This Hakone Travel Guide helps you make the most of your day in Hakone. It features a well-crafted itinerary and a detailed budget for the trip.
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Introduction
Hakone, a mountain village southwest of Tokyo, is a world away from the fast-paced city. After five busy days in Kansai region, I took a break at Hakone to find tranquility.
In Hakone, everything is serene. The village is therefore an ideal place to get off from the bustle of the city. This charming town is heavily wooded and offers incredible natural scenery while the larger Japan cities are hidden behind concreted structures. Admire the majestic splendor of Mount Fuji when you cruise on Lake Ashi and gradually ascend to Owakudani Valley.
Additionally, following a leisurely stroll around Hakone, discover and immerse yourself in an onsen to experience the traditional Japanese bathing. Moreover, spend the night in a ryokan to experience an authentic Japanese sleep.
Beyond just its natural surroundings, Hakone has more to offer. The peaceful atmosphere and unhurried pace of Hakone, however, was the main draw of my short getaway.
Hakone Travel Guide Contents
- Quick Fact About Hakone
- Visa in Japan
- Standard Time in Hakone
- Climate in Hakone
- Best Time to Visit Hakone
- Language in Hakone
- Currency in Hakone
- Modes of Payment in Hakone
- Ways of Getting to Hakone
- Getting Around Hakone
- Areas to Stay in Hakone
- Internet in Hakone
- Power Adaptor in Hakone
- Hakone Travel Guide Itinerary
- Budget for Hakone Trip
- Travel Resources
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Quick Fact About Hakone
Hakone is among Japan’s most well-known onsen destinations. An onsen, or hot spring, is a natural thermal bath with mixtures of mineral properties that has therapeutic benefits. Around 27,000 hot springs across Japan, while dozens are in Hakone.
Visa in Japan
Holders of foreign passports intending to visit Japan should contact the Embassy of Japan with regards to entry requirements. Otherwise, consult iVisa.com, a reputable and trusted visa service provider.
Philippine passport holders are required to apply for a tourist visa when traveling to Japan for tourism purposes. The Embassy of Japan does not accept in-person Japan visa applications. Thus, an accredited agency collects all the needed visa requirements.
On the other hand, travelers must undergo stringent immigration procedures before departure. Read ‘How to Avoid Getting Offloaded at Philippine Immigration?’
Standard Time in Hakone
The Coordinated Universal Time, or UTC, in Hakone is UTC +09:00.
Thus, Hakone is an hour ahead of Manila, five hours ahead of Dubai, and seven hours ahead of Paris. Moreover, Hakone is eight hours ahead of New York. Conversely, Hakone is two hours behind Sydney.
Climate in Hakone
Hakone has a warm temperate climate. Hence, the town experiences warm and wet summers and mild winters.
Best Time to Visit Hakone
Hakone is a year-round Japanese destination. The mountainous town offers a refreshing and relaxing atmosphere, regardless if you visit in spring, summer, autumn, or winter.
March to May
The springtime in Hakone is from March to May. Hence, the cherry blossoms burst and ornate the thickly forested town, especially Miyagino – a quieter area close to Gora.
Hakone Travel Guide Tip: The Golden Week in Japan happens from April’s last week until May’s first week. Attractions are often thronged, and accommodation rates go up during this period.
June to August
The mountainous town of Hakone is a perfect getaway from the scorching summer heat from June to August. Unlike Tokyo, the temperature in Hakone is less warm due to its elevation, while rain is abundant in June and July.
September to November
Hakone’s verdant forestland changes into fiery-colored leafage, which marks the fall foliage season. Witness the autumn leaves in Hakone Gora Park when you visit from September until November.
December to February
The winter season in Hakone commences in December and last until February. While the northernmost part of Japan has the coldest climate, Hakone experiences a fair cold winter.
Language in Hakone
Japanese is the widely spoken language in Hakone, Kanagawa. Hence, most locals are not conversant in English but extend their help when needed.
