"Hakone is where Tokyo residents go to exhale. On a clear day, seeing Fuji from the ropeway or Lake Ashi is one of the most striking moments Japan offers. The key is leaving early."
How to Get to Hakone from Tokyo
The most comfortable option is the Odakyu Romancecar — a limited express train from Shinjuku directly to Hakone-Yumoto. Journey time is about 85 minutes. Seats must be reserved in advance.
Alternatively, take any Odakyu Express to Odawara then transfer to the Hakone Tozan Line. JR Pass holders can take the Shinkansen to Odawara (35 minutes) and then a local bus into Hakone.
The Hakone Loop
Most visitors follow the classic "Hakone Loop" — a circuit that uses all the different transport modes in sequence:
1. Hakone-Yumoto → Gora by Hakone Tozan Railway (the switchback mountain train)
2. Gora → Sounzan by Hakone Cable Car
3. Sounzan → Togendai by Hakone Ropeway (over Owakudani volcanic valley)
4. Togendai → Moto-Hakone by Pirate Ship on Lake Ashi
5. Moto-Hakone → Hakone-Yumoto by bus
The Open Air Museum is best visited between Gora and the cable car — get off at Chokoku-no-Mori Station.
Owakudani — Volcanic Valley and Black Eggs
The ropeway passes directly over Owakudani — an active volcanic zone with bubbling sulfur vents. At the station, you can walk among the vents.
The local specialty is kuro-tamago — hard-boiled eggs cooked in the natural sulfur springs, which turns the shells black. Legend says each one adds 7 years to your life.
Lake Ashi and Mt Fuji Views
On a clear day, Mt Fuji is perfectly reflected in the still water of Lake Ashi — one of the classic Japanese landscape images. The "pirate ships" that cruise the lake are covered by the Free Pass.
Fuji views depend entirely on weather and season. The clearest views are in winter (October–February). In summer, haze and clouds frequently hide the mountain. Don't build an entire trip around the view — enjoy it as a bonus.
Hakone Open Air Museum
Japan's most visited museum is an outdoor sculpture park with works by Picasso, Moore, Rodin and many others spread across 70,000 square metres of gardens.
The indoor Picasso Pavilion alone contains over 300 works. Allow at least 90 minutes, more if you plan to use the hot spring foot bath within the grounds (included in entry price). Entry is ¥1,600.
Planning a trip to Hakone?
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