Hakone is the perfect, laid-back day trip from Tokyo. Best part? You don’t have to research or pre-plan if you stick to Hakone Loop Circuit. The circuit covers the Hakone Open Air Museum, Ropeway, Owakudani, and Lake Ashi – basically everything!

Now, what can be done on a one-day Hakone trip from Tokyo depends on the type of solo traveller you are. If you are a “let’s cover it all” type, then be ready to rush. 

Or else, pick your favourite things to do in Hakone and experience this mountainous Japanese town at your own pace. The onsens and view of Mt. Fuji deserve your time.

How to Arrive at Hakone on a Day Trip from Tokyo

For your one-day trip to Hakone from Tokyo, board the limited express – Romancecar from Shinjuku at 7 am. It takes about one and a half hours to reach Hakone – Yumoto station.

On a clear day, this ride from Tokyo to Hakone is one of the highlights of this day trip. It’s not often that you get to see Mt. Fuji from the comfort of a train’s window seat. 

Apart from the train, you can hop on a Hakone-bound bus from Shinjuku. On average, it takes 2 hours. 

My Tip: No matter what transportation you choose, a day before your day trip to Hakone from Tokyo – collect the Hakone Free Pass from the Odakyu sightseeing centre, Shinjuku. 

The pass covers unlimited rides in all modes of transportation of Hakone – even the pirate ship cruise on Lake Ashi. Plus, discounts at attractions in Hakone. 

It is priced at 6100 yen per person for a round trip from Shinjuku with a 2-day validity (a perfect backup in case you feel one day isn’t enough for Hakone).

Top Place and Activities To Do on Hakone Day Trip from Tokyo with Time Stamps

1. Start With Hakone-Yumoto Station at 8:30 AM 

Your first stop on the Hakone day trip is the Hakone-Yumoto Station itself. Grab a coffee and take a moment to gear up before you head to tick off all the major Hakone attractions from the list.

2. Experience Art and Nature at Hakone Open Air Museum at 9:00 am

Take the Hakone Tozan Train to Chokoku-no-Mori Station, and within a 2-minute walk, you’ll reach the Hakone Open Air Museum – one of the top sights of the Hakone day trip from Tokyo.

In fact, even if museums are not your cup of tea, you should experience this one once. The grand mix of art and nature will change how you look at museums. 

Besides Picasso’s exhibit works, including sketches, paintings, clay pottery, and art, there are sensory immersive experiences like a dark underground hole exhibit you walk through, sculptures, metal work with music, a hot spring foot bath, and of course, my favourite –  the glass tower with beautiful mountain views. 

There is no set pathway to navigate so go through the artworks freely. It takes approximately a good to 2-3 hours to explore all the art installations and exhibits.

Entrance Fee –  2000 yen per person and for travellers with Hakone Free Pass, there is a 100 yen discount, i.e. 1900 yen per person. 

Tip: If you stay a night at Hakone, do visit the Hakone Glass Museum – enjoy Italian lunch or afternoon tea like an elite while experiencing the seasons of Japan through crystals.

3. Next, Take a Short Ride or Walk to Gora at 11:30 am 

You can either board the Hakone Tozan Train again or walk to Gora, a beautiful mountain village. You can walk around the station for a bit and hunt down souvenirs, especially the famous yosegi puzzle boxes.

And, if you feel tired from the museum walk – go to Gora Brewery and Grill. Sample the local beer overlooking the Japanese garden and enjoy good food in a semi-casual setting. 

You can also head to Gora Park – a French-style landscape park. But keep an eye on your watch, after all, it’s a day trip and Hakone has a lot in store for you!

4. Enjoy the Thrill Hakone Ropeway Ride to Owakudani from Gora Station at 12:30 pm

Is a Hakone day trip from Tokyo even complete if you don’t ride the ropeway high up the mountain and explore Owakudani? NO.

The Mt. Fuji view on the ropeway ride feels nothing less than a stairway to heaven. And as you reach Owakudani – it’s another wonderland. A volcanic wonderland. It was created around a crater area during Mount Hakone’s last volcanic eruption. 

Sulphuric steam vents, hot springs, and the infamous black eggs, a.k.a. Kuro-Tamago, are the symbols of this valley. 

As per legends, if you eat the black eggs, it will add 7 years to your life. By the way, to save you from disappointment, black eggs are not entirely black. Only the shells are black. That, too, is because of boiling in sulfur water! A bag of 5 eggs will cost you 500 yen.

And, in case you’re curious about the Owakudani volcano, visit the Hakone Geo Museum and learn about it.

5. Cruise Through Lake Ashi at 2 pm 

After experiencing the volcanic vents up close, it’s time to explore the symbol of Hakone – Lake Ashi, a crater lake! 

From Owakudani, take the Hakone Ropeway to reach Togendai Station. Then, go to the port to board a cruise and sail across Lake Ashi for 30 to 40 minutes. 

Aside from the Mt. Fuji views, the themed pirate ship is the highlight of the cruise. Plus, the floating red torii gates of the Hakone Shrine make up for a picture-perfect shot.

My Tip: If you want an unobstructed view of Mt. Fuji, head to the front of the cruise. 

6. Watch the Iconic Floating Torii Gate of the Hakone Shrine Up Close at 3 pm

Now, it’s time to channel your spiritual mode on this Hakone day trip. Overrun by tourists, the Hakone Shrine is set in a beautiful location by the shores of Lake Ashi. 

Also, a small branch of the 9-headed dragon shrine. Make sure to wash your hands at the 9-headed dragon cleaning station and then place your hands on the tree– it is understood to bring good health.

Don’t forget to explore the nearby tea shops and take in the views of Mt. Fuji if the weather permits!

7. Relax and Rejuvenate in an Onsen at 4 pm

If so far everything goes according to time, the best way to end the Hakone day trip from Tokyo is by soaking in the goodness of hot spring amidst nature. 

You can either go for a traditional onsen, a classic one or opt for a private one if you want more alone time.

Either way, maintain the onsen etiquette –

• No tattoos; if you’ve tattoos, make sure to cover them with body tapes and ask for permission.
• Remember the signs in the changing room.
• Shower first, dip later.

Is Hakone Day Trip from Tokyo Actually Worth It?

Yes, 100% – Hakone day trip from Tokyo is a mix of all good things. Adventure, nature, culture and relaxation!  You have it all.

And if you stick to this Hakone one-day itinerary – you’ll cover it all as well. 

In fact, I recommend staying a night at Hakone as well in a budget-friendly Ryokan Onsen. That way, this will be hands down the best day trip from Tokyo for your solo trip to Japan.