This guide covers a day trip from Tokyo to Hakone for hot springs and Mt. Fuji views. It answers: “How to do a Hakone day trip from Tokyo?”
Quick Facts
- Travel time: 1.5 hours from Shinjuku (Romancecar)
- Best for: Mt. Fuji views, hot springs, nature
- Budget: ¥6,000-8,000 (Hakone Freepass recommended)
- JR Pass: Not fully covered (Odakyu line required)
Suggested Route
Morning (9:00-12:00)
Arrive Hakone-Yumoto → Take Hakone Tozan Railway to Gora → Hakone Open-Air Museum (outdoor sculptures, Picasso collection)
Midday (12:00-15:00)
Cable car to Owakudani → See volcanic activity and try black eggs. Ropeway to Togendai on Lake Ashi.
Afternoon (15:00-17:00)
Pirate ship cruise across Lake Ashi → View Mt. Fuji (weather permitting). Hakone Shrine at Moto-Hakone.
Evening
Bus back to Hakone-Yumoto → Optional: Quick onsen bath at day-use facility. Romancecar back to Shinjuku.
Tips
- Hakone Freepass: 2-day pass (¥6,100) covers all transport including Romancecar surcharge discount.
- Mt. Fuji: Best visibility in morning and on clear days. Winter/spring best.
- Overnight: Consider staying overnight for ryokan onsen experience.
Getting There
Starting Point
Recommended (Mid-range): The most convenient starting point for this day trip is Shinjuku Station. Take the Odakyu “Romancecar” Limited Express directly to Hakone-Yumoto Station in approximately 75–85 minutes. This option requires a surcharge but guarantees a reserved seat. Budget: Take the regular Odakyu Line (Rapid Express) from Shinjuku to Odawara, then transfer to the Hakone Tozan train to Hakone-Yumoto (approximately 95–115 minutes). Premium: From Tokyo Station or Shinagawa Station, take the Tokaido Shinkansen (Kodama) to Odawara Station in approximately 35 minutes, then transfer to local transport.
From Narita Airport (NRT)
Recommended (Premium): Take the 🔴 Narita Express (N’EX) from Terminal 1 or 2 directly to Shinjuku Station in approximately 85–95 minutes. Terminal 3 users should take the shuttle to Terminal 2. Budget: Take the 🔵 Keisei Skyliner to Nippori Station, then transfer to the 🟢 JR Yamanote Line to Shinjuku (approximately 60–70 minutes total).
From Haneda Airport (HND)
Recommended (Mid-range): Take the Airport Limousine Bus from any terminal (T1, T2, T3) directly to Shinjuku Station in approximately 40–60 minutes, depending on traffic. Budget: Take the 🔴 Keikyu Line to Shinagawa Station, then transfer to the 🟢 JR Yamanote Line to Shinjuku (approximately 45–50 minutes total).
Useful Passes
The Hakone Freepass is highly recommended for this itinerary. It covers the round-trip fare from Shinjuku (excluding the Romancecar surcharge) and unlimited use of eight transport modes within Hakone, including the Tozan Train, Cable Car, Ropeway, and Sightseeing Cruise. While IC cards (Suica/PASMO) are accepted on trains and buses, paying individual fares for the entire loop is significantly more expensive.
Sources
- Official guide: Hakone Navi
Last updated: 2026-02-03