Ultimate Guide: Budget-Friendly Hakone Travel Tips for International Visitors

When it comes to hot spring towns like Hakone, many Japanese people feel that "it's expensive."

However, with the Romance Car that you can ride from Shinjuku for just 2,470 yen, a free pass that allows unlimited rides for two days for 6,100 yen, and guesthouses where you can stay from 5,000 yen, Hakone is actually a tourist destination that can be enjoyed quite reasonably if you use wisdom and ingenuity.

It's true that tourist spots are crowded on weekends, and accommodation fees at high-class ryokans are not cheap. But there are endless smart choices, such as targeting weekday itineraries, using day-trip hot springs, and finding affordable local eateries.

You can enjoy the grand panorama from the ropeway, the pirate ship sailing leisurely on Lake Ashi, and the majestic vermilion torii gate of Hakone Shrine, all with a single free pass.

In this guide, I'll introduce you to ways to experience the essence of Hakone while keeping your budget in check for sightseeing, dining, and accommodation, along with specific prices and practical tips.

This is my Hakone strategy for foreign travelers to enjoy within budget, which I vouch for after 10 years of visiting Hakone. Please use this guide to enjoy Hakone's charms smartly, affordably, and deeply!

Table of Contents
・Affordable Access Methods from Tokyo to Hakone
・Enjoying Hakone Tourist Spots While Saving Money
・Tips for Saving on Accommodation in Hakone
・Enjoying Hakone Cuisine While Keeping Food Expenses Down
・Frequently Asked Questions

Affordable Access Methods from Tokyo to Hakone

The real pleasure of a Hakone trip begins with the journey there. There are several ways to access Hakone from Tokyo, but I'll introduce methods to move comfortably while keeping your budget in check. Based on my experience of 10 years of visiting Hakone, I'll share affordable and efficient methods.

Using the Odakyu Romance Car

The Odakyu Romance Car arrives directly from Shinjuku to Hakone-Yumoto in about 85 minutes, which is surprisingly fast. I especially recommend using it on weekdays. Compared to weekends, it's less crowded, and you can relax comfortably in your seat.

The view from the window is also exceptional. On clear days, you can see the majestic figure of Mt. Fuji. I myself can't help but be captivated by its beauty every time I ride, no matter how many times I've been.

The price of 2,470 yen, including the express fee, is very reasonable compared to the experience. The Romance Car journey will surely be a wonderful prologue to your Hakone trip.

Utilizing the Hakone Free Pass

The Hakone Free Pass is an absolute must-have item that I always purchase when I travel to Hakone. This pass is truly a "bundle of savings," combining a round-trip ticket on the Odakyu Line with unlimited rides on transportation within the Hakone area. There are 2-day and 3-day passes available, which is attractive as you can choose based on your length of stay.

The true value of this pass lies in moving around within the Hakone area. You can ride everything from cable cars and ropeways to the pirate ship that gracefully cruises Lake Ashi, all without additional fees. I especially love enjoying the spectacular view from the ropeway and the lakeside scenery from the pirate ship.

Moreover, just by presenting this pass, you can receive discount benefits at many tourist spots. You can fully enjoy the charms of Hakone, including art museums and hot spring facilities.

The price varies depending on the departure station, but from Shinjuku Station, it's 6,100 yen for 2 days and 6,500 yen for 3 days. Since it's significantly cheaper than paying for transportation individually, it's a strong ally for your Hakone trip.

Website: https://www.hakonenavi.jp/international/en/discount_passes/free_pass

Using Highway Buses

Highway buses are recommended for those who want to reduce costs even more than trains. Direct buses operate from Tokyo Station and Shinjuku to Hakone, with particularly abundant services from Shinjuku.

For travelers with large luggage, the baggage space on buses is very convenient. Even large suitcases that would be troublesome to carry on trains can be safely stored on buses. Also, it's a big advantage that you can secure a seat for sure as it's a reservation system.

The fare fluctuates depending on the season and your destination within Hakone, but in most cases, you can go for less than 2,500 yen. In my experience, using early morning or late night buses can often get you even more affordable fares. Highway buses are one of the recommended options for Hakone trips, allowing you to enjoy the scenery leisurely while keeping your budget down.

Enjoying Hakone Tourist Spots While Saving Money

There are many tourist spots in Hakone that you can enjoy sufficiently while keeping your budget down. I'll introduce places and ways to fully enjoy Hakone's charms without spending money, which I've discovered over 10 years of visiting Hakone. Let me teach you tips on how to enjoy the beauty of nature, historical ambiance, and the blessings of hot springs smartly and efficiently.

Free or Low-Cost Tourist Attractions

There are many wonderful tourist spots in Hakone that you can enjoy without spending money.

