If you’re looking for the best Tokyo day trip, look no further than Hakone. Tucked away in the mountains of Kanagawa Prefecture, it’s the perfect escape from the city—easy to get to, but totally different in vibe. Think: relaxing hot springs, peaceful lake cruises, cable cars gliding over volcanic valleys, and (on a clear day) jaw-dropping views of Mount Fuji.
I visited Hakone as a quick stop between Tokyo and Osaka, and it turned out to be one of my favorite moments of the trip. It’s ideal for a packed day, but if you’ve got time, staying overnight gives you a chance to slow down and fully enjoy the magic of this mountain town.
Why Go to Hakone?
- Relax in a Hot Spring (Onsen): Whether it’s a luxurious ryokan soak or a simple public bath, there’s no better way to relax. Not into shared baths? Many places offer private options you can book by the hour.
- Ever-Changing Scenery: You’ll travel by train, cable car, pirate ship (yes, really), and ropeway—each leg of the loop has its own stunning views. From lush forest to volcanic valleys to calm lakes, it’s like several destinations in one.
- Unique Local Flavor: Try the famous black eggs at Owakudani, admire glass art and outdoor sculptures, or stroll through a cedar-lined shrine. Hakone blends nature and culture in a way that feels distinctly Japanese, but totally approachable.
P.S. This post contains affiliate links. If you use my links to make a purchase, I’ll get a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thanks for your support!
The Best Tokyo Day Trip: Hakone
How to Get To Hakone from Tokyo:
🚆 Odakyu Railway (Romancecar vs. Local Express)
- Time: 85–120 min
- Cost: ¥1,270 (local, one transfer at Odawara) – ¥2,470 (Romancecar limited express)
- Why choose what: The Romancecar (¥2,470 / ¥2,420 e‑ticket) boasts panoramic windows and reserved seating—ideal if you value comfort or train‑spotting. I tried the GSE Romancecar once; unless you secure a front or rear seat, the view isn’t dramatically better than a standard express.
- For a budget‑friendly option, the local express with a quick transfer at Odawara costs just ¥1,270.
- *Tip: Grab the Hakone Free Pass—it bundles your round‑trip fare plus unlimited local trains, cable cars, ropeways, boats, and buses for great overall savings.
🚄 JR (Japan Railways)
- Time: 60–120 min
- Cost: ¥2,000–¥4,000 (depending on service)
- Pass perks: A Japan Rail Pass covers the Tokaido Shinkansen (Kodama or select Hikari) to Odawara in about 30 minutes. From Odawara, transfer to Hakone Tozan lines or regional buses—your Hakone Free Pass can kick in here, too.
🚌 Odakyu Highway Bus
- Time: ~140 min
- Cost: ¥2,200 one way
- Why it works: Direct buses run every 30–60 minutes from Shinjuku to key spots around Lake Ashi (Togendai, Hakone Prince Hotel, etc.). You’ll save on transfers, though traffic can add a bit to the journey. Book ahead via Japan Bus Online to guarantee your seat.
Hakone Passes & Tickets
Getting around Hakone—and even beyond—can be a breeze if you pick the right pass. Here are the top three options:
*Prices as of April 2025 – subject to change*
1. Hakone Free Pass (from ¥5,000)
- Validity: 2 or 3 consecutive days
- Coverage:
- Unlimited rides on select trains, buses, boats, cablecars, and ropeways in the Hakone area
- Buses: Only valid on the designated “Hakone Tozan and Odakyu lines” they’ll be marked on the bus signs
- Optional round-trip fare between Tokyo (Shinjuku) and Hakone (Hakone‑Yumoto)
- Why It’s Worth It: Even if you skip the Tokyo round‑trip add‑on, the local transport alone—especially the frequent buses up the mountain—easily offsets the cost (busses here are a lot more expensive than in the major cities).
- I went with the 2 ‑day pass without the round‑trip ticket because I was headed on to Kyoto afterward. If you’re doing a simple out‑and‑back from Tokyo, definitely include the round‑trip option to save even more.
