Tokyo to Hakone Mountains Weekend Trip | Things to do
Updated: Sep 7, 2023
Hakone Mountains (箱根) is the PERFECT weekend trip from Tokyo. There are a lot of places to visit, eat, and relax. What's better than that, right? It is only around one hour and a half from Tokyo by train and one hour by car. I will let you in on what I did at Hakone and why it was such a great weekend trip from Tokyo.
If you have already heard about Hakone, you already know about the Kuro-tamago (black eggs). SAY WHAT?!! Yes, black eggs, and no, they did not paint it black. The egg is black because the eggs were boiled in Owakudani's natural hot springs. The rumors about these eggs, though...if you were to eat one egg, it would add SEVEN YEARS TO YOUR LIFE? Guess how many I ate? ☺︎
If you prefer not to stay overnight at Hakone and return to Tokyo on the same day, that is totally doable as well~ There are tons of things to do and see even on a day trip to Hakone from Tokyo, such as visiting the shores of Lake Ashi, Okwakudani, Hakone Kowaki-en Yunessun, and etc.
Hakone is definitely one of the best places if you want to get away from Tokyo for a weekend. I highly recommend it if you're looking for a great way to spend your weekend. It's definitely worth it!
Anyways, I'll talk more about it below and along with Ryokans that you might want to check out since hot springs in Hakone are LIT!
So, pack your bags, and let’s go explore Hakone Mountains!
In this post, I'll talk about...
Owakudani (大涌谷)
Like I have mentioned about black eggs at Owakudani, many people travel to this area to try the egg! The volcanic eruption from 3000 years ago created a crater, which is where people nowadays can enjoy the black eggs. This location is a popular destination for more because the black eggs, also known as Kuro-tamago, can extend someone's life by seven years.
I ate about four black eggs, so congratulations to me (whoo-hooo I just added 28 years to my life). 🥳
Anyways, on clear days people can actually see Mt. Fuji from Owakudani! Unfortunately, I wasn't that lucky to see it. Also, if you want to visit Owakudani after arriving at Hakone-Yumoto Station, you must transfer and walk a little to get there.
Caution: Due to volcanic activity and noxious gases around this area, it might sometimes be closed!
If you want a tour guide with you instead, check out this tour for a full-day English guide at Hakone!
Hakone Ropeway
Hakone Ropeway is not only transportation for you to get from one destination to another, BUT this ropeway lets you see breathtaking views of Owakudani, Mt. Fuji, and the gorgeous Lake Ashi in the early evening. If you plan to take this Hakone Ropeway, get the Hakone free pass. You can hop on and off the ropeway along with the other transportation they offer!
☞ Hakone Discount Passes: If you plan to visit all these destinations, grab this discount pass. Not only that, you'll pay less for transportation and certain facilities give discounts to people with the pass!!
Hakone Pirate Ship Replica
This Hakone Pirate Ship is a sightseeing ship around Lake Ashinoko. On clear days you'll see the iconic Mt. Fuji while cruising on the ship. There are three different designs of the Hakone Pirate Ships, each with its unique name: Royal II, Victory, and Queen Ashinoko!
Tip: If you board from the Lake Ashi Pleasure Boat Motohakone port, you'll be able to spot Mt. Fuji from the multi-decks ⭐️
Hakone Tozan Train/ Hakone Tozan Cable Car
Another means of transportation in Hakone, but turned into a must-do because of the scenery it provides throughout the seasons. The Hakone Tozan Railway is a mountain railway, and few of them are left in Japan. The train zigzags up the mountain to climb an altitude of 209 meters. If you go around mid-June, you'll get to see the hydrangea bloom along the way (HOW BEAUTIFUL IS THAT?)
Another great short weekend trip from Tokyo: Nikko
Looking for things to do in Tokyo instead?
The Hakone Shrine is a Japanese Shinto Shrine founded in 757. The shrine is tall and red, shaped like a gate, which means the "red gate of peace." Many military commanders and travelers would stop by the Hakone Shrine to pray for a safe trip. Now, many tourists and locals continuously come to pay their visit and can learn more about the shrine's history at the treasure house (Homotsuden). (Remember to show your free pass for a discount!)