First, I recommend Owakudani. Every time I visit, I'm overwhelmed by the grandeur of nature, feeling the scent of sulfur and the power of the earth on my skin.

The area around Lake Ashi is also not to be missed. Just by taking a walk along the lakeshore, you can enjoy beautiful scenery in all four seasons. My favorite is seeing the lake surface illuminated by the morning sun in the early morning silence. Its beauty is no less than the view from any luxury hotel.

Hakone Shrine is also a wonderful spot that you can visit without an admission fee. The large vermilion torii gate is truly an excellent photo spot. Every time I visit, I feel my heart being cleansed by its solemn atmosphere.

Finally, I recommend strolling through the hot spring town. Even without using bathing facilities, you can fully enjoy the scent of hot springs and the atmospheric ambiance. I especially like walking through the hot spring town at dusk. The light leaking from the eaves and the rising hot spring steam are like a scene from a movie.

By visiting these spots, you can fully enjoy the charms of Hakone without spending money. Please experience the charms of Hakone, where nature, history, and culture intertwine, with all five senses.

Tips for Riding the Lake Ashi Pirate Ship Affordably

The pirate ship that gracefully sails Lake Ashi is a popular attraction that could be called a symbol of Hakone sightseeing. Let me teach you how to use this pirate ship most affordably.

First, the biggest point is utilizing the Hakone Free Pass. If you have this pass, you can board without additional fees. I use this pass every time I ride the pirate ship, and each time I can't help but praise myself, thinking "What a smart choice I made."

Moreover, with the Free Pass, you're free to get on and off, which greatly increases the freedom of your trip. For example, you can ride from Togendai to Moto-Hakone Port, get off and explore if there's a place you're interested in along the way, then board again to head to your next destination. This is a wonderful method that allows you to use both time and money efficiently.

The Lake Ashi pirate ship is not just a means of transportation, but a wonderful experience where you can fully enjoy the natural beauty of Hakone. If you skillfully utilize the Free Pass and choose your timing well, you can create the best memories while keeping your budget down.

Tips for Saving on Accommodation in Hakone

Accommodation in Hakone tends to account for a large portion of travel expenses. I'll share tips on how to fully enjoy the charms of Hakone while saving on accommodation costs, which I've cultivated over years of visiting Hakone.

Using Guesthouses

Guesthouses are the optimal choice for significantly reducing accommodation costs in Hakone. I use them occasionally, and each time I make new discoveries and create fun memories. The biggest attraction is that you can stay for surprisingly cheap rates compared to luxury hot spring ryokans.

But it's not just about being cheap. The charm of guesthouses also lies in their international atmosphere. Interactions with travelers from all over the world enrich your Hakone trip even more. I myself have been told about new tourist spots and local hidden gems many times through conversations with travelers I met at guesthouses.

Also, many guesthouses are located in places convenient for accessing tourist spots. For example, if you stay at a guesthouse near Hakone-Yumoto Station or Gora Station, it becomes very easy to move to major tourist spots. My favorite is guesthouses around Lake Ashi. Getting up early and taking a walk along the empty lakeshore is an exceptional experience.

There's no need to worry about facilities either. The minimum necessary amenities are available, so you can stay comfortably. Many facilities also have shared kitchens, so you can save even more on food expenses by cooking for yourself.

Guesthouses are not just accommodation facilities, but also places for new encounters and experiences. For those who want to enrich their Hakone trip while keeping their budget down, I highly recommend them.

Utilizing Day-Trip Hot Spring Facilities

When it comes to the charm of Hakone, it's all about the hot springs. However, staying at a hot spring ryokan can inevitably rack up costs.

That's why I recommend utilizing day-trip hot spring facilities. I frequently use them myself, and I'm convinced it's one of the smart ways to enjoy Hakone.

There are many facilities in Hakone where you can enjoy hot springs without staying overnight. These facilities can be used at a much lower cost than staying at a ryokan.

Also, many of these facilities have well-equipped services such as lockers and towel rentals. Some places even provide amenities like shampoo and body soap. In other words, you can casually drop by without bringing anything. I particularly like the convenience of being able to stop by between sightseeing.

Let me share a tip for using day-trip hot spring facilities. If you choose a plan without meals, you can use them even more cheaply. However, choosing a plan with meals is also a good option. Not only can you save on dining out costs, but you can also save time looking for restaurants.

I especially like plans that include kaiseki meals using local ingredients. You can enjoy the blessings of Hakone's nature through both hot springs and meals.

