How To Spend a Day Travelling to Hakone

Hakone is a peaceful mountain town just outside of Tokyo, known for hot springs, mountain trains, beautiful views, and relaxing nature. It’s a popular destination for people who want to escape the city and enjoy traditional Japanese culture, natural scenery, and great food.

Take a Train to Odawara Station

To get to Hakone, you must first travel to Odawara Station, the main entry point to the area.

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From Tokyo

• Take the JR Tokaido Shinkansen (Kodama or Hikari)

• Leave from Tokyo Station or Shinagawa Station

• Travel time: Around 35 to 45 minutes

• Covered by the Japan Rail Pass

From Kyoto or Osaka

• Take the JR Tokaido Shinkansen (Hikari or Kodama)

• Travel time: Around 2.5 hours from Kyoto, 3 hours from Osaka

• Use the Japan Rail Pass (Nozomi trains are not covered)

Tip: The Hikari train is faster than Kodama. Make a seat reservation if you're traveling during busy times or with luggage.

Take the Hakone Tozan Train to Hakone-Yumoto Station

At Odawara Station, transfer to the Hakone Tozan Line to reach Hakone-Yumoto Station. This is the first town in Hakone and a good place to start.

• Train ride: Around 15 minutes

• Trains leave every 15–20 minutes

• This route is covered by the Hakone Free Pass

Tip: You can buy the Hakone Free Pass at Odawara Station or in advance. It covers most local transport in Hakone (trains, buses, ropeways, boats, and discounts).

Drop Off Your Luggage or Check In to Your Hotel

Once you arrive in Hakone-Yumoto, drop your luggage at your hotel. If check-in isn’t available yet, use:

• Hotel front desk – most offer free early luggage storage

• Coin lockers – located at Hakone-Yumoto Station

Visit Hakone’s Traditional Craft Studios

Start your day with a hands-on cultural experience. Hakone is known for woodworking and handicrafts, especially Yosegi Zaiku (traditional wood marquetry).

Where to Go:

• Hakone Maruyama Bussan (near Yumoto) – Watch artisans at work or join a small workshop

• Hakone Yosegi Zaiku Cooperative – Displays, demonstrations, and a small souvenir shop

Visit the Tamadare Falls and Tenzan Shrine Area

Walk or take a short bus or taxi ride to the Tamadare Falls and Tenzan Shrine, a peaceful and less-visited spot with local charm.

Location: About 15–20 minutes from Hakone-Yumoto on foot or 5 minutes by taxi

What to Do:

• Walk along a small river path to see the waterfall

• Visit the shrine, known for good fortune in relationships

• Sit and relax by the stream or small footpaths nearby

Join a Local Food or Culture Tour

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If you’re interested in food and local flavors, consider booking a Hakone walking food tour. Tours are available in English and are usually guided by locals.

Food Tour Highlights:

• Try onsen manju (steamed buns)

• Visit small snack shops and Japanese confectioners

• Taste seasonal dishes, traditional teas, or local sake

• Learn about Hakone’s food history

Have Lunch in Hakone-Yumoto or Tonosawa

There are many restaurants and cafés around Hakone-Yumoto and nearby Tonosawa, which is just one train stop away.

Restaurant Options:

• Hatsuhana Soba – Long-running soba shop known for mountain vegetable soba

• Yamaji Restaurant – Japanese teishoku (set meals) and rice bowls

• Tamura Ginkatsu-tei (Tonosawa area) – Famous for tofu cutlets

Vegetarian/Vegan Options:

• Tentoan Café – Offers veggie rice bowls and tea

• Hakone Café – Simple western-style meals and veggie sandwiches

• Yamagusuri Café (in Kowakidani) – Plant-based food, but farther from Yumoto

Explore Historic Hakone Checkpoint (Hakone Sekisho) and Cedar Avenue

Take a short bus or train ride to the Hakone Sekisho area, a restored Edo-period checkpoint along the old Tokaido Road.

• Bus: ~30 minutes from Hakone-Yumoto

• Free with Hakone Free Pass

What to See:

• Historic checkpoint buildings used by samurai during the Edo period

• Small museum with models, tools, and historical explanations

• Scenic walk along the Ancient Cedar Avenue, lined with tall trees

• Great views over Lake Ashi (from a distance)

Enjoy a Late Afternoon Cultural Activity or Relaxing Stop

Depending on your energy, you can choose to:

Option 1: Try a Tea Ceremony or Pottery Workshop

• Ask your hotel if they offer matcha tea experiences

• Some ryokan and art houses in Hakone offer short ceramic or painting classes

Option 2: Relax in a Café or Footbath

• Naraya Café (Miyanoshita) – A café with a free footbath

• Café de Motonami – Cakes and mountain views

• Hakone Bakery & Table (Yumoto) – Fresh bread, coffee, and open-air seating

Check In to Your Hotel or Ryokan

Return to your hotel in the late afternoon.

• Most hotels allow check-in from 3:00 PM

• If you’re staying in a ryokan (traditional inn), enjoy the hot spring bath and rest in a yukata (light robe)

Dinner in Hakone-Yumoto (if not at your hotel)

If your hotel or ryokan doesn’t include dinner, there are several good places to eat nearby.

Dinner Options:

• Soba Kihinkan – Classic soba noodles and side dishes in a historic building

• Izakaya Yadoriki – Japanese pub with a mix of local dishes

• Kappei Sushi – Simple, friendly sushi spot with local fish

Vegetarian Options:

• Hatsuhana Soba – Mountain vegetable soba

• Yamagusuri Café (if you return to Kowakidani) – All plant-based