Hakone

🌋 Overview

Hakone is a scenic mountainous region in Japan, renowned for its natural beauty, hot springs (onsen), and iconic views of Mount Fuji. Visitors can enjoy attractions like Lake Ashi with its pirate ship cruises, the Hakone Ropeway to Ōwakudani’s volcanic landscapes, and historical sites such as Hakone Shrine. The area is also famous for its traditional ryokans (Japanese inns), where guests can experience warm hospitality, tatami rooms, and relaxing onsen baths, making it a perfect blend of relaxation and adventure.

🚡 Itinerary

This itinerary includes a day exploring Hakone's highlights, including visits to the Hakone Open-Air Museum (optional), a cable car and ropeway journey to Owakudani for volcanic views and local delicacies, and a scenic ride to Lake Ashi. Enjoy lunch by the lake, a pirate ship-style sightseeing cruise, and visits to Hakone Shrine and Cedar Avenue. The day concludes with transport to your ryokan, a relaxing onsen soak, and a traditional Kaiseki-style dinner.

• 10:00 AM: Arrive at Hakone-Yumoto Station (All). Drop off luggage with Hakone Luggage Transport Service, which will transport luggage to our respective lodgings.
• 10:30 AM (OPTIONAL): Get off at Chokoku-no-Mori Station to visit the Hakone Open-Air Museum. This art museum blends sculptures with a beautiful outdoor setting.
• 11:00 AM: Cable car from Gora Station to Sounzan. Ropeway from Sounzan to Owakudani. Stop at Owakudani and take your time exploring. Walk around the volcanic vents and geysers. Try the famous black eggs and grab a snack at the café. Take in views of Mount Fuji (if the weather allows).
• 12:30 PM: Ropeway to Lake Ashi. Continue on the ropeway to Lake Ashi with plenty of time to enjoy the vistas.
• 1:00 PM: Lunch by Lake Ashi (or eat after cruise, lunch spots on either side of the lake). Choose a restaurant with a view.
• 2:00 PM: Lake Ashi Sightseeing Cruise. Take a leisurely cruise on the pirate ship-style boat (30 minutes). Optionally disembark at Moto-Hakone Port and walk along Cedar Avenue.
• 3:00 PM: Explore the famous Hakone Shrine and its torii gate in the water. Take your time enjoying the serene forest paths and snapping photos. Check out the Amazake Chaya traditional tea house, offering classic sweet treats & warm beverages.
• 4:00 PM: Return to Hakone-Yumoto or Gora Station to go to your ryokan. Use the Hakone Tozan Bus (Line H or K) to head to ryokan.
  • Ryan, Bob, Dorian, Carm, Tim: Take Hakone-Yumoto Bus to Hakone-Yumoto station and cab or walk to ryokan.
  • Chen, Xingwen, Jianping, James, Claire: Take the Gora destination bus to go to Gora station, or, for James and Claire, Miyanoshita station (before the Gora stop), and then head to ryokan.
• 5:00 PM: Check in and relax in your luxurious ryokan, enjoy a private soak in the onsen, and settle in before dinner.
• 7:00 PM: Savor the multi-course Kaiseki-style meal at your ryokan.

🎥 YouTube Links

Links to videos about Hakone: