A Classic Day Trip To Hakone from Tokyo | japan-guide.com

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On this one-day trip, we explore Hakone, a popular destination close to Tokyo, using the new digital version of the Hakone Freepass. The area is famous for its natural beauty, hot springs, and views of Mount Fuji.
- Chapters -
00:00​​ Intro
01:38 Going to Hakone
02:12 Amazake experience
02:50 Walking the old Tokaido road
03:28 Moto-Hakone
04:14 Hakone-jinja Shrine
04:56 Hakone Sightseeing Cruise
05:45 Owakudani
06:39 The Hakone Open-Air Museum
07:12 Hakone Yuryo
07:43 Hakone-Yumoto
08:01 Outro
- Video Credits -
Host and Narrator: Raina Ong
Videographer: Thomas Roennlund
Animations: Charles Sabas
Producer: Stefan Schauwecker

[@japanguide]

All staff and businesses involved in the making of this video took the necessary precautions against the spread of the coronavirus as outlined by the government. The prices listed in the video are valid as of December 2021 and subject to change.

[@stephenchung]

I’m just going to Hakone for a day trip. Is the Hakone free pass still a good buy?

[@StAngerNo1]

A daytrip is actually not enaugh for Hakone. I would recommend anyone to stay overnight in one of the many ryokans and spend two days in Hakone.

[@user-jm9sl9ed1t]

impractical, time n money-wise

[@papap2932]

2 night at hakone. Especially hotel ten-yu

[@DufulPlays]

@@user-jm9sl9ed1t no, I am there for 2 months, an overnight stay is not impractical...

[@DufulPlays]

@@DAVID-gp4ry onsen guesthouse hakone Inn, stayed there yesterday! And the staff is so kind and professional, speaks great English, and the beds are great! The hostel has one small 2 person onsen tub and a bigger one for 6 people, and they serve Italian food 😅 a bit odd but hehe nice nonetheless. If they are not fully booked please book them😄 they are lovely:)

[@StAngerNo1]

@@DAVID-gp4ry I was at Yutorelo-an, which is a great mix between traditional Ryokan and western Hotel. If you book with dinner, you also get free access to a private onsen bath, which is great if you go there with your partner or are tatooed. Hakone Kowakien TEN-YU is supposed to be also cool, but I have no first hand experience. But, if you are traveling on a budget, they might be not the best decision, though.

[@onebladeprop]

It's worth mentioning that the art museum has really nice Picasso exhibit in a dedicated building.

[@pdute1]

I will be 70 next month. You Video Inspires me to get 'off my butt' and take a trip to Japan. A Place I have never been to before. And one of the things I want to do is Visit Hakone after watching, and re-watching your Video, Arigato!

[@perdomot]

I've done this trip several times and always loved it. I've done it as a day trip and have stayed overnight at an onsen hotel and an overnight is definitely the best. Its definitely on my list for when Japan opens up again.

[@neelukampani6548]

Can you pls tell which hotel you stayed there as we are so confused since we have to go in July 2n3rd there, three adults. Please advise. Is the hotel with breakfast and dinner?

[@perdomot]

@@neelukampani6548 I stayed at the Yumoto Fujiya hotel which is right by the station. There are restaurants in the hotel and I would advise making reservations ahead of time because the whole area seems to shut down very early including most places to eat. I used the Agoda website to book my hotel FYI.

[@anthonyvalencia01]

Whenever i travel to Japan, I cant miss going to Hakone. I really love this place...🥲

[@jeffreylatimer216]

Thanks Raina. Really good, simple and concise. Helps with planning my trip.

[@vlo4829]

The Hakone Pass also works for the buses to/from Mishima Station, which is nice if you are traveling from Shizuoka or Nagoya or want to include the Mishima SkyWalk as part of your trip.

[@leetakeuchi]

I've watched a bunch of videos on this, yours has been most helpful. Thank you.

