Half Day Trip to Hakone: Perfect Morning & Afternoon Itineraries from Tokyo
Hakone, just about 90 minutes from Tokyo, offers scenery that makes you forget the hustle and bustle of the city. While it's true that popular spots can get crowded on weekends, that's precisely why I want to introduce efficient half-day itineraries for both morning and afternoon in this article.
Hakone is packed with various attractions, from the historic Japanese garden in the Gora area to a sightseeing cruise on Lake Ashi, and even art museums. It's particularly popular among foreign tourists as a place where you can experience the wonders of Japan all at once, including the hot spring culture, nature changing with the seasons, and the spectacular view of Mount Fuji on clear days.
Please use this article as a reference to enjoy the charms of Hakone, even in a short time!
Table of Contents
・The Appeal of a Half Day Trip to Hakone
・Morning Itinerary for a Half Day Trip to Hakone
・Afternoon Itinerary for a Half Day Trip to Hakone
・Other Spots to Visit in Hakone if You Have Extra Time
・Frequently Asked Questions About Half Day Trips to Hakone
The Appeal of a Half Day Trip to Hakone
Hakone is a hot spring resort that can be reached in just 90 minutes from Tokyo. The reason I visit so often is its proximity and concentration of attractions. The ability to easily experience an extraordinary environment surrounded by rich nature away from the urban hustle and bustle is Hakone's greatest charm.
What's particularly impressive is that even the travel time to Hakone can be enjoyable. From the large windows of the Romancecar, you can enjoy the scenery changing from cityscape to mountains, already getting you in the holiday mood. On the Hakone Tozan Railway, the view from the tracks along the valley is spectacular.
In fact, beyond just hot springs, various activities are concentrated here, including art museums and sightseeing cruises, making it possible to have a fulfilling experience even in the limited time of half a day. My favorite is the spectacular view of Mount Fuji from Lake Ashi on a clear day. Its mystical appearance captivates my heart every time I see it.
Morning Itinerary for a Half Day Trip to Hakone (AM 8:00 - PM 2:00)
I'll introduce my recommended plan for enjoying Hakone with an early morning departure. The charm of visiting tourist spots first thing in the morning is that they are relatively uncrowded, allowing you to enjoy sightseeing at a leisurely pace. Mount Fuji is also easier to see in the morning, making it suitable for photography.
Overview of the Morning Plan
The morning in Hakone allows you to enjoy sightseeing in a quiet atmosphere with fewer tourists.
Travel comfortably from Shinjuku to Hakone-Yumoto on the Romancecar, then take the mountain railway to Gora, enjoying the mountain scenery along the way. I'll guide you through a course where you can fully experience Japanese culture, including strolling through gardens and relaxing in hot springs.
The point is that in the early morning, there are fewer tourists, allowing you to enjoy taking photos at your leisure. Especially on clear days, you can see the majestic figure of Mount Fuji in the clear air.
AM 8:00 Depart from Shinjuku Station
Take the limited express Romancecar from Shinjuku Station to Hakone-Yumoto. From the large windows, you can enjoy the scenery gradually changing from the urban bustle to the nature-rich Hakone. I recommend always reserving a seat. Especially on holidays, it gets crowded, so it's best to make a reservation a few days in advance.
I recommend getting breakfast at Shinjuku Station and eating it on the Romancecar while enjoying the scenery. There are shops in the station offering various breakfast menus, both Japanese and Western. My favorite is the Japanese-style boxed meal.
Website: https://www.odakyu.jp/english/romancecar/
AM9:30 Arrive at Hakone-Yumoto, Board the Hakone Tozan Railway
Upon arriving at Hakone-Yumoto Station, transfer to the Hakone Tozan Railway. This approximately 40-minute ride is one of the highlights of a Hakone trip. From the train window, you can enjoy the rich nature of the Hayakawa Valley, with different scenery depending on the season. You can see cherry blossoms in spring, fresh greenery in summer, autumn colors in fall, and sometimes snowy landscapes in winter, making it attractive throughout the year.
The sight of the retro train cars slowly climbing the mountain also enhances the poetic mood of the journey. The view from the train window is one of the scenic spots that soothes my heart every time I visit.
AM10:10 Stroll in Gora Park
Gora Park is a beautiful Japanese garden utilizing the slope of Hakone's mountains. The harmonious blend of French formal gardens and Japanese gardens creates a unique atmosphere. What I particularly like is the view of Hakone's mountains from the terraced gardens.
Flowers bloom in the park throughout the four seasons, showing different faces depending on the season you visit. In the greenhouse, you can also enjoy displays of tropical plants and rare flowers.
For those who want to experience Japanese culture, I recommend the pottery and tea ceremony experiences. You can spend a relaxing time experiencing traditional Japanese culture. In the cafe within the park, you can also enjoy afternoon tea in a stylish interior.
