Is it hard to get around Hakone?

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 ...



Getting around Hakone is actually remarkably easy and is often cited as one of the most efficient tourist transport experiences in Japan, provided you use the Hakone Free Pass. Because the region is mountainous, the transport network is a diverse "loop" consisting of the Hakone Tozan Railway (a switchback mountain train), the Hakone Tozan Bus, the Hakone Ropeway (aerial cable car), and even the Hakone Sightseeing Cruise (a pirate-themed ship) across Lake Ashi. While the terrain is rugged, all these modes of transport are seamlessly integrated. The only potential "difficulty" arises from the sheer popularity of the area; during peak foliage seasons or public holidays, the buses and ropeways can have significant wait times. Additionally, because the area is volcanically active, the ropeway occasionally closes due to high volcanic gas levels, requiring travelers to take substitute buses. For international travelers, English signage is ubiquitous, and the "Hakone Round Course" is designed to be followed in a logical circle, making it very difficult to get lost even without a car.

People Also Ask

Onshi Hakone Park It 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.

MORE DETAILS

It's up to you how long you want to stay in each place. We visited the museum and spend little over an hour there but you can spend longer there. In total we spend about 8 hours for the round from Hakone Yumoto and back there including waiting time for the ship which we used to get lunch in the restaurant.

MORE DETAILS

Whether you're taking a day trip to Hakone from Tokyo, or looking to spend a couple of days exploring this beautiful destination, it's well worth the time, effort and cost. The Hakone Free Pass makes everything simple and convenient. It's a one time fee and you're free to explore the Hakone Loop as you please.

MORE DETAILS

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.

MORE DETAILS

It connects Sounzan Station (at the terminus of the Hakone Tozan Cablecar) with Togendai Station (at the shore of Lake Ashinoko) and stops at Owakudani and Ubako stations on the way. The ropeway is fully covered by the Hakone Free Pass. The ropeway's gondolas depart every minute and fit around ten people each.

MORE DETAILS

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.

MORE DETAILS

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.

MORE DETAILS

Two companies, Hakone Sightseeing Boats and Ashinoko Sightseeing Boats, operate boats from Moto-Hakone and Hakone-machi at the lake's southern shores to Togendai at the lake's northern end (25-40 minutes, 1200 yen one way) and Hakone-en at the eastern shore (15-30 minutes, 780 yen one way).

MORE DETAILS

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.

MORE DETAILS

Hakone is a very popular recreational destination for people from Tokyo. Since it's rather quick and easy to get here from the big city, Hakone is usually quite crowded, especially on weekends – something we experienced ourselves, having visited on a weekend. The tourist hotspots were particularly busy.

MORE DETAILS

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.

MORE DETAILS

Springtime comes around late March when the cherry blossoms of the mountains start to bloom. The cherry blossoms take about a month to fully bloom in the surrounding mountains of Hakone, making it the best time to visit Hakone. During March, the daytime temperatures tend to be lower, transitioning from winter.

MORE DETAILS