Hakone-Yumoto
Gora
Owakudani
Lake Ashi
Sightseeing Guides
Hakone in 2 Days — The Perfect Guide: Gora Stay, Romancecar & Hakone Freepass Highlights
Hakone in 2 Days: Travel by Romancecar and explore with the Hakone Freepass.
Stay in Gora for art and relaxation, visit the Hakone Open-Air Museum, and enjoy iconic sights like Owakudani, Lake Ashi, and Hakone Shrine.
This itinerary offers a stress-free, well-balanced trip—perfect for a refreshing getaway from Tokyo.
Plan your route with the Hakone Freepass and ride the Romancecar from Shinjuku.
Romancecar Tickets & Timetable
Day 1｜Hakone Arrival — Romancecar Ride, Gora Stay & Art Highlights
Store Your Luggage at Hakone-Yumoto and Continue by the Hakone Tozan Train
Upon arrival at Hakone-Yumoto Station, make your sightseeing easier by using the Hakone Luggage Transport Service to send your bags to the hotel. Travel hands-free and board the Hakone Tozan Train—a charming mountain railway—toward Gora. The ride features switchbacks and forested views, making the journey part of the fun.
Send Your Luggage Ahead (Hakone Luggage Transport Service)
Once you’ve lightened your load, it’s time to continue your journey aboard the Hakone Tozan Train. This unique mountain railway climbs the hills using a rare switchback system, zigzagging its way up the slopes.
Along the way, enjoy views of scenic valleys and seasonal nature through the windows as you ride deeper into Hakone’s landscape. Surrounded by quintessential Hakone scenery, make your way toward your next stop—the Hakone Open-Air Museum.
A Moment with Art at the Hakone Open-Air Museum
Before heading to your hotel, stop by the Hakone Open-Air Museum, where art blends beautifully with nature. Explore over 100 outdoor sculptures and don’t miss the Symphonic Sculpture, a stunning stained-glass tower you can climb for panoramic views. It’s an inspiring introduction to Hakone’s unique culture.
Suggested time: 90-120 minutes
One highlight not to miss is the iconic stained-glass tower, the Symphonic Sculpture by Gabriel Loire, where vivid colors of light create a truly magical atmosphere.
Early in your journey, enjoy this uniquely Hakone-style art experience at a relaxed pace. For lunch, you can opt for a light meal at the museum café or enjoy a more leisurely break at the buffet-style restaurant. With so much to see, you can easily spend half a day here.
Travel to Gora & Check In at Hakone Yutowa
After enjoying your time at the museum, make your way to Hakone Yutowa in the Gora area.
Unwind and refresh before setting out for Day 2’s classic Hakone highlights.
Hakone-Yumoto → Chokoku-no-Mori (Hakone Tozan Train): approx. 40 minutes
Hakone Open-Air Museum: approx. 120 minutes
Gora area stroll & check-in: a relaxed afternoon pace
Click here for room options and plans
Day 2 | Owakudani, Lake Ashi & Hakone Shrine
Send your large luggage from the hotel to Hakone-Yumoto Station for a hassle-free day.
The Hakone Luggage Transport Service delivers bags both ways—station to hotel and hotel to station.
Pick up your luggage at Hakone-Yumoto Station between 1:30 PM and 6:30 PM(same-day delivery), so you can enjoy sightseeing without the extra weight.
Learn More About Luggage Service
Start Your Morning with a Scenic Ride from Gora to Owakudani
Begin at Gora Station on the Hakone Tozan Cable Car, then transfer at Sounzan Station to the Hakone Ropeway.
Owakudani – Hakone’s Iconic Volcanic Landscape
Don’t miss the view from the new observation deck “EARTH VALLEY”, where you can take in the steaming vents and rugged terrain.
A must-try local specialty is the black eggs (Kuro-tamago), boiled in the hot springs—legend says eating one adds seven years to your life!
Easily accessible via the Hakone Ropeway, Owakudani is a highlight you simply can’t skip on your Hakone adventure.
Experience Lake Ashi on the Hakone Sightseeing Cruise
After exploring Owakudani, return to the Hakone Ropeway and ride to Togendai Station.
From here, board the Hakone Sightseeing Cruise and sail across Lake Ashi, enjoying the fresh mountain breeze.
If conditions are right, you’ll be treated to breathtaking views of Mount Fuji from the deck as you approach Hakone-machi and Moto-Hakone—a panorama that truly defines the Hakone experience.
Relax and savor this unforgettable boat journey through Hakone’s natural beauty.
Lunch at Ashinoko Chaya
The menu features Japanese dishes, perfect for a light and satisfying meal during your journey.
It’s also an ideal lunch spot before visiting Hakone Shrine, making it a convenient stop to recharge.
Visit Hakone Shrine & the Iconic Lakeside Torii Gate
From Moto-Hakone, it’s about a 10-minute walk to reach the shrine.
Stroll along the cedar-lined approach to the main hall, then head to the famous “Torii of Peace” standing gracefully by the lakeshore.
This photogenic spot attracts many visitors, so if you want to avoid crowds, aim for early morning or late afternoon.
In front of this iconic view that symbolizes Hakone, enjoy a moment that’s perfect for ending your journey on a high note.
Stroll Through Hakone-Yumoto Shopping Street
This historic shopping street is lined with traditional shops offering Yosegi woodcraft, Japanese tenugui hand towels, and sweet treats like manju—perfect for bringing home a piece of Hakone’s charm.
Return to Tokyo on the Romancecar
Relax in spacious seats and enjoy the scenic views as you reflect on your journey.
With direct service to central Tokyo, you can avoid transfers and carry the memories of Hakone all the way home.
Owakudani: approx. 30–60 minutes
Owakudani → Moto-Hakone (via Ropeway & Sightseeing Cruise): approx. 60-100 minutes
Hakone Shrine: approx. 60 minutes
Motohakone → Hakone-Yumoto Station (Hakone Tozan Bus): approx. 40 minutes
Hakone-Yumoto Shopping Street stroll: approx. 60 minutes
Hakone-Yumoto Station → Shinjuku (Odakyu Romancecar): approx. 90 minutes
Total: approx. 7–8 hours (Lunch time not included)
Trip Summary
Travel in style on the Odakyu Romancecar, and explore iconic spots like the Hakone Open-Air Museum, Owakudani, Lake Ashi, and Hakone Shrine without feeling rushed.