[@yesimcetincelik3556]

Just perfect ❤🫶🏽🤩

[@armandovidal1758]

One of my favorite places in Japan! So many great memories there. Thank you Raina!!!

[@japanguide]

You're welcome! Glad you enjoyed the video :)

[@edwardbermudez6299]

Awesomeness! Been there twice.

[@inessachimato8461]

Thank you for this video! Much needed for planning right now!

[@dr-rirakkuma]

Thank you for providing the fun video.

[@madhouze1]

Great video. A few years ago I took the Shinkansen to Odwara, then the Hakone Tozan Line to Gora, followed by the cablecar. Unfortunately the ropeway was closed that day so I had to go back the way I came and missed the lake. If I ever go back there (after Covid), this video will be a great reference.

[@kellywalker3917]

It's magnificent

[@LifewiththeClements]

So stunning! Can't wait to take a trip here during the warmer months 😊 thank you so much for all the great inspiration and ideas!

[@japanguide]

You're welcome! Glad you enjoyed the video!

[@whatthenihon]

HAHAHA love that smile at 6:22!! 😅Awesome day trip idea! Just booked our flights and will be flying back in the month of July. Off to see if I can make this work with Nagoya as a starting point 🤞Kids would love the pirate ships! Also need to rewatch all of your videos from central Japan...so much planning to do!! Thanks guys, another awesome trip idea!

[@nickandhelmi]

🎉 missing japan badly! ❤ hakone is definitely one of favourite spots in japan

[@kristinwight8465]

Hakone Open Air Museum is my most favorite museum in the world! ❤️

[@theglobalcitizenship]

Very informative guide! Gives me ideas for my upcoming trip! Thank you for sharing Reina! I hope you're well from our last encounter at Wakayama!

[@MajorAddiction]

Great video, thanks Raina and crew

[@japanguide]

Thank you so much!

[@lovi2744]

The real is more beautiful than video... someday I come back again Hakone

[@rickyagustinuz]

Wow thanks for this information

[@FromAmericaToJapan]

I was here. Beautiful

[@deeppurple3928]

We went here a couple of times and it is tiring walk though but the view is so worth it ☺️ I would not mind going there again 😁

[@rossb9984587]

I love Hakone, maybe when I can get to Japan again I'll go back there, although I do quite fancy visiting a different hot spring resort.

[@editingfoo]

Thanks for this wonderful and informative video. Although I have been to Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka before I have never visited this region of Japan. We literally did almost everything you outlined in this video at the beginning of June (2023) and had a wonderful time. Thanks so much for sharing!

[@japanguide]

Thank you so much for watching! Also very happy to hear that you had a great time in Hakone!

[@Bokurano99]

Made this trip in the opposite round (except the hike). It was awesome.

[@thomaz8990]

Thank you for your videos, i'm going to Japan in August, and your videos are a big help to plan my travel around the country.

[@japanguide]

Glad that we could be of some help! And hope you will have a nice trip!

[@purplesomething3442]

I went to Hakone in 2019 for my birthday and I am so glad that tea shop is still around. The atmosphere was so relaxing and the staff was amazing! For anyone who wants to try the old Tokaido road, make sure you wear good walking shoes! The uneven stones really make you work for it haha.

[@Juz220599]

Can the path of old Tokaido road be easily found from Amazake-chaya?

[@michalislamprinos38]

So lovely video. Thanks for sharing 😊

[@japanguide]

And thank YOU for your nice comment!

[@angenhenyeronglakwatsero1990]

Thanks Japan Guide. I always like your videos.

[@japanguide]

Thank you so much for the support!

[@johns2968]

Thank You , that was very informative. On my last trip to Hakone i rode around both lakes and also visited the caves and historic township.

[@japanguide]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@sylviekins]

This is amazing!

[@japanguide]

Thank you for the nice comment!

