Hakone 1-Day Trip Map

Hakone — A nature-rich town surrounded by mountains, forests, lakes, and an active volcano that is still gently simmering.

Hakone is a historic onsen town with travel routes dating back to the Edo period. Its natural scenery is abundant, with Lake Ashi, views of Mount Fuji, Owakudani where light steam still rises, and Hakone Shrine, which was built in the 8th century. The atmosphere here feels truly mystical and peaceful.

There’s so much to explore in Hakone. You can stay overnight or visit as a day trip. I’ve already created a one-day map covering transportation and sightseeing spots, so you can easily follow along.

One of the best parts is getting to ride many different types of transportation all in one trip. You’ll get to take trains, mountain railways, cable cars, ropeways, boats, and buses. I bought the Hakone Freepass, which covers all of the transportation mentioned above, and I also paid extra for the Limited Express Romancecar. This way, there’s no need to worry about crowded trains or standing, since all seats on the Romancecar are reserved. It also runs directly from Shinjuku Station to Hakone-Yumoto Station without any transfers, making the journey much more comfortable than regular trains.

2-day pass prices: Adults ¥7,100 / Children (6-11 years) ¥1,600
3-day pass prices: Adults ¥7,500 / Children (6-11 years) ¥1,850
Limited Express Romancecar ticket: ¥1,150 per trip

*Note about the Hakone Freepass:
・You can buy the  pass via EMot Online Tickets (EMot), the official ticketing site for the Odakyu Electric Railway.
・Between Shinjuku Station and Odawara Station, the pass can be used on regular trains for one outbound trip and one return trip only. All other transportation within Hakone can be used with the pass without limits.

I started my trip at Shinjuku Station. As soon as I reached the ticket gates, I spotted the bright yellow EMot sign. it really stood out.

I had already bought the Hakone Freepass on my phone, so I simply scanned the QR code at the gate. No need to line up for paper tickets. It was really convenient.

After entering the gate, I turned left and went up to platforms 2–3 for the Romancecar, double-checking the screen to see which platform my train would arrive at. The signs were clear and easy to follow.

I took the first train at 7:37 a.m. (arriving at Hakone-Yumoto Station at 9:22 a.m.). I grabbed a bento from a convenience store before boarding and enjoyed it on the train. With fold-out tables and seats that can turn to face each other, the ride felt incredibly comfortable.

As the train began to slow down and approached Hakone-Yumoto Station, I looked out the window and saw mountains wrapping around the town. Sunlight sparkled on the river, and a striking red bridge appeared above the water—the Ajisai Bridge crossing the Haya River. It was my first impression of arriving in Hakone. It felt as if the town was welcoming me, gently reminding me to slow down and take in the beauty of nature.

Getting there: 1-minute walk from Hakone-Yumoto Station (OH51)

📍 Google Maps

From Ajisai Bridge, I walked back toward Hakone-Yumoto Station along the main street. This area is lined with shops on both sides of the road and feels lively and bustling. As I walked, I came across the popular dango shop Houjou Mitsufuku Dango. There was a line of people waiting, and it looked delicious.

📍Google Maps

Continuing on, I found Grande Riviere, a well-known sweets shop in the area. Don’t forget to try their pudding. It’s fragrant and silky smooth. This shop has locations on both sides of the street.

📍Google Maps  (1) Shop on the left side from the station

📍Google Maps (2) Shop on the right side from the station

cafe Timuny. is a small, warm, and lovely café by the Haya River, with a cool backpacker vibe.

The café is tucked away along a riverside alley. Head up to the second floor and you’ll find window seats with river views. I visited in the morning when it was quiet, enjoying cake and milk tea while watching the river and listening to the sound of flowing water. It was incredibly calming.~

Getting there: About a 1-minute walk from Hakone-Yumoto Station (OH51)

📍Google Maps

From Hakone-Yumoto Station, take the Hakone Tozan Train for just one stop to Tonosawa Station. The moment the train comes out of the tunnel, it feels like you’ve warped into another world 🌿—quiet, peaceful, lush, and green. This was Memo’s favorite spot.

