Hakone Day Trip from Tokyo: Mt. Fuji Views & Best Things to Do
- Last Updated On September 9, 2026
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If you’re looking for a different perspective of Fuji then Hakone is the place to go. It’s also the ideal next stop if you’ve already seen Fuji from Kawaguchiko.
That’s exactly what we did after spending a week exploring Kawaguchiko during our 10 months travelling Japan. It’s also absolutely doable as a day trip from Tokyo, and offers incredible Fuji views with its own unique spin.
In this guide we’ll give you step by step instructions on how to get to Hakone from Tokyo, as well as what sights are worth seeing, and which are over-hyped.
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Hakone Day Trip from Tokyo at a Glance
- Travel Time: ~90 mins via Shinkansen, or ~120 mins via the Odakyu Line from Shinjuku
- Fare: ~¥4,790 one way via Shinkansen, or ~¥3,680 one way via Odakyu Line
- Hakone Freepass: ¥7,100 for the 2-day pass, covers local buses, the Tozan Train, the Ropeway, and the pirate ship cruise
- Best Time to Visit: Autumn & Winter for clear Fuji views
- Key Stops: Hakone Shrine, Bakery & Table, Lake Ashi Pirate Ship Cruise, Moto-Hakone, our sunset viewpoint
- Getting Around: Hakone Tozan Bus (Route K) between Odawara/Hakone-Yumoto and the lake
- Ideal For: Alternative Fuji views & pictures
Is Hakone Worth a Day Trip from Tokyo?
We were pleasantly surprised by how much we loved Hakone, so much so that we revisited it as part of our road trip around Japan.
Our first visit was during a 10 day stay in Fuji Kawaguchiko. We had a car and fancied a different view of Fuji after seven days of clear skies. Without spoiling the rest of the blog, there’s a viewpoint in Hakone that’s tucked away from the crowds, easy to get to, and offers stunning views over Lake Ashi. We were genuinely shocked at how quiet it was on both visits and the view alone makes it worth the trip.
Although we haven’t done Hakone as a day trip from Tokyo ourselves, we know the route well. It’s a straightforward journey by train, and we’ll walk you through exactly how to do it below.
How to Get to Hakone from Tokyo
We’ve only done Hakone by car so far, but we’ve mapped out exactly how we’d do it by train next time we’re in Tokyo.
Option 1: Shinkansen via Odawara Station
Travel Time: ~90 minutes from central Tokyo
Fare: ~ ¥4790 One Way (¥3280 for the Shinkansen + ¥1510 Hakone Tozan Bus)
Take the Shinkansen from Tokyo Station to Odawara Station (30 minutes). Alternatively you can take the Tokaido Line from Tokyo Station to Odawara Station, which is cheaper (~¥1600) but takes an extra 50-60 minutes.
Then catch the Hakone Tozan Bus (Route K) from Odawara Station to Moto-Hakone. The bus takes around 50 to 60 minutes.
Option 2: Odakyu Line from Shinjuku (with the Hakone Freepass)
Travel Time: ~120 minutes from Shinjuku Station
Fare: ~ ¥3680 One Way (¥2470 for the Romancecar + ¥1210 Hakone Tozan Bus)
Hakone Freepass: ¥7100 for the 2-day pass (round trip train & local buses)
The Odakyu Line direct from Shinjuku Station is usually the better value option if you’re planning to do more than one thing once you’re in Hakone.
The Odakyu Romancecar is the fastest way to go, a reserved-seat limited express that runs straight through to Hakone-Yumoto Station in around 80 minutes. There’s also a slower, unreserved Odakyu service on the same line for a lower fare, if you don’t mind the extra time. Then from Hakone-Yumoto you can catch the Hakone Tozan Bus (Route K) to Moto-Hakone which takes 35 minutes.
Most people doing this route buy the Hakone Freepass, which covers your round trip from Shinjuku plus unlimited use of the local buses, the Hakone Tozan Train, the Hakone Ropeway, and the Lake Ashi pirate ship cruise. Given how much of Hakone you get around using exactly those services, it’s usually the cheaper choice overall rather than paying for each leg separately.
The Hakone Freepass doesn’t include the upgrade to the limited express Romancecar, just the regular Odakyu Line. You have to purchase a separate Limited Express ticket for ¥1200 if you want the faster journey.
Which Route Should You Choose?
If time is of the essence and you’re willing to spend a bit more money then use option 1. The Shinkansen is the fastest route to Odawara and then it’s a 50-60 minute bus to Moto-Hakone.
