Hakone Is Easy Once You Know the Order
Hakone can feel confusing at first—not because there is too much to see, but because it’s hard to know in what order to explore it.
This guide is designed for:
- First-time visitors to Hakone
- Travelers with limited time
It offers clear, realistic itineraries that let you enjoy Hakone without rushing or overplanning.
All routes are based on the overall structure explained in our Hakone travel hub.
Another day trip from Tokyo? This article helps you to decide.
The One Rule That Makes Hakone Simple
Before diving into the itineraries, remember this:
Hakone works best when explored in this order:
Hakone-Yumoto → Mountains → Volcanic area → Lake
Following this natural flow reduces backtracking and keeps travel smooth throughout the day.
Day Trip Itinerary: Hakone’s Highlights, Comfortably
Estimated time: 6–7 hours
Recommended for travelers who:
- Want to experience Hakone during a Tokyo stay
- Prefer enjoying hot springs and landmarks at a relaxed pace
Route overview
- Arrive at Hakone-Yumoto
- Ride the mountain railway
- Take the cable car, then continue by ropeway to the volcanic area
- Spend time around Lake Ashi
- Return to Hakone-Yumoto
If you plan to follow this itinerary as described, the Hakone Free Pass is a convenient option.
It covers most transportation in the area, including mountain railways, cable cars, ropeways, buses, and sightseeing boats on Lake Ashi.
① Hakone-Yumoto → Mountain Railway (Hakone Tozan Tetsudo)
The journey begins on Hakone’s mountain railway, which climbs slowly into the hills.
Along the way, the train uses switchbacks, reversing direction to ascend steep slopes.
Even before reaching any sights, the ride itself becomes part of the Hakone experience.
At Gora, transfer to the cable car, which connects smoothly to the ropeway.
② Ropeway to Owakudani: Volcanic Landscapes
Reaching Owakudani, the scenery changes dramatically.
Steam rises from the ground, and the volcanic terrain feels raw and powerful—one of Hakone’s most iconic landscapes.
Walking through the area alone leaves a strong impression.
You may also notice the famous black eggs, boiled in the volcanic steam.
According to local lore, eating one is said to add seven years to your life, making it a fun and memorable stop along the way.
③ Time Around Lake Ashi
After the volcanic area, the atmosphere becomes calm and open.
Around Lake Ashi, you can:
- Visit lakeside shrines such as Hakone Shrine or Kuzuryu Shrine
- Enjoy a coffee by the water
- Stop for a light soba lunch
There’s no need to do everything—choosing just one activity is often enough.
From the Lake Ashi area, sightseeing boats can also be used as a means of transportation.
You can travel by boat from Togendai to areas such as Motohakone or Hakone-machi, then continue back to Hakone-Yumoto by local bus.
Combining lake views, boats, and buses into one route is part of what makes traveling around Hakone so distinctive.
Click here to read more about Mt. Fuji
④ Back to Hakone-Yumoto: Onsen and Street Food
Back in Hakone-Yumoto, many visitors end the day with a short day-use onsen soak.
The station area is also ideal for casual dining, with sweets and light snacks perfect for strolling.
Combining a quick hot spring visit with a bit of street food makes for a very Hakone-style finish—even on a day trip.
1-Night Itinerary: Enjoy Hakone at a Slower Pace
Recommended stay: 1 night / 2 days
Best for travelers who:
- Want to enjoy onsen without rushing
- Prefer quiet mornings and evenings
Day 1: Classic Route + Ryokan Stay
Day 1 follows the same general route as the day trip itinerary.
In the evening, check into your ryokan and slow down.
In Hakone, avoiding a packed schedule is part of the experience.
Day 2: Add One More Hakone Experience
On the second day, resist the urge to overplan.
Instead, choose one additional experience you didn’t fit in on Day 1:
- Visit a museum and take your time
- Enjoy a lakeside walk and café
- Try a hands-on cultural or nature-based activity
Spending the morning at an unhurried pace is often what makes a Hakone stay truly memorable.
Tips to Avoid Common Mistakes
- Don’t try to see everything in one trip
- Adjust plans if the weather changes
- Leave space in your schedule
In Hakone, doing slightly less often leads to a more satisfying experience.
Enjoy the Flow, Not the Checklist
For a first visit, Hakone isn’t about completing a list of sights.
As long as you follow the natural order of the area, even a short visit can feel rich and complete.
Next, consider which onsen area or museum best fits your interests.
Want to join a Hakone day trip tour? These are some options.
Mt. Fuji & Hakone Day Trip: Lake Ashi Torii, Hakone Shrine, Ropeway & Owakudani (From Tokyo)
A convenient day tour covering the iconic Lake Ashi floating torii, Hakone Shrine, the pirate ship cruise, the Ropeway, Owakudani, Lake Yamanaka, and Oshino Hakkai—all in one day.