- You can buy it online (linked above) or go in person at Shinjuku or Odawara Station
2. Fuji Hakone Pass (¥10,100)
- Validity: 3 consecutive days
- Coverage:
- All the same Hakone-area transport as the Free Pass
- Round-trip between Tokyo and Hakone
- Unlimited rides in the Fuji Five Lakes region at the northern base of Mount Fuji (buses, boats, local trains)
- Who It’s For: Ideal if you want to extend your adventure north of Hakone to Lake Kawaguchi, Lake Yamanaka, or even catch the Chureito Pagoda view of Mount Fuji.
3. Hakone & Kamakura Pass (¥7,520)
- Validity: 3 consecutive days
- Coverage:
- Unlimited rides on the entire Odakyu rail network (including the Romancecar limited express*)
- All transport around Hakone (trains, buses, boats, cablecars, ropeways)
- JR East trains to Kamakura and Enoshima (great for pairing Hakone’s mountains with Kamakura’s temples and coastal scenery)
- Why Pick It: Combines two of the Kanto region’s top day‑trip destinations into one seamless pass—mountains and seaside within the same long weekend.
Pro Tip: Calculate your must‑do activities (e.g., Lake Ashi cruise, Owakudani ropeway, Hakone Tozan Railway switchbacks), add up individual fares, and you’ll see just how quickly any of these passes pay for themselves!
The Hakone Scenic Loop
One of the most popular ways to experience Hakone is the Scenic Loop, a counter-clockwise circuit that uses five different modes of transport—train, cable car, ropeway, boat, and bus—all covered by the Hakone Free Pass. You can start and end at Hakone-Yumoto, or hop on/off wherever you like. Here’s the classic route:
- 🚃 Hakone Tozan Train: Hakone-Yumoto → Gōra
- 🚡 Hakone Tozan Cable Car: Gōra → Sōunzan
- 🏔️ Hakone Ropeway: Sōunzan → Ōwakudani → Tōgendai
- 🚢 Hakone Sightseeing Cruise (“Pirate Ship”): Tōgendai → Hakone-machi (or Moto-Hakone)
- 🚌 Hakone Tozan Bus: Hakone-machi → Hakone-Yumoto
Timing & Tips
- One-Day vs. Two-Day
- One-Day Sprint: If you catch an early Romancecar or Shinkansen, you can technically close the loop in a single day.
- Two-Day Relaxer: I recommend staying overnight in a ryokan with an onsen—explore the loop on the first day and then check out more of the town on the second.
- Hakone Free Pass
Covers every leg of the loop (train, cable car, ropeway, pirate ship, bus). It’s hands-down the easiest, most cost-effective way to ride it all.
Highlights Along the Way
1. Hakone Tozan Train (Hakone-Yumoto → Gōra)
- Japan’s oldest mountain railway, famous for its switchbacks and lush cedar forests.
- Tip: Sit on the right side heading up for the best views of the valley.
2. Hakone Tozan Cable Car (Gōra → Sōunzan)
- Short but steep: in just 10 minutes you’ll climb from 550m to 750m above sea level.
- Look back for sweeping panoramas of the mountains you just climbed.
3. Hakone Ropeway (Sōunzan → Ōwakudani → Tōgendai)
- Ōwakudani Station: Step onto the observation deck for “Hell Valley” vistas—sulfur vents, steaming crevices, and that otherworldly landscape.
- Owakudani’s Black Eggs: These eggs are boiled in the natural hot springs and turn jet-black. Legend says each egg you eat adds seven years to your life! (Full disclosure: they taste like a regular hard-boiled egg, but they’re fun to try.)
- Mt. Fuji Views: On clear days you’ll spot Japan’s most famous peak behind Lake Ashi.
- Last Ride: Be sure to board by 16:45 or you’ll miss the final car down.
4. Hakone Sightseeing Cruise (“Pirate Ship”)
- Inspired by Disneyland’s creativity for the 1964 Tokyo Olympics, these whimsical “pirate” vessels now carry nearly 2 million passengers a year.
- First Class Upgrade (≈$5 USD): Grants access to the forward half of the ship—think plush seating, a more spacious cabin, and unblocked bow-to-stern views. Well worth the small splurge if you love photo ops.
5. Hakone Tozan Bus (Hakone-machi → Hakone-Yumoto)
- Scenic winding roads back to the valley floor.
- Keep an eye out for the red torii gate floating on Lake Ashi as you pass by.
Final Loop Notes
- Volcanic Alerts: Ōwakudani sits above an active volcanic zone. Trails may close if sulfur emissions spike—check the status at the ropeway station or online before you go.
- Signage & Staff: The loop can look intimidating on paper, but each transfer point is clearly signed and staffed. Just follow the “Loop Bus/Cruise/Ropeway” arrows!
- Flexible Starts/Finishes: Feel free to reverse the loop or break off at any point. If you stay in Gōra or near Lake Ashi overnight, you can pick up the next morning without backtracking to Hakone-Yumoto.
More Things to Do in Hakone
Hakone’s greatest appeal is its lush, fresh-air setting—quite the contrast to Tokyo’s concrete jungle. Here are the top spots and experiences to build into your itinerary:
1. Lake Ashi & Mount Fuji Views
- Why go: Crystalline Lake Ashi (Ashinoko) sits at the heart of Hakone, flanked by cedar forests. On clear days, Mount Fuji’s iconic silhouette rises beyond the water.
- How to experience:
- Pirate Ship Cruise: Glide across the lake on the “pirate” sightseeing boat (covered by the Free Pass).
- Torii Gate Photo Op: Hop off at Moto-Hakone or Hakone-machi to snap the red Hakone Shrine torii gate floating on the lake’s edge—best done early to beat the crowds.
2. Hakone Shrine
- Why it’s special: With over 1,200 years of history, this “power spot” is tucked beneath towering cedar trees.
- Don’t miss: The vermilion torii gate standing in Lake Ashi—arrive at dawn for magical light and fewer tourists.
- Cultural experience: Ring the shrine bell for good luck, write your wish on an ema (wooden plaque), and explore the shaded forest paths.
3. Sengokuhara Pampas Grass Field
- Seasonal beauty: From late summer into autumn, rolling hills of susuki (pampas grass) turn silvery-gold, creating endless waves of texture.
- Trail: A single walking path climbs gently into the field, ending at a higher vantage point—ideal for panoramic photos.
4. Gōra Park & Craft House
- Gōra Park: A charming French-style garden next to Gōra Station, complete with seasonal blooms in its greenhouses, a central fountain, and a tea house. It’s ideal for a leisurely stroll or a quiet break.
- Craft House: Just a short walk away, you can try hands-on workshops—glass-etching, pottery, or dried-flower arranging—starting from ¥1,000 and wrap up in under an hour. Perfect for a personal souvenir.
5. Art & Museums
Hakone is as much about art as it is about nature. A few must-sees:
- Hakone Open-Air Museum: Over 100 sculptures—including pieces by Picasso—are scattered through beautifully landscaped gardens. Don’t miss the “Symphony of Happiness” stained-glass tower you can climb inside. (Unfortunately this was closed while I was there)
- Pola Museum of Art: A sleek, forest-embedded gallery showcasing modern Japanese and Western art. The building itself harmonizes with the surrounding trees and light.
- Hakone Glass no Mori (Venetian Glass Museum): Italian-inspired architecture and gardens, complete with a canal-like pond. Over 100 pieces of Venetian glass on display (and occasional live Italian ballads).
Where to Stay in Hakone + Onsens
Choosing the right base can make or break your Hakone experience—especially if you want to maximize onsen time and mountain views. Here are four options across budgets and styles:
Location: 3-minute walk from Ubako Station (Hakone Ropeway)
Style: Modern hotel with buffet dining
Why You’ll Love It:
- Open-air hot-spring baths with sweeping views of Mount Fuji
- Spacious, contemporary rooms with private bathrooms and LCD TVs
- Buffet breakfast & dinner—perfect when you want a variety of Japanese and Western dishes
- Easy access to the ropeway, making transfers a breeze
Location: 3-minute drive (shuttle) from Hakone-Yumoto Station
Style: Historic ryokan (over 380 years old)
Why You’ll Love It:
- Registered as an Important Cultural Heritage—feel centuries of tradition
- Indoor and outdoor onsen fed by natural springs
- Optional massages and facial treatments for total relaxation
- Japanese-style tatami rooms with free Wi-Fi
Location: 5-minute walk from Gōra Station (Hakone Tozan Line)
Style: Luxury ryokan, member of Relais & Châteaux
Why You’ll Love It:
- Elegant rooms with mountain views, private bath amenities, and plush seating areas
- Extensive onsen facilities, plus 24-hour concierge, luggage storage, and shuttle service
- Indoor pool and fitness center—for days when you want to mix it up
- In-house fine dining experiences that showcase seasonal kaiseki cuisine
4. Onsen Guest House Tsutaya (Budget-Friendly)
Location: Near Hakone-Yumoto bus stops
Style: Cozy guest house with dorms and private rooms
Why You’ll Love It:
- Affordable dorm beds and private rooms, all with air-conditioning and mountain views
- Shared kitchen and common area—great for meeting fellow travelers or cooking your own meals
- In-house onsen and open-air baths—no need to leave the guest house for a soak
- Free Wi-Fi and luggage storage; very close to local buses
Personal Pick: I stayed at Tsutaya on my last trip and absolutely loved the laid-back vibe. It’s easy on the wallet, but still has a genuine onsen experience—and the shared kitchen is perfect for whipping up a quick breakfast before hitting the loop.