Numerous public signs in Hakone are written in English, and tourist information centers are in train stations and attractions. Here are essential Japanese words and phrases to learn before your trip to Hakone, Japan.
- Ohayo gozaimasu – Good morning
- Hai – Yes
- Sumimasen – Excuse me
- Tetsudatte kuremasen ka? – Could you help me?
- Toire wa doko desu ka? – Where is the toilet?
- Deguchi – Exit
- Hidari – Left
- Arigatou gozaimasu – Thank you
- Douitashimashite – You are welcome
- Sayounara – Goodbye
Currency in Hakone
The Japanese yen, abbreviated as JPY, is the official currency in Japan. As of June 22, 2023, the exchange rate is JPY 1, PHP 0.39, or USD 0.0070.
Hakone Travel Guide Tip: To save money, convert your currency to yen in downtown Hakone, which offers better exchange rates. Otherwise, convert sufficient cash at the destination’s airport to cover the fare to the city center.
Modes of Payment in Hakone
Hard cash is the widely used payment option in Hakone, Kanagawa. Debit and credit cards and commuting passes are also accepted as modes of payment.
Cash
Commercial establishments and facilities prefer cash payments, especially purchases made in convenience stores, souvenir shops, and tourist attractions.
Bank Cards
Use debit and credit cards in the absence of cash. However, foreign-issued cards are only accepted in selected restaurants and hotels in Hakone.
Transit Pass
A commuter pass is a cash substitute used as a method of payment for transport services in Hakone. Hence, using the ‘Hakone Free Pass’, a convenient and cost-efficient tool for intra-town transfers. It comes with unlimited rides in most transport forms.
Ways of Getting to Hakone
Hakone lies far west of Kanagawa. The town is accessible through the international airports in Tokyo, Narita, Nagoya, and Osaka.
From Japan’s major air hubs, buses, express trains, and bullet trains run through main rail stations, such as Tokyo and Yokohama. While the local lines in Odawara approach Hakone-Yumoto Station, the gateway to Hakone.
Tokyo to Hakone
Haneda International Airport in Tokyo is the closest air hub to Hakone. The travel duration between Tokyo and Hakone is around one hour and a half.
Express trains and airport buses in Haneda run through Shinagawa or Shin-Yokohama stations. Odawara can be reached in less than forty minutes via JR Shinkansen Kodama and Hikari trains from these rail stations.
Chiba to Hakone
Narita International Airport in Chiba is among Japan’s main airports, about 150 kilometers or around three hours of travel to Hakone.
Buses, taxis, and trains run from Tokyo Central Station through Shinjuku and Shin-Yokohama stations. In addition, the Shin-Yokohama and Odawara course is served by Kodama and Hikari trains, while Odakyu links Shinjuku and Odawara/ Hakone.
Hakone Travel Guide Tip: From Shinjuku Station, the fastest to reach Hakone is via the Odakyu Romancecar Limited Express. Unlike regular train service, Romancecar travels non-stop in 90 minutes.
Reserve and bundle Hakone Free Pass with Odakyu Romancecar Limited Express for a free-and-easy town journey.
Nagoya to Hakone
When arriving from Nagoya through the Chubu Centrair International Airport, trains, buses, and airport shuttles run to Meitetsu Nagoya Station. From the station, the travel time to Odawara is around two hours via JR Shinkansen Kodama or Hikari trains.
Osaka to Hakone
Hakone is more than 400 kilometers from Osaka, the gateway to the Kansai region. The travel time between Osaka and Odawara is around ten hours for night buses and four hours using bullet trains. Nozomi, Kodama, and Hikari are among the Shinkansen trains leaving Shin-Osaka Station toward Odawara.
From Odawara Station, Hakone is a 15-minute journey by Hakone Tozan Bus or Train.
Getting Around Hakone
Hakone has a lot more to offer aside from its natural environment. The far-off mountain town has museums, shrines, parks and gardens, and bathing facilities, which can be visited on a circular course.
