Day Trip to Hakone: Ropeway, Owakudani, Lake Ashinoko & Hakone Shrine
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
11 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for travelers who can walk 6–8 miles spread over the day and handle stairs and short uphill sections.
Overview
A full-day public-transport tour from Tokyo that strings Hakone’s highlights into one practical loop: Tozan train, cable car, Hakone Ropeway to Owakudani, Lake Ashinoko pirate ship and Hakone Shrine. Ideal for travelers who want dramatic volcanic scenery, a lakeside torii and efficient transit in a single day.
Day Trip to Hakone: Ropeway, Owakudani, Lake Ashinoko & Hakone Shrine
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You meet the guide outside Shinjuku’s south gate while the city still hums; by afternoon the train has shed the high-rise glare and the air has a different edge — cooler, conifer-scented, threaded with the faint sulfur of a nearby vent. The Hakone Tozan train climbs like a patient animal, shuffling through hairpin turns and moss-dark tunnels toward Gora, where the cable car waits and the valley opens. From the ropeway the landscape rearranges itself: steaming fumaroles at Owakudani daring you to step closer, the lake flattening into a sheet of slate, and, on a clear day, Mount Fuji cutting a clean silhouette on the horizon.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Wear grippy walking shoes
Many trails and shrine approaches are stone or wet; sturdy soles reduce slips on steps and river-side paths.
Bring cash for food and souvenirs
Small vendors at Owakudani and lakeside stalls often accept cash only for snacks like black eggs and local crafts.
Check Mount Fuji visibility
Mount Fuji is visible on clear days—check the morning forecast and position yourself at Togendai or the Narukawa Museum lounge for the best view.
Mind the sulfur vents
Steam vents in Owakudani can be hot and emit sulfur; stay on marked paths and follow local signage to avoid hazards.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Waterfowl and ducks on Lake Ashinoko
- Small songbirds and warblers along the mountain tracks
History
Hakone was a critical checkpoint on the Edo-period Tōkaidō route and later developed as a hot-spring and pilgrimage area shaped by volcanic terrain.
Conservation
Stick to marked trails, avoid feeding wildlife, and pack out waste; the ropeway and boat operate under strict safety rules to limit environmental impact.
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Adventure Hotspots in Hakone (Hakone-machi)
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Sturdy walking shoes
Comfortable, grippy shoes handle uneven stone, wet paths and steps around shrines and trails.
Light waterproof jacket
Weather can shift quickly in the mountains—layer and stay dry on the ropeway and lake breeze.
Reusable water bottle
Hydration is key during several hours of walking; water refill stations are limited.
Compact daypack
Carry layers, cash, camera, and snacks without weighing yourself down on trains and ropeways.