3 Day Trip from Tokyo to Kyoto via Hakone

@Japan Guide

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Embark on a three-day journey from Tokyo to Kyoto, exploring the scenic Hakone area, the spiritual mountains of Kurama and Kibune, and the historical charms of Kyoto, with practical transport tips and accommodation insights.

16 places · 6 experiences

Experience · 3 places
Shinjuku City Views & Hakone Arrival
morninghalf day
Begin your journey in Shinjuku with panoramic city views, then take a scenic train ride to Hakone Yumoto, a charming hot spring town, to soak in its atmosphere and beauty.
1
Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building
Japanese prefecture government office
4.5 (8,270)Open now
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Visit the free observation decks for impressive, sweeping views of Tokyo's cityscape. It's a great way to get a sense of the city's scale without spending money.
Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building No.1, 2 Chome-8-1 Nishishinjuku, Shinjuku City, Tokyo 163-8001, Japan
2
Shinjuku Station
Train station · Shinjuku City
3.9 (44,356)
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A major transportation hub in Tokyo, offering convenient access to various train lines, including the Odakyu Railway for trips to Hakone.
Shinjuku Station, 3 Chome-38-1 Shinjuku, Shinjuku City, Tokyo 160-0022, Japan
Tip: Purchase a rail pass here for cost-effective travel to Hakone.
3
Hakone Yumoto
Hakone
4.1 (3)
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The most famous hot spring town at the entrance to Hakone, featuring stunning scenery and a bustling main street with shops and eateries.
Yumoto, Hakone, Ashigarashimo District, Kanagawa 250-0311, Japan
Experience · 2 places
Art and Nature in Hakone
afternoon3 hours
Journey deeper into Hakone to explore the Hakone Open Air Museum, where art installations blend seamlessly with breathtaking natural scenery, before settling into your hotel for the night.
4
Hakone Open Air Museum
Sculpture museum · Hakone
4.5 (1,285)Closed · opens Tuesday 9 AM
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Known for its numerous large and interesting art installations scattered across expansive grounds, offering a unique interplay between art and the surrounding natural beauty.
The Hakone Open-Air Museum, 1121 Ninotaira, Hakone, Ashigarashimo District, Kanagawa 250-0493, Japan
5
Hakone Yutowa Hotel
Hotel · Hakone
4.4 (25)
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A comfortable hotel in Hakone, providing exceptional service and surroundings for a relaxing overnight stay.
Hakone Yutowa, 1300-27 Gora, Hakone, Ashigarashimo District, Kanagawa 250-0408, Japan
Experience · 4 places
Lake Ashinoko Cruise & Skywalk Views
morninghalf day
Start your day with a scenic cable car and ropeway ride to Lake Ashinoko, enjoy a pirate ship cruise, and then experience panoramic views from the Mishima Skywalk before heading to Kyoto.
6
Lake Ashinoko
Lake · Hakone
4.4
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A beautiful lake in Hakone, famous for its iconic pirate ship sightseeing cruises that offer stunning views of the surrounding rolling hills and, on clear days, Mt. Fuji.
Lake Ashi, Motohakone, Hakone, Ashigarashimo District, Kanagawa 250-0522, Japan
7
Motohakone
Hakone
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A picturesque town on the southern edge of Lake Ashinoko, known for its quaint atmosphere and offering beautiful views of Mt. Fuji on a clear day.
Motohakone, Hakone, Ashigarashimo District, Kanagawa 250-0522, Japan
8
Mishima Skywalk
Bridge · Mishima
Closed · opens Tuesday 9 AM
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A 400-meter long suspension bridge traversing a deep valley, providing spectacular views of Mt. Fuji when the weather is clear.
Mishima Skywalk, 313 Sasahara Shinden, Mishima, Shizuoka 411-0012, Japan
9
Mishima Station
Train station · Mishima
3.6 (7,090)
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A key transit point for taking the Tokaido Shinkansen to Kyoto, connecting the Hakone area to Japan's ancient capital.
MISHIMA STATION, 16-1 Ichibancho, Mishima, Shizuoka 411-0036, Japan
Experience · 3 places
Kyoto's Gion Charm & Hotel Check-in
evening2 hours
Arrive in Kyoto and immerse yourself in the magical atmosphere of Gion, exploring its well-preserved historical streets before checking into your exceptional hotel.
10
Gion
Kyoto
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One of Japan's premier historical entertainment districts, renowned for its abundance of well-preserved traditional buildings and magical atmosphere.
Gion, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, Japan
11
Kansai Tourist Information Center Kyoto Tower
Tourist information center · Kyoto
4.6 (200)
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A convenient stop for travelers to purchase discount passes, such as the Keihan pass, to save money on local transportation in Kyoto.
Japan, 〒600-8216 Kyoto, Shimogyo Ward, Higashishiokojicho, 721-1 JTB Kansai Tourist Information Center Kyoto, 京都タワービル 3階
Tip: Buy your Keihan discount pass here to save on tomorrow's travel.
12
The Thousand Kyoto
Hotel · Kyoto
4.5 (144)
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An exceptional hotel in Kyoto, offering outstanding service and luxurious surroundings for a comfortable stay.
The Thousand Kyoto, 570 Higashishiokojicho, Shimogyo Ward, Kyoto, 600-8216, Japan
Experience · 2 places
Kurama Mountain Hike & Kibune River Dining
morninghalf day
Embark on a mystical hike from Kurama to Kibune, exploring a spiritual mountain temple and enjoying a unique river dining experience on the Kibunegawa.
13
Kuramadera
Buddhist temple · Kyoto
4.6 (5,503)Open · until 4 PM
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The main attraction on Kurama mountain, known for its incredible views of the surrounding mountains and its reputation as a spiritual power spot.
Kurama-dera Temple, 1074 Kuramahonmachi, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto, 601-1111, Japan
14
Kibunegawa
River · Kyoto
4.6
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The river in Kibune where unique 'kawadoko' dining experiences are offered during summer, with platforms set directly over the water for a cool and relaxing meal.
Kibune River, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto, Japan
Experience · 2 places
Kiyomizudera Temple & Departure
afternoon2 hours
Conclude your trip with a visit to the iconic Kiyomizudera Temple, famous for its balcony views of Kyoto's cityscape, before heading back to Kyoto Station for your departure.
15
Kiyomizudera Temple
Buddhist temple · Kyoto
4.6 (72,172)Closed · opens tomorrow 6 AM
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One of the most popular religious sites in Japan, known for its iconic wooden balcony that provides inspiring panoramic views of Kyoto's cityscape.
Kiyomizu-dera, 1 Chome-294 Kiyomizu, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, 605-0862, Japan
16
Kyoto Station
Transit station · Kyoto
4.3
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A major transportation hub in Kyoto, serving as the departure point for many travelers, connecting to various train lines and bus routes.
Kyoto Station, Higashishiokoji Kamadonocho, Shimogyo Ward, Kyoto, Japan