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Tokyo to Hakone Distance
Hakone, known as the hot spring town of Japan, is situated between Mount Fuji and Tokyo, approximately 100 kilometers away from the bustling city center of Tokyo. Traveling from Tokyo to Hakone is convenient, taking around 2 hours to reach the core scenic area.
You can opt to take a train, bus, or private car from Tokyo to Hakone to explore attractions like Owakudani, Lake Ashi, Hakone Shrine, and numerous art museums. Hakone is a perfect destination for family trips. If you have an extra day in Tokyo, consider visiting this picturesque town for a delightful and relaxing getaway.
Tokyo to Hakone Bullet Train - Best for Independent Travellers
Trains are undoubtedly the most popular mode of transportation for travel in Japan. There are various train options available for traveling from Tokyo to Hakone. One of the most famous is the Odakyu Romancecar Express, departing from Shinjuku Station and directly reaching Hakone-Yumoto Station, the main hub for Hakone tourism. Alternatively, you can take the Shinkansen from Tokyo's city center to Odawara Station and then transfer to a local Odakyu Line train to reach Hakone-Yumoto.
Here is a detailed guide for taking the train from Tokyo to Hakone:
Tokyo to Hakone Odakyu Railway: Shinjuku Station to Hakone-Yumoto
- Odakyu Railway: Resembles a subway, with no assigned seats, separate luggage space, or restrooms. Eating on board may not be allowed, and it can get crowded. Stops at multiple stations, taking around 2 hours. May require a transfer at Odawara Station. Fare: 1270 Japanese Yen (about 9 USD).
- Odakyu Romancecar Express, also known as Tokyo to Hakone Romancecar: Takes 85 minutes and costs 2470 Japanese Yen (around 17 USD). The Romancecar is red and offers reserved seating, some cars have observation decks (require advance booking), restrooms, and luggage storage—a standard tourist train. To ride the Romancecar, you first need to purchase a regular train ticket and then upgrade to the Romancecar by paying an additional fee.
Near Shinjuku Station, the starting point for Odakyu Railway, you can easily find ticket counters for trains to Hakone from Tokyo. After purchasing your ticket, follow the signs to the correct platform. Boarding the train at Shinjuku Station is much easier than at Tokyo Station.
Tokyo to Hakone JR Pass (Shinkansen): Tokyo Station to Odawara + Transfer to Hakone-Yumoto
If you wish to experience the Japanese Shinkansen between Tokyo and Hakone, you can take the Tokaido Shinkansen from Tokyo Station or Shinagawa Station to Odawara, a journey of about 30 minutes. Note that only Kodama service trains (and some Hikari trains) stop at Odawara. Upon reaching Odawara Station, transfer to the local Hakone Tozan Line to Hakone-Yumoto or directly to Gora Station. This is a more complex option, and few travelers choose this route from Tokyo to Hakone.
Note: The Hakone Free Pass by Odakyu Railway is a discount pass for exploring Hakone. It provides unlimited use of Odakyu-affiliated buses, trains, boats, cablecars and ropeways in the Hakone area and discounted admission to selected tourist attractions on two or three consecutive days. Optionally, the pass includes also a discounted round trip from Tokyo's Shinjuku Station.
Tokyo to Hakone Bus - Not Recommended
Tokyo to Hakone bus is another option. Odakyu Highway Bus operates every 30-60 minutes between Tokyo's Shinjuku Expressway Bus Terminal and the Lake Ashi area in Hakone. The one way journey costs about 2200 yen and under good traffic conditions takes a little over 2 hours.
Tokyo to Hakone Private Car with Guide - Best for First Timers, Especially for Families
A private car with a guide is undoubtedly the best way to explore Hakone for first-time visitors, especially with kids. It offers flexibility, comfort, and personalized attention, making the journey enjoyable and stress-free.
Flexibility: You can customize your itinerary according to your family's interests and pace.