Hakone Day Trip Hot Springs
One of the best things about a trip to Hakone is soaking in a traditional Japanese onsen—and the good news is, you don’t need to stay overnight to enjoy one! There are several great hot spring options perfect for day trippers looking to relax and reset after exploring.
I didn’t get a chance to check these out because i had an onsen at my guesthouse, But here are a few popular onsen you can enjoy even if you’re just visiting for the day:
Hakone Kowakien Yunessun
If you’re looking for something unique (and fun), Yunessun is a hot spring theme park with a twist. Think outdoor baths infused with coffee, wine, or green tea—yes, really! It’s playful and family-friendly, but also has a more serene Japanese-style onsen area called Mori no Yu, which is perfect for relaxing in nature.
Tenzan Onsen
Tenzan is a classic favorite tucked into a forested hillside near Hakone Yumoto. With multiple outdoor baths, a peaceful atmosphere, and beautifully crafted architecture, it’s one of the most picturesque day-use onsens in Hakone. Bathing here under the stars or surrounded by lush greenery is an experience you won’t forget.
Yu no Sato Okada
Just up the hill from Hakone Yumoto Station, this spacious onsen complex uses water from five different hot spring sources. There are large indoor and outdoor baths, waterfalls to massage your shoulders, and even a sauna. It’s a great choice if you’re looking for variety and easy access, with shuttle buses running regularly from the station.
🔗 For more options, check out the full list of day-use onsens here: Hakone Onsen Guide
Hakone Final Thoughts
- Make It an Overnight Pit-Stop
Split your Tokyo→Osaka/Kyoto journey with one night in Hakone. You’ll swap a long transfer for a cozy ryokan stay—plus a chance to soak away travel fatigue in an onsen. - Travel Light, Roam Free
Ship your big luggage on to Osaka via takkyūbin. Toting only a daypack lets you breeze through the Scenic Loop without extra weight. - Beat the Crowds
Catch a 7–8 AM train from Tokyo so you arrive in time to enjoy Ōwakudani and the Lake Ashi torii gate before tour buses roll in. And don’t miss that final ropeway car—around 4:45 PM. - Grab the Hakone Free Pass
Even for a day trip, the Free Pass pays off: it covers the entire loop (train, cable car, ropeway, boat, bus) plus optional Tokyo round-trip. Zero ticket juggling required. - Onsen Etiquette Made Easy
Rinse off before entering, keep towels out of the water, and tie up long hair. If you prefer privacy, book a private or family bath—you’ll still get all the healing minerals. - Chase Clear Views
Mount Fuji can hide behind clouds, so check the weather and plan your lake cruise or ropeway ride on the clearest morning. A little planning = picture-perfect memories.
Enjoy the fresh mountain air, those legendary hot springs, and Hakone’s art-filled gardens—then roll into Osaka relaxed, recharged, and ready for more!
Related Travel Guides
- Captivating Kamakura Itinerary: How to Spend 1-2 Days on Japan’s Coast
- Matsuda Cherry Blossom Festival: A Dreamy Sakura Day Trip from Tokyo
Check out the rest of my travel blog for more Japan adventures and budget-friendly travel tips!