[@melissabedwell]

I've seen that tea house on a documentary a long time ago, and worried I would never find where it was. Thank you for a great video! Love all the ideas for Hakone

[@andaandutza1561]

Super super super video ❤❤❤

[@sylvanusjoseph1140]

Love your videos. I did this trip on my honeymoon and loved it. You are very good at English and explain everything so wonderful. You made me feel like going again. Thank you

[@japanguide]

Glad you enjoyed the video!

[@ruthviadriana5678]

Thank youuu

[@CC-st7ob]

Thank you for such an informative video! Vidoes like these really help me in planning itineraries or understand how passes work . I am a visual person and this video helped me appreciate or get an idea about how a day trip using the Hakone Freepass would be like (instead of reading the details for this pass). I am considering getting this one or the Fuji Hakone pass.

[@japanguide]

Glad the video was helpful in planning your trip!

[@universityofgod-allanadlawanob]

Beautiful vlogs and wonderful place.

[@japanguide]

Thank you so much 🙂!

[@Faustfall]

Thank you for the guide we reserved in a nice ryokan in hakone and wanted to make an itinerary to the nearest attractions!

[@Spamouflage]

Wow, I will for sure do this trip when we can return to Japan. I might even stay a few nights along the way.

[@japanguide]

That's a great idea! Hope you will have a nice trip there!

[@samamuse21]

Another quality video! Very interesting :)

[@japanguide]

Thank you! Glad you enjoyed it!

[@Jackyfromfl]

This channel is the best Japan travel guide especially for first timer like me. I willfollow 100% what you did :) thanks

[@japanguide]

Thank you so much for the nice comment!

[@JordanKicks]

lets go new vid

[@ppate8]

looks good

[@samuelnavarro6127]

Claro que un día iré a Japón!!! Bueno por lo menos tres veces: en la primera iría a los karaokes o a comprar cosillas, la segunda a un lugar relajado y la tercera sería hacer las dos cosas al mismo tiempo!!! No puedo esperar 🤩🤩🤩

[@bankerdave888]

I was at Lake Ashi/Hakone area in May of 2019. Had a wonderful time with my family, but unfortunately didn't get to see Mt. Fuji!

[@takeru2702]

Great video! From japan

[@YnnaLifeinJapan]

Been here many times, I never get sick of its beauty. ❤️🇯🇵 Celebrated our 1st wedding anniversary here and will be sharing it on my next vlog too. I love hakone 🤍

[@japanguide]

That's a nice way to celebrate a wedding anniversary! Thank you for the nice comment :)

[@kraiglarson3144]

those Huge statues looked like yhe titans on Jason and the argonauts mo imo ie INCREDIBLE!!!

[@arnskoffee3970]

How I envy you guys. Thank you for your videos !

[@japanguide]

Thank you for watching!!

[@paulccrimmins]

Aloha 🤙 from Honolulu! Thanks for the great video and giving me some good ideas for my next visit 😊

[@japanguide]

Aloha! Thank you for the nice comment, hope you will enjoy Hakone during your next visit!

[@koreanature]

My best friend, Enjoyed watching this video my friend Really awesome views Thank you Stay connected

[@michaels7433]

Great video: How many hours do you think this entire day took? Thank You

[@vonguyen8481]

We had visited Japan 4 times but still want to come back once more

[@japanguide]

We hope that you can visit soon!

[@dreamsnotthings]

We just got back from Japan! Absolutely fantastic. We got some spectacular footage and more importantly created amazing memories!

[@japanguide]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@leon_frey]

Very interesting, thank you very much:)

[@japanguide]

You're welcome!

[@chongyewchang1705]

Beautiful vid

[@japanguide]

Thank you so much!

