Mt. Fuji & Hakone Day Trip from Tokyo: Our Experience, Attractions & Tips
Seeing the iconic Mt. Fuji has always been on our travel bucket list, and we finally achieved it when we spent 10 days in Japan during spring. There are several Mt. Fuji viewing points across Japan, but we decided to go on a Hakone day trip from Tokyo.
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Tip: For a worry-free trip, join this Mt. Fuji and Hakone Day Tour from Tokyo. This already includes round-trip transfers from Tokyo, Hakone admission fees, insurance, lunch, and a free giveaway. |
Aside from breathtaking views of Mt. Fuji, this mountain town in the Ashigarashimo District of Kanagawa is also famous for its hot springs and cultural attractions, making it one of the best day trips from Tokyo.
If you want to travel from Tokyo to Hakone, here’s everything you need to know, from entrance fees and transport options to top things to do and travel tips. We’ve been there ourselves so let us share with you our first-hand experience.
Hakone Free Pass
If you won’t join a Hakone day tour, we recommend that you get a Hakone Free Pass to enjoy unlimited rides within Hakone. These include the Hakone Ropeway, Lake Ashi Cruise, Hakone Tozan Line, and more! Plus, you get exclusive discounts to more than 70 facilities in Hakone including shops and hot spring resorts. Read our Hakone Free Pass guide to know more.
Hakone admission
With the Hakone Free Pass, you can already explore Hakone Town with unlimited rides on the different modes of transport as well as free admission to Hakone Gora Park. Without the pass, you need to pay the Hakone Gora Park entrance fees separately, depending on your age and number of people. See rates below:
Hakone Gora Park entrance fees 2024
General admission:
- Adults: ¥650 (US$4.2) per person
- Children under 12 years old: FREE
Group admission (min. 20 pax):
- Adults: ¥400 (US$2.63) per person
*Visit the Hakone Gora Park official website for the most updated entrance fees.
How to get from Tokyo to Hakone
There are several ways to reach Hakone from Tokyo. Take your pick from these Tokyo to Hakone transport options:
Tokyo to Hakone train
Shinkansen
The fastest way to get to Hakone from Tokyo is via the Shinkansen, which only takes about 35 minutes from Tokyo Station to Odawara Station, where you transfer to Hakone Tozan Line to reach Hakone Town. If you have a JR Pass, you can use it to ride the Shinkansen from Tokyo to Odawara.
Read our Japan Rail Pass (JR Pass) guide and Shinkansen guide to learn more.
JR Odoriko Express Train
The JR Odoriko Express Train takes you directly from Tokyo Station to Odawara Station for about 1 hour and 30 minutes. Although not as fast as the Shinkansen, this express train is a cheaper option and is covered by the JR Pass. Plus, you get to enjoy breathtaking scenery along the way.
Tip: Get the JR Pass for unlimited rides on the JR and Shinkansen Lines, and the Hakone Free Pass for unlimited rides on the Hakone Tozan Line and other modes of transport in Hakone.
Odakyu Line: Romancecar Limited Express Train
This Hakone train from Tokyo will take you directly from Shinjuku Station to Hakone-Yumoto Station in about 1 hour and 20 minutes. There are also regular trains that take more than 2 hours with a possibility of Odawara Station transfer.
You may get your tickets online or from Shinjuku Station’s Odakyu Sightseeing Service Centers and ticket vending machines.
Tokyo to Hakone bus
If you want to travel from Tokyo to Hakone without the hassle of transferring from one subway station to another, you can opt for the Odakyu Hakone Highway Bus. This bus takes you directly to Hakone Togendai Station from Shinjuku Expressway Bus Terminal for about 2 hours.
Tokyo to Hakone private car charter
For a more flexible and personalized Mt. Fuji and Hakone day trip from Tokyo, why not hire a private car charter with a professional driver? What’s great about it is that you can choose your vehicle and the attractions you want to visit in Hakone.
Tokyo to Hakone car rental
If you want to go on a road trip adventure from Tokyo to Hakone, rent a car instead. While you have the flexibility, you also have to be careful and plan your route thoroughly, especially if you’re not familiar with the roads and traffic rules in Japan.
Top things to do in Hakone Town
Maximize your Hakone Free Pass and experience these top Hakone activities:
1. See the majestic Mt. Fuji
Of course, the reason why we went to Hakone was to see Mt. Fuji up close. Unfortunately, Mt. Fuji was elusive that day with thick white clouds shrouding the view. Learn from us and check the weather forecast before going to Hakone.
2. Cruise along Lake Ashi
The first thing that we did was to hop aboard the pirate ship that took us on a scenic cruise across Lake Ashi. With Mt. Fuji in the background, the lake is considered an iconic symbol of Hakone. Despite not seeing Mt. Fuji that day, the surrounding views here are still a sight to behold!
3. Take snaps of the Hakone Shrine
While cruising Lake Ashi, keep your eyes peeled for the red torii gate known as the Hakone Shrine. This Japanese Shinto shrine is famous for its picturesque view on the water, so be sure to take snaps of it while you’re here.
4. Ride the Hakone Ropeway
We almost missed the last cable car ride. Luckily, we managed to hop aboard the Hakone Ropeway and see a bird’s-eye view of the sulfuric hot springs of Owakudani.
5. Explore Hakone Gora Park
Aside from taking in the beauty of nature, Hakone Gora Park lets you immerse in the Japanese culture and tradition with its different workshops – from tea ceremony to ceramics and pottery painting. See complete list of activities in Hakone Gora Park.
6. Go cafe-hopping
If you simply want to chill, just go to one of the cafes and sip a cup of coffee or get some snacks. We chanced upon this cool Ninja Cafe while strolling around, though we didn’t get to try their products.
7. Shop for souvenirs
You’ll also find random artisan shops here so feel free to shop for souvenirs to your liking.
8. Take a dip in an onsen (hot spring)
Hakone is known for its hot springs, so why not take a dip here? While we didn’t get to do this due to time constraints, we’d surely love to if given the chance. Check out some of the Hakone resorts and hotels with onsens.
Hakone travel tips
- Secure your Hakone Free Pass ahead so you don’t need to pay for transport and admission to attractions separately.
- It could take one whole day to explore Hakone so plan your day trip accordingly and arrive as early as possible.
- As mentioned earlier, if you’re visiting Hakone to view Mt. Fuji, we recommend that you check the weather forecast so you’ll get better chances of seeing this iconic symbol of Japan.
- It’s a no-brainer but dress according to season. Layer up if you have to. We came here during spring, but it still got a little chilly like it’s winter.
- Be flexible and make room for adjustments. There will always be mishaps and disappointments, especially if you won’t see Mt. Fuji, like what happened to us.
Is Hakone worth visiting?
Definitely! If you’re someone who wants to see Mt. Fuji in real life, Hakone is probably the best place to achieve it. Even if you’re unable to view Mt. Fuji like us, you can still do a lot of things that’ll still make the trip worthwhile.
However, much as we’d like everyone to experience Hakone, it’s not recommended for those with disabilities and accessibility concerns since there are steep slopes, stairs, and uneven paths, which are difficult for wheelchairs and strollers.
Hope we gave you a little glimpse of what to expect on your Hakone day trip from Tokyo. Stay safe and have fun!
*Special thanks to our friend Jurom, who traveled with us and made it possible for us to experience the beauty of Hakone. Arigato gozaimasu!
Before you go, here are more articles that could be useful in planning your Japan trip: