Hakone is a famous hot spring town and a popular overnight trip from Tokyo for locals and tourists. Full of traditional ryokan and natural beauty, it’s the perfect way to relax after spending time in the hustle and bustle of the city. Hakone is one of our favorite stops across three Japan trips. You can visit volcanic sulfur fields, ride on a pirate ship, and catch a glimpse of Mount Fuji if you are lucky. Here is your travel guide to Hakone, Japan!

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Language: Japanese is the national language of Japan.

While English is widely spoken in cities and tourist locations, knowing a few Japanese phrases and some Kanji is highly beneficial.

Currency: The currency of Japan is the Japanese Yen (¥).

Japan is a cash society, and while more places in the city are accepting cards, you should always carry cash during your travels in Japan. ATMs are available in 7-Eleven for cash withdrawal.

Tip: bring a coin purse; you will likely be carrying a lot of change.

Major Airports:
Tokyo: Narita (NRT) & Haneda (HND)
Osaka: Kansai International Airport (KIX)

Best Time To Visit: March to May and October to November

During this time, there is little rain, and temperatures are mild. The winters are cold but manageable with proper clothing. Avoid the summer if possible due to high temperatures and high humidity, with typhoon season peaking in August and September.

If you visit in late March or early April, you will see the cherry blossoms. If you visit in mid-November, you will see the vivid fall colors.

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Getting To Hakone

There are a few options to choose from for getting to Hakone. If you are arriving from Tokyo you have multiple choices on how to travel to Hakone.

Tokyo

• Romance Car
  The Romance Car is a limited express train that takes 80 minutes from Shinjuku station to Hakone Yumoto Station and costs ¥2,330. Having a Hakone Free Pass can provide a discount. The Romance Car offers excellent countryside views.
• Shinkansen
  From Shinagawa Station to Odawara Station takes 26 minutes and costs ¥3,630. This route is the quickest and can utilize the JR Rail Pass.
• Tokaido Line
  From Tokyo Station to Odawara Station takes 81 minutes and costs ¥1,520. This route can also use the JR Rail Pass, but it is the cheapest route without the pass.

Osaka

• Shinkansen
  From Shin Osaka Station to Odawara Station takes 2 hours and 20 minutes and costs ¥12,850. This route is the best and can utilize the JR Rail Pass.

Kyoto

• Shinkansen
  From Kyoto Station to Odawara Station takes 2 hours and 5 minutes and costs ¥12,300. This route is the best and can utilize the JR Rail Pass.

Odawara Station

• Hakone Tozan Railway
  Use the Hakone Tozan Railway to get from Odawara Station to Hakone Yumoto Station. The trip costs ¥500 and takes 35 minutes.

Getting Around Hakone

There are various transportation methods, from busses to pirate ships. Overall getting around is pretty straightforward with minimal research. The various notable attractions are along the Hakone Loop. As long as you are following the loop getting around is easy!

Your accommodation of choice will likely have instructions and directions to get to their specific property. In our case, we took a bus that stopped right outside our ryokan!

Hakone Free Pass

The Hakone Free Pass is a two-day or three-day pass that covers all transportation methods around Hakone and provides discounts for some attractions. The Shinjuku ticket covers round-trip fare on the Odakyu Line. If you are taking the Romance Car, an additional fee is required.

The Hakone Free Pass may be cost-effective for a single-day trip to Hakone if you intend to complete the entire Hakone Loop in one day.

Where to Stay in Hakone

I suggest staying somewhere along or close to the Hakone Loop. You want to be able to jump on public transportation quickly. Many of the most popular resorts are along the Haya River and the Tozan Railway. A few accommodation options:

• Hyatt Regency Hakone Resort And Spa
  Perfect if you are looking for something familiar. Large rooms and restaurants are offered on-site. Communal hot spring baths are available as part of the spa.
• Kinnotake Tonosawa
  A modern take on a traditional Japanese ryokan. Includes private open-air baths and a kaiseki dinner offered in the dining room.

Read More: Staying at Kinnotake Tonosawa

• Ryokan Hakone Ginyu
  Located in the mountains with stunning views. Enjoy a traditional Japanese room with private meals and a private hot spring bath.
• Gōra Kadan
  One of the most popular accommodation choices. Minimalist Japanese-style rooms with private hot spring baths and in-room kaiseki dinner.
• Fujiya Hotel
  Stunning architecture and hosted various famous guests: large rooms and multiple restaurants and bars on site. Hot spring baths are available as part of the spa.

What to do in Hakone

The Hakone Loop has the most popular destinations and they are easy to get to with public transportation. There are also a variety of easily accessible hiking trails. A few highlights:

• Open Air Museum
  Outdoor modern art exhibit, great for a relaxing walk outside.
• Owakudani
  Volcanic valley with sulfur fields created by the last explosion of Mount Hakone.
• Sightseeing Cruise
  Sail on a pirate ship across the picturesque Lake Ashi.
• Hakone Jinja
  A shrine on the shore of Lake Ashi. Take a photo under the gate of peace.
• Stay at a Ryokan
  Soak up the traditional Japanese inn experience at a Ryokan with onsen and kaiseki dinner.

Looking for more details on what to do in Hakone?
Check Out 5 Things to Do in Hakone