[@teagoldleaf4137]

❤Japan 💯

[@ron7524]

This was a nice summary of what to do in Hakone. I was just wondering, since this is only a Day Trip, how long do you think people could spend in the Open Air Museum and Owakudani (Black Eggs). People have suggested leaving 1 hour to visit that Tori Gate and Shrine (gather it gets very busy), and another hour overall for the Pirate Ship. Then is an hour enough time for the ride on the Ropeway and sightseeing at Owakudani (let me know your thoughts on whether there's much to see or if it's really so you can try the black eggs and visit the gift shop). So an hour for the museum and another 2 hours for general sightseeing and grabbing lunch? So are you better off allotting 6 to 7 hours of should you leave more time? I heard about the Pola Museum and gather they have Monet, Renoir & Matisse.

[@dhall4363]

This is the day trip I was looking for. I will be in Tokyo next year and will have a couple of days In Tokyo and this trip is going to be on my list.

[@shert4830]

This is a wonderful video! Which day of the week did you visit and what time did your journey start taking off from shinjuku station?

[@phallavamsa714]

Good

[@MartialBachoffner]

Let's go together. It's too amazing to not share this trip. Thanks so much.

[@booette964]

Added to my itinerary, thank you! I always love day trips or short multi day trip that is do-able without renting a car or getting a taxi. Was the boats, bus and trains frequent enough to take your time at each location?

[@japanguide]

Yes, public transportation is generally quite frequent in the Hakone area. Generally at least one per hour.

[@smartiegal1]

The tamago-flavored ice cream is highly recommended! Better leave a space for it after eating their signature egg

[@jamescc2010]

Excellent video that we can simply follow. I assume Sighting Lake Cruise Boat is open during December. I will get Hakone Pass for about $40 for my family. Do we need to reserve seat for the ship or just show a pass?

[@madelineng7331]

I was there like 7 years ago in summer. Love this place but coz of rain can’t see mt. Fuji such a shame

[@raiden13150]

Hi thanks for your video ! Love your shoes what brand and model are they please ? Are the convenient for tokaidō road ? Thanks

[@thitithatchimsumran8377]

Thank you for making the excellent video. I will travel there if Japan’s government allows travelers to enter the country without quarantine.

[@japanguide]

Thank you for the nice comment! We hope you will have a great time in Hakone once the border restrictions for tourists get lifted!

[@boxerblake1]

Got engaged there. Beautiful area.

[@chrisvianhenry]

I missed Japan so bad. No matter how many times you went to Japan, there is always something new to try and experience. When will Japan open border for tourist?

[@japanguide]

Unfortunately it is still unknown when borders will open for tourists. If you are interested we have a dedicated page on the coronavirus situation in Japan that we update on a daily basis: www.japan-guide.com/news/alerts.html

[@paulyiustravelogue]

I think it is recommended to stay at least one night and enjoy the onsen for foreign travelers

[@brooklynjay]

Hi there thanks for the video! How long did it take you to do the loop? What time did you start and finish?this will help us plan our trip!

[@japanguide]

Hi, We started early morning, around 7am, and ended in the evening, around 18pm. I recommend an early start having the whole day to explore! Hope you have a great trip to Hakone! /Thomas

[@Handle3649]

if anyone visiting there any time soon, make sure after u arrived there. Go travel around the map clockwise…..less line ups

👍👍

[@chshwong]

Amazing video! I plan to go with my 12 year old son. 2 quick questions: 1. If I got in mid-March, is it suitable for Hot Spring? 2. For this day-trip from Tokyo, what time would you arrive at Sinjuku, and what time would you leave Hokane?

[@janneke2102]

Hey, There are many Onsen with indoor pools but outdoor should be fine too in March! I am here now in November and I love the chill :) The trains go very often, multiple times an hour even. If you want to check for yourself, Google: Romance car. it's the specific train that goes from Shinjuku to Hakone. The trip takes about 80 minutes

[@tn9274]

how long do you think is sufficient to complete the hakone counter clockwise loop? I also want to visit gotemba outlet and plan to do all in one day from Tokyo. what time do you recommend to start at Hakone Station and the last transport going back from Hakone Station to Odawara and transfer to Shinkansen back to Tokyo? Thanks!