Enjoying Hakone Cuisine While Keeping Food Expenses Down

An essential part of a Hakone trip is enjoying delicious local food. However, restaurants in tourist areas tend to be expensive. Here, I'll introduce ways to savor Hakone's flavors while keeping food expenses down, which I've discovered over 10 years of visiting Hakone.

Choosing Local Food and Light Meals

There are many local foods in Hakone that can be enjoyed at reasonable prices. The representative of these is the "black eggs" specialty of Owakudani. These black eggs can be purchased at an affordable price of 500 yen for 4 eggs. I always buy them every time I visit, and I enjoy their unique flavor and the saying that eating one egg extends your life by 7 years.

Also, don't miss out on Hakone soba. There are many reasonably priced soba restaurants in Hakone that use local ingredients.

By choosing these local foods and light meals, you can savor Hakone's flavors while significantly reducing food expenses.

Utilizing Supermarkets and Convenience Stores

If you want to reduce food expenses even further, I recommend utilizing local supermarkets and convenience stores. Especially, the bento boxes you can buy at supermarkets near stations are often cheap and delicious.

Also, if you use convenience stores wisely, you can significantly reduce food expenses. It's true that you can't enjoy local flavors, but you can have meals at a low cost. I often use the method of having breakfast at a convenience store and allocating that budget to lunch or dinner.

Furthermore, I recommend buying bread, onigiri, and drinks at convenience stores and enjoying meals in a picnic-like atmosphere. There are many beautiful parks and viewpoints in Hakone. I've had meals this way several times, and the meal enjoyed with that scenery was exceptional.

Frequently Asked Questions

When planning a Hakone trip, many people have similar questions. Here, I'll answer frequently asked questions based on my experiences from 10 years of visiting Hakone.

Where Can I Buy the Hakone Free Pass?

The Hakone Free Pass can be purchased at major stations on the Odakyu Line or online. I recommend purchasing online in advance. This allows you to avoid crowds on the day of departure and start your trip smoothly.

I especially recommend online reservations during busy periods. The station windows get very crowded during Golden Week in May and the summer vacation season in August. By making a reservation in advance, you can start your trip smoothly.

Is a Day Trip to Hakone Possible?

Yes, a day trip from Tokyo is entirely possible. I myself enjoy Hakone on day trips when I'm busy with work. However, there are some tips for getting around efficiently.

First, an early morning departure is key. And to efficiently visit tourist spots, utilizing the Hakone Free Pass is essential. You can visit major spots like Owakudani, Lake Ashi, and Hakone Shrine by transferring between cable cars, ropeways, and pirate ships.

While you can fully enjoy Hakone's charms even on a day trip, I recommend staying overnight if possible. There are charms of Hakone that you can't experience on a day trip, such as night hot springs and quiet tourist spots in the early morning.

Can I Enjoy Sightseeing Even in Winter?

Of course! Personally, I love Hakone in winter. Winter Hakone has special charms different from other seasons.

First, hot springs become even more attractive. The temperature difference between the cold outside air and the warm water is pleasant, and soaking in an open-air bath while viewing the snowy scenery is an exceptional experience.

Also, don't miss the winter-limited illuminations and events. For example, the Hakone Glass Forest Museum has winter-limited light-ups. The numerous glass works enveloped in fantastic light make you feel like you've wandered into another world.

Furthermore, winter is the best season to view snow-capped Mt. Fuji. On clear days, you can see the figure of Mt. Fuji covered in pure white snow from Lake Ashi. This scenery can be said to be a condensation of the beauty of Japanese winter.

Does English Work in Hakone?

As Hakone is known as an international tourist destination, many major tourist spots and accommodations have staff who can speak English. Also, many signs and brochures have English translations.

However, at small local restaurants and shops, English may not be available. In such places, using a translation app can be convenient. I myself have used translation apps when guiding friends from overseas and was able to communicate smoothly.

Also, learning a few simple Japanese phrases in advance can lead to a more fulfilling travel experience. For example, basic phrases like "Sumimasen" (Excuse me), "Arigatou gozaimasu" (Thank you very much), and "Eigo wo hanasemasu ka?" (Do you speak English?) can help in communicating with local people.

Hakone is a wonderful tourist destination where you can have rich experiences while keeping your budget down.

By utilizing the Odakyu Romance Car and Hakone Free Pass, you can significantly reduce transportation costs. By visiting free or low-cost tourist spots and using guesthouses or day-trip hot spring facilities, you can also save on accommodation costs. Furthermore, by choosing local food and reasonably priced meals, you can keep food expenses down.

Even with these money-saving techniques, you can fully enjoy the charms of Hakone. Rather, you might have wonderful unexpected experiences like interacting with locals or discovering hidden gems.

Please use this guide as a reference to find your own way of enjoying Hakone!