Day Trip from Tokyo
Day Trip from Tokyo to Hakone
Travel Time
85 min by Odakyu Romancecar from Shinjuku
Round Trip Cost
¥2,200–¥4,400 (local) or ¥4,800–¥5,600 (Romancecar reserved seat)
Hakone is the ultimate Tokyo day trip — volcanic scenery, natural hot springs, and on clear days, stunning views of Mt. Fuji across Lake Ashi. The Hakone Free Pass makes transport seamless across the area's cable cars, boats, and buses.
Highlights
- Mt. Fuji views from Lake Ashi on clear days
- Hakone Open Air Museum (Sculpture Park)
- Owakudani volcanic valley and black eggs
- Romancecar scenic railway from Shinjuku
- Traditional onsen foot baths at Hakone-Yumoto
Model Day Trip Itinerary
Depart Shinjuku on Odakyu Romancecar (reserved seat recommended) — enjoy Mt. Fuji views from the front observation car on clear mornings
Arrive Hakone-Yumoto Station — pick up Hakone Free Pass, store luggage in coin lockers
Take the Hakone Tozan Railway switchback train up to Gora, then Hakone Ropeway to Owakudani crater for volcanic steam vents and famous black eggs (¥500/2 eggs)
Descend by ropeway to Togendai for lunch at lakeside restaurants (try Hakone specialty mountain vegetable soba)
Board the Hakone Pleasure Cruise across Lake Ashi to Hakone-machi — Mt. Fuji view from the lake is iconic on clear days
Explore the lakeside area and Hakone Checkpoint (historic Edo-era barrier) — free entry to outdoor grounds
Visit Hakone Shrine (Torii gate rising from the lake) — 15-minute walk from Moto-Hakone bus stop
Return bus to Hakone-Yumoto for foot onsen soak before departing
Board Odakyu express train back to Shinjuku, arriving around 20:00
Stay Overnight? — Highly Recommended
Staying overnight allows private onsen bathing at dusk, kaiseki dinner, and peaceful early-morning Fuji views before day-trippers arrive. Many visitors call their Hakone ryokan stay the highlight of Japan.
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