[@jamescc2010]

How does it take to visit all sights here? 1-3 hours?

[@memopinzon]

Based Hakone

[@wanderinglost1921]

I did lake ashi when I was there but it was cloudy both times, missed my live view of Mount fuji disappointed

[@lisachu]

I am doing the Hakone loop in the opposite direction starting from Odawara Station and boarding on the Tozan train to Hakone-Yamoto. Does anyone know if one hour be enough to tour around Hakone-Yamoto station for the street food and souvenir before heading to Gore? and continuing to Souzan for the cable car?

[@Kz-courscate]

Hello! I'll be heading from Odawara to Gora followed by rope way to Togendai. Am I allowed to carry one bagpack and a hand held duffle bag on this route? ( I don't want to ship them or use a locker) My plan is to finish the cruise around Lake Ashi and head to Mt.Fuji station where I have my hostel booked for the night. Wondering if any luggage restrictions? And will time be sufficient to travel ? Please share your opinion. Many thanks 😊

[@brenoestrella7905]

The ice cream part HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA

[@chibifoods]

I might of missed it, but how long did it take to go all around?

[@paullooper1090]

How much did the day trip cost including the transpostation?

[@cstpa1]

Where do you physically buy the pass? inside shinjuku station or do you need to go to the shinjuku bus terminal

[@abrahamhernandez7782]

👍🙏👍

[@stephs1476]

This is helpful although I would love more details on how to get to each spot and how to get to the train in Tokyo. We are going to Japan our first time but only have 6 full days so we will do this day trip you recommend since it hits a lot of the spots exactly that we all want to do and includes the hot spring my husband wants. I’m a photographer too so this seems perfect but I’m afraid I’ll get lost especially on the hike. We will have our 12 year old with us. Wish we could do longer bit your trip seems perfect.. is there lunch in between all that? My boys will get super hungry lol.

[@japanguide]

Thank you for watching, and I hope you have a nice trip to Japan! As for lunch options, there are restaurants and a convenience store along the shore of Moto Hakone, where the pirate ship sets off from : )

[@raffaellaragazzi2643]

Dear Raina thanks for the video. I am going to Hakone on my own in the next days. How can I get in contact with you for future trips? Thanks Raffaella

[@unknowntotally2320]

this area is also is the main area for evangelion

[@aayushrivastava]

Been there and done that. For tourists, always better to stay one night at a ryokan with private onsen.

[@bebo11449]

What a great video! I am traveling to Japan in March and am planning a day trip to Hakone. I have a question if I buy the Hakone Free pass online whether or not it is necessary to go to the offices Odakyu Sightseeing Service Center to give me the physical tickets? With the qr in the cell phone can I use the services of the pass? greetings! Thank you

[@japanguide]

Thank you so much for watching!! If you buy the Hakone Free Pass with your smartphone, the ticket will be available there, so there's no need to pick up physical tickets at the Odakyu Sightseeing Service Center. Hope that answers your question! / Thomas

[@ksycreate]

Hello, for day trip what time do you recommend starting the tour from Shinjuku station? Thank you

[@japanguide]

For day trips its good to start early in the morning to have more time to explore! The Romancecar from Shinjuku used here runs from 7am. Hope you have a great time in Hakone!

[@zanegamingtv2252]

Hi there, may I know what time is the last train back to Shinjuku from Hakone? Thank you

[@japanguide]

Hi! For any detailed train information, we recommend checking out this website: world.jorudan.co.jp/mln/en/?sub_lang=nosub Hope this helps!

[@Wha2les]

Am I understanding this right: Because you are going to Hakone via the Romance Car, you bought the Day pass and the additional fee?

[@pocheung6073]

Could you advise whether this is a risk of motion sickness when travelling on the bus going up-hill or down-hill?

[@smartiegal1]

there is risk actually, so please take your meds before coming over to Hakone

[@HaniSantosa]

Can I use JR Pass from Tokyo to Hakone?