箱根 Day Guides
Hakone is a perfect day trip destination filled with natural beauty, stunning views of Mount Fuji (on clear days), relaxing hot springs, and cultural spots. This guide will help you make the most of your day by exploring some of the best sights: the Hakone Ropeway, Owakudani volcanic valley, Lake Ashi, and the peaceful Hakone Shrine.
Let’s start your adventure!
Wake up, have breakfast at your hotel or a nearby café, and get ready for the day.
What to bring:
✔ Comfortable walking shoes
✔ A small bag with water, snacks, and a jacket
✔ Hakone Free Pass (if you have one – it saves money and covers many rides)
✔ Cash (some small shops don’t take cards)
Your day starts with the famous Hakone Ropeway.
If you’re staying in Gora, take the Hakone Tozan Cable Car to Sounzan Station (about 10 minutes).
If you're staying in Hakone-Yumoto or another area, take a Hakone Tozan Bus or train to Gora Station, then take the cable car to Sounzan.
Once at Sounzan Station, hop on the Hakone Ropeway and enjoy the view.
✔ Ride high above the mountains
✔ See forests, valleys, and maybe Mount Fuji (if it’s a clear day)
✔ Your first stop is Owakudani Station
Get off at Owakudani Station and explore the volcanic area.
✔ Walk around the paths and see steam and sulfur vents
✔ Eat a black egg boiled in hot springs (they say it adds 7 years to your life!)
✔ Take pictures of the otherworldly landscape
✔ Check out the small shops for souvenirs and snacks
Get off at Owakudani Station and explore the volcanic area.
✔ Walk around the paths and see steam and sulfur vents
✔ Eat a black egg boiled in hot springs (they say it adds 7 years to your life!)
✔ Take pictures of the otherworldly landscape
✔ Check out the small shops for souvenirs and snacks
Tamagoya Café – Egg sandwiches and sweets
Owakudani Kurotamago-kan – Black eggs and snacks
Vegetarian snacks – Rice balls, sweet potato fries, or bring your own, just in case
After you’re done exploring Owakudani, get back on the ropeway and ride to the last stop: Togendai Station, by Lake Ashi.
Ride time: about 16 minutes from Owakudani to Togendai
There are a few restaurants and cafés near Togendai Station where you can enjoy lunch with a lake view.
Togendai View Restaurant – Japanese curry, noodles, and rice bowls
Bakery & Table Hakone – Pastries, sandwiches, and coffee with lake views
Restaurant Hamano – Traditional Japanese meals, good for groups
Nabe-ya (Vegetarian-Friendly) – Hot pots with veggie options and tofu
From Togendai, board the Hakone Sightseeing Cruise (a pirate-style boat) and ride across the peaceful Lake Ashi to Motohakone Port or Hakonemachi Port.
Cruise time: 30–40 minutes
✔ Great views of mountains and forests
✔ Sometimes Mount Fuji can be seen from the boat
✔ Fun experience for all ages
After getting off the cruise at Motohakone Port, walk about 10 minutes to reach the beautiful Hakone Shrine, hidden in the forest.
✔ Walk the path lined with tall trees
✔ See the red Torii gate in the water — a perfect photo spot
✔ Visit the main shrine building and make a wish
✔ Explore the peaceful shrine grounds
After visiting the shrine, take a break at a nearby café or tea shop.
Naraya Café – Foot bath café with mochi and coffee
La Terrazza – Cakes, gelato, and lake views
Café Komon (Vegan-Friendly) – Matcha drinks, sweets, and plant-based desserts
If you have extra time and energy, you can visit the Hakone Sekisho (Checkpoint Museum) near Hakonemachi Port.
Entry fee: About ¥500
✔ A historic checkpoint from the Edo period
✔ Learn how travelers were checked during ancient times
✔ Great lake views and a walk through history
From Motohakone Port, take a Hakone Tozan Bus back toward your hotel.
If you’re staying near Hakone-Yumoto, take the bus directly there.
If you're staying near Gora, transfer at a nearby stop.
