Tokyo to Hakone: An easy, fun day trip with a private car
Looking for a daytrip to get away from the big city and see Japan’s iconic Mount Fuji?
Just one and a half hours away from Tokyo, Hakone is a beautiful city on the side of Lake Ashi and surrounded by rolling mountains and onsen (hot springs). The city offers a variety of sights, from museums to cruises, all with a beautiful backdrop of Japan’s natural landscape.
With so much to do, here’s TokudAw’s guide to a perfect day exploring Hakone.
View of Mt Fuji on the drive to Hakone
8.00am – 10.00am: Drive to Hakone
The drive to Hakone from Tokyo is a beautiful road that takes you out of the big city and into the stunning, lush mountains of Japan. As you drive, you can catch a distant view of Mount Fuji, as well as pass by the iconic Tokyo Disney Hotel.
By leaving at 8am, traffic can be avoided, ensuring your trip is as smooth and efficient as possible.
Make time on your drive with a quick stop at various convenience stores on the way for a bathroom break or quick snack top up!
See the beautiful Japanese landscape on your trip
10.00am – 12.00pm: Hakone Open Air Museum
The Hakone Open Air Museum combines art with Japan’s natural surroundings. Founded in 1969, the museum Japan’s first ever outside, open-air museum, and spans across 70,000 square meters.
Inside you’ll find over 100 sculptures as well as the Picasso Pavilion, which houses over 300 pieces by the infamous French artist.
The museum has its own restaurant and café, souvenir shop, and perfect grounds for you and the family to stretch their legs out after a long drive.
A certain must-see for all visitors.
12.00pm – 1.55pm: Enjoy lunch at Togendai View Restaurant
A quick drive from the Open Air Museum, the Togendai station at Lake Ashi offers an incredible observation area to soak up some of Japan’s best scenery whilst having a meal.
The restaurant offers authentic dishes made with locally sources ingredients and cooked over a charcoal fire to offer the best of traditional meals from the region.
Indulge in unique handmade sweets and fun, pirate-themed drinks to recharge from the museum whilst gazing over the lake.
1.55pm – 2.40pm: Hakone Pirate Ship Cruise
At Togendai station, get your tickets for the special Hakone Pirate Ship Cruise that takes you from one end of Lake Ashi to the other.
Going from Togendai to Moto-Hakone stations, take this special opportunity to voyage over Lake Ashi on a very special pirate ship, decked out with three levels, on-board refreshments, and lots of fun pirate details.
And keep an eye out for Mount Fuji; the cruise offers the perfect view of the famous volcano!
Cruise through Lake Ashi
2.40pm – 3.10pm: Visit Hakone Shrine (Heiwa no Torii)
By taking the Hakone Pirate Ship Cruise to Moto-Hakone, you gain easy access to the renowned Hakone Shrine (also known as Heiwa no Torii).
Just a 15-minute walk away, this famous torii gate is submerged in the waters of Lake Ashi.
Although it has become a popular sight-seeing spot due to its beautiful backdrop and unique position within the Lake, it is also regarded as an important symbol of peace and resilience within Japan.
3.10pm – 5.00pm: Drive back to Tokyo
The later afternoons driving back to Tokyo can sometimes mean running into traffic. We recommend leaving before 3.30pm to avoid getting stuck in traffic jams and to get home in time for a quick refresh before dinner.
More iconic Japanese scenery to see
Get ready to explore
But getting to and from Hakone from Tokyo can be difficult and tiresome, with no direct trains into the heart of the town, and most visitors needing to take at least two trains and a bus.
Take the stress and hassle of transit away with TokudAw Inc.’s private in-house transport services. We can help you plan your itinerary, offer local recommendations, and make sure you can let yourself enjoy the ride.