Hakone, Japan, is a breathtaking escape from Tokyo’s bustle, just a short train ride away. Famous for Mount Fuji views (on clear days!), soothing hot springs, and a blend of culture and art, it’s an ideal weekend getaway. If you’re searching for the best things to do in Hakone, Japan, this 2-day itinerary covers must-see attractions, easy transportation from Tokyo, and a relaxing onsen stay. Let’s explore!
Table Of Content
- Getting to Hakone from Tokyo: Your Travel Options
- Getting Around Hakone: Unlock the Best Attractions
- Day 1: Nature and Onsen Among the Best Things to Do in Hakone
- Where to Stay: 3 Top Onsen Ryokan in Hakone
- Day 2: Art, Shopping, and More Things to Do in Hakone, Japan
- Why Visit? The Best Things to Do in Hakone, Japan
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Getting to Hakone from Tokyo: Your Travel Options
Kick off your Hakone adventure from Tokyo! The Odakyu Romancecar is the most scenic way to go, whisking you from Shinjuku to Hakone-Yumoto in 1.5 hours for about 2,300 JPY. Grab the Hakone Freepass (6,100 JPY for 2 days) to cover this ride and unlimited local transport—perfect for exploring all the things to do in Hakone, Japan. On a budget? Take a local train from Shinjuku to Hakone-Yumoto (1,200 JPY, ~2 hours with transfers) and enjoy countryside views along the way.
For a cheaper alternative, the Odakyu Highway Bus runs from Shinjuku to Hakone-Togendai (2.5 hours, 2,240 JPY), with stops at Sengoku and the Glass Forest. There’s also a daily Haneda Airport route (2.5 hours, 2,600 JPY)—check schedules online, but beware of holiday traffic. Planning more time in Tokyo? Check out our 5 Days Itinerary in Tokyo for ideas!
Getting Around Hakone: Unlock the Best Attractions
Hakone’s transportation is a highlight of your trip and key to enjoying the top things to do in Hakone, Japan. The Hakone Freepass gives you unlimited access to:
- Hakone Tozan Railway: A picturesque ride from Hakone-Yumoto to Gora (~35 minutes).
- Hakone Ropeway: Soars from Gora to Owakudani and Togendai with stunning views.
- Hakone Pirate Ship: Cruises Lake Ashi in 30 minutes.
- Hakone Tozan Bus: Buses are the easiest way to get around Hakone, connecting museums, outlets, and stations with no hassle. (Bookmark this page for bus details!)
Well-marked routes and helpful staff make it tourist-friendly—just flash your Freepass and go!
Day 1: Nature and Onsen Among the Best Things to Do in Hakone
Hakone’s compact size makes Day 1 a perfect mix of adventure and relaxation. Here’s your plan:
Morning: Hakone Ropeway and Owakudani
Start with the Hakone Tozan Railway from Hakone-Yumoto to Gora (~35 minutes). It’s a cute train that winds through green hills—a nice way to see Hakone’s beauty. At Gora, jump on the Hakone Ropeway, one of the top things to do in Hakone, Japan. This cable car lifts you high up, showing off volcanic views and, if it’s clear, Mount Fuji in the distance.
It takes you to Owakudani, a steamy valley full of sulfur vents. Owakudani, or the “Great Boiling Valley,” is a volcanic hotspot in Hakone formed about 3,000 years ago after a big eruption from Mount Hakone. It’s been bubbling and steaming ever since, with hot springs and sulfur vents that make it look like a wild, otherworldly place.
Locals used to call it “Hell Valley” because of its smoky, rugged look, but today it’s a popular stop for visitors wanting to see nature’s power up close. The black eggs boiled in the springs are a fun tradition—tied to a legend about adding years to your life—and the views of Mount Fuji on clear days make it even more special. The air smells strong, and the ground looks wild, almost like the moon. Try the famous black eggs boiled in the hot springs—locals claim each one adds seven years to your life! I tried one up there in the chilly air, and the warm, subtly smoky flavor was a delightful surprise—perfect for warming up on that cold mountaintop. Spend 1-1.5 hours walking the paths, taking photos, and maybe trying black egg ice cream. Bring a mask if the smell bothers you!
Afternoon: Pirate Ship and Hakone Shrine
Next, ride the ropeway to Togendai and get on the Hakone Pirate Ship—a fun must-do among things to do in Hakone. These cool pirate boats cross Lake Ashi in 30 minutes, with awesome views of the lake and mountains. If Mount Fuji shows up, it’s even prettier!
The boat’s deck is great for pictures, and the pirate theme makes it playful. Wear a jacket—it can get windy. Get off at Hakone-machi or Moto-Hakone and walk 10-15 minutes to Hakone Shrine. This quiet spot is hidden in the woods, with a big red gate standing in the lake—a famous photo spot. Walk up the stone steps to the main shrine; it feels peaceful with tall trees all around. Spend about 1 hour here, enjoying the calm vibe. Go in the afternoon to skip the morning rush.
