, so we would have needed a minimum of 2 days to increase our chance of seeing Mount Fuji.

Thankfully, our next stop was Lake Kawaguchiko. My goal here was to visit two spots to increase our chance of seeing Mount Fuji because during my first visit to Japan, it was too cloudy, and I didn’t see it during a day-trip.

Is One Day In Hakone Enough?

One day in Hakone is enough for a quick and basic experience of its tourist attractions. But, there is no guarantee that you’ll get to see Mount Fuji.

If you’re on a tight schedule and can’t spend more than one day for your visit, I recommend you get an early start or wake up early the day you’re checking out your hotel.

That way, you’ll have a better chance of seeing Mount Fuji.

Staying In Hakone?

Make sure to book a stay in one of the best hotels in Hakone. Best hostel: HakoneHOSTEL1914 Best mid-range hotel: Emblem Flow Hakone Best luxury hotel: Hakone Ashinoko Hanaori

How Many Days In Hakone?

If you want to make the most of your visit to Hakone, it’s best to stay for at least two nights. That way, you’ll have a higher chance of seeing Mount Fuji as the weather can be unpredictable.

Also, you’ll have enough time to explore other attractions such as the hot springs and Onsen. Plus, there are plenty of places to walk and see the Shrines.

Finally, you can also take a sightseeing cruise on Lake Ashinoko.

Make sure to pick a hotel close to the Lake, or one of the stations like Gora Station.

There are more restaurants and cafés around. We were staying a bit further, and it was more difficult to get around the area.

Considering that it’s a mountain area, walking isn’t always the best option as there are main roads without footpaths and it can be dangerous to walk there.

Getting Around Japan

When visiting Japan, one of the best ways to get around is by using the Japan Rail Pass .

This pass grants unlimited access to all JR Lines across the country, and you can find more details on their website.

We used the bullet train to reach Odawara Station from Tokyo, and then, we simply needed to purchase local train tickets to reach Hakone.

Final Thoughts On Visiting Hakone From Tokyo

Hakone is definitely a great place to visit if you’re in Tokyo or Osaka . It’s a fantastic place for enjoying the nature and, depending on the day and the weather, you can even see Mount Fuji from some spots in Hakone.

It’s better to plan ahead and stay for at least 2 nights to increase your chances of seeing Mount Fuji. Also, consider purchasing the Hakone Freepass if you plan on movings around the area.

Finally, don’t forget to pick a hotel close to one of the main stations for more convenience.

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• Japan SIM card
• How many days in Kyoto
• Best places to live in Japan

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Tokyo to Hakone: Getting There and Back

Hakone, famous for its onsen (and Evangelion ), is about 90 minutes from Tokyo. That’s by the most common way of getting there: Odakyu’s Ltd. Express Romancecar — that’s what its called, really! But there are other ways of traveling between Hakone and Tokyo, including cheaper and faster options (though sadly not options that are both cheaper and faster).

However you choose to travel, odds are, you’ll save money with a Hakone Free Pass . This generally excellent value pass covers various forms of public transportation around the Hakone area. It can also cover all or some of the transport to and from Shinjuku, and gives you some discounts at Hakone area sights.

tl;dr Odakyu’s Ltd. Express Romancecar service is our recommended way to travel between Tokyo and Hakone. It’s comfortable, convenient, and fast — taking you from Shinjuku to Hakone-Yumoto Station in 90 minutes with no transfers. Pair it with a Hakone Free Pass for maximum savings.

Transportation options to Hakone

The gateway hub for Hakone is Hakone-Yumoto. If you opt to travel by train, your destination will be Hakone-Yumoto Station, from where you can catch onward transportation to different areas of Hakone.

Hakone-Yumoto is only served by one train operator: Odakyu. If you want to use JR trains — because you’re traveling on a rail pass — you can travel as far as Odawara by JR trains (including the Shinkansen!). At Odawara, you can catch a local Odakyu train to take you the final 15 minutes to Hakone-Yumoto.

