Hakone – Mountains, Hot Springs, and Pirate Ships
Hakone is the Swiss Army knife of day trips—compact but packed with everything you need for a memorable escape from Tokyo. Just 90 minutes from the city by train, Hakone offers an unbeatable combination of natural beauty, cultural experiences, and quirky attractions that cater to all types of travelers. Plus you get to use so many types of transport - mountain train, ropeway, cablecar, Romancecar!
Looking for a relaxing getaway? Soak in one of Hakone’s famous onsen (hot spring) baths, many of which come with private options and panoramic mountain views. Craving a bit of adventure? Ride the Hakone Ropeway for a bird’s-eye view of the volcanic Owakudani Valley, where steaming vents and sulfur clouds give a dramatic feel to the landscape. Families and couples alike will love boarding the Hakone Sightseeing Cruise—a full-sized, elaborately themed pirate ship that sails across the peaceful waters of Lake Ashi, with spectacular views of Mt. Fuji on clear days. Culture buffs can visit the Hakone Open-Air Museum, an art lover’s dream nestled among rolling hills and sculpture gardens. Whether you're seeking romance, relaxation, or a day of exploration with the kids, Hakone offers a little bit of everything—making it one of the most versatile and rewarding day trips from Tokyo. Don't forget your camera—you’ll want to remember this one.
Getting There
From Shinjuku Station: Take the Odakyu Romancecar to Hakone-Yumoto (85 mins, ¥2,280) - This is our recommended route!
From Shibuya Station: Take the JR Tokaido Line to Odawara, then transfer to the Hakone Tozan Railway (around 2 hours total, ¥2,000–¥2,500).
Places to Visit
- Hakone Open-Air Museum – A massive sculpture park with works by Henry Moore and Picasso, set against stunning mountain views. Kids will love the climbable art installations.
- Owakudani Valley – A volcanic valley with sulfur vents and black eggs said to add seven years to your life. The ropeway ride here is a thrill.
- Lake Ashi Cruise – Board a pirate ship and sail across Lake Ashi with views of Mt. Fuji on clear days. Yes, a real pirate ship.
- Hakone Shrine – Nestled among towering trees, this lakeside shrine has a famous red torii gate in the water.
- Gora Park – A European-style garden with a greenhouse, craft workshops, and fountains—perfect for a peaceful pause.
Places to Eat
- Bakery & Table Hakone – Gorgeous lakeside bakery with fresh pastries and a foot bath café deck.
- Amazake Chaya – Historic tea house serving traditional non-alcoholic amazake and mochi.
- Tamagoya – A restaurant dedicated to egg-on-rice dishes, super kid-friendly with a specialty shop next door.
- Itoh Dining by Nobu – Looking for something a bit more fancy? Upscale Japanese-Western fusion, perfect for couples looking for a special lunch.
Sample Itinerary
9:00 AM – Arrive in Hakone-Yumoto, take the train to Gora.
10:00 AM – Visit Hakone Open-Air Museum.
12:00 PM – Lunch at Bakery & Table or Amazake Chaya.
1:30 PM – Ride ropeway to Owakudani and snack on black eggs.
3:00 PM – Cruise Lake Ashi and visit Hakone Shrine.
4:30 PM – Quick stroll through Gora Park before heading back.
Whether you're chasing temples, pirate ships, sakura-covered hills, or a steaming bowl of ramen by the sea, these day trips from Tokyo are packed with adventure, culture, and plenty of photo ops. They're all easy to access from central Tokyo—and even easier to enjoy when you have a comfy base to come home to. At Tokyo Family Stays, our spacious, fully equipped homes are perfect for families, couples, or groups looking for convenience, comfort, and local charm and are perfect home bases to take short trips to Nikko, Kawagoe Chichibu, Yokohama or others - , there's no shortage of great escapes. Whether it’s a first-time visit or your fifteenth, Tokyo and its surroundings always have something new to discover—and we’d love to host you while you explore.