If you’re looking for an escape from the city without a multi-day commitment, a day trip to Hakone is the perfect choice. This stunning region, part of the Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park, offers a breathtaking blend of nature, culture, and art, all easily accessible from Japan’s capital.
In this article, we’ll show you exactly how to navigate the famous Hakone Round Course, helping you maximize your time to see the highlights, and giving you all the practical tips you need for an unforgettable adventure.
Planning Your Trip: Getting There and Getting Around
The most efficient way to do a day trip from Tokyo to Hakone is by using the Hakone Free Pass. This pass is your golden ticket, providing a round-trip ticket from Tokyo (specifically, Shinjuku Station) to Hakone and unlimited use of eight different modes of transport within the Hakone area. This includes the Hakone Tozan Train, the ropeway, the pirate ship, and more.
- Is the Hakone Free Pass worth it for a day trip? Absolutely. The cost of individual tickets for each leg of the Hakone Round Course would far exceed the price of the pass, making it the most cost-effective and convenient option.
- How to Get There: Your journey begins at Shinjuku Station in Tokyo. The most popular and comfortable way to travel is on the Odakyu Romance Car, a limited express train that takes you directly to Hakone-Yumoto Station in about 85 minutes. It’s a smooth ride with comfortable seating and scenic views along the way. Be sure to reserve your seat in advance, especially on weekends and holidays.
- Tip: When you arrive at Hakone-Yumoto Station, you’ll be at the starting point of the loop. Don’t worry about getting lost; the entire “Hakone Round Course” is a well-oiled machine designed for tourists to follow easily.
The Perfect One-Day Hakone Itinerary
This itinerary is designed to take you on the classic “Hakone Round Course” in a counter-clockwise direction, ensuring a logical and time-efficient journey.
1. The Hakone Tozan Train
From Hakone-Yumoto Station, board the charming Hakone Tozan Train. This is an experience in itself. The train winds its way through lush mountain landscapes, a journey that feels like you’re stepping back in time. It zig-zags up the steep incline, offering beautiful views of the valley below.
- Continue the Climb: The train ride takes about 40 minutes to Gora Station. From there, you’ll transfer to the Hakone Tozan Cable Car, which continues the ascent to Sounzan Station. This short but steep ride is an essential part of the loop.
2. The Hakone Ropeway and Owakudani
At Sounzan Station, you’ll transfer to the Hakone Ropeway, a modern cable car system that offers some of the most spectacular views of the day. As you glide up the mountain, the landscape transforms, and you’ll catch your first glimpse of Mount Fuji on a clear day.
- Owakudani: Your first stop on the ropeway is Owakudani, a volcanic valley famous for its sulfur vents and hot springs. The air smells of sulfur, and steam rises from the ground, creating an otherworldly atmosphere. This is also where you can try the famous black eggs (kuro-tamago), hard-boiled in the sulfurous hot springs. A local legend says that eating one of these eggs adds seven years to your life.
- Best Views of Mount Fuji: The best chance to see a clear, unobstructed view of Mount Fuji is from the Hakone Ropeway between Owakudani and Togendai Station. Keep your fingers crossed for good weather!
3. The Hakone Pirate Ship
After exploring Owakudani, hop back on the ropeway and continue down to Togendai Station. From there, you’ll board the majestic Hakone Pirate Ship, a large ferry that sails across Lake Ashi. The ship is a fun and quirky way to take in the views, but the real highlight is the stunning scenery surrounding the lake. On a clear day, you can see the symmetrical cone of Mount Fuji towering over the hills.
4. The Hakone Shrine and Torii Gate
Your pirate ship will land at the Moto-Hakone-ko pier. From here, it’s a short walk to the iconic Hakone Shrine, a beautiful Shinto shrine nestled in the forest. The main draw is the “floating” Torii Gate (known as the Gate of Peace) which sits on the edge of the lake. It’s an incredibly popular photo spot, so be prepared to wait in line for your turn.
- Tip: Walk a little further from the main Torii Gate to the main shrine buildings, which are equally beautiful and less crowded.
5. The Return Journey
From the pier at Moto-Hakone-ko, you can catch a bus back to Hakone-Yumoto Station to complete the loop. The ride takes about 40 minutes and is included in your Hakone Free Pass. Once you’re back at the station, you can hop back on the Odakyu Romance Car to Tokyo, a perfect end to an unforgettable day.
Other Must-See Spots and Activities
If your time allows, or if you prefer a different kind of activity, consider these options:
- Hakone Open-Air Museum: An artistic oasis with sculptures and masterpieces scattered throughout a lush green landscape. It’s a great detour for art lovers.
- Hakone’s Onsen (Hot Springs): Hakone is famous for its natural hot springs. While a day trip doesn’t allow for a full ryokan stay, many onsen resorts offer day-use passes for a quick, relaxing dip.
Practical Tips for Your Day Trip
- Check the Weather: Your entire trip’s success, particularly your view of Mount Fuji, depends on the weather. A clear day is essential. Check the forecast for both Tokyo and Hakone before you go.
- Start Early: To fit everything into a single day, you should aim to be on the first Odakyu Romance Car of the day. A trip starting at 7:00 AM from Shinjuku is a good goal.
- Wear Layers: The temperature can change drastically as you ascend the mountains. Dress in layers so you can adjust comfortably.
- Bring Cash: While many places accept cards, smaller shops and food stalls in Owakudani may only take cash.
- Be Flexible: While this itinerary is optimized, remember that travel times can vary. Don’t be afraid to adjust your plans if you want to spend more time at a particular spot.
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A day trip to Hakone is a truly magical experience that offers a perfect balance of adventure and relaxation. By following this guide, you’ll be able to navigate the loop with ease and make the most of your limited time, creating memories that will last a lifetime.
