This guide is for travelers seeking hot springs, scenic mountain views, and easy day trips from Tokyo. It answers: “Hakone travel guide” or “Hakone day trip from Tokyo.”
Quick Facts
- Best for: Couples, onsen enthusiasts, Mt. Fuji viewers, day trippers
- Time needed: 1–2 days
- Access: Hakone-Yumoto Station (Odakyu Railway from Shinjuku, 85 minutes)
- Area type: Mountain resort
- Rain friendly: Partially (indoor onsen and museums available)
Overview
Hakone is a mountainous onsen resort town located within Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. Just 85 minutes from Tokyo by train, it offers hot springs, scenic transportation, museums, and views of Mt. Fuji on clear days.
The area features a unique transportation loop: trains, cable cars, ropeways, and pirate ship cruises connect the main attractions. The Hakone Free Pass covers most transport and offers discounts at attractions.
How to Enjoy
Onsen (Hot Springs)
Hakone has various onsen types from traditional ryokan baths to modern day-spa facilities. Most ryokan offer day-use bathing. Yunessun provides a swimsuit-friendly water park experience. Some outdoor baths offer Mt. Fuji views.
Lake Ashi Cruise
Pirate ship-style boats cross the caldera lake. On clear days, Mt. Fuji is visible from the deck. Connects Togendai to Hakone-machi and Moto-Hakone. Covered by Hakone Free Pass.
Owakudani
Active volcanic valley with sulfur vents and steam. Famous for black eggs boiled in the hot springs (said to add 7 years to your life). Reached by ropeway from Sounzan. May close during volcanic activity—check conditions.
Museums and Art
Hakone Open Air Museum displays sculptures in outdoor garden settings. Pola Museum of Art houses Impressionist works. Hakone Shrine’s red torii gate stands at the lake’s edge.
Suggested Itinerary
Day Trip from Tokyo
- Morning – Shinjuku to Hakone-Yumoto, then ropeway to Owakudani
- Midday – Lake Ashi cruise
- Afternoon – Hakone Shrine, return via bus to Hakone-Yumoto
- Evening – Onsen before returning to Tokyo
Overnight Stay
- Add museums (Open Air Museum or Pola)
- Evening kaiseki dinner at ryokan
- Morning onsen before checkout
Tips & Cautions
- Hakone Free Pass: 2 or 3-day passes cover most transport. Purchase at Shinjuku.
- Mt. Fuji views: Best visibility in morning, especially in autumn/winter. Often cloudy in summer.
- Volcanic alerts: Owakudani may close during elevated volcanic activity. Check Hakone Ropeway status.
- Weekends: Very crowded. Weekdays recommended.
- Tattoos: Some onsen prohibit tattoos. Check policies or seek tattoo-friendly facilities.
Nearby Alternatives
- Atami: Coastal onsen town. 35 minutes from Tokyo by shinkansen.
- Gotemba: Outlet mall and closer Mt. Fuji views. Accessible from Hakone.
- Odawara: Castle town at the foot of Hakone. Good for rainy day backup.
Sources
- Tourism board: Hakone Navi
- Transport: Odakyu Railway
Last updated: 2026-02-03