Travel Info
Hakone – Lake Ashi Cruise & Owakudani
Travel Info
Mount Fuji Travel Info
SUMMARY
Hakone is one of Japan’s most popular destinations for hot springs, mountain scenery, and Mount Fuji views, located less than 100 km from Tokyo. Known for its relaxing atmosphere and beautiful landscapes, Hakone attracts visitors looking for a perfect day trip from Tokyo. Two of the most popular experiences in Hakone are cruising on Lake Ashi (Lake Ashinoko) aboard the famous pirate ship and visiting Owakudani, a volcanic valley known for its steaming vents, ropeway rides, and famous black eggs.
DESCRIPTION
Hakone (箱根) is a famous sightseeing area located within the Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park, known for its hot springs, natural scenery, and spectacular views of Mount Fuji on clear days. Because of its convenient location near Tokyo, Hakone has become one of the most popular destinations for both domestic and international travelers.
Lake Ashi (Lake Ashinoko)
One of the best ways to enjoy Lake Ashi is aboard the famous Hakone Pirate Ship Sightseeing Cruise. These unique pirate-themed ships operate between Moto-Hakone, Hakone-machi, and Togendai, offering beautiful views of the lake, surrounding mountains, and Mount Fuji on clear days. Each cruise takes approximately 25–30 minutes.
Near Moto-Hakone, visitors can find restaurants, cafés, souvenir shops, and the famous Hakone Shrine, which is located approximately a 15-minute walk from the cruise pier. The iconic red torii gate standing near the lakeshore is one of Hakone's most photographed landmarks.
Owakudani
Owakudani (大涌谷) is a volcanic valley formed during the last eruption of Mount Hakone around 3,000 years ago. Visitors can reach the area using the Hakone Ropeway, which connects Togendai, Owakudani, and Sounzan while offering spectacular views over the mountains and Lake Ashi.
At Owakudani, visitors can observe active volcanic steam vents and enjoy panoramic scenery. The area is also famous for its black eggs (Kuro Tamago), which are boiled in natural hot spring water and traditionally believed to add seven years to one's life.
On clear days, visitors can enjoy some of the best Mount Fuji views in Hakone. Please note that some hiking trails and volcanic zones may occasionally have access restrictions depending on volcanic activity and safety conditions.
Recommended Route:
• Take the Hakone Ropeway to Owakudani
• Explore Owakudani and enjoy volcanic views
• Continue to Togendai via Ropeway
• Board the Hakone Pirate Ship Cruise from Togendai to Moto-Hakone
• Walk to Hakone Shrine
• Visit Hakone Shrine and lakeside area
Lake Ashi (Lake Ashinoko)
One of the best ways to enjoy Lake Ashi is aboard the famous Hakone Pirate Ship Sightseeing Cruise. These unique pirate-themed ships operate between Moto-Hakone, Hakone-machi, and Togendai, offering beautiful views of the lake, surrounding mountains, and Mount Fuji on clear days. Each cruise takes approximately 25–30 minutes.
Near Moto-Hakone, visitors can find restaurants, cafés, souvenir shops, and the famous Hakone Shrine, which is located approximately a 15-minute walk from the cruise pier. The iconic red torii gate standing near the lakeshore is one of Hakone's most photographed landmarks.
Owakudani
Owakudani (大涌谷) is a volcanic valley formed during the last eruption of Mount Hakone around 3,000 years ago. Visitors can reach the area using the Hakone Ropeway, which connects Togendai, Owakudani, and Sounzan while offering spectacular views over the mountains and Lake Ashi.
At Owakudani, visitors can observe active volcanic steam vents and enjoy panoramic scenery. The area is also famous for its black eggs (Kuro Tamago), which are boiled in natural hot spring water and traditionally believed to add seven years to one's life.
On clear days, visitors can enjoy some of the best Mount Fuji views in Hakone. Please note that some hiking trails and volcanic zones may occasionally have access restrictions depending on volcanic activity and safety conditions.
Recommended Route:
• Take the Hakone Ropeway to Owakudani
• Explore Owakudani and enjoy volcanic views
• Continue to Togendai via Ropeway
• Board the Hakone Pirate Ship Cruise from Togendai to Moto-Hakone
• Walk to Hakone Shrine
• Visit Hakone Shrine and lakeside area
Access
The easiest way to reach Hakone is by train or highway bus from Tokyo and nearby cities.
By Car
For a more comfortable and hassle-free visit to Hakone, we recommend using Easy Travel sightseeing taxi to explore the Hakone area comfortably.
By Car
For a more comfortable and hassle-free visit to Hakone, we recommend using Easy Travel sightseeing taxi to explore the Hakone area comfortably.
Hours & Fees
Hakone Pirate Ship Cruise
Round Trip (Togendai ↔ Moto-Hakone):
• Adults: approximately ¥1,840
• Children: approximately ¥910
Hakone Ropeway
Round Trip (Togendai ↔ Owakudani):
• Adults: approximately ¥1,880
• Children: approximately ¥940
Hakone Free Pass
Highly recommended for visitors traveling around Hakone. The pass provides unlimited use of designated transportation within Hakone and discounts for selected attractions.
From Shinjuku:
• 2-Day Pass: available
• 3-Day Pass: available
※ Prices, schedules, and operating conditions may change. Please check the official websites for the latest information.
Round Trip (Togendai ↔ Moto-Hakone):
• Adults: approximately ¥1,840
• Children: approximately ¥910
Hakone Ropeway
Round Trip (Togendai ↔ Owakudani):
• Adults: approximately ¥1,880
• Children: approximately ¥940
Hakone Free Pass
Highly recommended for visitors traveling around Hakone. The pass provides unlimited use of designated transportation within Hakone and discounts for selected attractions.
From Shinjuku:
• 2-Day Pass: available
• 3-Day Pass: available
※ Prices, schedules, and operating conditions may change. Please check the official websites for the latest information.
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