In “A Classic Day Trip To Hakone from Tokyo | japan-guide.com,” you will embark on an exciting adventure to Hakone, a picturesque destination near Tokyo. Known for its stunning natural beauty, hot springs, and breathtaking views of Mount Fuji, Hakone is a must-visit place. The video will guide you through different chapters, such as going to Hakone, experiencing the traditional Amazake tea house, walking the old Tokaido road, exploring Moto-Hakone, visiting Hakone-jinja Shrine, taking a scenic Hakone Sightseeing Cruise, and more. You’ll discover the convenience of the Hakone Freepass, a discount pass that allows unlimited travel on various forms of transportation in the Hakone area for 2 or 3 days. So join the host, Raina Ong, as she takes you on an unforgettable day trip through the mesmerizing region of Hakone.
Just 80 minutes west of Tokyo lies the enchanting town of Hakone, celebrated for its abundant nature, mesmerizing views of Mount Fuji, soothing hot springs, and fascinating museums. This article will show you just how simple and easy it is to enjoy a day trip to Hakone using public transport. Starting from Shinjuku Station in central Tokyo, you’ll take the Odakyu Romancecar to Hakone-Yumoto and embark on a circular journey through the region using buses, ships, ropeway, cable cars, and trains. With the Hakone Freepass, a convenient discount pass offered by Odakyu Electric Railway, you can enjoy unlimited travel on all Odakyu-affiliated transportation in the Hakone area for 2 or 3 consecutive days. From visiting a traditional tea house to walking the old Tokaido road, exploring the scenic lake shores, and experiencing the volcanic wonders of Owakudani, this day trip promises to be an extraordinary adventure. So come along and follow Raina Ong as she takes you through the captivating sights and attractions of Hakone.
Hakone: A Popular Day Trip Destination
Introduction to Hakone
Located approximately eighty minutes west of Tokyo, Hakone is a scenic town known for its natural beauty, hot springs, and views of Mount Fuji. This popular day trip destination is easily accessible from central Tokyo, thanks to a direct train connection. In this article, we will take you through a comprehensive tour of Hakone, showcasing its highlights and providing tips on how to make the most of your visit.
Transportation to Hakone
To reach Hakone, you can take the Odakyu Romancecar from Shinjuku Station in central Tokyo all the way to Hakone-Yumoto at the entrance of Hakone. Once you arrive, you can explore the region on a circular route using various modes of transportation, including buses, ships, ropeways, cable cars, and trains. A convenient option for seamless travel is the Hakone Freepass, a discount pass offered by Odakyu Electric Railway. This pass allows for a round trip from a station on the Odakyu Line, including Shinjuku, and unlimited travel on all Odakyu-affiliated transportation in the Hakone area for 2 or 3 consecutive days.
Overview of the Hakone Freepass
The Hakone Freepass is a cost-effective and convenient option for exploring Hakone. It can be purchased at ticket counters and ticket machines, or in digital form on your smartphone. To purchase a digital Hakone Freepass, simply access the Odakyu website on your smartphone, select the Hakone Free Pass, and purchase the pass with a credit card. Once you have the digital pass on your phone, you can show it to the staff at the ticket gates for easy entry to the various attractions in Hakone.
Digital Hakone Freepass
With the digital Hakone Freepass, you can enjoy hassle-free access to all the transportation options within the Hakone area. Whether you want to take a bus, ship, ropeway, cable car, or train, the digital pass offers a seamless and convenient experience. Simply present your digital pass on your smartphone whenever you need to board any of the transportation modes. This saves you the trouble of carrying a physical pass and ensures a smooth journey throughout your day in Hakone.
Starting the Day in Hakone
Once you have your Hakone Freepass, you can begin your day in Hakone by taking a bus ride to Amazake Chaya, a traditional tea house. Amazake Chaya is a charming spot where visitors can take a break, have some food, and enjoy a refreshing drink. Established in the Edo Period and run by a local family for generations, Amazake Chaya offers a unique experience. One of the highlights of the tea house is amazake, a non-alcoholic, sugar-free drink made from fermented rice with koji yeast. Amazake is naturally sweet, thanks to the sugars in the rice, and can be served hot or cold. It is the perfect beverage to warm you up on a cold day in Hakone.
