Day trip from Tokyo: Hakone vol.1

By Yoshi, December 9, 2010

“Hakone” is part of the Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park, less than 100 kilometers from Tokyo. Famous for hot springs (“onsen”(温泉, おんせん)), natural beauty and the view of nearby Mt. Fuji, Hakone is one of the most popular destinations among Japanese and international tourists looking for a break from Tokyo.
　

　

　
It’s just 1.5 hours from Shinjuku To Hakone-yumoto by “Odakyu Ltd. Exp. Romancecar“. When you visit “Hakone”, I really recommend “Hakone Freepass“. It’s 5,000 yen from Shinjuku (Valid for 2 days included Tozan Railway, Tozan cablecar and Ropeway)
). *we need extra charge (870 yen) for “Odakyu Ltd. Exp. Romancecar”.
If you have ” the Japan Rail Pass”, they offer it from Odawara as well. There is Odakyu information desk near Odakyu West Exit at “Shnjuku Station”, ask staff about your best way to go there.
　

　
When you use “Odakyu Ltd. Exp. Romancecar”, please take “Super hakone (Type 50000 (VSE))”, the new Romancecar series. It’s very clean & comfortable :)
　

　
　

　
“Hakone” has been one of Japan’s most popular hot spring resorts for centuries. Nowadays, more than a dozen springs provide hot spring water to the many bath houses and ryokan in the Hakone region.
you can enjoy a hot spring bath in a public bath house or ryokan, and many ryokan open their baths not only to staying guests but also to daytime visitors. While staying guests can use the baths for free, daytime visitors pay an admission fee of typically between 500 and 2000 yen.
　

　
I’ll introduce some nice hot springs near “Hakone-yumoto” station, the gateway to “Hakone”.

Tenzan
Collection of nicely done hot spring pools, most of which are outdoors at the foot of a wooded slope. The bath house is a beautiful traditional Japanese style building. A short walk from Oku-Yumoto Iriguchi bus stop. >> More detail

Hakone Begonia Garden Himeshara Hot springs
Free shuttle bus service available from Hakone-yumoto station leaving every 10-15 minutes from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm. You can get discount with Hakone Freepass, at the entrance. >> More detail (Japanese)

Please don’t hesitate to go to “Onsen”, I’m sure you have a great experience there!

I’ll introduce other spots in “Hakone”. To be continued later!