Comfort: Enjoy the convenience of door-to-door service without the hassle of public transportation.
Expert Guidance: Learn about the region's history, culture, and attractions from a knowledgeable guide.
Child-Friendly: Guides can offer insights into kid-friendly activities and attractions.
Time-Saving: Efficient transportation and expert planning maximize your time in Hakone.
Things to Do in Hakone with Family
While Hakone offers numerous attractions, here are some must-visit spots for families:
- Lake Ashi Cruise: Enjoy stunning views of Mount Fuji and the surrounding landscape.
- Hakone Ropeway: Experience breathtaking aerial views of the volcanic valley.
- Owakudani Valley: Explore a volcanic crater, taste black eggs, and enjoy scenic hot springs.
- Hakone Shrine: Immerse yourselves in Japanese culture and history at this beautiful shrine.
- Hakone Open-Air Museum: Discover unique sculptures and art installations in a natural setting.
- Kid-Friendly Activities: Consider visiting a theme park like Fuji-Q Highland or enjoying traditional crafts like wood carving.
How to Get around Hakone after Arrival in Hakone-Yumoto
Hakone is pretty spread out, you’ll have to ride various forms of transport, including: trains, buses, a funicular, a ropeway, a cable car, and a pirate ship.
Hakone Tozan Railway: A Charming Mountain Train
The Hakone Tozan Railway runs from Hakone-Yumoto to Gora, traveling through the mountainous terrain of Hakone with steep gradients and sharp curves. When you take the red train, you can admire the stunning views of the surrounding mountains, forests, and valleys, especially during the spring cherry blossom season or autumn foliage season when the landscapes are particularly stunning. This train journey will last 40-50 minutes.
One of the unique features of the Hakone Tozan Railway is its switchback system, where the train changes directions at certain points to navigate the steep inclines.
After arrive at Gora Station, you can transfer to the Hakone Tozan Cable Car, which continues the journey to Sounzan, or you can wander around Gora to explore its art museums.
Hakone Cable Car: Connect between Gora and Sounzan
The Hakone Tozan Cable Car runs between Gora Station and Sounzan Station, providing a convenient and picturesque way for you to travel through the mountainous terrain of Hakone. Taking the Cable Car, you will get the stunning views of the surrounding mountains, forests, and valleys, making the journey a memorable experience from Tokyo to Hakone.
The cable car journey lasts for about 10 minutes and ends at Sounzan Station, where you can transfer to the Hakone Ropeway for further exploration of Hakone's attractions, including Owakudani and Lake Ashi.
Hakone Ropeway: Soar above Volcanic Valley for Breathtaking Panoramas
Fare: one-way, 1500 Japanese Yen; round-trip 2500 Japanese Yen
The Hakone Ropeway operates between Sounzan Station and Togendai Station, offering breathtaking views of Mount Fuji, Lake Ashi, and the volcanic valley of Owakudani. You can have different experiences throughout the year, with cherry blossoms in spring, lush greenery in summer, colorful foliage in autumn, and snow-capped landscapes in winter.
One of the highlights of the Hakone Ropeway is the stop at Owakudani Station, where you can disembark and explore the volcanic valley known for its active sulfur vents, hot springs, and views of the surrounding area.
The Togendai Station at the end of the Hakone Ropeway is a terminal for the Hakone Sightseeing Cruise on Lake Ashi, providing a convenient way to continue your exploration of the Hakone area.
Hakone Sightseeing Cruise: Enjoy Relaxing Boat Ride on Lake Ashi
Taking the Hakone Sightseeing Cruise is the top one things to do in Hakone. This popular boat cruise on Lake Ashi offers stunning views of Mount Fuji (weather permitting), the Hakone Shrine Torii gate, lush greenery, and the serene waters of Lake Ashi.
The cruise typically runs between three main ports: Moto-Hakone, Hakonemachi, and Togendai. The duration of the cruise varies depending on the route and stops, with each leg of the journey offering different perspectives of the stunning landscapes surrounding Lake Ashi.