Website: https://www.hakone-tozan.co.jp/gorapark/en/
AM11:30 Hot Spring Experience in the Gora Area
Source: Google Map
The Gora area has numerous day-trip hot spring facilities, including the historic hot spring inn "Gora Kadan". What I particularly like is the open-air bath overlooking the mountains. You can spend a luxurious time relaxing both body and mind while surrounded by quiet nature.
Many facilities offer not only hot springs but also Japanese cuisine for lunch. Seasonal kaiseki cuisine using fresh local ingredients is one of the highlights of Hakone sightseeing along with the hot springs. However, popular facilities can get crowded, so I recommend making reservations in advance.
Many facilities are particularly friendly to foreign travelers, offering careful explanations about how to use the hot springs and etiquette, allowing you to experience Japanese hot spring culture with peace of mind.
Website: https://www.gorakadan.com/?lang=en
PM 2:00 Return to Shinjuku Station from Hakone-Yumoto Station
After relaxing in the hot springs, return to Hakone-Yumoto Station by the Hakone Tozan Railway, and from there take the Romancecar back to Shinjuku. On the return journey, you can enjoy a different view of Hakone's mountains than when you came. With the pleasant fatigue of being healed by the hot springs and memories of fulfilling sightseeing, you'll head back to Tokyo.
Afternoon Itinerary for a Half Day Trip to Hakone (PM 1:00 - 6:00)
I'll introduce a plan where you can fully enjoy the charms of Hakone even from the afternoon. I've carefully selected spots that can be enjoyed with beautiful evening scenery, such as a sightseeing cruise on Lake Ashi and Hakone Shrine. Especially on clear days, the evening is my favorite time when you can see the sunset reflecting on Mount Fuji.
Overview of the Afternoon Plan
The afternoon plan focuses on sightseeing in the Lake Ashi area. I'll guide you through a course where you can fully enjoy the charms of Hakone in limited time, including a sightseeing boat, shrine, and beautiful scenery before sunset.
In the evening, there are fewer tourists, allowing you to enjoy sightseeing at a leisurely pace. The sunset view of Mount Fuji from Lake Ashi is especially spectacular and recommended for photography.
PM1:00 Depart from Shinjuku Station
Even for an afternoon trip to Hakone, the journey begins with the Romancecar from Shinjuku Station. This time slot is often relatively uncrowded, but it can get busy on weekends, so I recommend making a reservation in advance.
It's a good idea to check your sightseeing plan in Hakone while enjoying the scenery from the train window. I always use the time until arrival to check the weather for the day and the direction from which Mount Fuji can be seen.
Website: https://www.odakyu.jp/english/romancecar/
PM2:30 Arrive at Hakone-Yumoto, Take a Bus to Lake Ashi
Upon arriving at Hakone-Yumoto Station, I recommend having a light meal in the station front area first.
The shopping street also sells Hakone's traditional crafts and local specialties. The trick is to do your souvenir shopping at this time to avoid rushing at the end.
After that, board a bus bound for Moto-Hakone Port. From the bus, you can enjoy the scenery of mountains and valleys, and the changing landscape as you approach Lake Ashi is also attractive.
PM3:30 Hakone Sightseeing Cruise
The sightseeing cruise on Lake Ashi is the highlight of Hakone sightseeing. You can enjoy magnificent scenery from ships with unique designs modeled after pirate ships. On clear days, you can view the majestic Mount Fuji, which is a spectacular sight that I'm moved by every time I visit.
The cruise takes about an hour round trip, allowing you to enjoy a 360-degree panorama of Hakone's grand nature. The view from the lake surface has a different charm from that on land, and you can fully appreciate the nature of Hakone surrounded by mountains.
In winter, it can get cold, so don't forget to dress warmly. Also, I recommend taking photos from the deck, but be careful handling your camera as the boat may sway.
Considering the return access, I strongly advise using the round-trip service to Moto-Hakone Port. Disembarking at other ports may significantly impact your subsequent plans.
Website: https://www.hakone-yuransen.jp/
PM4:45 Hakone Shrine
It's about a 15-minute walk from Moto-Hakone Port to Hakone Shrine. The shrine, standing on the shore of Lake Ashi, is revered by many people as the spiritual symbol of historic Hakone.
What I find particularly impressive is the red torii gate standing by the lakeside. This gate is called the "Peace Torii" and is a popular spot for taking photos with Lake Ashi and Mount Fuji in the background.
The shrine grounds are surrounded by cedar trees hundreds of years old, enveloped in a solemn atmosphere. Known as a power spot, it attracts many worshippers. The atmosphere becomes even more mystical at dusk, offering an experience that cleanses your soul in the silence.
Charms and votive picture tablets are also sold, which are popular as quintessentially Japanese souvenirs.
Website: https://hakonejinja.or.jp/
PM6:00 Return to Hakone-Yumoto and Head Back to Tokyo
Return to Hakone-Yumoto Station by bus. This time slot is relatively uncrowded, allowing you to leisurely explore the area around the station. If you haven't bought souvenirs yet, I recommend selecting Hakone specialties in the shopping street in front of the station.
