{"id":24099,"date":"2018-05-03T09:00:32","date_gmt":"2018-05-03T16:00:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/wearetravelgirls.com\/?p=24099"},"modified":"2025-08-20T08:13:46","modified_gmt":"2025-08-20T15:13:46","slug":"hakone-japan-guide","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/wearetravelgirls.com\/hakone-japan-guide\/","title":{"rendered":"A COMPLETE GUIDE TO VISITING HAKONE JAPAN"},"content":{"rendered":"

Hakone is a beautiful mountain forest region, south of Tokyo, dotted with quaint villages, waterfalls and spa hotels.<\/p>\n

During our recent trip to Japan, we had a pretty hectic itinerary of sightseeing planned and wanted to escape the hustle and bustle of Tokyo for a few days.<\/p>\n

Hakone is located near well-known Mount Fuji, approximately one and a half hours by train from Tokyo. We visited Hakone as a stopover when traveling between Tokyo and Kyoto.<\/p>\n

It’s possible to do Hakone Japan during a day trip from Tokyo<\/a>, but we found it much more enjoyable taking our time and exploring the region over two days. It is well known for its hot springs and attracts many Japanese and international visitors all year round.<\/p>\n

\"Cherry<\/p>\n

We visited in the fall which was, in my opinion, one of the best times of year to experience the beauty that this region has to offer. Think rolling mountains covered in deciduous and evergreen foliage, the entire area was like a Monet painting with vistas of reds, oranges, yellows and greens as far as the eye can see.<\/p>\n

\"Woman<\/p>\n

How To Get To Hakone, Japan<\/h3>\n

There are two main options for getting to Hakone, both of which sound more difficult than they really are. Trains in Japan always run on time and are surprisingly easy to navigate with most signs in Japanese and English.<\/p>\n

If you already have a JR Rail Pass,<\/a> then the most economical way of getting to Hakone is to catch the Shinkansen train from Tokyo or Shinagawa stations to Odawara, then change onto the Hakone Tozan Railway line. This option is also the fastest.<\/p>\n

\"Fushimi<\/p>\n

If you don\u2019t already have a JR Rail Pass, you could take the Romance Car from Shinjuku station on the Odakyu line to Hakone-Yumoto station. If you purchase the Free Pass<\/a> at the same time, you\u2019ll receive a discount.<\/p>\n

From Hakone-Yumoto station you then change onto the Hakone Tozan Railway line. The Hakone Tozan train zig-zags up the mountain, stopping at several stations along the way and offers some absolutely gorgeous vistas of valleys, mountains, and waterfalls.<\/p>\n

Before arriving in Hakone, I would recommend purchasing a Hakone Free Pass for 2 or 3 consecutive days, depending on how long you plan to be there.<\/p>\n

I found this pass to be great value as it covers all the public transport options you\u2019ll need, including the Tozan Railway from Odawara or Hakone-Yumoto stations, the cable car, ropeway, Lake Ashi cruise, and the Tozan Buses. The pass also gives you a discount at various museums, restaurants and other attractions within the area.<\/p>\n

\"Japan<\/a><\/p>\n

Things To Do In Hakone<\/h2>\n

1) Onsen Spa Experience<\/h3>\n

The cool climate of Hakone during the fall made us pretty eager to experience a Japanese Onsen<\/a>. An Onsen is a natural hot spring bath. There are thousands of Onsen dotted around the volcanic regions of Japan.<\/p>\n

An Onsen is said to have therapeutic qualities, leaving one feeling refreshed, rejuvenated and relaxed after a good soaking. Experiencing the therapeutic benefits of a Japanese Onsen should be at the top of anyone’s list of things to do in Hakone. It\u2019s what the region is famous for.<\/p>\n

\"Japanese<\/p>\n

Mount Hakone is an active volcano, so the water is heated naturally through underground springs. The water is then fed directly into the Onsen at around 70 degrees.<\/p>\n

Most hotels in the region have their own Onsen but there is also public Onsen available. I would highly recommend staying in an Onsen hotel<\/a>. Otherwise, Yunessun Hot Springs Resort and Spa, located in the town of Gora, offers a hot spring theme park that can be visited with a day-pass.<\/p>\n

Related Post: <\/strong>Everything You Need To Know Before Visiting A Japanese Onsen<\/a><\/div>\n

2) Stay In A Traditional Ryokan (Japanese Inn)<\/h3>\n

Many Ryokans in Hakone have been built on the natural hot springs to take advantage of the geothermal energy, thus offering bathing facilities exclusively for their guest’s use.<\/p>\n

The thought of bathing naked in a public Onsen made me feel more self-conscious than relaxed, so my husband and I decided to book a room at Hotel Hakone Gora Byakudan<\/a>, which features a private open-air Onsen bath in each room.<\/p>\n

We spent a whole afternoon soaking in our own private hot tub, listening to the rain falling on our balcony. You can read my review of the hotel<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Related Post: <\/strong>Why Every Traveler Should Experience A Traditional Japanese Ryokan<\/a><\/div>\n

\"Traditional<\/p>\n

Staying in a Ryokan and experiencing Japanese Onsen culture go hand-in-hand and is one experience I would highly recommend in Hakone.<\/p>\n

Our hotel was a modern-style Ryokan with traditional styling, Western-style bedding, and a few modern conveniences. However, there are also many more traditional Ryokans<\/a> on offer around the Hakone region.<\/p>\n

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Our Top Places To Stay In Hakone, Japan:<\/em><\/h4>\n