Tokyo: Mt. Fuji, Hakone, Lake Ashi Cruise and Bullet Train – How to Plan Your Tour in Hakone

Are you planning a trip to Japan? If so, you should consider visiting Mt. Fuji, the highest mountain in Japan, and Hakone, a town known for its natural beauty and scenic views. The best way to maximize your time is with a day trip that includes a visit to Mt. Fuji 5th Station, the Owakudani Valley, a Hakone Ropeway ride, a Lake Ashi boat cruise, and a visit to Hakone Shrine. And the best part? You can get back to Tokyo in just 30 minutes on the bullet train. In this blog post, we’ll guide you on how to plan your tour to Hakone and make the most of your experience.

What to Expect on the Tour: Itinerary and Highlights

The tour begins at Shinjuku, a busy commercial and entertainment center in Tokyo. From here, you will head to Mt. Fuji 5th Station, which offers a breathtaking view of the mountain and its surroundings. You’ll make a quick stop here for a photo before continuing on to Shinobi No Sato Ninja Village for lunch. After lunch, you will visit the Owakudani Valley, where you can hike and take photos of the volcanic landscape. Next, you will take the Hakone Ropeway, which will give you a stunning view of Owakudani before taking you to Togendai and Lake Ashi. Here, you can take a boat cruise on Lake Ashi and enjoy the beautiful scenery. Finally, you will visit Hakone Shrine, famous for its Torii gate, which appears to be floating on the water. At the end of the tour, you will be taken to Odawara Station for a quick transfer to the bullet train that will take you back to Tokyo in just 30 minutes.

Meeting Point, Stops, and End Point

The meeting point for the tour is in Shinjuku, Tokyo. The main stops on the tour include Mt. Fuji 5th Station, Shinobi No Sato Ninja Village, Owakudani Valley, Hakone Ropeway, Lake Ashi, and Hakone Shrine. There will also be a quick transfer at Odawara Station. The tour ends in Tokyo.

Experience and Duration

The tour will last approximately 7.5 hours, and you will be accompanied by an English-speaking guide. The tour includes an air-conditioned vehicle with Wi-Fi and pickup at the meeting point.

Booking Your Tour

If you’re interested in this tour, you can book it online at getyourguide.com as it offers a safe and reliable platform to book tours. It’s easy to book, and you won’t have to worry about anything. Just click on the following link to book your tour: Book Your Tour Here

Book Your Tour Now

If you’re planning a trip to Japan, a day tour to Hakone is a must-do. The tour includes a visit to the stunning Mt. Fuji, the scenic Owakudani Valley, a ride on the Hakone Ropeway, a boat cruise on Lake Ashi, and a visit to the iconic Hakone Shrine. And the best part? You can get back to Tokyo in just 30 minutes on the bullet train. So, go ahead, book your tour, and get ready to experience the wonders of Hakone – you won’t be disappointed.

Frequently Asked Questions About Hakone

Introduction

Hakone is a small town located in the Fuji Hakone Izu National Park in Japan. Hakone is a popular tourist destination due to its beautiful scenery, natural hot springs, and close proximity to Mount Fuji. In this post, we’ll answer some of the most frequently asked questions about Hakone to help you plan your visit.

1. How do I get to Hakone?

Hakone is conveniently located about 100 kilometers southwest of Tokyo, Japan. The easiest way to get to Hakone is by taking the bullet train (Shinkansen) from Tokyo Station to Odawara Station. From Odawara, you can take a bus or train to Hakone. The trip takes about 90 minutes.

If you have a Japan Rail Pass, you can use it to travel on the Shinkansen to Odawara for free. Another option is to take a highway bus from Shinjuku Station in Tokyo directly to Hakone. The bus takes about two hours and costs around 2,000 yen.

2. When is the best time to visit Hakone?

The best time to visit Hakone is in the spring (March to May) or autumn (September to November) when the weather is mild and the scenery is beautiful. During these months, the cherry blossoms and the fall foliage are at their peak, which makes for stunning photo opportunities.

However, Hakone is beautiful year-round and each season offers its own unique attractions. In the summer (June to August), you can enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking and boating on Lake Ashi. In the winter (December to February), you can soak in a hot spring bath while surrounded by snow-covered mountains.

3. What are the top attractions in Hakone?

Hakone offers a variety of attractions for tourists to enjoy. Here are some of the top must-see attractions:

1. Mount Fuji: One of Japan’s most iconic landmarks, Mount Fuji is visible from many parts of Hakone, and there are several viewpoints to enjoy the stunning view.
2. Hakone Open-Air Museum: This museum features a large outdoor sculpture garden as well as indoor exhibitions of modern and contemporary art.
3. Owakudani: A volcanic valley with hot springs, steam vents, and sulfur vents. Visitors can take a cable car to the top and enjoy the views of Mount Fuji and Lake Ashi.
4. Lake Ashi: A scenic lake that can be toured by boat. The lake offers stunning views of Mount Fuji and the surrounding mountains.
5. Hakone Shrine: A Shinto shrine located on the shore of Lake Ashi. The shrine is known for the torii gate that stands in the lake and offers great views of the surrounding area.