Odakyu Line trains depart from Shinjuku Station. You can also take regular JR lines to travel between Tokyo and Odawara. This might be more convenient if you’re departing from somewhere other than Shinjuku — there’s just not any special deals (at least that we know of).

How to get from Tokyo to Hakone

Not sure yet what you want to do in Hakone? Check out our Hakone day trip guide for recommendations.

Ltd. Express Romancecar

The most convenient option Direct, partially covered by the Hakone Free Pass ¥ 2,470 (or ¥ 1,150 – ¥ 1,200 with the Hakone Free Pass) 90 minutes from Shinjuku to Hakone-Yumoto

The Romancecar is Odakyu’s limited express service between Shinjuku Station and Hakone-Yumoto Station, and is the most comfortable and convenient way of traveling to Hakone.

All seats are reserved, so you’re guaranteed a seat. This also means you have to buy tickets in advance, which you can do online, at an Odakyu Sightseeing Service Center, or at an Odakyu ticket machine. You can get tickets up until shortly before departure, so long as they’re available. The Romancecar runs about twice and hour, so you never have to wait too long for the next one.

Another big perk is that the Romancecar is partially covered by the Hakone Free Pass. The pass covers the basic fare between Shinjuku and Hakone-Yumoto, which is ¥ 1,270 . You do still have to pay ¥ 1,150 – ¥ 1,200 for the limited express surcharge — the extra fee the train companies charge you to ride their fancy trains with reserved seats. Buying an e-ticket gets you the ¥50 discount price.

Regular Odakyu trains

The Cheapo favorite Fully covered by the Hakone Free Pass, some direct trains ¥ 1,270 (if you’re not using the pass) 90 minutes (or more) from Shinjuku to Hakone-Yumoto

You can also take regular Odakyu trains between Shinjuku and Hakone-Yamoto. And if you time it right, a regular train can get you there about as quickly as the Romancecar.

True, you are not guaranteed a seat. However, you also don’t have to worry about getting that extra Ltd. Express ticket — or paying for it, if you’re (smartly) using the Hakone Free Pass.

The downside is that regular trains can be a little tricky to sort out if you’re not used to riding Tokyo commuter trains. The Odakyu line branches a few times, so you have to make sure you are on a train towards Hakone-Yumoto or Odawara.

Ideally, you want to get one of the special express ( tokkyū ; 特急) trains that make limited stops and do the whole journey direct in 90–100 minutes. These run anywhere from once an hour to three times an hour, depending on the day of the week (weekday or weekend), time of day (morning or afternoon), and sometimes the direction of travel.

Otherwise, any express train to Odawara is your next best bet. Really, we don’t recommend trying any other trains unless you know the Odakyu lines well. At Odawara, you can transfer for a local train to Hakone-Yumoto. Taking the express (instead of the special express) to Odawara and having to transfer adds about 30 minutes to the journey.

Odakyu does have the timetables online in English , so you can check ahead. Also: note the time of the last express trains back to Tokyo. The special express (as well as the Romance Car) stop running before 8 p.m. After that, you’ll have to take a local train to Odawara, and catch an express onward from there.

Taking the Shinkansen to Hakone (sort of)

For travelers using a JR Pass Mostly covered by the Japan Rail Pass ¥ 4,190 (or ¥ 360 if you’re not using a JR Pass) 45 mins from Shinagawa (or 50 mins from Tokyo Station) + transfer time

If you want to use a JR pass to travel between Tokyo and Hakone, you can take the Tōkaidō Shinkansen from either Tokyo Station or Shinagawa to Odawara. The ride is about 30 minutes. Note that only Kodama service trains (and some Hikari trains) stop at Odawara.