Hakone Travel Guide Tip: Enjoy a relaxing journey with Hakone Free Pass. It is a commuter pass in which the holder is entitled to unlimited rides to most transit modes in Hakone. Also, grab discounts in some attractions and facilities using this pass.
Train
Get on Hakone Tozan Railway – a mountain rail transit connecting Odawara with Gora train stations, around 35 minutes. Sublime Hakone landscapes await passengers as you go past the tree-covered slopes.
The mountain sceneries are more appealing from mid-June until mid-July as Hydrangea flowers blossom alongside the railroad tracks. Also, special night trains travel through these well-lighted flowers in these months.
Cable Car
From Gora Station, mount Sounzan Station for around ten minutes while inside the Hakone Tozan Cable Car. The funicular railway has large see-through windows for a good view of the forested mountains.
Ropeway
The Hakone Ropeway connects the stations of Sounzan and Togendai along Owakudani and Ubako Stations. Behold the mesmerizing views of Owakudani Valley, Mount Fuji, and Lake Ashi as aerial trams slowly approach next station. The entire journey takes roughly half an hour.
Moreover, board the Komagatake Ropeway that leads to the peak of Mount Hakone.
Hakone Travel Guide Reminder: Modes of transport, like ropeways, are inoperational during inclement weather or maintenance works. Hence, buses serve as alternatives in their absence.
Ship
Embark on the Hakone Pirate Ship, an imposing replica of the 17th and 18th-century sailing vessels. Three cruise ships sail on Ashinoko Lake and depart in Togendai, Motohakone, and Hakonemachi ports.
While aboard, witness impressive views of the sceneries, lush wooded mountains, a striking gate, and the breathtaking Mount Fuji. Hakone sightseeing cruise navigates between 25 to 40 minutes.
Bus
The Hakone Tozan Bus is among companies that operate within Hakone. It links Hakone-Yumoto Station to areas like Motohakone-ko, a sightseeing spot famed for Lake Ashinoko and Hakone Shrine.
Also, board Kanko Shisetsu-Meguri, a tourist bus that runs to Hakone’s known museums, like Pola Museum and Venetian Glass Museum.
Areas to Stay in Hakone
Hakone is around 80 kilometers or roughly a couple hours’ journey from Tokyo City. The mountain town is doable for a day trip. However, spending a few days in Hakone allows you to deepen your connection to nature and culture. Here are the best areas to stay in Hakone:
Hakone -Yumoto
Most accommodations in Hakone-Yumoto are a stone’s throw from the town’s main station. The central rail station is well-connected to the rest of Hakone.
Aside from ease of access, this area has a wealth of inexpensive lodgings near shops and restaurants. Spend in Hakone-Yumoto, and you are steps closer to the historic Tokaido Road – an old route that links Tokyo and Kyoto.
Tonosawa
Close to Hakone-Yumoto is Tonosawa. This riverside neighborhood has several Ryokan and onsen inns. It is also a perfect place for outdoor recreation, like hiking, for its densely wooded mountains.
After your leisurely action, soak and relax in the warm waters of Hakone Yuryo. This hot spring resort in Tonosawa is among Hakone’s famous onsen spots.
Gora
Located at the heart of Hakone, Gora is well-linked through the numerous tourist spots and attractions. The hillside neighborhood is also hot springs rich, making it one of Hakone’s most preferred areas to stay. Unlike Hakone-Yumoto, accommodations are more expensive with its wide range of high-end hotels and inns.
The Hakone Open Air Museum, Gora Park, and Hakone Museum of Art are the must-see in the hot spring town.
Motohakone
Most accommodations in Motohakone area are luxury hotels at the lakeside, affording good views of Lake Ashi and Mount Fuji. Some high-end hotels provide exclusive onsen amenities, perfect for couples who want a romantic ambiance. The Torii of Peace of Hakone Shrine is among the most photographed spots in Motohakone.
Are you a fan of Japanese art? Well, drop in at Narukawa Art Museum – a contemporary art gallery featuring a multitude of Japanese-style paintings. Grab a Narukawa Art Museum ticket and awe-inspire with its vast art collections. The museum is a short walk from Motohakone port.
