A Hakone day trip from Tokyo is one of the best ways to escape the busy city and experience Japan’s mountains, hot springs, lakes and spectacular natural scenery in a single day. Located just a couple of hours from central Tokyo, Hakone offers a refreshing change of pace while giving visitors plenty to see and do.
For travellers who want to make the most of their day, exploring Hakone by private vehicle makes it easier to visit several highlights without worrying about changing trains or carrying luggage between different attractions.
Enjoy Beautiful Views of Mt. Fuji
One of Hakone’s biggest attractions is its stunning scenery, particularly on clear days when you can see Mt. Fuji rising above the surrounding landscape.
Lake Ashi and the Hakone area offer several scenic viewpoints, although visibility depends heavily on weather conditions. Even if clouds hide the mountain, the surrounding forests, mountains and lake still make the journey worthwhile.
A private vehicle also makes it easier to stop at scenic viewpoints when conditions are good, rather than being restricted to a fixed sightseeing route.
Cruise Across Lake Ashi
Lake Ashi is at the heart of Hakone and is surrounded by mountains and forest. Taking a sightseeing cruise is a relaxing way to experience the landscape from the water.
The cruise is particularly enjoyable on a clear day, when you may be able to see Mt. Fuji in the distance. One of the most recognisable sights along the lake is the red torii gate of Hakone Shrine, which appears to stand directly in the water.
If you’re visiting Hakone for the first time, combining a lake cruise with the area’s other attractions creates a varied day of sightseeing.
Explore the Volcanic Landscape of Owakudani
For something completely different, head to Owakudani, a volcanic valley created by the last eruption of Mount Hakone around 3,000 years ago.
Steam rises from the rocky landscape, creating an impressive and otherworldly atmosphere. Visitors can explore the area around the station and try Hakone’s famous black eggs, which are boiled in the area’s naturally hot volcanic water.
Owakudani is also another popular location for Mt. Fuji views, weather permitting.
Visit Hakone Shrine
Set among the forest beside Lake Ashi, Hakone Shrine is one of the area’s most atmospheric cultural attractions.
The shrine is famous for its large red torii gate standing in the lake, while the main shrine buildings are surrounded by tall cedar trees. Walking through the forest to the shrine provides a peaceful contrast to the busier sightseeing areas.
It’s an excellent place to add a little traditional Japanese culture to a day focused on Hakone’s natural scenery.
Discover Art in the Mountains
Hakone is also well known for its museums, making it easy to combine nature with art and culture.
The Hakone Open-Air Museum is particularly popular, with sculptures displayed throughout a large outdoor setting surrounded by mountains. The combination of art and scenery makes it very different from a traditional indoor museum.
Depending on your interests, you could spend more time exploring the museums or prioritise Hakone’s outdoor attractions instead.
Enjoy a Relaxed Local Lunch
A day in Hakone wouldn’t be complete without trying some local food. Depending on where you stop, you can find soba noodles, tofu dishes, Japanese set meals and seasonal mountain ingredients.
The area around Lake Ashi and Hakone’s traditional towns has plenty of places to stop for lunch or a coffee break.
With a private tour, you can also plan your sightseeing around your preferred lunch time rather than having to fit your meal into a fixed timetable.
Why Take a Private Hakone Day Trip from Tokyo?
Hakone is relatively close to Tokyo, but fitting several attractions into one day can involve multiple forms of transport and careful planning.
A private tour with Hire Taxi Japan gives you a comfortable vehicle for the journey and allows you to travel between Hakone’s main attractions without repeatedly navigating public transport.
It’s particularly convenient for families, groups and travellers who want a more relaxed sightseeing experience. Your itinerary can also be arranged around the places you are most interested in, whether that’s Mt. Fuji views, Lake Ashi, Hakone Shrine, Owakudani, museums or a combination of them.
For a scenic escape from Tokyo, travelling by private vehicle also turns the journey itself into part of the experience.
Make Hakone Your Escape from Tokyo
A Hakone day trip from Tokyo offers an ideal combination of mountains, volcanic scenery, cultural attractions, art and Lake Ashi. With so much to see, a little planning can make a big difference to how much you can enjoy in one day.
For a comfortable and flexible experience, a private tour lets you focus on discovering Hakone rather than worrying about how to get from one attraction to the next.