4. What are some recommended hot springs in Hakone?

Hakone is known for its natural hot springs (onsen), which are perfect for relaxing after a long day of sightseeing. Here are three recommended hot springs to visit:

1. Tenzan Tohji-kyo: This hot spring features several different types of baths, including indoor and outdoor options, as well as a sauna.
2. Kappa Tengoku: This hot spring features a large outdoor bath with a stunning view of the mountains and Lake Ashi.
3. Yunessun: This unique hot spring features several themed baths, including a wine bath, a coffee bath, and a sake bath.

5. Is it possible to hike in Hakone?

Yes, there are several hiking trails in Hakone that offer scenic views of Mount Fuji and the surrounding mountains. One popular hiking trail is the Hakone Hiking Trail, which runs from Hakone Yumoto Station to Moto-Hakone. The trail is about eight kilometers long and takes about three hours to complete.

Another popular hiking trail is the Daigatake Loop Trail, which is about two kilometers long and takes about an hour to complete. This trail offers stunning views of Lake Ashi.

Book Your Tour Now

Hakone is a beautiful town that offers a wide variety of attractions for tourists to enjoy. Whether you’re interested in hiking, relaxing in a hot spring, or appreciating art, there is something for everyone in Hakone. Hopefully, this FAQ has helped answer some of your questions about visiting Hakone, Japan.

How to spend your time as a tourist in Hakone

Are you planning a trip to Japan and wondering what to do in Hakone? Look no further! This small town in the Kanagawa prefecture is a popular destination for tourists seeking relaxation, nature, and culture. Here’s a guide on how to spend your time as a tourist in Hakone.

1. Take a ride on the Hakone Ropeway

The Hakone Ropeway is a cable car that takes you on a 30-minute ride through the mountains and over the volcanic valleys. The view is breathtaking, especially on clear days when you can see Mount Fuji in the distance. The Ropeway has three stations, and you can get off at any of them to explore the surroundings. The first station is Sounzan, which is at the base of Mount Hakone. The second station is Owakudani, a volcanic valley with steaming vents and sulfuric smells. And the third and final station is Togendai, where you can take a boat ride on Lake Ashi.

2. Enjoy a boat ride on Lake Ashi

Lake Ashi is a scenic lake that was formed in the caldera of a volcano. It has a circumference of about 19 kilometers and is surrounded by mountains and forests. You can take a boat ride from Togendai Station to Hakone-machi or Moto-Hakone, two small towns on the eastern shore of the lake. During the ride, you’ll have great views of Mount Fuji, the torii gate of Hakone Shrine, and the surrounding landscapes.

3. Visit the Hakone Open-Air Museum

The Hakone Open-Air Museum is a unique museum that showcases contemporary sculptures from all over the world. The museum has a vast park with outdoor galleries where you can walk around and admire the artwork. There are also several indoor galleries, including one dedicated to the works of French sculptor Auguste Rodin. The museum has a cafe, a gift shop, and a footbath where you can relax while enjoying the sculptures.

4. Soak in an onsen

Onsen is the Japanese term for hot springs, and Hakone is famous for them. There are many ryokans (traditional Japanese inns) and hotels that have their own onsen, but there are also public onsen that you can visit. The most famous public onsen in Hakone is Tenzan Tohji-kyo, a facility that has several indoor and outdoor hot spring baths, saunas, and a restaurant. Another popular public onsen is Yunessun, which offers unique themed baths such as a green tea bath or a sake bath.

5. Visit Hakone Shrine

Hakone Shrine is a Shinto shrine located on the shores of Lake Ashi. It was founded in the 8th century and is dedicated to the god of the mountains. The shrine has several buildings, including a gate, a main hall, and a museum. The most famous feature of the shrine is its torii gate, which stands in the middle of the lake and is a symbol of Hakone. You can visit the shrine and walk around its beautiful gardens and forested areas.

6. Explore the Old Tokaido Road

The Old Tokaido Road was a historical road that connected Tokyo (formerly Edo) and Kyoto during the Edo period (1603-1868). The road passed through Hakone and had several post towns where travelers could rest and eat. Today, parts of the Old Tokaido Road have been preserved, and you can walk along them and see the traditional houses, shops, and landmarks. Some of the most popular post towns to visit in Hakone are Moto-Hakone, Hakone-machi, and Hatajuku. In conclusion, Hakone is a beautiful and diverse destination that offers something for every type of tourist. Whether you want to enjoy the natural beauty, soak in a hot spring, or immerse yourself in the culture, Hakone has it all. Use this guide to plan your itinerary and make the most of your time in this charming town.