Odawara
Hakone’s closest city, Odawara, is also a good bet to get closer to other Japanese cities, such as Yokohama and Kawasaki. It has also extensive accommodation options around the well-linked Odawara Station, which is packed with pubs and lounges.
Unlike Hakone’s calming night, Odawara is more energetic and jump-packed. Relish the metro’s sights and sounds after a leisurely tour to Hakone.
Internet in Hakone
Major stations within the Hakone loop, like Hakone-Yumoto, Gora, and Togendai, offer free yet limited internet usage. Moreover, almost all accommodation facilities provide a wireless network for their guests.
Power Adaptor in Hakone
Hakone operates on a 100 V supply voltage with a frequency of 50 Hz and it has two types of power adaptor:
- A or has two flat parallel pins
- B or has two flat parallel pins and a grounding pin
Explore the ‘Land of the Rising Sun’ in 9 days! But first, read the Osaka Travel Guide for a complete and comprehensive Japan itinerary.
Hakone Travel Guide Itinerary
10:10 pm Arrival in Odawara from Kyoto
10:10 pm – 10:30 pm Head to the hotel
- From Odawara Station
- Walk toward accommodation
10:30 pm – 11:00 pm Confirm reservation and check-in at Odawara Terminal Hotel
11:00 pm Prepare and sleep
Day 1 - Hakone
Hakone Travel Guide Reminder: It takes about 900 meters to walk from point A to point B .
06:30 am – 08:15 am Wake up, prepare for the tour, have breakfast, early hotel check out, and drop off the luggage at the hotel
08:15 am – 08:30 am Head to Odawara Station and redeem the Hakone Free Pass at Odakyu Sightseeing Service Center
08:30 am – 08:45 am Head to Hakone-Yumoto Station
- From Odawara Station
- Take the Hakone Tozan Rail Line
- Alight at Hakone-Yumoto Station
08:45 am – 09:25 am Head to Gora Station
- From Hakone-Yumoto Station
- Transfer to Platform 3
- Take the Hakone Tozan Rail Line
- Alight at Gora Station
- Walk toward Hakone Open Air Museum
09:25 am – 12:30 pm Explore Hakone Open Air Museum and Gora Park and have lunch
Hakone Open Air Museum
Opened in 1969, Hakone Open Air Museum is the first outdoor museum in Japan. The exhibit features the works of art of Pablo Picasso and other distinguished Japanese and Western visual artists.
This out-of-doors museum houses at least a thousand sculptures and other visual art forms throughout the seven hectares of grounds. Also, visitors can go in for some fun-filled and interactive art displays, which blend with the surrounding green spaces.
Hakone Open Air Museum is open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (last entry is until 4:30 p.m.). The admission fee is JPY 1,600, PHP 627.55, or USD 11.28, while discounts are also offered to children and Hakone Free Pass holders.
Hakone Gora Park
Gora Park is a French-style garden nestled on elevated grounds, affording unobstructed views of the sceneries. It features various decorative plants surrounding the park’s central piece, a large and round-shaped fountain. Also, on-site facilities like two hothouses, tea gardens, and handcraft houses await visitors.
Hakone Gora Park is open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (the last entry is until 4:30 p.m.). The entry fee is JPY 550, PHP 251.65, or USD 3.88, while the entrance is free for Hakone Free Pass holders and children.
12:30 am – 01:00 pm Head to Owakudani
- From Hakone Gora Park
- Walk toward Gora Station
- Take the Hakone Tozan Cable Car to Sounzan Station
- Alight at Sounzan Station
- Board the Hakone Ropeway toward Togendai Station
- Get off at Owakudani Station
01:00 pm – 02:00 pm Explore Owakudani
Owakudani
Also known as ‘Hell Valley,’ Owakudani Valley formed 3,000 years ago after Mount Hakone’s dramatic eruption. The immense volcanic crater emits sulfur fumes from hydrothermal vents, such as hot springs, which are known for their therapeutic value.
