How to Plan a Hakone Day Trip from Tokyo: Must-Visits and Tips

Hakone is a serene place located about 1½ hours from Tokyo, making it a perfect day-trip option for those seeking a break from the bustling city of Tokyo.

Hakone is always at the top of the list among travelers. With its variety of picturesque natural scenery, plenty of onsens (hot springs), and abundant museums, you could experience a lot in just one day.

In this article, we'll share our experience in planning day trips to Hakone based on our visit there. We have put together a handpicked itinerary that includes the must-see highlights, transportation options, and suggestions to help you plan a memorable day trip in Hakone.

Top Attractions to Visit in Hakone

Hakone has a lot to offer, from beautiful natural scenery to fascinating museums. It could be a little hard to choose what to see during your day trip among the options. Here, we've selected the top four highlights you shouldn't miss in Hakone.

• Owakudani: It's an active crater where you could observe the unique sulfur gas constantly emerging from the ground.
• The Hakone Open-Air Museum: An outdoor museum nestled in the mountains seamlessly blends art with nature, letting you breathe in the fresh air as you leisurely admire the sculptures.
• Lake Ashi: It's a peaceful volcanic lake surrounded by green mountains. No matter when you visit, you could enjoy different views by taking a sightseeing cruise.
• Hakone Shrine: An ancient shrine located in the forest, famous for its giant torii gate alongside Lake Ashi.

A Classic Hakone Day Trip Itinerary

You could get a general overview of Hakone by exploring its top highlights in one day. The major attractions are relatively concentrated, creating a circular route. You wouldn't need to backtrack to complete your trip.

To maximize your travel experience, you're recommended to tour in this order: The Hakone Open-Air Museum – Owakudani – Lake Ashi – Hakone Shrine. In this way, you would be able to feel more relaxed as the day goes on. The first two spots require more energy to explore, while the last two are more relaxing.

It's best to begin your day trip at or before 8am. In this way, you would have more time to explore the highlights without rushing.

Morning

• The Hakone Open-Air Museum and Owakudani

Kick off your day trip by exploring Hakone's top two highlights: the outdoor sculptures at the Hakone Open-Air Museum and Owakudani, formed by volcanic activity and emitting sulfur gas.

Stop 1: The Hakone Open-Air Museum

With many museums in Hakone, the Hakone Open-Air Museum is recommended for first-timers for its rich and fun artworks. It's divided into outdoor sculptures and indoor art sections. It usually takes about 2–3 hours to explore this museum.

The outdoor sculptures blend with nature and spark the imagination. The colorful stained glass spiral staircase is a must-see among the hundreds of sculptures.

The indoor Picasso exhibition hall is the most popular among several indoor exhibition halls. You would have the chance to take a closer look but you're not allowed to take photos.

Stop 2: Owakudani

Then, head to Owakudani. Spend about an hour visiting this unique active crater spewing sulfur gas. If you don't like the smell of sulfur gas, you could shorten your visiting time.

The best way to see it is by ropeway, which takes about 10 minutes. It's truly magnificent to view the lively volcano crater from above. However, the sulfur gas smells like rotten eggs and could make your throat feel uncomfortable.

Trying black eggs is a must-do activity in Owakudani. These eggs are boiled in natural hot springs, giving them a black shell. But don't worry, the inside looks and tastes just like a regular egg.

Lunchtime

There are some restaurants near Owakudani, and we would choose one based on your preferences.

Afternoon

• Lake Ashi and Hakone Shrine

Following your lunch, we would take you to have a sightseeing cruise to view Lake Ashi and explore Hakone Shrine.

Stop 3: Lake Ashi

Lake Ashi is a volcanic lake that was formed 3,000 years ago after Mount Hakone erupted. You could enjoy different natural scenery along the serene lake banks throughout the seasons.

Taking a sightseeing cruise across the lake is the main way to admire the scenery and usually takes 20 minutes. The most attractive view is the orange-red floating torii gate of Hakone Shrine and the surrounding forests, especially when the autumn foliage turns red.

The sightseeing cruise is on a replica pirate ship, offering a unique experience. You could choose your seat but sitting by the window offers the best view. If you board late, you might miss out on a window seat as they fill up fast. The deck gives you a broader view, but it could be colder and windier.

Stop 4: Hakone Shrine

Depart from the cruise and go to Hakone Shrine, which has a history of over 1,200 years. Nestled in lush forests, the shrine is filled with mystery, especially when it's foggy. Don't miss its giant orange-red floating torii gate by Lake Ashi.

Taking a picture under the torii gate is a top thing for many travelers. However, be prepared for a long wait in line in the afternoon (maybe up to an hour). To avoid the line and take a photo from a different perspective, the stairs before the gate make a great alternative.

After exploring these main attractions, take a leisurely stroll to enjoy Hakone's natural beauty at your own pace, based on your schedule and interests, before heading back to Tokyo

Are you wondering about planning an itinerary that includes Hakone in Japan? Check our most-chosen 9-Day Japan Highlights Tour for inspiration.

How to Get To and Around Hakone

Traveling from Tokyo to Hakone and getting around the area is easy and convenient. Both public transportation and private transfers would provide smooth options.

Getting to Hakone from Tokyo

The most-chosen way to reach Hakone from Tokyo is by Odakyu Railway or a private car.

1) Odakyu Railway

There are two types of trains to Hakone: the Rapid Express and the Romancecar (Limited Express). Both trains start at Tokyo's Shinjuku Station and arrive at Hakone-Yumoto Station.

We strongly recommend you take the Romancecar for a more comfortable ride.

2) Private Car

If you prefer to travel directly from your hotel in Tokyo to Hakone, using a private car and driver is suggested. This minimizes the hassle of getting to and navigating Shinjuku Station and then finding transport to and between attractions in Hakone.

In our experience, Shinjuku Station has multiple entrances and Google Maps may not always work underground, posing a challenge for first-timers.

Getting Around

The major attractions in Hakone are relatively concentrated so it's convenient and easy to reach them using public transportation.

There are two types of methods to get around in Hakone: use a Hakone Free Pass to take public transportation or use a private car.

1) Hakone Free Pass

The Hakone Free Pass is a good-value and hassle-free way to travel around Hakone. With this pass, you could access all of the public transportation options in Hakone that we mentioned earlier.

It allows unlimited usage during its validity period, including buses, cable cars, and sightseeing cruises. Additionally, you could enjoy discounts at over 70 attractions.

There are two options available: the 2-day Hakone Pass and the 3-day Hakone Pass. Unfortunately, there is no 1-day pass option. To avoid the trouble of buying individual tickets, we suggest getting the 2-day Hakone Free Pass. At just US$42 per person, you could enjoy stress-free transportation and save money.

2) Private Car

To make the most of your Hakone day trip, opting for a private car is a smarter choice. This way, you could directly reach attractions effortlessly with more energy and time, while having the flexibility to explore Hakone based on your interests.

Using a private car saves you time on the road. In Hakone, the bus usually has a wait time of 20–30 minutes. The bus could sometimes be very crowded and encounter traffic jams, especially on weekends and public holidays, resulting in longer waiting times.

Tips to Make Your Hakone Day Trip Better

To ensure your day trip to Hakone goes smoothly and is enjoyable, here are some insider tips for you. These are pitfalls we have encountered in the past and we want to help you avoid making the same mistakes.

• It's better to leave Tokyo before 8am. This ensures you could explore Hakone's major highlights without feeling rushed, as most of the attractions in Hakone close at 5pm.
• Hakone is not suitable for viewing Mount Fuji. Its mountainous terrain and lots of cloudy weather reduce the chances of seeing the mountain. For a better chance and a full view of Mount Fuji, Lake Kawaguchi is the best choice.
• Having a private car to get around Hakone is best to save time and energy. If you prefer using public transportation, don't forget to buy a Hakone Free Pass.
• Staying overnight in Hakone is recommended. This way, you could relax and enjoy the journey without rushing, and have the chance to experience an onsen (hot spring) at a Japanese-style ryokan.
• Most restaurants in Hakone close by 6pm, making it challenging to enjoy dinner later that that (unless booked into a hotel). As a result, you would likely find yourself opting for convenience store food instead.

How Much Does a Day Trip to Hakone Cost?

Whether you prefer a budget-friendly day trip with a Hakone Free Pass or a more comfortable private tour, both are great choices.

For a relaxing exploration of Hakone in one day, a private tour is the best option. A private tour costs US$300 per person daily, including a private car, a private guide to provide you with insights, a full-day itinerary, and tickets for attractions.

Let's Create Your Hakone Day Trip Experience

Our Japan travel advisors would love to help you customize your itinerary in Hakone, according to your preferences and requirements. Contact us and we'll create your tour together!

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