Just 1.5 hours from Tokyo, Hakone is one of Japan’s best day trip destinations, offering volcanic landscapes, hot springs, art museums, and postcard views of Mount Fuji. Thanks to the convenient Hakone Freepass, visitors can easily explore trains, ropeways, boats, and buses in one smooth loop. Whether you’re into nature, culture, or relaxation, Hakone packs an incredible amount into a single day. Here are the top 10 things to do in Hakone for a perfect day trip.
1. Ride the Hakone Ropeway
The Hakone Ropeway is one of the most iconic experiences in the region and a must for first-time visitors. Stretching from Sounzan to Togendai, this scenic aerial ride takes about 30 minutes and glides above the steaming volcanic terrain of Owakudani Valley. On clear days, you may even catch dramatic views of Mount Fuji rising in the distance. The ropeway offers a bird’s-eye view of sulfur vents, rugged mountains, and active geothermal landscapes, making it both thrilling and educational. It’s the perfect introduction to Hakone’s volcanic character.
2. Explore Owakudani Valley
Owakudani Valley showcases Hakone’s volcanic power up close with steaming vents, bubbling pools, and a striking lunar-like landscape. Formed by an eruption over 3,000 years ago, this active geothermal zone is one of Hakone’s top attractions. Visitors can walk short trails, observe sulfur clouds rising from the earth, and learn about volcanic activity through displays. Don’t miss the famous black eggs boiled in the hot springs. Legend says eating one adds seven years to your life. Owakudani is both a cultural curiosity and a geological highlight.
3. Cruise Lake Ashi on a Pirate Ship
A cruise across Lake Ashi is one of the most relaxing and scenic ways to experience Hakone. Board a fun replica pirate ship at Togendai, Moto-Hakone, or Hakone-machi for a 30-minute journey across the calm waters. Along the way, you’ll enjoy panoramic lake views framed by forested mountains and, on clear days, Mount Fuji in the background. The cruise passes near the famous red torii gate of Hakone Shrine, offering fantastic photo opportunities. It’s a unique and family-friendly way to see Hakone from the water.
4. Visit Hakone Shrine
Nestled in a dense cedar forest along Lake Ashi, Hakone Shrine is one of the area’s most atmospheric landmarks. Founded over 1,200 years ago, this Shinto shrine is known for its peaceful setting and spiritual significance. A short walk leads to the iconic torii gate appearing to float on the lake’s edge, one of Hakone’s most photographed spots. The shrine feels especially mystical on misty days, enhancing its tranquil charm. Visiting Hakone Shrine offers a quiet cultural contrast to the region’s volcanic landscapes and modern attractions.
5. Explore the Hakone Open-Air Museum
The Hakone Open-Air Museum blends art and nature in a way few museums can match. Spread across rolling green hills, it features over 120 outdoor sculptures by world-renowned artists such as Picasso and Henry Moore. Visitors can freely walk among the artworks while enjoying mountain views and fresh air. Indoors, the Picasso Pavilion houses an impressive collection of ceramics and paintings. Family-friendly features like the stained-glass tower and foot bath make it enjoyable for all ages. It’s an inspiring stop that adds creativity to your Hakone day trip.
6. Relax at Gora Park
Gora Park is a beautifully landscaped Western-style garden located near the Hakone Open-Air Museum. Designed in a French formal style, the park features fountains, flowerbeds, and seasonal rose displays that change throughout the year. Visitors can enjoy peaceful strolls, scenic viewpoints, and hands-on craft experiences such as glassblowing or pottery workshops. The park is also known for unique treats like rose-flavored ice cream. With its calm atmosphere and artistic touches, Gora Park is an ideal spot to slow down and recharge during a busy Hakone itinerary.
7. Walk the Old Tokaido Trail
For a taste of history, hike a section of the Old Tokaido Trail, a preserved stone path once used by travelers during Japan’s Edo period. The trail winds through quiet forests and traditional scenery, offering a peaceful escape from crowded attractions. A popular route leads toward Hakone-Hatajuku and takes one to two hours at a relaxed pace. Along the way, stop at the historic Amazake Teahouse, where travelers have rested for centuries. This walk combines light hiking, cultural heritage, and a glimpse into Japan’s past.
8. Ride the Komagatake Ropeway
The Komagatake Ropeway is a lesser-known alternative that rewards visitors with stunning panoramic views. Starting near Lake Ashi, the gondola ascends Mount Komagatake, offering sweeping vistas of the lake, surrounding mountains, and Mount Fuji on clear days. Because it’s less crowded than the main Hakone Ropeway, the experience feels more relaxed and spacious. At the summit, visitors can explore walking paths, viewpoints, and a small shrine. This ropeway is perfect for travelers seeking quieter scenery and breathtaking photography opportunities away from the main tourist loop.
9. Enjoy an Onsen Hot Spring
No Hakone day trip is complete without experiencing its famous hot springs. If time is limited, try a foot onsen located at major stations like Hakone-Yumoto, where you can soak your feet while resting. For a deeper experience, many ryokan offer day-use baths with mountain or Fuji views. Hakone’s mineral-rich waters are known for relaxing muscles and improving circulation. Even a short soak provides a refreshing break after sightseeing and leaves you feeling rejuvenated before heading back to Tokyo.
10. Follow the Hakone Round Course
The Hakone Round Course ties everything together into one seamless day trip. Using the Hakone Freepass, you can travel by train, funicular, ropeway, boat, and bus without worrying about individual tickets. This loop covers Hakone-Yumoto, Owakudani, Lake Ashi, Gora, and major attractions efficiently. Starting early helps avoid crowds and increases your chances of clear Mount Fuji views. The Round Course is ideal for first-time visitors, offering a perfectly balanced mix of nature, culture, transportation experiences, and relaxation in a single unforgettable day.
Conclusion
Hakone is one of the best day trips from Tokyo, offering a perfect mix of nature, culture, art, and relaxation in a compact area. From volcanic valleys and scenic lake cruises to historic shrines and soothing onsen, it’s easy to experience the highlights in just one day. With the Hakone Freepass and an early start, travelers can enjoy smooth transportation, stunning Mount Fuji views, and unforgettable moments, making Hakone an ideal choice for a memorable Japan day trip.