If your focus is on getting there as cheaply as possible, take the Odakyu Line. Stick with the regular fare to keep costs down, or upgrade to the limited express Romancecar if you’d rather speed things up. Coupled with the Hakone Freepass, you get a great deal on local transportation, plus access to some of the attractions we’re recommending later in this guide.
Best Time to Visit Hakone
Hakone shares Mt Fuji’s weather patterns, being just a stone’s throw from Fujikawaguchiko, so if you’ve read our Mt Fuji day trip guide, some of this will feel familiar.
We’ve visited twice, once in November and once in May, and got clear-ish views of Fuji both times, just a little cloud cover either visit. It’s reassuring that two trips in completely different seasons both delivered, though we obviously can’t promise you’ll get the same luck.
The November trip landed during a warm year, and autumn colour hadn’t hit yet, peak turned out to be over a week later than when we were there. If you’re chasing the classic Hakone autumn colours, it’s worth building in a bit of buffer rather than aiming for early-to-mid November and hoping for the best.
Our May visit wasn’t really a dedicated Hakone trip. We were driving from Kamakura to Mt Fuji and stopped off to revisit our favourite viewpoint (more on this below). It happened to line up nicely with sunset, so we thought we may as well catch it while we were there.
Hakone Day Trip Itinerary
Hakone Shrine
The first stop on any Hakone day trip should be Hakone Shrine. This is one of the most photographed spots in Hakone, mostly down to how viral it’s gone online. You’ve probably already seen the shots of the red torii gate rising out of Lake Ashi, well, so has everyone else.
When we first got here we were blown away by just how big the queue was to get a photo, we’re talking at least an hour for a single shot. Rather than join the snaking line leading to the gate, we decided to skip the photo opp and visit the shrine instead.
It was like night and day.
The shrine was peaceful, quiet, and beautiful. Set within the cedar trees lining the hillside above Lake Ashi, it was a far cry from the hordes trying to snap a picture from the lakeside.
If you’re set on capturing the iconic torii gate shot, you’ll need to be prepared to wait in the queue, or stay in Hakone for one night and try for sunrise. Though we suspect it’s still pretty busy then too.
Bakery & Table Hakone
Bakery & Table cafe is our first suggestion when friends ask us what to do in Hakone. This cute cafe on the lakeside sells delicious sweet treats and coffee, but what they are most known for is their incredible curry-pan. If you’re only going to eat one curry-pan in Japan, it should be this one.
Whilst the food is delicious, the reason we recommend this place is because of the unique dining experience that you’d only see in Japan. If it’s not too busy you can enjoy your treats in their outdoor foot onsen, with stunning views over the lake.
There’s something incredible about soaking your feet in a hot spring whilst you sip your coffee.
Lake Ashi Pirate Ship Cruise
After a coffee break, head down to the lake for the pirate ship cruise. Yes, it’s touristy but it’s absolutely worth it.
The boat loops around Lake Ashi, giving you views of Fuji on a clear day and a completely different angle on that same torii gate you either queued for or, like us, skipped. It’s covered on the Hakone Freepass, so if you’ve already got one, this one’s free.
If you’re not here on the Hakone Freepass, the Lake Ashi pirate ship costs ¥1700 for adults and ¥850 for children.
If you want something a bit more hands-on and fancy a workout, you can hire a swan-shaped pedalo instead and make your own way around the lake. There’s plenty of rental shops around the lakeside and prices were around ¥1500. We didn’t do this, but we did notice a lot of the “perfect” torii gate shots online had a couple photo bombing in a pedalo.
Explore Moto-Hakone
Once you make it back to dryland we recommend taking the time to explore Moto-Hakone and do some souvenir shopping. Sarah likes to collect stickers from all over the world to decorate her suitcase so on our first trip to Hakone we went sticker hunting.
Moto-Hakone is a really cute village that brings a nice slow pace of life compared to the chaos of Tokyo. Take the time to unwind, enjoy chilling by the lake, and take a wander around Hakone park.
Hakone Sunset Viewpoint: Our ‘Secret’ Fuji View
Keep an eye on the time and make your way to this viewpoint around 30 – 40 minutes before sunset.
It’s a short but steep walk not far from the centre of Moto-Hakone that’s absolutely worth it for the view. We won’t go on about it too much, we’ll let the photos do the talking.
If you have other plans or need to make your way back to Tokyo before sunset, don’t worry! This place is still worth visiting at any time of day, as long as it’s fairly clear.