Evening: Relax at an Onsen Ryokan
There’s so much to see in Hakone, so I really recommend staying one night to enjoy the famous traditional onsen—a top must-do here! Check into a ryokan in Gora to make traveling to other spots easy the next day (see my picks below), enjoy a tasty kaiseki dinner with lots of small dishes, and relax in warm, mineral-rich hot springs.
Where to Stay: 3 Top Onsen Ryokan in Hakone
An onsen stay is essential to the things to do in Hakone, Japan. Here are my three favorites:
Tokinoyu Setsugetsuka
Location: Just 1-2 minutes’ walk from Gora Station—super close!
Details: A popular ryokan with private open-air baths in every room, using two different hot spring sources. The big public baths are free to use, and there are three private ones you can book. Dinner options include kaiseki with mountain and sea flavors or shabu-shabu with sushi—both so good! You can even pick from tons of colorful yukata robes to wear.
Review: “The onsen was amazing, and the food was top-notch. So close to the station—perfect!”
👉Explore Tokinoyu Setsugetsuka Now
Hakone Yutowa
- Location: About 5 minutes’ walk from Gora Station, in a flat, convenient area.
- Details: This hotel offers a mix of Japanese-modern rooms and condos, many with private hot spring baths sourced from Gora’s own springs. The big public baths in the west wing open at 6 AM, and the condo rooms let you soak anytime while watching the sunrise over Gora’s hills. Breakfast options include a Japanese-Western buffet or fresh local bread with coffee.
- Review: “Cozy and comfortable—the rooms and onsen were awesome!”
Gora Kadan
- Location: A 3-minute walk from Gora Station, tucked on a quiet hill.
- Details: A fancy 5-star ryokan with rooms that have indoor cypress tubs or private open-air baths—some even with saunas or stone tubs facing a garden. The hot spring water comes from a private source and feels so smooth. Dinner is kaiseki-style, served in your room, with rice cooked in an earthen pot for breakfast.
- Review: “Unforgettable—the baths and service were the best!”
Day 2: Art, Shopping, and More Things to Do in Hakone, Japan
After a good night’s sleep and a big breakfast at the inn, Day 2 is about art and fun before heading back to Tokyo.
Morning: Sculpture Forest and Glass Forest Museums
Take the railway to Chōkoku-nomori Station for the Hakone Open-Air Museum (Sculpture Forest), a top pick among things to do in Hakone. It’s a huge outdoor park with over 120 big sculptures by famous artists like Picasso and Henry Moore.
You’ll see cool shapes and bright colors spread across grassy hills—some you can even climb! There’s an indoor part with tons of Picasso art, too. Soak your feet in a free hot spring bath while looking at the views. Plan for 1.5 – 2 hours—it’s relaxing and fun.
Then, ride a bus (15 minutes) to the Venetian Glass Museum (Glass Forest Museum), a pretty little spot that feels like a storybook. It’s full of shiny glass things—lamps, bowls, even jewelry—that sparkle in the light. Outside, glass sculptures glow in the garden, and there’s a tiny bridge over a pond. Have tea at the café surrounded by glass art—it’s so calm! Spend 1-1.5 hours here; it’s small but special.
Afternoon: Gotemba Premium Outlets
Wrap up your things to do in Hakone with a 40-minute bus ride to Gotemba Premium Outlets. This huge shopping spot has over 200 stores with great deals on brands like Nike, Coach, and Uniqlo. If the sky’s clear, Mount Fuji in the background makes it extra fun to shop — want more Fuji fun? Check out our Day Trip to Mount Fuji guide!
Grab lunch at the food court and pick up snacks or gifts to take home. Plan to stay 2-3 hours, but if you’re a big shopper, you might want longer. Heads-up: Since the extra travel time adds up, if you don’t want to rush, you might have to skip one or both morning spots above—so pick what you love most!
Back to Tokyo
Take a 50-minute bus from Gotemba to Hakone-Yumoto and hop on the Romancecar from Hakone-Yumoto to Shinjuku, full of happy Hakone memories. Need a place to crash in Tokyo? See our guide on Where to Stay in Tokyo for top picks!
Why Visit? The Best Things to Do in Hakone, Japan
Hakone is a popular spot for both locals and foreign travelers, so get ready for some crowds! It mixes nature, culture, and relaxation into an awesome escape from Tokyo. This 2-day Hakone itinerary has it all, from the exciting ropeway to the calm shrine and relaxing onsen. Whether you’re into art, shopping, or just need a break from Tokyo, Hakone has something for you. Pack your bags, grab a Freepass, and jump into the top things to do in Hakone.
What’s your favorite Hakone spot? Share in the comments!
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