Day 1: Exploring Hakone
Morning: Arrival and Initial Exploration
- Hakone-Yumoto:
- Arrive at Hakone-Yumoto Station, a major entry point to the Hakone area.
- Explore the small town, known for its traditional shops, restaurants, and hot spring baths onsen).
- Have lunch at one of the local eateries, trying specialties like soba noodles or onsen tamago hot spring eggs).
Afternoon: Scenic Journey and Onsen Experience
- Hakone Tozan Railway:
- Take the scenic Hakone Tozan Railway from Hakone-Yumoto to Gora, passing through lush greenery and picturesque landscapes.
- Gora:
- Visit the Hakone Open-Air Museum, featuring a vast collection of sculptures set in beautiful gardens, and a relaxing foot bath.
- From Gora, take the Hakone Tozan Cable Car up to Sounzan Station.
- Hakone Ropeway:
- Ride the Hakone Ropeway from Sounzan to Owakudani, an active volcanic valley with hot springs and sulfur vents.
- Enjoy panoramic views of Mount Fuji on clear days and try the local specialty, black eggs Kuro-tamago), boiled in the sulfuric hot springs.
- Owakudani to Togendai:
- Continue on the Hakone Ropeway to Togendai Station, on the shores of Lake Ashi.
Evening: Lake Ashi and Onsen Relaxation
- Lake Ashi Ashi-no-ko):
- Take a scenic boat cruise on a pirate ship replica across Lake Ashi, enjoying stunning views of Mount Fuji and the surrounding mountains.
- Disembark at Hakone-machi or Moto-Hakone and explore the area’s attractions, including the Hakone Shrine, with its iconic torii gate on the water.
- Onsen Ryokan:
- Check into a traditional onsen ryokan Japanese inn for an authentic experience.
- Relax in the hot spring baths and enjoy a traditional kaiseki dinner, a multi-course meal showcasing seasonal ingredients.
Day 2: Further Exploration and Relaxation Optional)
Morning: Additional Activities or Leisure
- Hakone Shrine:
- If not visited on Day 1, visit Hakone Shrine in the morning for a peaceful and spiritual experience.
- Walk along the cedar-lined path to the shrine and take photos of the torii gate in the lake.
- Hakone Checkpoint and Detached Palace Garden:
- Visit the Hakone Checkpoint Hakone Sekisho), a historical site from the Edo period.
- Explore the nearby Detached Palace Garden for beautiful views of Lake Ashi and Mount Fuji.
Afternoon: Further Exploration or Onsen Relaxation
- Polà Museum of Art:
- Visit the Pola Museum of Art, known for its impressive collection of Western and Japanese art, housed in a beautiful modern building.
- Alternatively, explore the Hakone Glass no Mori Venetian Glass Museum, featuring Venetian glass art and a charming garden.
- Relaxation:
- Return to your ryokan or visit another onsen in the area for more relaxation.
- Enjoy local treats and souvenirs before heading back.
Additional Tips
- Transportation: Consider getting the Hakone Free Pass, which offers unlimited rides on most forms of transportation in Hakone, including trains, buses, the ropeway, cable car, and boat cruises.
- Weather: Summer in Hakone can be cooler than Tokyo due to the higher altitude, but it can still be humid. Pack light layers and stay hydrated.
- Cultural Etiquette: Be mindful of onsen etiquette, such as washing thoroughly before entering the communal baths and keeping towels out of the water.