There's plenty to do in Hakone. Take a dip in a hot spring, head to the mountains, walk around a stunning lake, and take in the views of Mt. Fuji. Hakone also has volcanic scenery, hiking trails, art museums, pirate ships, and bountiful history.
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There is so much to see and do in the Hakone Region that we would definitely recommend that you plan to stay in Hakone for at least 1-2 nights to make the most of the local options. However, many people are on a tight timeframe when they visit Japan so plan to do a day trip to Hakone instead.
Hakone, Japan, is a mountain town in Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park that's famed for its hot springs, panoramic Mount Fuji views and an iconic Shinto shrine with a red torii gate.
Alternatively, the Odakyu line runs between Tokyo's Shinjuku Station and Hakone-Yumoto Station. There is an express train which takes around 85 minutes or a slower, cheaper train which takes around two hours (you change at Odawara Station). Another option is to buy a Hakone Free Pass.
Many splendid views of Mt.Fuji can be found around the Hakone area. Each viewpoint shows a different profile of the famous mountain and the surrounding areas are also worth exploring for the diverse historical and natural sites.
Onshi Hakone ParkIt features a variety of walking paths, picnic areas, and seasonal flowers, such as cherry blossoms and azaleas. You also shouldn't miss the view of Mount Fuji from the observation deck.
An easy loop tour you can follow through Hakone includes various forms of unique transportation: Starting out by train from Tokyo, you switch to a small three-car tram that zigzags up the mountain, then change to a cable car, and then to a smaller ropeway, and end your trip with a boat ride across Lake Ashi, stopping ...
Hakone is generally very safe even at night. The crime rate is considerably low and the locals are friendly and respectful. Public transport is reliable, and streets are well-lit and clearly marked.
Helpful InfoHAKONE AND KAWAGUCHIKOKawaguchiko gives one of the best views of Fuji in all of Japan, but the logistics of getting there and other activities are very limited. Hakone has good views of the mountain, but convenient connection to transportation and many other attractions in the area.
The one-way fare starts from ¥3600 for unreserved seating, but with a Japan Rail Pass you need only to pay ¥320 for the Hakone-Tozan line - easily done with a Suica or PASMO card (Limited Express trains require an extra ¥200 surcharge). With a good connection, the trip takes one hour.
Fall/AutumnThis is one of the most popular times of the year to visit Hakone because of the colorful autumn foliage and changing leaves of the mountains. The cool evenings are the perfect time to relax in the onsen, the Japanese hot spring.
As for private tour, visiting both in a day is possible with a hired car. But even with a car, it's not so recommended for the above reason. One day for Mt. Fuji and one day for Hakone is recommended to appreciate the area fully.
Hakone is famous as one of the best hot spring resorts in Japan. Hakone is called an “onsen theme park” because of the different styles and types of hot springs you can experience and enjoy in the area.
Hakone is a short train ride from Tokyo, but feels like a world away. The fastest way to reach Hakone is to take the Shinkansen to Odawara Station and then the short 15 minutes train ride to Hakone Yumoto at the base of the Hakone mountains.
Hakone: If you don't have a rail pass, the cost from Tokyo is much cheaper vs from Kyoto. And if you have a nationwide JR Pass, you can take Shinkansen to Odawara and then transfer to an Odakyu train to Hakone. The entire trip takes around 45 minutes.
Yes, you can use the JR Railpass to get to Hakone. The JR Railpass will allow you to ride the shinkansen bullet train to Odawara Station. All shinkansen does not stop at Odawara so make sure you catch the Kodama shinkansen. The shinkansen ride from Tokyo to Odawara is only about 40 minutes.
Most of all this area is known for the unforgettable view of Mount Fuji rising up above Lake Ashinoko. Although Hakone is closer to Tokyo, it can be reached from Osaka fairly easily by train, and by bus.