Hakone Tozan Bus: Return Hakone-Yumoto
Get off the Hakone Sightseeing Cruise at Moto-Hakone, and then visit the Hakone Shrine and the iconic Heiwa no Torii. Then you can take the Hakone Tozan Bus from Moto-Hakone back to Hakone-Yumoto, where stands a lot of Onsen hotels. The road journey lasts for 20-30 minutes.
You can end your Tokyo to Hakone journey at Hakone-Yumoto with a relaxing hot spring experience stay overnight in Hakone, or you can just return Tokyo Centre for an unforgettable night.
How to Return to Tokyo from Hakone
For independent travelers returning to Tokyo from Hakone, the Odakyu Romancecar Express is the recommended mode of transportation. The last train departs from Hakone-Yumoto Station at 7:50 p.m. and arrives at Shinjuku Station around 9:26 p.m. If you're not too tired upon arrival, you can explore Kabukicho, a bustling street a few hundred meters away from the station.
If you are traveling with family, opting for a private car with a guide from Tokyo to Hakone is a wise choice. The guide and driver will directly take you back to your hotel in Tokyo, making your journey more comfortable and seamless, with fewer transfers and hassles.
Furthermore, choosing a private car for travel allows you to visit both Mount Fuji and Hakone in a single day. Although this may entail sacrificing some time in Hakone, the opportunity to see Mount Fuji is worth the effort and time.
How to Plan a Day Trip from Tokyo to Hakone
Option 1: A Classic Hakone Day Trip
This itinerary focuses solely on the enchanting beauty of Hakone.
- Morning Departure: Depart from Tokyo in the morning and enjoy a scenic 1.5-hour journey to Hakone.
- Hakone Open-Air Museum: Immerse yourself in the world of sculptures and art at the Hakone Open-Air Museum in Gora.
- Owakudani: Take a scenic cable car ride to Owakudani, a volcanic valley known for its black eggs and stunning views of Mount Fuji.
- Lake Ashi Cruise: Enjoy a relaxing boat ride on Lake Ashi, offering panoramic vistas of the surrounding mountains and Mount Fuji.
- Hakone Shrine: Visit the iconic Hakone Shrine, famous for its red torii gate standing in Lake Ashi.
- Return to Tokyo: Conclude your day with a scenic train ride back to Tokyo.
Option 2: Combining Mount Fuji and Hakone
For those who want to experience both the majestic Mount Fuji and the charming town of Hakone, this itinerary is perfect.
- Morning Departure: Depart from Tokyo and head straight to Lake Kawaguchiko, a beautiful lake offering stunning views of Mount Fuji.
- Mount Fuji Exploration: Spend 1-2 hours exploring the area around Lake Kawaguchiko. Visit Oishi Park or Tenjo Mountain Park for panoramic views of the mountain.
- Hakone Adventure: Continue your journey to Hakone. Enjoy activities like taking a cable car to Owakudani, cruising on Lake Ashi, and visiting the Hakone Shrine.
- Return to Tokyo: After a day filled with natural beauty and cultural experiences, return to Tokyo.
Tips for Planning Your Trip:
- Best Time to Visit: Spring and autumn are ideal for enjoying pleasant weather and stunning foliage.
- Accommodation: If you plan to stay overnight, consider accommodations near Lake Kawaguchiko or in Hakone town.
- Activities: Depending on your interests, you can add other activities to your itinerary, such as visiting hot springs, trying local cuisine, or exploring museums.
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Useful Tokyo Travel Guide:10 Best Things to Do in Tokyo, Tokyo Itineraries (1-4 days), How to Plan a Trip to Tokyo, Tokyo Toursit Maps, Tokyo to Mount Fuji, Tokyo to Hakone, Things to Do in Hakone, Tokyo Cherry Blossom Viewing Spot.
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