This two-day plan follows the natural shape of Hakone. Day 1 climbs the classic loop, from the Open-Air Museum at Gora up over the volcanic valley of Owakudani by ropeway, then a pirate-ship cruise across Lake Ashi to the floating torii of Hakone Shrine. Day 2 slows the pace with the lake's imperial gardens, a soak in the onsen, and a final wander before heading back. Buy a Hakone Free Pass to ride everything, start early to beat both crowds and afternoon haze, and save any stop to drop it straight into your own itinerary.
2 Days in Hakone: The Perfect Itinerary
Day 1
The Classic Hakone Loop
Must visit
09:30Museum5.0
Hakone Open-Air Museum
Start at Japan's first open-air museum, where sculptures by Picasso, Henry Moore, and others are set against the mountains. The Picasso Pavilion and the stained-glass Symphonic Sculpture are highlights.
Tip: It is a short walk from Chokoku-no-Mori station on the Hakone Tozan railway. Allow about two hours.
12:00Restaurant4.0
Fujiya Hotel
Detour to Japan's oldest Western-style resort hotel for its famous curry lunch in the historic dining room, a slice of Meiji-era atmosphere amid landscaped gardens.
Tip: The restaurant serves lunch around 11:30am-2:00pm; arrive early to avoid the wait.
13:30Transport
Hakone Ropeway
Board the aerial ropeway at Sounzan and float over the mountains, with sweeping views of Mount Fuji, Lake Ashi, and the steaming volcanic valley below.
Tip: Sit facing forward toward Owakudani. Check the ropeway status before you go, as it can close during volcanic activity.
14:15Activity
Owakudani Valley
Step off at Owakudani, the active volcanic valley of sulphur vents and bubbling pools. Eat a kuro-tamago, a black egg boiled in the hot springs, said to add seven years to your life.
Tip: The sulphur smell is strong but harmless. Eggs come in bags of five, perfect for sharing.
Must visit
15:30Activity
Lake Ashi (Ashinoko)
Continue down to Togendai and cross the crater lake on a replica pirate-ship cruise, with Mount Fuji as the backdrop on clear days.
Tip: Sit on the left side for the best Fuji views, and use your Free Pass for the ride.
Must visit
16:30Shrine
Hakone Shrine
Finish at the lakeside shrine, walking through ancient cedars to the famous vermilion torii standing in the water, one of Japan's most photographed scenes.
Tip: Late afternoon light is lovely, but for a crowd-free torii photo return early the next morning.
Day 2
Lake, Gardens & Onsen
Must visit
08:00Shrine
Hakone Shrine
Return to the floating torii at dawn, when the water is still and the gate often mirrors perfectly, before the queue forms by mid-morning.
Tip: Arrive before 8am for empty shots; calm morning water creates the best reflections.
09:30Park4.0
Onshi-Hakone-Koen Park
Stroll the former imperial villa grounds on a promontory jutting into Lake Ashi, with manicured gardens and some of the area's clearest views of Mount Fuji and the lake.
Tip: Entry is free and the grounds are open all day, an easy peaceful start to the morning.
11:30Park4.0
Hakone Gora Park
Head up to this French-style hilltop garden with a rose garden, tropical greenhouse, and a free herbal foot bath with panoramic mountain views.
Tip: Free with the Hakone Free Pass. The foot bath is a welcome rest for tired legs.
Must visit
14:00Onsen
Hakone Onsen (Day Visit)
Spend the afternoon soaking in Hakone's signature hot springs, choosing a day-use onsen with both indoor and outdoor baths to round off the trip.
Tip: Day-use packages run roughly 1,100-2,500 yen; bring or rent a towel and allow two to three hours.
FAQ
- Can you do the Hakone loop in one day?
- Yes. If you start by mid-morning and keep moving, the museum, ropeway, Owakudani, Lake Ashi cruise, and Hakone Shrine fit into a single full day. A second day simply lets you add the lakeside gardens and a proper onsen soak without rushing.
- Which direction should I do the Hakone loop?
- Most visitors go anti-clockwise from Hakone-Yumoto: Tozan railway up to Gora, cablecar to Sounzan, ropeway over Owakudani to Togendai, then the lake cruise to Hakone-machi or Moto-Hakone and a bus back. Either direction works; this avoids the worst queues at the ropeway.
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