A Classic Day Trip To Hakone from Tokyo

@Japan Guide

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Explore Hakone's natural beauty, hot springs, and museums on a convenient day trip from Tokyo using public transport. This guide covers a circular route, including a traditional tea house, historic trails, a lake cruise, volcanic valley, and an open-air museum.

10 places · 4 experiences

Experience · 4 places
Morning Tea & Historic Walk
morning2 hours
Start your Hakone adventure with a traditional tea house visit, then walk a preserved section of Japan's most important feudal highway down to Lake Ashi.
1
Amazake Chaya
Tea house · Hakone · 30 min
4.5Closed · opens Tuesday 7 AM
Creator's voice
A traditional tea house established in the Edo Period, family-run for generations. It's a perfect spot to take a break and enjoy a warming drink.
Japan, 〒250-0314 Kanagawa, Ashigarashimo District, Hakone, Hatajuku, Hakone Amazake Tea House, 二子山 395-28
Tip: Try the amazake, a non-alcoholic, sugar-free drink made from fermented rice, served hot or cold.
2
Old Tokaido Road
Historical landmark · Hakone · 50 min
4.3 (47)Closed
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Walk a preserved section of Japan's most important highway during feudal times, connecting Edo (Tokyo) with Kyoto. This segment leads down to Lake Ashi.
Old Tokaido Road, 65 Motohakone, Hakone, Ashigarashimo District, Kanagawa 250-0521, Japan
3
Lake Ashi
Lake · Hakone
4.4
Creator's voice
A scenic lake offering some of the best views of Mount Fuji when visibility is good. It's a central point for various Hakone attractions.
Lake Ashi, Motohakone, Hakone, Ashigarashimo District, Kanagawa 250-0522, Japan
4
Moto-Hakone
Hakone
Creator's voice
A small lakeside town on Lake Ashi, known for its scenic views and as a starting point for exploring the lake and nearby shrines.
Motohakone, Hakone, Ashigarashimo District, Kanagawa 250-0522, Japan
Experience · 1 place
Lakeside Shrine & Pirate Cruise
afternoon2 hours
Visit an atmospheric shrine with an iconic torii gate in the water, then embark on a fun pirate ship cruise across Lake Ashi.
5
Hakone-jinja Shrine
Shinto shrine · Hakone · 45 min
4.4 (19,913)Closed
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A peaceful, atmospheric Shinto shrine surrounded by tall trees, featuring an iconic torii gate standing in Lake Ashi.
Hakone Shrine, 80-1 Motohakone, Hakone, Ashigarashimo District, Kanagawa 250-0522, Japan
Experience · 2 places
Volcanic Valley & Outdoor Art
late afternoon3 hours
Ascend to a volcanically active area with smoking vents and unique local specialties, then immerse yourself in art amidst nature at Japan's first outdoor museum.
6
Owakudani
Tourist information center · Hakone · 1 hour
4.2Open · until 4:30 PM
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A volcanically active area formed almost 3000 years ago, featuring smoking vents, boiling pools, and views of Mount Fuji. It's also a major source of Hakone's hot spring waters.
Owakudani Information Center, 1251 Sengokuhara, Hakone, Ashigarashimo District, Kanagawa 250-0631, Japan
Tip: Try the local black eggs, cooked in the steaming vents, said to extend your life by seven years.
7
Hakone Open-Air Museum
Sculpture museum · Hakone · 1.5 hours
4.5 (1,285)Closed · opens Tuesday 9 AM
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One of Japan’s first outdoor museums, offering an experience of art, nature, and the seasons. It features spacious grounds with indoor and outdoor exhibition areas filled with sculptures, installations, and paintings.
The Hakone Open-Air Museum, 1121 Ninotaira, Hakone, Ashigarashimo District, Kanagawa 250-0493, Japan
Experience · 3 places
Relaxing Onsen & Souvenir Hunt
evening1 hour
Wind down with a relaxing hot spring bath at a day-use onsen, then browse local souvenirs before heading back to Tokyo.
8
Hakone Yuryo
Day-use onsen · Hakone · 1 hour
4.3 (191)Closed · opens Tuesday 10 AM
Creator's voice
A hot spring facility open to daytime visitors, perfect for winding down with a relaxing bath before returning to Tokyo.
Hakone Yuryo, 4 Tonosawa, Hakone, Ashigarashimo District, Kanagawa 250-0315, Japan
Tip: Accessible by a free shuttle bus from Hakone-Yumoto Station.
9
Hakone-Yumoto Station
Train station · Hakone
4.2 (1,472)
Creator's voice
The main gateway to Hakone, with a shopping street near the station offering local souvenirs and treats.
Hakone-Yumoto Station, Yumoto, Hakone, Ashigarashimo District, Kanagawa 250-0311, Japan
10
Odakyu Romancecar
Hakone
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A direct train connection from Shinjuku Station in central Tokyo to Hakone-Yumoto, offering a comfortable and scenic journey to Hakone.
Hakone, Ashigarashimo District, Kanagawa, Japan

Tips from the creator1

How to get around Hakone for a day trip?
The Hakone Freepass is a convenient discount pass for 2 or 3 consecutive days, covering a round trip from Odakyu Line stations (like Shinjuku) and unlimited travel on Odakyu-affiliated transport in Hakone. It can be purchased at ticket counters, machines, or digitally on your smartphone.
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