Practical information

🚃 How to get there

Romancecar: Odakyu Romancecar express train from Shinjuku direct to Hakone-Yumoto, ~85 min, ~¥2,470 (seat reservation included). Comfortable train with large windows — the best way to enjoy the journey.

Budget option: JR + Odakyu local train, ~1h 45 min, ~¥1,290. Longer but works.

Hakone Free Pass: Odakyu 2 or 3-day pass (~¥5,700 / ~¥6,100) covers Romancecar reservation plus all transport within the area (cruise, ropeway, local bus). Worth it if you're hitting many stops in one day.

Suggested day itinerary

8:00

Depart Shinjuku on Romancecar

Reserve seats in advance via Odakyu app or ticket machine. Left-side seats offer a better chance of a Fuji view on the return journey.

9:30

Hakone-Yumoto — morning soak at onsen

Yumoto is the terminal station and onsen hub. The Yunessun water park offers public onsen entry (¥1,500–2,500). Or go more refined: Hakone Yuryo is an elegant day spa along the river (~¥1,800).

11:30

Owakudani — volcanic valley and black eggs

Hakone Ropeway ascends to a volcanic crater where steam rises from the ground. The local kuro-tamago — eggs boiled in volcanic water until the shell turns black (¥500 / 5 eggs) — are the area's signature food. Legend says one egg adds seven years to your life. So: five eggs.

13:00

Lake Ashi — cruise and Fuji view

Hakone Sightseeing Cruise between Togendai and Hakone-machi (~30 min, ¥1,200 / included in Free Pass). On a clear day Fuji reflects in the lake — that's the postcard moment. The Harako-hina line offers the same view on a walking path in the Moto-Hakone area.

14:30

Hakone Open-Air Museum — art in the forest

Open-air museum with over 120 sculptures in a forest and mountain setting. Picasso gallery indoors, children's play area. Entry ~¥1,600. Take Hakone-Tozan railway to Chokoku-no-Mori station.

17:00

Return to Shinjuku

Romancecar back. At sunset Fuji can appear in warm red tones — a worthwhile moment.

Alternative: guided tour

✦ Klook
Guided Hakone Day Trip from Tokyo
Klook offers guided Hakone day trips as well as packages combining Hakone with the Fuji area — e.g. Fuji Five Lakes + Hakone. Especially if you want to maximise your Fuji views in one trip, these packages are worth considering.
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Browse Hakone tours →
Hakone Open Air Museum sculptures

The Open Air Museum combines Picasso, Rodin and mountain views

Good to know

Will you see Fuji?

Fuji is cloud-covered about 60–70% of the time. Best chances: in winter (December–February) on clear frost days, or in the morning before clouds form. Check hakone-weather.jp or mountain-forecast.com before leaving. Don't cancel the trip because of clouds — Hakone is a stunning place even without Fuji.

Onsen-etiketti

Traditional onsen baths are used completely nude — swimwear doesn't belong in a traditional onsen. Tattoos are often banned (some more modern places have relaxed this). Always shower before entering. Hair should stay out of the water. At Yunessun water park swimwear is allowed.

⚠ ⚠ Owakudani occasionally closed

The Hakone Ropeway is occasionally closed due to increased volcanic activity. Check status at hakone-ropeway.co.jp before travelling.

Staying overnight in Hakone

Staying overnight in Hakone is a special experience: onsen ryokan with dinner and breakfast included, rooms overlooking river or mountain scenery. Price range ¥15,000–50,000 per person. Popular areas: Gora, Miyagino and the Sengokuhara area. Book well in advance especially during autumn foliage season.