Once the sun has set and the last glow has fallen on Mt. Fuji, make your way back down the hill into Moto-Hakone, and catch the bus back to Odawara or Hakone-Yumoto from there.
Where to Eat in Hakone
We visited Hakone during our incredible ryokan stay in Fujikawaguchiko as part of Sarah’s birthday surprise. That meant our evening meal was a luxurious, private dining experience back at the hotel.
But honestly, Bakery & Table was very close to the best thing we ate that day. The food was delicious, the coffee was a great motivator for the hike to sunset, and the lakeside view was the perfect setting.
Hakone has a number of cute looking cafes but Bakery & Table is the one we’ll keep coming back to. We’re considering a trip back to Hakone just for the curry pan alone.
Things to Know Before You Visit Hakone
🚃 Suica Card: Tokyo runs on rail, so a Suica card is essential. We’ve written a full guide on setting up a Suica card.
📱 Get an eSIM: Reliable data makes Google Maps and Translate so much easier. Even after 10 months in Japan, we still relied on it daily. Check our guide to the best eSIM options in Japan.
💴 Cash is Still King: Cards work almost everywhere now, but keep some cash for smaller shops and stalls. Bring a fee-free debit card (we like Chase or Revolut) and withdraw at a 7-Eleven ATM for a fair rate.
🚶 Stand on the Left: On Tokyo escalators, stand left and walk right. Osaka does the opposite (don’t ask us why).
🛡️ Get Travel Insurance: Japan is safe, but insurance also covers lost luggage, cancelled flights, and theft. Sort it before you fly. Here’s our guide to the best travel insurance for long-term trips.
🗣️ Learn a Few Phrases: You don’t need to be fluent. Konnichiwa (hello), sumimasen (excuse me), and arigatou (thank you) go a long way. Bonus points for gochisousamadeshita after a meal.
Final Thoughts About This Hakone Day Trip from Tokyo
It should have been no surprise to us that we’d love Hakone. We’re suckers for a Mt. Fuji view and god knows how many detours and trips we’ve taken just to catch a glimpse of Japan’s iconic mountain from a different angle.
If you’re looking for an escape from Tokyo or want an alternative view of Mt. Fuji then a day trip to Hakone is the way to go. There’s a number of sights and activities that we haven’t covered on this day trip that could even justify an overnight stay.
With the Hakone Freepass being a 2-day pass, you could tag on the Hakone Open Air Museum, something we’re doing on our next visit, or there’s the Hakone ropeway which is included in the pass.
The only reason we haven’t included them in this day trip guide is because you can get stretched for time having to navigate the bus’s back and forth.
Hopefully this day trip gives you a taste of what Hakone has to offer and who knows, it might inspire another trip in the future!
FAQs About This Hakone Day Trip from Tokyo
How do I get to Hakone from Tokyo?
There are two easy options. The Shinkansen to Odawara Station takes about 30 minutes, then it's a 50 to 60 minute bus to Moto-Hakone. Or take the Odakyu Line direct from Shinjuku, either the Romancecar or the regular service, then a short bus ride from Hakone-Yumoto. Full breakdown, including fares, is above.
Do I need the Hakone Freepass?
Not essential, but usually worth it. It covers your round trip from Shinjuku plus unlimited local buses, the Tozan Train, the ropeway, and the Lake Ashi pirate ship cruise, so if you're doing more than one or two things in Hakone, it works out cheaper than paying for each leg separately.
Can you see Mt Fuji from Hakone?
Yes, on a clear day. We've visited twice, once in November and once in May, and got decent views both times, though there's no guarantee, Fuji's famously shy with cloud cover.
Is Hakone worth a day trip from Tokyo?
We think so. We were genuinely surprised by how much we loved it, enough to come back on our Japan road trip. Between the shrine, the lake, and a sunset viewpoint most visitors miss entirely, it holds its own against the bigger-name day trips from Tokyo.
What's the best time of year to visit Hakone?
Honestly, we can't give you a definitive answer from just two visits. If you're chasing autumn colour, build in some buffer, our November trip landed before peak, which turned out to be over a week later than expected.
Is the curry pan at Bakery & Table really worth it?
Yes. It's become our go-to recommendation whenever anyone asks us about Hakone, and we've genuinely talked about going back just for that.
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Hi! We’re Mark & Sarah.
We’ve been travelling the world together for the past 4 years. Exploring destinations such as Europe, South America, South East Asia, Japan and Australia. Now we’re sharing everything we’ve learned on our travels, to help you get out there and have your own adventures!
