basic information

A popular and attractive way of visiting Hakone is by circling the region with five different means of transport (train, cablecar, ropeway, boat and bus), using the Hakone Free Pass.

The round course outlined below starts and ends in Hakone-Yumoto and circles the Hakone region in the counter-clockwise direction. Of course, it is also possible to follow the course in the opposite direction or to start and end somewhere different.

If you leave early in the morning, it is possible to completed the Hakone round course in a one day trip from Tokyo. However, we recommend allocating two days and one night to your visit, preferably with a stay at a ryokan with hot spring baths.

Hakone-Yumoto to Gora by Hakone Tozan Railway 35 minutes, departures every 10-20 minutes The Hakone Tozan Railway winds itself through a narrow, densely wooded valley, gaining more than 300 meters in altitude. Several hot springs and the Hakone Open Air Museum are located along its route.

Gora to Sounzan by Hakone Tozan Cablecar 10 minutes, departures every 20 minutes The Hakone Art Museum and Gora Park are located in Gora along the cablecar route.

Sounzan to Togendai by Hakone Ropeway 30 minutes, constant departures Nice views of Mount Fuji and the national park can be enjoyed from the ropeway when visibility is good. A transfer of ropeways is required at Owakudani, where travelers can observe volcanic activities.

Togendai to Hakone-machi by Hakone Sightseeing Boat 30 minutes, departures every 30-60 minutes Nice views of Lake Ashi, the surrounding wooded mountains and Mount Fuji can be enjoyed from the pirate ship shaped boats when visibility is good. Most ships operate from Togendai to Hakone-machi and then continue to Moto-Hakone.

Hakone-machi to Moto-Hakone on foot 20-30 minutes The Checkpoint Museum, Detached Palace Garden and the Ancient Cedar Avenue are located along this attractive walk from Hakone-machi to Moto-Hakone. Alternatively you could continue to Moto-Hakone by boat or take a bus.

Moto-Hakone to Hakone-Yumoto by Hakone Tozan Bus 35 minutes, departures every 15-20 minutes Visit Hakone Shrine in Moto-Hakone and then return by bus to Yumoto, possibly with a stop at Yunessun along the way. Alternatively, you could walk a section of the Old Tokaido and catch a bus from the Amazake Chaya or Hatajuku back to Yumoto.

Any advice or questions? Voice them in the forum!

news and reports

Hakone Autumn Color Report November 4, 2009

hotels & ryokan

Kappa Tengoku A ryokan with onsen baths surrounded by trees. From 3300Yen. Located just above Odakyu Hakone Yumoto Station. Hakone Suimeisou An onsen ryokan on riverside. 3 min walk from Hakone Yumoto Sta. Internet connections in lobby. Check-out until 11AM. Hakone Senkei Choose from Japanese traditional ryokan, private guest residence and budget hotel. 10 min walk from Hakone Yumoto station. Tonosawa Ichinoyu Honkan Experience Hakone�fs hot springs at this traditional Japanese style ryokan with private open air baths in selected rooms. Lakeside Inn Charlotte A friendly pension, right in front of the beautiful Lake Ashinoko. Free breakfast and Internet. Checkout time is noon.

tours and packages

Mount Fuji and Hakone Tours Various tours and travel packages for Mount Fuji and surroundings.

english links

japanese links