A Hakone Day Trip with Mt Fuji & Onsen

After spending a few days exploring Tokyo, we decided to slow things down a bit, leave the city and take a day trip to Hakone, a region known for its scenery, views of Mt Fuji and relaxing Onsen baths.

We got the Hakone Free Pass prior to the trip, which conveniently covers all transport in the area, the only extra we had to do was to upgrade to the express train to the area, the Romancecar. The pass covers the regular train, however the express is faster, has less stops, comfortable seats, large windows to watch the scenery and goes all the way into the area with nil changes, so at an extra 1200 yen per adult, we decided it was worth it. 

We again travelled to the crazy busy station of Shinjuku where we boarded the Romancecar and left Tokyo behind. A few days previously, as we travelled onboard the Shinkansen to Tokyo we had tried to see Mt Fuji however the clouds had hidden the mountain that day. On this occasion however, it was clear and we managed to get some great views over it from the train.

Upon arrival, we quickly got in line to catch the Hakone Tozan Bus, where we unfortunately were forced to stand the entire windy road, until we got to out destination, Motohakone-Ko. Here we stepped off and walked along the shores of Lake Ashinoko towards the famous Hakone Jinja, or Peace Torii. This is a bright red torii gate that sits in the lake and is one of the more famous points for getting photo taken. We wandered to the torii and the line was ridiculous long with everyone wanting their perfect “instagram” photo, we stepped to the side, took a few snaps and then walked back towards the lake to catch a Pirate Ship across the lake.  

As we got to the pier, Suz took Xander and Eloise across the road for some 7Eleven snacks whilst I was trying to figure out where and when the next ship was departing. I also saw that there was a very large line of people waiting to get onboard the ship, however saw that the First class or VIP section was almost empty. So, since it wasn’t all that much extra, I paid extra to upgrade and this way we were guaranteed to get on this ship, but also were able to sit at the very front of the ship.

I surprised Suz and the kids and we got onto the ship and enjoyed our unobstructed views over the lake and also of Mt Fuji, which was still fully visible against a cloudless sky, not a very common sight at this time of the year. 

From here we we caught the Hakone Ropeway up to Ōwakudani, an active volcanic area that’s well known for steaming vents and strong sulphurous smells. Once here we had to try the famous black eggs, which are said to add seven years to your life. We got a 4-pack and although I was expecting to eat at least three of them, I was surprised when both Xander and Eloise both finished their eggs, so all of us have additional years, nice!

We followed this up with some other food and then of course an ice cream for dessert, but not just any ice cream but black vanilla ice cream which turned both Xander and Eloise into Goth kids with black lips and mouths, lucky is was only temporarily. 

After lunch we continued our Hakone tour by first catching the ropeway to Sōunzan where we transferred to the Hakone Tozan Cable Car down to Gōra. While waiting for the Tozan Train, we watched a couple of monkeys approaching the station along the tracks. As they got to the platform, two young children ran towards them and the monkeys lashed out against them, causing them to run away screaming, well they are wild animals. 

Back in Hakone, we decided it was time for a some rest, so after walking up many many stairs, we finally arrived at Kappa Tengoku Onsen, a traditional Japanese hot spring bath. Suz and Eloise went off towards the ladies section (baths are separated by gender as everyone has to be naked for this). I tried to get Xander to tag along with me however he wasn’t keen and decided to sit this one out. This was out first proper onsen experience in Japan and it was very relaxing to sit in the hot water and just relax. A very peaceful and enjoyable way to end out stay at Hakone. 

Feeling relaxed, we grabbed a few cold drinks (beer for me and a Suntory Vodka/fruit drink for Suz) and got back onto the Romancecar to start our trip back to Shinjuku and Tokyo. We had a great day trip to the Hakone area and found it very easy to do, without any stress at all!