Hakone, Japan "Onsen Theme Park"

Tokaido Shinkansen travels from Shinjuku Station in Tokyo to Odawara Station, where passengers transfer to the Hakone Tozan Line to reach Hakone-Yumoto Station.

The customary way to get to Hakone from Tokyo is to ride the Romance car.

This train is a limited express and takes a little over 90 minutes to get to Hakone and costs about 2280 yen ($21).

The shinkansen can take you to Odawara in 30 mins, where you’ll transfer to Hakone-Yumoto station.

Visitors should consider obtaining a Hakone FreePass (4,000 yen/$36.50) in tandem with their JRPass, as these railways are not owned by the Japan Railway Group.

During this trip, you can use the transfer stop as an excuse to see the Odawara Castle, built during the Warring States period.

The train also stops at several other stations along the way and offers beautiful views of the valleys, mountains, and waterfalls.

Kyoto > Hakone

There is also a Shinkansen from Kyoto to Odawara, which can take over 2+ hours. Then, tourists can jump on a bus, or consider purchasing a Hakone FreePass to take the train to the Hakone-Yumoto station.

You could also go to Atami or Mishima Station, which allows access to Lake Ashi. from there, you can take a bus to Hakone, which can cost anywhere from 1050 yen to 1200 yen ($10-$11).

However, no matter which route you take, the estimated travel time is usually three hours.  

IMPORTANT: Those with visible tattoos will not be allowed in the public bath areas (OG laws in Hakone about Yakuza) 

Hotels 

Hyatt Regency Hakone (happy to upgrade you with my status + complimentary breakfast) 

Hakone Suishoen

Yoshiike Ryokan

Gora Kadan 

Hakone Yutowa 

Day 1: Art, Nature, and Tranquility

Morning:

Arrive in Hakone-Yumoto Station and store your luggage at your hotel.

Head to the Hakone Open-Air Museum.

Wander through the vast outdoor space, admiring sculptures by renowned artists like Rodin, Picasso, and Moore, set amidst stunning natural scenery.

Take the Hakone Ropeway up to Owakudani.

Marvel at the volcanic landscape and the steaming vents.

Don't forget to try the famous "black eggs," said to prolong your life!

Afternoon:

Continue on the ropeway to Togendai and board a pirate ship for a scenic cruise on Lake Ashi.

Enjoy the views of Mount Fuji (if the weather permits) and the surrounding mountains.

Disembark at Hakone-machi and visit the Hakone Shrine.

This peaceful shrine, with its iconic red torii gate at the lakeside, is a popular spot for photos and contemplation.

Evening:

Return to your hotel and relax in a traditional onsen (hot spring). Hakone is renowned for its hot springs, said to have healing properties.

Day 2: History, Culture, and Gardens

Morning:

Start your day with a walk along the Old Tokaido Road, a historic highway that once connected Tokyo and Kyoto.

The section between Hakone-Yumoto and Moto-Hakone is particularly scenic, with preserved cedar trees and glimpses of traditional architecture.

Visit the Hakone Checkpoint Museum to learn about the role of this checkpoint in the Edo period and the lives of travelers and officials who passed through.

Afternoon:

Take the Hakone Tozan Railway to Gora and explore the beautiful Gora Park. This French-style garden offers a variety of attractions, including a rose garden, a greenhouse, and a craft house.

Art enthusiasts can also visit the Pola Museum of Art, home to an impressive collection of Western and Japanese art.

Evening:

Enjoy a leisurely dinner in Gora or Hakone-Yumoto, sampling local specialties or international cuisine.

Day 3: More Art, Nature, and Departure

Morning:

If you're interested in glass art, visit the Hakone Venetian Glass Museum to see exquisite Venetian glasswork and enjoy a demonstration.

Alternatively, revisit the Hakone Open-Air Museum or explore another part of Hakone, such as the Sengokuhara Pampas Grass Field or the Chokoku-no-Mori Sculpture Forest.

Afternoon:

Depending on your departure time, you can relax in an onsen one last time, do some souvenir shopping, or simply enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of Hakone.

Evening:

Depart from Hakone-Yumoto Station, taking the train or bus back to Tokyo or your next destination.

This itinerary is just a suggestion, and you can customize it based on your interests and preferences. With its stunning natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and relaxing hot springs,

Hakone is a wonderful destination for a 3-day getaway.

Reminder: Japan is still a very cash heavy country and Hakone more so; cash at the local ATM has a better exchange rate than the currency exchange shops.