At Odawara, transfer to a local Odakyu Line train to get to Hakone-Yumoto. The local trains run several times an hour, so don’t worry about the wait. You can also get a Hakone Free Pass that starts in Odawara (and is thus a bit cheaper than the one that covers travel from Shinjuku), but which will cover the short Odakyu line journey between Odawara and Hakone-Yumoto.

Likewise, if you are visiting Hakone not as a return trip from Tokyo but as part of an extended trip through Japan, you can link up with the Shinkansen network in Odawara.

Taking a Highway Bus to Hakone

For points other than Hakone-Yumoto Partly covered by the Hakone Free Pass ¥ 2,240 ( ¥ 1,000 for pass holders) About 2 hrs 15 mins from Shinjuku to Tōgendai

Another option is to take an Odakyu Highway Bus from Shinjuku Expressway Bus Terminal. This service goes via Gotemba to Tōgendai, which is on the north shore of Lake Ashi (so on the oppposite side from Moto-Hakone).

To be honest this isn’t our favorite option, given the cost is almost as much as the Romancecar. I guess if you wanted to avoid the crowds at Hakone-Yumoto Station, and get a headstart on the sights — or set out on the first pirate ship of the morning across Lake Ashi. You can also get off at a bunch of small stops between Sengoku and Tōgendai, which might be convenient for some onsen ryokan and hotels.

Buses do also make sense for certain itineraries. For example, if you’re keen to visit the Gotemba Premium Outlets , there are direct buses between the outlets and Shinjuku Expressway Bus Terminal. These take about 90–100 minutes and cost ¥ 1,800 one-way (or ¥ 1,000 if you have a Hakone Free Pass). Buses between Hakone and the Gotemba Premium Outlets are also covered by the pass, so you can work in a stop on your way back, for not much extra cost.

Currently all of the Odakyu Highway Bus info is in Japanese. But presumably you can inquire at the Odakyu Sightseeing Service Center at Shinjuku Station.

Pro-tip: This one-day tour will take you to Ōwakudani and Lake Ashi in Hakone, halfway up Mt Fuji, and still give you two hours at the Gotemba Premium Outlets.

The Hakone Free Pass

Hakone is pretty spread out, and to see and do a bunch of different things, you’ll have to ride various forms of transport, including: trains, buses, a funicular, a ropeway, a cable car, and a pirate ship, which are mostly run by different operators. With the Hakone Free Pass you can all of them for 2 or 3 days at a fixed cost.

This pass almost always saves a bit of money, and also saves you from having to work out payment each time you hop on a bus/cable car/whatever. The pass also comes with discounts to some popular attractions, like ¥ 200 off admission to both the Hakone Open Air Museum and the day spa Hakone Yuryō.

You can get a Hakone Free Pass that starts from Odawara or Shinjuku, depending on how you’re getting to Hakone from Tokyo.

What about driving to Hakone?

Driving to Hakone gives you the freedom to plot your own course independent from bus schedules, etc. It’s also convenient if a car makes sense for your onward travel plans.

But you don’t need a car to get anywhere within Hakone. And there are a lot of downsides, too: For one, Hakone’s mountain roads are all one-lane in each direction, steep, narrow, and winding. If you’re the kind of person who thinks driving roads like that sounds fun, know that you will spend most of your trip stuck behind a bus anyway.

Plus traffic between Tokyo and Hakone is often not great; free parking is scarce around Hakone; and round-trip highway tolls can add up to over ¥ 5,000 . Also you’d miss out on the ropeway and the pirate ship, which are honestly kind of fun.

Tours to Hakone

If you found all of the above overwhelming, perhaps you’d like someone else to take care of the logistics? Hakone is a pretty popular destination, so there are usually a decent variety of tour offerings. For example, here is a one-day tour to Hakone that also visits Mt Fuji.

The downside with tours, of course, is that you may not get to do everything you want to do. For example, few Hakone tours include onsen visits.

Hakone travel tips and FAQs

Can i get from hakone to mt fuji.

While we do our best to make sure it is up to date, information is subject to change at any time.

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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

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