When arriving from Hakone-Yumoto Station, cross the pedestrian bridge to the other side and you’ll find a small shrine called Fukazawa Zeniarai Benzaiten Shrine 💵. Don’t forget to bring some money to wash here. According to local belief, washing money in the sacred spring will help it grow and multiply—amen! May our money flourish and prosperity come our way 😆✨

Getting there: Take the Hakone Tozan Train and get off at Tonosawa Station (OH52), one stop after Hakone-Yumoto Station (OH51)

📍Google Maps

Switchback Cafe is a small and very charming café with a warm, cozy atmosphere, located right next to the railway.

I spent quite a while sitting here, watching the trains pass by up close. At the same time, passengers on the train also looked excited to see a café sitting right beside the tracks.

💡 Fun fact: The word “switchback” on the Hakone Tozan Train refers to a system where the train changes direction and runs in a zigzag pattern, allowing it to climb the steep mountain slopes.

Getting there: Take the Hakone Tozan Train and get off at Ohiradai Station (OH53). From there, walk about 280 meters.

📍 Google Maps

Naraya Cafe is located almost right next to the station. The moment you walk in, you can tell how thoughtfully designed the space is. Every detail feels intentional and well planned.

I ordered a light snack and then looked for a place to sit, only to be wowed again by how the seating areas are divided into different zones. There’s a footbath seating area, a travel-themed corner, a cozy spot that feels like sitting at a friend’s house, and even a space for kids. No matter where you sit, the atmosphere feels calm and relaxing.

Getting there: Take the Hakone Tozan Train to Miyanoshita Station (OH54). From there, it’s a 1-minute walk.

📍Google Maps

The Hakone Tozan Cable Car is steep enough to give you a little thrill, which makes the ride fun but it’s over pretty quickly.

If you board at Gora Station, the cable car steadily climbs higher and higher until it reaches Sounzan Station.

cu—mo Hakone is a café located at Sounzan Station, which connects the Hakone Tozan Cable Car and the Hakone Ropeway.

There’s space to sit and enjoy the view, as well as a foot spa area to relax. One of their signature menu items is a smoothie topped with fluffy cotton candy that looks just like a little cloud.

Unfortunately, when I visited, the café was already closed, so I didn’t get to try it. I found official photos instead to show how adorable the cotton candy looks.

Café hours: 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Shop hours: 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Getting there: Sounzan Station (OH62).

📍Google Maps

While riding the Hakone Ropeway over the valley, I could see steam rising from below. It felt a bit like being in a volcano documentary.

At Owakudani Station, there’s a viewpoint called Earth Valley, where you can enjoy views of the ropeway and even see Mount Fuji on clear days.

Getting there: Take the Hakone Ropeway from Sounzan Station (OH62) or Togendai Station (OH65).

📍Google Maps

The curry rice at Owakudani Eki Shokudo comes in several menu options. The flavor is rich and comforting, with both pork and beef available.

While eating, I enjoyed the outside view through the large windows. After traveling for half the day, it felt great to recharge and relax with a calm, easy break.

Getting there: Take the Hakone Ropeway and get off at Owakudani Station (OH63). The restaurant is on the second floor of the station.

📍Google Maps

At Gokuraku Chaya, you’ll find black-colored ice cream. Even though the color looks unusual, the taste is lightly sweet vanilla, and it’s actually quite good.

📍Google Maps

Owakudani Kurotamagokan sells curry bread, black eggs, and even has a cute black-egg Hello Kitty in front of the shop. When you come to Hakone, you really have to try the black eggs. The shells turn black because the eggs are boiled in hot spring water rich in sulfur and iron, which reacts with the shell. The inside of the egg is still white as usual.

There’s a local legend that the gods around the Owakudani hot springs gained longer life by eating black eggs. Because of this, people believe that eating one black egg adds seven years to your life. Just imagine eating them every day here, you might become immortal! Haha 😆

📍Google Maps

Getting there: Both shops are located at Owakudani Station (OH63).

The Hakone Sightseeing Cruise, also known as the pirate ship, can be used with the pass as many times as you like.