By taking a train back to Tokyo around PM6:30 or 7:00, you can conclude your fulfilling Hakone trip with a pleasant fatigue.
Other Spots to Visit in Hakone if You Have Extra Time
Hakone still has many more attractive tourist spots. If you have extra time, why not visit the following spots?
The Hakone Open-Air Museum
This is a museum where Hakone's nature and contemporary art harmonize beautifully. Works by world-famous artists are scattered throughout the vast grounds, allowing you to enjoy art while strolling.
What I particularly like is the Symphony sculpture. You can enter inside this huge glass object and enjoy a unique spatial experience.
One characteristic is that there are many hands-on works that can be enjoyed by both children and adults. There's also a spot where you can relax in a foot bath, allowing you to enjoy art while relaxing. It's an attractive spot where you can fully enjoy both art and nature.
Website: https://www.hakone-oam.or.jp/en/
Owakudani
Owakudani is an impressive tourist spot where you can closely experience Hakone's volcanic activity. I still can't forget the shock I felt when I first visited. The sight of white smoke rising and the smell of sulfur rising here and there make you realize that Hakone is an active volcano.
What you absolutely must eat here is the famous "black egg". These are hot spring eggs with shells blackened by volcanic gas, and there's a saying that eating one extends your life by seven years. I always make sure to stop by and eat one every time I visit, and its unique aroma and taste are addictive.
On clear days, the view of Mount Fuji from here is also spectacular. The view from the ropeway is also wonderful, especially during the autumn foliage season when the mountains are dyed red and yellow, allowing you to enjoy scenery that looks like a painting.
Okada Museum of Art
Source: Google Map
The Okada Museum of Art, boasting the largest scale in Hakone, is a special place where you can experience the wonder of Japanese art. The vast 5,000 square meter exhibition space is filled with precious art pieces from Japan and the East.
The highlights of the museum are not just the art pieces. At the foot bath cafe, you can spend a relaxing time while looking at the mountains of Hakone. Soaking in the foot bath with a warm drink in hand, contemplating art, is a luxurious experience unique to this museum.
The restaurant uses a tasteful Japanese house, and the architecture itself is worth seeing. You can enjoy warm udon dishes in a Japanese-style setting, spending an elegant time after appreciating the art.
Website: https://www.okada-museum.com/en/
Frequently Asked Questions About Half Day Trips to Hakone
I'll answer questions frequently asked by people visiting Hakone, based on my experience.
How much sightseeing can you do in half a day?
While tourist spots in Hakone are spread over a wide area, you can still enjoy attractive sightseeing even in half a day. In my experience, if you plan efficiently, you can visit 2-3 major spots.
For example, as in this article, I recommend focusing on a theme, such as strolling in Gora Park and experiencing hot springs for the morning plan, or a Lake Ashi cruise and visiting Hakone Shrine for the afternoon plan.
The key is to make a plan that considers travel time. Because Hakone is a mountainous area, travel can take more time than expected in some places. Therefore, it's efficient to choose and visit nearby spots.
Is it necessary to reserve the Romancecar?
I strongly recommend making reservations in advance, especially on weekends, holidays, and during peak tourist seasons like the autumn foliage period. The first train in the morning and evening trains tend to be crowded with tourists. I make it a habit to make reservations at least 3 days in advance.
On weekdays, it's often relatively uncrowded, and there's a high possibility of getting a seat on the day. However, having a reserved seat ticket allows you to enjoy the scenery leisurely, so I recommend making a reservation in advance if possible.
What's the best season for a half day trip?
Spring and autumn are especially recommended. Spring has a mild climate, with cherry blossoms and azaleas in full bloom, making it comfortable for sightseeing. My favorite time is from late April to early May when the fresh greenery is beautiful and the temperature is pleasant.
Autumn is the foliage season, and you can enjoy particularly beautiful scenery with the mountains dyed red and yellow. The best time to see this is from late October to mid-November. However, as this period is crowded with tourists, it's important to make early reservations and choose your time wisely.
Winter is attractive for the combination of snowy scenery and hot springs. Because it's cold, you can fully appreciate the goodness of hot springs. Also, on clear days, you can see Mount Fuji covered in snow, enjoying an exceptional view.
Hakone is an attractive tourist destination where you can experience rich nature and culture while being easily accessible from Tokyo. Even with the limited time of half a day, you can fully enjoy the charms of Hakone by planning efficiently.
The reason I visit repeatedly is that I'm fascinated by Hakone's charm, which shows different faces with each season. You can enjoy completely different scenery depending on when you visit, such as cherry blossoms in spring, fresh greenery in summer, autumn colors in fall, and snowy landscapes in winter.
Another great attraction is that you can experience various aspects of Japanese culture, such as hot springs, art museums, and shrines. Especially for foreign tourists, it will surely become a wonderful memory as a tourist destination where Japanese tradition and modernity harmonize.
Please use this article as a reference to plan your short trip to Hakone!