For travelers that are visiting Hakone on a day trip or not staying at a ryokan. Hakone Kowaki-en Yunessun is a hot spring amusement park and is the perfect place to relax in unique onsen tubs during your time at Hakone. Even if you're staying at a ryokan, it might still be a place worth visiting if you're a coffee or wine fan. The amusement park offers a unique real coffee bathtub, a wine bathtub, a green tea bath, a Japanese sake bath, and a Dr. Fish foot bath. I don't know where else you can find something like that.....
The Hakone Open-Air Museum is a museum dedicated to sculpture located in the scenic area of Hakone, Japan. Opened in 1969, this unique outdoor museum showcases modern and contemporary sculptures from renowned artists worldwide. Visitors can explore the artworks while taking in the beauty of nature that surrounds them as they wander through its sprawling grounds.
The open-air setting of the museum also allows for interesting perspectives on how each individual artwork interacts with its natural environment. In addition to visiting galleries filled with sculptures inside buildings, visitors can also enjoy various outdoor sites, which serve as exhibition spaces for sculpture too! (Get a discount if you buy it online)
Map of Things to Do in Hakone
Where to Stay in Hakone
Luxury Ryokan: Hakone Suishoen
Unique Ryokan: Hakone Retreat Villa by Onko Chishin
Affordable Ryokan: Hakone Miyanoshita Myojokan
There are many Ryokan and hotels around Hakone, but most of the prices are more expensive than cheap, especially during high peak seasons like Fall Foliage, Cherry Blossom Season, Obon Festival, and Golden Week in Japan.
If you’re looking for an authentic Japanese experience, booking a ryokan in Hakone is the perfect way to go. A traditional Ryokan stay will offer you access to a private onsen, hot spring baths, open-air baths, tatami mats, and much more! You can enjoy all these luxuries while enjoying the stunning views of nearby mountains and lakes. Not only that, but many Ryokans also provide delicious meals with local ingredients to make your trip even more memorable. So if you're looking for a unique way to explore Japan's culture and nature, book a stay at one of Hakone's many beautiful Ryokans today!
Tip: For Ryokans, most have free shuttle rides from the station because Ryokans are located in more rural areas. Please check their website or double-check when you're making a reservation.
[FTC Disclosure: Hey, trying to provide free guides & recommendations, but a girl gotta eat too. Well, some of the links you click on are what’s known as “affiliate links”. So if you do buy something, I’ll probably earn a few bucks. Thanks in advance ✍︎]
Getting Around Hakone
Get the free pass from convenient stores or stations! I have no idea why they call it a free pass, but it ain't free.
Check out where you can purchase the free pass for a cheaper price.
Free pass included transportation:
Hakone Tozan Railway
Hakone Tozan Cable Car
Hakone Ropeway
Hakone Sightseeing Cruise
Hakone Tozan Bus (designated areas)
Odakyu Highway Bus (designated areas)
Tokai Bus (designated areas)
KANKO SHISETSU-MEGURI Bus
You might be wondering...
Things to do in Hakone at night?
At night, there is no shortage of things to do in Hakone - from soaking in hot springs and visiting unique art galleries to exploring the surrounding nature. One of the most popular spots for nightlife activities is Lake Ashi, where visitors can take a nighttime cruise on a traditional Hakone Pirate Ship to see Mt Fuji illuminated under the stars.
Free things to do in Hakone?
Yes, there are a few free things to do in Hakone. You can take a stroll around Lake Ashi, explore the picturesque Hakone Shrine, and take in some amazing views from Mt. Kamiyama Observation Deck.
What should you not miss in Hakone?
You should not miss visiting the Hakone Shrine, taking a dip in the hot springs at Hakone Kowaki-en Yunessun, exploring the Owakudani and eating a black egg, and admiring Mt. Fuji from the multi-decks of a Hakone Pirate Ship.
Hakone is the perfect place to escape Tokyo and enjoy Hakone's natural beauty. Whether you're looking for a luxurious ryokan experience, something unique, or want to save money, options that fit any budget are available. With its observation deck offering stunning views of Mt. Fuji and many popular destinations such as Hakone Shrine, Kowaki-en Yunessun, and Hakone Open Air Museum - it truly has something for everyone! Don't forget your free pass from convenient stores or stations so you can get around easily, and make sure not to miss out on all the wonderful things Hakone has to offer during your weekend trip away from Tokyo! ☺︎
Not the fake free pass 🤣