I recommend paying an extra ¥800 to upgrade to First Class or ¥700 if you have the Hakone Freepass. The seats are much nicer, more comfortable, and far less crowded. The experience feels completely different.

Another great perk of First Class is access to the upper deck at the very front of the ship. The view is amazing, the air is fresh, and the breeze is cool. It was definitely one of the most memorable moments of the trip.

You can board and get off at any pier.

⛴ Togendai Pier (OH65) → Hakonemachi-ko Pier (OH66), about 25 minutes

⛴ Hakonemachi-ko Pier (OH66) → Motohakone-ko Pier (OH67), about 10 minutes

⛴ Motohakone-ko Pier (OH67) → Togendai Pier (OH65), about 25 minutes

The bright red torii gate at Hakone Shrine is one of the most popular photo spots here. No matter how you take the photo, it instantly gives off a classic Japanese vibe.

When I arrived, it was already late in the afternoon, and the line for photos was really long. If you want nice photos without waiting too long, I recommend coming in the morning, when there are fewer people.

Getting there: An easy walk from Motohakone-ko (OH67).

📍Google Maps

SUN SAN D is a lovely café with a great atmosphere and beautiful design. Their signature menu item is the cookie sandwich filled with fresh buttercream, all handmade one by one. There are four flavors to choose from: Plain, Double Chocolate, Pistachio & Berry, and Matcha. I ordered soft-serve milk ice cream to enjoy alongside it, and finished with a Matcha Latte. So satisfying~

Getting there: The café is located near Lake Ashi, close to the sightseeing pier. Take the bus to Motohakone-ko (OH67).

📍Google Maps

Before the trip, I was really nervous about whether I’d get to see Mount Fuji or not… and then I actually did 🗻✨ I was so, so happy.

I stood by Lake Ashi for a long time, quietly taking in the view. The atmosphere was calm and beautiful. It felt as if time had paused for a moment.

This spot is Viewpoint No. 3 for Mount Fuji on the map, located not far from the sightseeing boat pier at Motohakone-ko

📍Google Maps

Old Tokaido Road is a historic route once used by merchants, samurai, and pilgrims during the Edo period.

As I stepped onto the path, I suddenly felt smaller. Surrounded by tall cedar trees lining both sides of the road, I felt almost tiny in comparison. The atmosphere was very quiet and peaceful, with trees embracing the space all around.

With every step forward, it felt like walking gently over traces of time itself. It naturally made me imagine the people who had walked this road long ago. It’s hard to believe they once traveled such long distances on foot, all the way between Edo (Tokyo) and Kyoto.

Getting there: Walk from Motohakone-ko (OH67), or take Bus Line H and get off at stop 153.

📍Google Maps

Before heading back to Shinjuku, I stopped by Hakone Yuryo for an onsen soak. It’s a day-use onsen, so there’s no need to stay overnight, and the space is beautifully designed in a traditional Edo-period Japanese style. I chose a private room. Each private room can be used for 2 hours and comes in three types:

♨️ Type 1: 18 m², up to 2 people

Weekdays ¥9,400 per room / Weekends & holidays ¥10,400

♨️ Type 2: 24 m², up to 4 people

Weekdays ¥11,400 per room / Weekends & holidays ¥12,400

♨️ Type 3: 32 m², up to 2 people

Weekdays ¥13,400 per room / Weekends & holidays ¥14,400

Public onsen: Weekdays ¥1,700 / Weekends & holidays ¥2,000

For more details, you can check the official website of Hakone Yuryo.

Getting there: Take the free shuttle bus from in front of Hakone-Yumoto Station. The bus runs every 15 minutes and takes about 3 minutes.

📍Google Maps

Today’s trip to Hakone lasted all the way into the evening and felt completely fulfilling. It was truly a time to relax both body and mind. I really love the atmosphere here, the fresh air, the open scenery, and the calm feeling helped me recharge fully.

If you’re looking for a laid-back getaway close to Tokyo, Hakone is definitely a place I’d love for you to experience at least once.