Hakone Complete Travel Guide
Hakone is a mountain hot spring resort area west of Tokyo, best known for onsen baths, volcanic scenery at Owakudani, and Mt Fuji views over Lake Ashi, all linked together by train, cable car, ropeway, and boat.
Quick Facts
Best Things to Do
- Ride the Hakone Tozan Railway and cable car up to Sounzan, then continue on the Hakone Ropeway toward Owakudani.
- Stop at Owakudani to see the volcanic steam vents and try the local black eggs (kuro-tamago), said to add years to your life.
- Take the sightseeing cruise boat across Lake Ashi, with Mt Fuji sometimes visible behind the torii gate of Hakone Shrine on clear days.
- Soak in an onsen hot spring bath at a ryokan or day-use bathing facility before heading back.
Tickets and Fees
Checked in July 2026: the Hakone Free Pass from Shinjuku runs about yen 6,100 for 2 days and yen 6,500 for 3 days, covering the round-trip Odakyu train plus unlimited rides on the local train, cable car, ropeway, Lake Ashi cruise boat, and Hakone-area buses. It usually works out cheaper than paying for each leg separately if you plan to use more than two or three of these rides. Fares and pass prices are adjusted periodically, so check the official Odakyu site before your trip.
How to Get There
From Shinjuku Station, take the Odakyu Odawara Line or the Romancecar limited express to Hakone-Yumoto Station (about 1.5 to 2 hours), the gateway to the Hakone Tozan Railway, cable car, and ropeway network used to get around the rest of the area.
Nearby Attractions
Hakone sits on the western edge of Kanagawa, so it works best as its own day trip or overnight stay, though some visitors combine it with a stop in Yokohama Minato Mirai on the way back toward Tokyo.
Book Before You Go
Use official information for opening hours and ticket rules, then book tours or tickets only when they fit your route.