Amazake Chaya Tea House
As you sip on your hot amazake, you can soak in the ambience of Amazake Chaya. The tea house is known for its traditional architecture and cozy atmosphere, providing a glimpse into the Edo Period. Take your time to relax and enjoy the beautiful surroundings before continuing your journey through Hakone.
Walking the Old Tokaido Road
From Amazake Chaya, you can embark on a walk along the preserved old Tokaido, which was Japan’s most important highway during the feudal times. This historic road connected Edo (now known as Tokyo) with Kyoto along the Pacific Coast. Hakone served as one of the two checkpoints along the old Tokaido, overseeing traffic in and out of Edo. As you walk along the old Tokaido, you will be transported back in time, surrounded by the same landscapes that were once traveled by samurais, merchants, and pilgrims. The walk covers approximately one and a half kilometers and takes about 50 minutes.
Moto-Hakone: Views of Mount Fuji
At the end of the old Tokaido road, you will reach the small lakeside town of Moto-Hakone. This picturesque town offers some of the best views of Mount Fuji on clear days. As you explore Moto-Hakone, don’t miss the iconic red torii gate standing in the water. Head towards the gate to get a closer look and capture breathtaking photographs of this symbolic landmark.
Hakone-jinja Shrine
Located in the woods, Hakone-jinja Shrine provides a peaceful and atmospheric experience. As you enter the shrine grounds through large torii gates, you will be surrounded by tall trees, creating a serene atmosphere. Take a moment to pay your respects at the main shrine building before returning to the lake. The tranquility of Hakone-jinja Shrine offers a perfect opportunity for reflection and appreciation of nature.
Hakone Sightseeing Cruise
One of the highlights of visiting Hakone is taking a sightseeing cruise on a pirate ship across Lake Ashi. Various pirate ships sail the waters of the lake, adding a touch of excitement and adventure to your journey. The Hakone Freepass fully covers the cost of the cruise, allowing you to enjoy the scenic views and relax as you move from one end of the lake to the other. If you’re lucky and the weather is clear, you may even catch a glimpse of Mount Fuji from the deck of the ship.
Owakudani: Volcanic Scenery and Black Eggs
After the sightseeing cruise, you can transfer to the ropeway that will take you to Owakudani, a volcanically active area on the slopes of Mount Hakone. Formed almost 3000 years ago during a volcanic eruption, Owakudani offers unique volcanic scenery, including smoking vents and boiling pools. On clear days, you can also enjoy panoramic views of Mount Fuji. Owakudani is famous for its black eggs, which are cooked in the steaming vents of the area. Legend has it that eating one of these black eggs can extend your life by seven years. Try this local specialty and immerse yourself in the unique atmosphere of Owakudani.
Hakone Open-Air Museum
For art lovers, a visit to the Hakone Open-Air Museum is a must. As one of Japan’s first outdoor museums, this cultural institution allows visitors to experience art in nature. The spacious grounds of the museum feature both indoor and outdoor exhibition areas filled with a diverse range of sculptures, installations, and paintings. Walking through the museum feels like strolling in an art forest, providing a unique perspective on the intersection of art and nature.
Hakone Yuryo: Daytime Hot Spring Bathing
To unwind and relax, make your way to Hakone Yuryo, one of several hot spring facilities in the area. Unlike many other hot spring facilities that offer overnight stays, Hakone Yuryo is open only to daytime visitors. You can access it through a free shuttle bus from Hakone-Yumoto Station. Indulge in a soothing hot spring bath and allow the minerals-rich water to rejuvenate your body and mind. Hakone Yuryo provides a serene and tranquil atmosphere for a truly refreshing experience.
Shopping and Souvenirs
Before you head back to Tokyo, take a leisurely stroll along the shopping street near Hakone-Yumoto Station. Here, you can find a wide variety of local souvenirs, including traditional crafts, snacks, and Hakone-themed goods. Take this opportunity to pick up some mementos and gifts for yourself and your loved ones, capturing the essence of your day in Hakone.
Conclusion
Hakone offers a captivating blend of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and relaxation. With its convenient access from Tokyo and the availability of the Hakone Freepass, exploring this charming town has never been easier. From tranquil shrines and historic walks to breathtaking views of Mount Fuji and immersive art experiences, Hakone has something to offer for everyone. Whether you’re seeking a day of relaxation, adventure, or artistic inspiration, Hakone is the perfect day trip destination from Tokyo. So pack your bags, grab your Hakone Freepass, and embark on a memorable journey through the scenic wonders of Hakone.