There are lots of viewpoint to see Mount Fuji. Situated in the mountainous region of Kanagawa Prefecture, Hakone is a popular choice. It’s about 1.5 to 2-hour train ride from the city center. The Hakone Loop is a convenient way to tour around. It is a journey around the area that takes you on five types of transportation: bus, train, boat, ropeway and cable car. You buy a pass called the Hakone Free Pass, either a 2-day pass worth JPY 4,000 (USD 36, PHP 1,887) or 3-day pass for JPY 4,500 (USD 40.50, PHP 2,123).
I’m sharing with you the actual route we took.
Since it’s a day trip, we left Tokyo early. We hopped in the Shinkansen from Shinjuku Station to Odawara Station using our JR pass. At the station, we walked to the Odakyu Sightseeing Service Center to buy the Hakone Free Pass.
Tip: Hakone Free Pass can also be purchased online or from the automated ticketing machines at train stations.
1 – Hakone Tozan Train to Gora
From Odawara Station, catch the Hakone Tozan Train to Gora Station. There are stops in between if you wish to explore. Refer to the map that you shall receive upon purchasing the Hakone Free Pass. At this point, there is no sight of Mount Fuji yet. For now settle for some scenery along the way.
2 – Hakone Tozan Cable Car to Sounzan
After getting off the train, ride the cable car from Gora Station to the Hakone Ropeway that’ll take you up a mountainous area. It may get crowded though.
3 – Hakone Ropeway (Gondola) to Owakudani
At the top of the mountain, transfer to the ropeway. While in the line you’ll receive a face mask. It will be really helpful as you will be exposed to fart-like smell (sulfur) coming out from the mountain. Owakudani is an active volcanic valley, also called the Hell Valley. But from here you’ll enjoy the spectacular view of Mt Fuji.
The ropeway will stop where you can transfer to another gondola that takes you to Lake Ashi. But we didn’t transfer right away as we wanted to explore a little of the place.
Once you step out of the ropeway, walk your way outside. Take your time and enjoy the view. There’s a building with a restaurant where you can have a buffet lunch. Next to the restaurant is a souvenir shop, where you can also buy the famous black eggs. The eggs are boiled in natural spring water that contains sulfur and iron. It’s the boiling process that turns the egg shell black, but the egg itself looks and tastes like a normal hard-boiled egg. Legend holds that eating just one of these Owakudani black eggs can add 7 years to one’s life.
4 – Hakone Sightseeing Cruise
Go back to the ropeway to go to Togendai Station for the cruise. Board a pirate ship and enjoy a leisurely cruise along Lake Ashi. This lake is a volcanic crater lake which has beautiful views of the surrounding mountains. From here, you can also see the famous torii gates of the Hakone Shrine, and have another chance to get a glimpse of Mt Fuji if the weather still permits. Our ship docked at Hakonemachi Port.
Tip: Opt to dock at Motohakone Port to see the Hakone Shrine up close. We failed to do this.
5 – Hakone Tozan Bus to Odawara
It was already dark when we left Lake Ashi back to Odawara Station. From Odawara Station, just follow through the opposite direction to get you back to Tokyo.
Honestly, for a day trip it is a rushed journey. Depending on the lines, you may not experience all five transportation. And of course it’ll also depend on your stop overs. But remember, the highlight of your day should be to see Mount Fuji. I hope she decides to peep out from the clouds.
I recommend staying there for 2 days if you have time. Nevertheless, a 2-day pass for a day tour is still cheaper than buying individual tickets.
If you’re going soon, comment below.
With love,
Sugar
