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Hakone Day Trip

Hakone Day Trip from Tokyo

Last Updated: April 22, 2025

Hakone Day Trip FAQ

Located about 2 hours from Tokyo, Hakone is one of Japan’s most famous hot spring towns. map

Q: How long should I spend in Hakone?
Since many travelers are short on time and Hakone hotels can be expensive, this guide focuses on a one-day itinerary. However, If you have a bit more budget, staying overnight (1 night, 2 days) makes for a more relaxing trip.

Q: How do I get from Tokyo to Hakone?
The most popular option is the Odakyu Railway: From Shinjuku to Hakone-Yumoto (about 1 hour 50 minutes, ¥1,270, one transfer). See our Tokyo to Hakone Transportation Guidefor more options.

Q: What is the Hakone Freepass?
It’s a cost-saving transportation pass, priced at ¥ 6,100 for 2 days or ¥ 6,500 for 3 days (available online). The 2-day pass is recommended for most visitors, including day-trippers, as it:

  • Covers a round-trip from Shinjuku to Hakone-Yumoto via the Odakyu Railway.
  • Includes unlimited rides on most local transportation in Hakone.

Q: Where should I stay overnight?
The Hakone-Yumoto Station area is the most convenient, with a major transport hub, numerous restaurants, and convenience stores. These two hotels, both offering private hot spring baths, are a 5-minute walk from the station: Hakone Suimeisou, Yumoto Fujiya Hotel

Hakone Day Trip Itinerary

Hakone Day Trip Itinerary

map 7:30am: Take the Odakyu Electric Railway from “Shinjuku”(2.5 hours with two transfers), arrive at “Chokokunomori” at 10:00am.
Explore the Hakone Open-Air Museum (1.5 hours). 11:30am: Depart “Chokokunomori”. After about 46 minutes, arrive at “Owakudani” at 12:17pm.
Visit Owakudani (40 minutes) and enjoy lunch (try black eggs, curry, or ramen). 1:00pm: Depart “Owakudani”. After about 1 hour 40 minutes (including the Hakone Sightseeing Cruise), arrive at “Motohakone-ko” at 2:40pm.
Spend about 1 hour at Hakone Shrine.
3:50pm: Depart “Motohakone-ko”. After about 32 minutes, arrive at “Hakone-Yumoto” at 4:28pm.
Wait for the free onsen shuttle bus. Arrive at Hakone Yuryo by 5:00pm.
Enjoy the onsen and have a light meal. After 2 hours, take the 7:00pm bus back to “Hakone-Yumoto”.
7:15pm: Take the Odakyu Electric Railway from “Hakone-Yumoto”. After about 2 hours, arrive at “Shinjuku” at 9:03pm.

Notes:

  • This counterclockwise route may require less shrine time if connections are delayed.
  • A clockwise route may shorten museum time instead.
  • Neither route is objectively better; like Disneyland, there’s no “perfect” order.
  • Transport often runs late, so don’t cut it close for the last cable cars or boats (check official schedules, as services may cancel in high winds).
  • Pro tip: Skip the scenic but slow pirate ship and take a direct bus from Owakudani to Moto-Hakone (saves 1 hour; pay-as-you-go may be cheaper than the Hakone Free Pass).

 

1. Explore the Hakone Open-Air Museum

Take the Hakone Tozan Train from “Hakone-Yumoto” to “Chokokunomori” (about 34 minutes, 460 yen) After getting off the train, walk for 2 minutes to the art museum. transportation

Hakone Open-Air Museum Overview

Established in 1969 as Hakone’s most famous art museum (Japanese name: 彫刻の森美術館, “Choukoku no Mori Bijutsukan”), this unique venue primarily features open-air exhibits with approximately 120 outdoor sculptures and 300 indoor pieces. Perfect for all visitors - even those with no art background will enjoy the playful atmosphere and beautiful mountain surroundings.
Don’t miss:

  • The stunning stained glass tower
  • Dedicated Picasso exhibition pavilion
  • Relaxing foot baths fed by natural hot springs

Hours: 9:00 am–5:00 pm.
Admission: ¥ 2,000 (adults), ¥ 1,600 (high school/college students), ¥ 800 (children), Save ¥200 with online booking
Time needed: 1 - 2 Hours
Website: Hakone Open-Air Museum
Watch: A Trip to Hakone Open Air Museum Glass Museum Glass Museum

 

2. Experience Geothermal Features at Owakudani

Take the Hakone Tozan Train from “Chokokunomori” to “Gora” (about 3 minutes, 160 yen), transfer to the Hakone Tozan Cable Car from “Gora” to “Sōunzan” (about 10 minutes, 430 yen), then transfer to the Hakone Ropeway from “Sōunzan” to “Owakudani” (about 15 minutes, 1,500 yen), and exit the station to enjoy the geothermal sights. transportation

Owakudani Overview

Owakudani is a steaming valley and a landmark attraction in Hakone. It is also a source of hot spring water in the area, the observation deck is right outside the ropeway station.
Admission: Free
Time needed: 40 Minutes (including scenic views and eating hot spring eggs/lunch)
Website: Owakudani Owakudani Owakudani photo by Yusheng Deng

On a clear day, you can see Mount Fuji. Owakudani photo by Kazuki Taira

Don’t miss the local specialty—hot spring eggs! A pack of four costs ¥500. eggs

These eggs are first cooked in an 80-degree Celsius hot spring pool for one hour, where the shells turn black with iron sulfide. They are then transferred to a 100-degree Celsius steam pool and steamed for 15 minutes. They’re tastier than regular boiled eggs—rich and slightly salty from the minerals.

