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.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Do I need to reserve a seat on the Odakyu Romancecar to Hakone in advance?
Yes, tickets for the Limited Express Odakyu Romancecar include reserved seats, and you must purchase one in addition to a regular fare (or use Suica/PASMO). It’s strongly recommended to reserve in advance, either online via the e‑Romancecar platform or at the station, especially for families wanting to sit together.
2. Can you visit Hakone as a day trip with young children?
Absolutely! A day trip to Hakone is quite doable with kids. It’s under two hours from Tokyo by Romancecar, and a typical loop (train, cable car, ropeway, boat) can be done in around 6–8 hours. Many other online resources discuss this topic with kids, but my team member L has also done it several times with kids in tow when she has had relatives in town.
3. Are the Hakone Ropeway and pirate ship cruise wheelchair- or stroller-accessible?
Yes, both are generally accessible:
The Ropeway is wheelchair-accessible, with carriages that can accommodate two wheelchairs, and no ramp is needed to board. Please ask the staff for help if you are not sure.
The Pirate Ship cruise on Lake Ashi is mostly barrier-free and wheelchair-friendly.
Plus, Hakone area buses are stroller- and wheelchair-friendly, though the Odakyu highway buses are not. Foldable wheelchairs can be stored in baggage compartments. However, the buses can get quite crowded on weekends or public holidays, so we do not recommend trying to use them at that time.
4. Is the Hakone Free Pass worth it for a day trip?
Yes, it offers excellent value even for just one day. Although the pass is only sold for two or three days, it quickly pays for itself through savings on unlimited rides on trains, buses, ropeways, and the cruise.
5. What’s the best time of year to see Mt. Fuji from Lake Ashi?
Winter, especially on clear, sunny mornings, offers the best visibility for Mt. Fuji; however, Lake Ashi can be quite foggy, so earlier in the day is best for the best view.
6. Are there any private onsen (hot springs) available in Hakone for day visitors?
Yes! You have several good options:
Tenzan Onsen is one of Hakone’s most famous hot springs, with beautiful outdoor baths set in a natural forest setting. It’s perfect for a relaxing day trip.
Tonosawa Ichinoyu Honkan, Kappa Tengoku, Hakone Pax Yoshino, Yoshiike Ryokan, Hakone Izumi, and Hakone Kowakien Morinoyu offer day-use onsens, some of which are private.
Hakone Yuryo is especially family-friendly, with private rooms that can often be booked in advance.
Kinnotake Resorts’ Matsuzakaya Honten allows walk‑in same-day reservations (9 AM to 1:30 PM) for private open-air baths.
Tenseien (Hakone Yumoto) offers private baths starting from ¥2,200/hour plus entry fees.
The internet suggests that the options above allow those with private spaces to get tattoos. Tenzan Onsen is the most open, with a clear policy allowing tattoos.
7. How long should I plan to spend at the Hakone Open-Air Museum?
Plan for at least 2 hours, especially if you plan to explore all the exhibits and let the kids play.
8. Can I do the complete Hakone loop (train, cable car, ropeway, cruise) in one day?
Yes! Most travelers complete it in 6–8 hours if starting early. A one-day itinerary starting around 8:30 AM and returning by around 6:30 PM is quite common.