Hot springs are also used for cooking kura-tamago or black eggs. The chicken egg is hard-boiled in a sulfur-rich thermal spring, giving its distinct charcoal color. Five-piece black eggs are sold at JPY 500, PHP 196.05, or USD 3.52 at nearby shops.
Hakone Travel Guide Trivia: According to local beliefs, consuming a piece of black egg can extend a lifespan of about seven years.
02:00 pm – 03:00 pm Head to Hakone Shrine
- From Owakudani
- Walk toward Owakudani Station
- Take Hakone Ropeway to Togendai Station
- Alight at Togendai Station
- Board the Hakone Sightseeing Cruise
- Get off at Motohakone Port
- Walk toward Hakone Shrine
03:00 pm – 04:30 pm Explore Hakone Shrine
Hakone Travel Guide Reminder: Whether you are a devotee or simply a temple visitor, you should treat religious beliefs and sacred places with reverence. When visiting a place of worship, be mindful of temple etiquette.
Hakone Shrine
Tucked in the middle of towering and dense Cedar trees is a well-known Shinto shrine, the Hakone Shrine. This shrine was built in 757 at the crest of Mount Hakone’s Komagatake until it was relocated to its present site in 1667.
The shrine’s main draw, the striking red gate seemingly floating on the waters. Torii of Peace, or the ‘Heiwa No Torii,’ is among Japan’s most renowned torii gates due to its distinct position. This noteworthy red gate is slightly submerged on the shore of Ashi Lake. Its location offers a panoramic view of the surrounding sceneries.
Hakone Shrine is open daily, and admission is free, except for several other attractions in the shrine.
Hakone Travel Guide Tip: A trip to Japan’s onsen town would not be complete without soaking in traditional Japanese public baths. Take a dip into an ‘onsen’ and ‘sento,’ which provide relief after an exhausting tour around Hakone.
04:30 pm – 05:15 pm Head to Yumoto Fujiya Hotel
- From Hakone Shrine
- Walk toward the Motohakone bus station
- Take the Hakone Tozan Bus toward Odawara Station
- Alight at Hakone-Yumoto Station
- Walk toward Hakone-Fujiya Hotel
05:15 pm – 07:15 pm Onsen bath experience at Yumoto Fujiya Hotel and have dinner
07:15 pm – 07:30 pm Head to Odawara Station
07:30 pm – 08:13 pm Return to the hotel, get the luggage, and head back to Odawara Station
08:13 pm – 09:09 pm Head to Yokohama
- From Odawara Station – Platform 5
- Take JR Shonan-Shinjuku Rapid Line toward Kagohara Station
- Alight at Yokohama Station
Budget for Hakone Trip
In 2022, I spent P 5,329.53 for a day and night in Hakone. However, costs may vary depending on travel lifestyle. Please read ‘35 Excellent Tips to Save Money on Travel.’
Below is the Hakone travel guide budget for your reference.
Pre-Departure
- One-day and one-night accommodation, PHP 1,651.05 x 2, PHP 825.53
- Hakone Free Pass, PHP 2,298.00
- Yumoto Fujiya Onsen Experience, PHP 702.00
1st Day
- Breakfast, PHP 200.00
- Hakone Open Air Museum Admission Fee, PHP 546.00
- Lunch, PHP 235.00
- Black eggs, PHP 195.00
- Black Ice Cream, PHP 78.00
- Dinner, PHP 250.00
Travel Resources
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Hakone Travel Guide Question: Nara is famous for its free-roaming deers, while Hakone is known for?
Please drop your answers or messages in the comment section. Thank you, and see you on the road!
About the Author
J. Sac is the author of ‘Hakone Travel Guide: An Excellent Guide to the World.’ He is also the founder of Traveledictorian – a travel blog that publishes well-thought-out travel content.
His passion for writing, photography, and travel fueled him to explore Asia and the rest of the world. He also plans to undertake humanitarian work in his travels. Read his inspiring story and follow him on social media!
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