 

3. Take the Sightseeing Cruise to Hakone Shrine

Take the Hakone Ropeway from “Owakudani” to “Togendai” (about 30 minutes, 1,500 yen). Transfer to the Hakone Sightseeing Cruise from “Togendai” to “Motohakone-ko” (about 40 minutes, 1,200 yen). route map ship

If you prefer not to take the Hakone Sightseeing Cruise, you can take the Izuhakone Bus from “Owakudani” to “Motohakone-ko” in just 36 minutes (with 1 transfer). You can use Japan Transit Planner to find more information

Hakone Shrine Overview

Hakone Shrine is one of the key attractions in Hakone, renowned for its torii gate standing in the water.
Hours: 8.15am - 5pm
Admission: Free
Time needed: 30 minutes

As you approach “Motohakone-ko”, you can see the torii gate from the boat, and on clear days, you can also see Mount Fuji.
torii gate torii gate photo by Steve Sharp | Raphael Lopes

From the pier, it’s a 15-minute lakeside walk to the shrine, passing convenience stores and restaurants along the way. The shrine is small but beautifully traditional, with classic Japanese architecture. After paying respects, head to the famous floating torii gate for photos—yes, Expect long lines—during peak seasons, the wait can be over 30 minutes! Fun fact: While Hakone Shrine’s origins date back 1,000+ years, the current lakeside buildings were relocated here in the 17th century (400+ years old). It enshrines Hakone Gongen (a mountain deity) and the nine-headed dragon god, Kuzuryū. Hakone Shrine Hakone Shrine photo by Syuhei Inoue

On your way back, if the weather’s nice and you enjoy photography, consider a 10-minute walk south from the pier to the Narukawa Art Museum.
Admission: ¥1,500
Hours: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Why visit? While the art collection itself is modest, the floor-to-ceiling windows offer stunning panoramic views of Lake Ashinoko—perfect for photos!
Watch: 成川美術館プライベートガイド Narukawa Museum Narukawa Museum

 

4. Relax in the Hot Springs at Hakone Yuryo

Take the Hakone Tozan Bus from “Moto-Hakone Port” to “Hakone-Yumoto” (about 32 minutes, 1,080 yen). Upon arrival, wait for and transfer to the free shuttle bus to Hakone Yuryo (runs every 10-15 minutes, 3-minute ride). bus

Hakone Yuryo Overview

This day-use onsen is popular with travelers looking to unwind after sightseeing, offering two options: public baths and private baths.
Hours: Weekdays 10am - 8pm, Weekends 10am - 9pm
Time needed: 1 - 2 Hours
Website: https://www.hakoneyuryo.jp/english/
Public Baths
Indoor and outdoor open-air baths are available with no reservation needed; Weekday admission is ¥1,700, while weekends and holidays are ¥2,000 (200 yen discount with Hakone Freepass), and towels can be brought or purchased on-site for 300 yen. springs

ℹ️
Children under 6 years old and guests with tattoos are not allowed in the public baths.

Private Baths
From 10,000 yen (for 2-4 people, up to 2 hours), Reservation recommended springs

 

Optional Attractions

Hakone Venetian Glass Museum

Opened in 1996, this museum features Venetian glassware from the 15th to 19th centuries, displayed in charming Italian-style gardens. The exhibition space is small, though some may find the ticket price a bit steep for the size.

Hours: 10am - 5.30pm
Admission: Adults ¥1,800, High school and University students ¥1,300. Save ¥300 when booking online.
Time needed: About 30 minutes
Website: Hakone Venetian Glass Museum
Access: Take Hakone Tozan Bus from Hakone-Yumoto Station to Hakone Venetian Glass Museum (Hakone-garasunomori, 24 minutes, ¥840). Details
Watch: 箱根ガラスの森美術館 Glass Museum Glass Museum

 

Pola Museum of Art

Built by the former president of POLA Cosmetics after 40 years of collecting, this museum holds around 10,000 artworks. Its main focus is 19th-century French Impressionist paintings, including Claude Monet’s Water Lilies as the star piece. You’ll also find Western and Japanese paintings, ceramics, glass crafts, and cosmetic tools. The building has a unique underground design with four floors of galleries.

Hours: 9am - 5pm
Admission: Adults ¥1,800, High school and University students ¥1,500
Time needed: 30 minutes to 1 hour
Website: Pola Museum of Art
Access: Take Hakone Tozan Bus from Hakone-Yumoto Station to Pola Museum (Pola Bijutsukan, 35 minutes, ¥960). Details
Watch: 空からポーラ美術館を見てみよう！ POLA MUSEUM

Watch: ポーラ美術館　Pola Museum of Art POLA MUSEUM POLA MUSEUM

 

Sengokuhara Pampas Grass Fields

From late September to early November, these hills are covered with golden pampas grass, Perfect for a short 15–30 minute walk through the golden fields.

Time needed: 15 to 30 minutes
Access:

  • From Hakone-Yumoto: 28-minute bus ride to Sengoku-kogen (¥980). Details
  • From Pola Museum: 18-minute bus ride to Sengoku-kogen (¥400). Details

Watch: 仙石原すすき草原へ秋の日帰り Sengokuhara

 

Extras

Luggage Delivery:
¥ 900–1,600 from Hakone-Yumoto Station (drop by 12:30 pm for same-day hotel delivery).

  Hope you enjoy your day in Hakone! ヽ(´▽`)/

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