Hakone is a resort spot that you can access easily from Tokyo and you can enjoy hot springs, beautiful sightseeing, shopping, and historical places.
You can stay for just one day or two days to enjoy this resort spot.
If you would like to explore more about Shinjuku Station, click this link.
Access
Access to Hakone is available by car or by train, specifically the Odakyu Line. The Odakyu Line offers an express service that allows you to travel directly and quickly to Hakone from Shinjuku Station.
Moreover, Odakyu Electric Railway offers a pass, called Hakone Free Pass, which allows you to explore Hakone freely. While the price is a bit on the higher side, if you plan to visit all the attractions in Hakone, transportation costs can add up significantly. Therefore, I highly recommend the pass for those considering an active stay in Hakone. On the other hand, if your goal is to relax or if you prefer to walk as much as possible, the pass may not be as necessary. However, since Hakone has steep inclines, I still recommend using the trains whenever possible to make your experience more comfortable. If you are looking for the model plan of Hakone, please explore more from here
I recommend renting a car to travel around Hakone, as it makes it easier to reach many tourist spots. These spots are often spread out, and traveling between them can take time.
Hakone Yumoto Station
When you arrive at Hakone-Yumoto Station, you have the option to take the tram, but I recommend getting off and exploring the area. There are plenty of places to enjoy street food and a variety of souvenir shops to browse.
Additionally, the famous river in Hakone is nearby, allowing you to take in the vastness of nature, which is one of Hakone’s charms. In the street food scene, you’ll find not only seafood but also fried foods and steamed buns. It might be a great idea to have lunch here as well!
Additionally, near Hakone-Yumoto Station, there is day-use hot springs available which is called Hakone Yuryo. These natural hot springs are perfect for soothing tired bodies, and if you have tattoos, you can still enjoy them by reserving a private outdoor bath. Visiting the hot springs is one of the most recommended activities in Hakone, so be sure to take advantage of this wonderful experience!
Onsen
Many ryokan and hotels in the area have their own hot spring amenities, called Onsen in Japanese.
Hakone has long been regarded as a popular hot spring resort. Every locale offers a different experience when it comes to hot springs, including Hakone-Yumoto, Gora, and the areas surrounding Lake Ashi.
In Japan, it was common for yakuza, or gang members, to have tattoos, which led to a ban on people with tattoos in many hot springs.
However, with the increase in foreign tourists in recent years, this cultural practice is gradually fading, although it is still something to be mindful of.
Booking ryokan might be difficult and some things that you should consider when you book. I made some lists so that you can check whether the hotel that you are going to book is good or not. So please explore that!
My recommended Ryokan that you can enter Onsen with a tattoo
Gora Kansuiro – 1st Hakone Ryokan
This hotel has the private hot springs in the several room and you can enjoy hot springs with tattoos and you can enjoy traditional Japanese cuisine made with local ingredients.
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Setsugetsuka – 2nd Hakone Ryokan
This hotel offers private baths in the guest rooms, as well as free access to reserved private baths.
Meals are prepared with seasonal ingredients, so those who wish to enjoy Japanese cuisine are highly encouraged to stay.
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Ashi Lake(Ashinoko) and Hakone Shrine
This lake is located in the center of Hakone, and you can see Mount Fuji from it.
There is a sightseeing boat that allows you to enjoy the views from the lake. Ashinoko is also close to Hakone Shrine, which has a beautiful torii gate next to the lake. The shrine is believed to bring blessings for traffic safety and good fortune, attracting many visitors. Around Lake Ashi, there are many cafes and restaurants to enjoy. Among them, I highly recommend the cheesecake shop called Hakone Cheese Terrace that I visited.
Owakudani
Next, we will visit Owakudani. Here, you might notice a slight odor due to the hot springs bubbling beneath the surface. However, when you take the gondola and look down, you can see a fascinating sight of hot springs erupting in ways you’ve never seen before.
On clear days, you can also catch a glimpse of Mount Fuji, so be sure to ride the gondola. After your ride, don’t forget to buy some eggs. These eggs are unique because their shells are black.
However, the inside is just like a regular egg, and there’s a saying that eating one will extend your life. Be sure to give them a try!
Gotemba Premium Outlets
Gotemba Premium Outlets is one of Japan’s largest outlet malls, located in Gotemba City, Shizuoka Prefecture. Set against the backdrop of Mount Fuji, it features a wide array of stores from both domestic and international famous and luxury brands, allowing visitors to purchase products at discounted prices.
The mall offers a diverse range of items, including fashion, sports goods, and home decor, and it has a variety of restaurants and cafes. With good access from nearby tourist attractions, it is a popular spot for both shopping and sightseeing.
Museum
Numerous art museums in Hakone provide a singular experience by fusing art and environment. The following are a few of the top Hakone museums you should check out:
Hakone Open-Air Museum: With about 120 sculptures spread throughout a large landscape, this is Japan’s first outdoor sculpture museum. Families frequently visit because they may see art in a natural setting.
Pola Museum of Art : This museum features internationally recognized artwork, specializing in Impressionist pieces. Encircled by stunning natural landscapes, the museum offers a calm setting for appreciating art.
Hakone Glass no Mori Museum: With a focus on Venetian glass and glass art, this museum offers visitors interactive activities in addition to glass product exhibitions.
Indulge in the captivating art and culture of Japan at these museums while taking in Hakone’s abundant natural surroundings.
