Hakone is a great day trip for visitors looking for a break in nature from the hustle and bustle of Tokyo. About an hour and a half train ride from the city center, this beautiful region of Japan is world-famous for its hot springs, dramatic views of Mt. Fuji, sulfur springs and beautiful Lake Ashinoko.
Being the hyper-organized and well-oiled tourist machine Japan is, a day trip to Hakone couldn’t be easier! All you need is to pick up a Hakone Day Pass, a map detailing your route (which you can conveniently get at the train station) and your camera to capture the views!
How to see Hakone in a Day.
1. Take the scenic train to Hakone-Yumoto Station from Tokyo.
2. Ride the cable car from Gora Station to the Hakone Ropeway.
3. Soar over the steaming sulfur hills on the Hakone Ropeway.
4. Try the famous sulfur eggs while enjoying the views.
5. Continue the ropeway journey to Lake Ashinoko.
6. Take the sightseeing cruise on Lake Ashinoko to Motohakone Port.
7. Visit Hakone Shrine on Lake Ashinoko.
8. Relax at the onsen.
How to get to Hakone from Tokyo.
There are two easy ways to get from Tokyo to Hakone:
Shinjuku Station to Hakone – Yumoto Station.
There are two Hakone Pass options, one departing from Shinjuku Station and one from Tokyo Station. Leaving from Shinjuku makes the Hakone pass a little bit more expensive. It may be more convenient if you’re staying in Shinjuku or if you don’t have the JR pass to get to Tokyo Station. From Shinjuku Station you’ll take the Odakyu Limited Express Romance Car train all the way to Hakone.
Tokyo Station to Odawara. Odawara to Hakone-Yumoto Station.
This route is the cheaper option. From Tokyo Station you’ll take the JR Tokaido Shinkansen train all the way to Odawara Station. At Odawara, transfer to the Hakone Tozan train. When you arrive, there are public buses or taxis to take you to your hotel or first stop!
Hakone Travel Tips.
- Avoid the weekend at all costs. Everyone and their mother comes to Hakone on the weekend and we spent as much time in line for the attractions as we did enjoying them. I think I would have enjoyed Hakone much more had it not been for the long lines and insane amount of waiting.
- Buy the Hakone Freepass sold by the Odakyu Train company and take advantage of all the perks. It costs 4,000 ¥ per adult when leaving from Tokyo Station/Odawara Station. From Shinjuku the pass is 5,140 ¥. You can buy the pass at Shinjuku and Tokyo Stations. The pass covers all modes of transportation operated by Odakyu in the Hakone region and it should cover everything you’ll need for the day: train, bus, cable car, ropeway, sightseeing cruise etc. Trust me, it’s worth it! Everything you need to know about the Hakone Day Pass can be read about here.
- Book accommodation in advance. Hakone is a large area with numerous onsen guesthouses that fill up and get pricey fast! You’ll want to book in advance to get the cheapest accommodation that is as close to the main attractions as your budget allows.
- Learn the proper way to onsen before you go. There are specific procedures and rules to follow when enjoying traditional Japanese bathhouses. Save face by learning them beforehand rather than while naked in the onsen!
- Check out Japan Guide’s recommended Hakone round trip itinerary for more information!
Hakone was a beautiful, albeit busy, getaway from the city. We had a blast experiencing the natural beauty of Japan! What do you think of Hakone? Share below!
I loved Hakone, beautiful scenery, I stayed at a K’s House Hostel. This was a great place to stay and meet some lovely people the night before doing the Hakone circuit. I went to a great onsen where you can have your own private onsen experience.
Only downside was the fog, unfortunately due to this I didn’t get to see the view of Mount Fuji, so will hopefully go back one day.
It sounds like you had a great experience! Thanks so much for sharing! We actually couldn’t see Mt. Fuji either because of the fog, which was a bit of a let down. But I also look forward to going back one day 🙂
hello !
I’m planning to go to Hakone in April and I have a question for you.
How does it work with the “Hakone free pass” when you want to take the cruise.
Do you need tickets? Or do you just go inside by showing your pass ?
thank you in advance for your reply 🙂
Hi there! With the free pass, you don’t need any extra ticket for the cruise. You go to the boarding gate and they’ll stamp your pass to let you through. I believe only one ride on the cruise is covered by the pass! Thanks for reaching out! Enjoy your trip! 🙂
hi is the hakone free pass from tokyo station (4,000 yen) include a ticket back to tokyo from hakone? thanks!!
The Hakone Free Pass does include the return ticket to Tokyo! However, it is either a 2-day or 3-day pass that you can purchase, so the return must be done within that timeframe or it can’t be used 🙂