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Hakone is the classic hot-spring escape from Tokyo — onsen ryokan, Mt. Fuji views, open-air art, and a fun loop of quirky transport. It’s a perfect one- or two-night trip. Here’s how to do it.
The Hakone loop
Half the fun is the circuit of transport that links the sights: train, switchback railway, cablecar, ropeway, and a pirate-ship cruise on Lake Ashi. The Hakone Free Pass covers most of it and saves money.
What to see & do
- Onsen — the whole point; soak at a ryokan or day-use bath. Tattooed? See our tattoo & onsen guide.
- Owakudani — a volcanic valley with steam vents and black eggs boiled in the springs.
- Lake Ashi — Fuji views and the Hakone Shrine torii on the water.
- Hakone Open-Air Museum — sculptures and a Picasso collection.
- Mt. Fuji views — on clear days; see how to see Mt. Fuji.
Where to stay
Hakone is ryokan country — book one with an onsen (private baths help if you have tattoos). Reserve early for weekends and autumn; compare on Booking.com .
Getting there
- About 1.5 hours from Shinjuku on the Odakyu line (the Romancecar is a comfy direct option).
- The Hakone Free Pass bundles the round trip plus the loop transport.
- Grab an eSIM for maps and timetables.
Day trip vs overnight
You can loop Hakone as a long day trip, but staying overnight lets you enjoy the onsen properly and catch clearer morning Fuji views. Fold it into a 7-day itinerary.