Travel plan for first timers in Hakone

Get on the Hakone Tozan Line and then the cable car before taking the Hakone Ropeway at Sounzan Station.

From the cable car, get onto the ropeway at the midway stop of Sounzan Station to head for Owakudani. While viewing Mt. Fuji, you can enjoy the scenery of Hakone from the air.

Take a walk through Owakudani which is a caldera formed from a volcanic eruption 3,000 years ago. A smoky and desolate landscape which has been called “The Valley of Hell” unfolds before you. Enjoy the famous black eggs that have been boiled in the onsen ponds. Take the ropeway again to Lake Ashi and get off at Togendai Station located by the lake.

Get off at Togendai Station as Lake Ashi is right in front of you. There is a restaurant in the station so that it is ideal for lunch. Enjoy your meal while taking in the view of the lake. Afterwards, board an excursion boat for Hakone-machi Port.

Enjoy a 30-minute cruise while taking in the view of the lake surrounded by nature and Mt. Fuji. After getting off at Hakone-machi Port, tour the historical sites of Hakone.

Hakone is known for an Edo Era checkpoint constructed along the main route known as a sekisho. It is here that you can tour the restored facility and see valuable historical information. Next to the sekisho is a store selling traditional handicrafts and wooden mosaic works of Hakone so it is recommended for getting those souvenirs.

These ancient cedar trees are 400 years old. Take in the sight of these trees which grew along the main highway during the Edo Era while heading for Hakone Shrine. The walk will take about 20 minutes to reach the shrine.

Hakone Shrine is a place where many people visit since it is Hakone’s only power spot. There is an impressive red torii gate that can be seen from the lake. A god of good fortune in things such as traffic safety and the granting of wishes is enshrined here. Following the tour of the shrine, get on the transit bus (H/Hakone-machi Line) at the nearby stop and return to Hakone Yumoto Station. The trip will take about 40-60 minutes.

After arriving at Hakone Yumoto Station, head for the onsen. There are many facilities which you can use for a day trip. Take your time to wash away that fatigue from your tour.