Hakone in One Day: Lakeside Cafés, Volcanic Valleys & Private Onsens
Looking for a peaceful escape from Tokyo that still feels adventurous and inspiring? Hakone is one of our favorite day trips—offering stunning lake views, volcanic landscapes, and soul-soothing hot springs, all in one thoughtfully planned day.
We started our journey with one of the most scenic ways to reach Hakone: the Odakyu Limited Express Romancecar, a sleek and comfortable train that departs directly from Shinjuku Station. The ride to Hakone-Yumoto Station takes about 90 minutes, passing through picturesque mountain villages and lush greenery.
For panoramic views (and the best chance to spot Mt. Fuji on a clear day), try to reserve seats in the front or rear observation cars. These specialty seats are incredibly popular and often sell out quickly, so we recommend booking in advance through the Odakyu website.
A Calm Morning on the Shores of Lake Ashi
Upon arrival, we made our way to Lake Ashi, a peaceful caldera lake surrounded by misty mountains and dotted with charming cafés and walking paths. We began our day slow—with hot drinks and sweet pastries from a cozy lakeside café, watching the reflections of the sky ripple across the water.
From there, we boarded the iconic Hakone Sightseeing Cruise, which glides across the lake on a replica pirate ship. As we cruised, we caught views of the Hakone-jinja Shrine torii gate, standing proudly in the water. And if the weather is kind, you may be treated to a breathtaking view of Mt. Fuji in the distance.
Travel Tip: Sit on the right side of the ship if you want the best view of the torii gate and Mt. Fuji in the same frame.
Owakudani: Hakone’s Volcanic Valley
Next, we took the Hakone Ropeway up to Owakudani, a steaming volcanic valley formed by a major eruption over 3,000 years ago. The moment you step off the ropeway, you’re greeted by the scent of sulfur and the surreal sight of vents puffing steam into the air.
This area is most famous for its black eggs, or kuro-tamago, which are boiled in natural hot spring water rich in sulfur and iron, turning the shells completely black. Legend says eating one will add seven years to your life, and while the taste is similar to a regular hard-boiled egg, cracking open one in such a dramatic landscape makes the experience unforgettable.
Fun Fact: The area can be windy and cool even in summer—bring a light jacket and wear comfortable shoes.
Hakone Yuryo: A Private Onsen Retreat
After a day of exploring, we ended our trip with a restorative soak at Hakone Yuryo, a traditional hot spring retreat just a short shuttle ride from Hakone-Yumoto Station.
Tucked into the forested hillside, this onsen offers private outdoor baths that can be reserved by the hour—ideal for couples or those who prefer a more private onsen experience. We booked a private bath and soaked in the mineral-rich waters as the sun began to dip behind the mountains.
Surrounded by quiet trees and the scent of hinoki wood, it was the perfect way to unwind and reflect on the day.
Onsen Tip: Reservations are recommended for private baths, especially on weekends or holidays. Towels and toiletries are provided.
Booking the Hakone Free Pass on Klook
To make our day smoother and more budget-friendly, we booked the Hakone Free Pass in advance through Klook—and we can’t recommend it enough.
This all-in-one transportation pass gives you unlimited access to most of Hakone’s main transit options, making it super convenient to get around without worrying about individual tickets. It’s ideal for day-trippers and even better if you’re staying overnight.
What’s Included in the Hakone Free Pass:
- Round-trip train travel from Shinjuku to Hakone-Yumoto Station (when bundled with the Romancecar upgrade)
- Unlimited rides on:
- Hakone Tozan Railway
- Hakone Cable Car
- Hakone Ropeway
- Hakone Sightseeing Cruise on Lake Ashi
- Local Hakone Tozan Buses
- Odakyu-affiliated bus lines within the Hakone area
You can choose between a 2-day or 3-day pass, but even for our one-day trip, the 2-day pass was worth it for the convenience and savings. Buying it through Klook was quick, and we were able to show our voucher and pick up the physical pass at Shinjuku Station before boarding the Romancecar.
Tip: If you’re planning to take the Romancecar (which we highly recommend), make sure to reserve seats in advance. The Hakone Free Pass doesn’t include the Romancecar surcharge, but it can easily be added when you book. The pass does include all base fares.
This pass saved us time, money, and a lot of stress—and made it easy to hit every major Hakone highlight in a single day.
How to Plan Your Hakone Day Trip from Tokyo
Hakone makes for a surprisingly smooth day trip, thanks to the direct connection via the Romancecar and the integrated local transit options like the Hakone Free Pass, which covers most ropeways, cruises, and buses in the region.
Our Hakone Day Trip at a Glance:
- Take the Romancecar from Shinjuku to Hakone-Yumoto Station (~1.5 hours)
- Lake Ashi Cruise – with views of Mt. Fuji and the Hakone-jinja Shrine torii gate
- Owakudani Volcanic Valley – try the black eggs and ride the ropeway
- Hakone Yuryo Onsen – relax in a private bath before heading back to Tokyo
Full itinerary guide coming soon to Tales of a Tasty Twosome.
Final Thoughts
Hakone gave us exactly what we needed: nature, stillness, and beauty—with just the right amount of adventure and culture woven in. From the quiet cruise across Lake Ashi to the dramatic steam clouds of Owakudani, and finally a slow soak in the onsen, this day trip reminded us to pause, savor, and stay present.
It’s the perfect contrast to Tokyo’s fast pace—and a must if you’re visiting Japan for the first time.
Stay tuned for our full “Hakone in 1 Day” itinerary, complete with timing suggestions, restaurant recs, and how to book those must-have front seats on the Romancecar.
Have you been to Hakone? Would you try the black eggs or book a private onsen bath? Let us know in the comments—or tag us on Instagram @talesofatastytwosome if you follow our path!
