Hey everyone. So I’m planning an overnight stay in Hakone from Tokyo, but ideally I’d like to leave for Yokohama first thing in the morning the next day, so I was wandering if the typical Lake Ashi “loop” is possible to do in a day?
Starting from Hakone-Yumoto at around 9-10am > Gora > Ropeway to Owakudani > ropeway to Lake Ashi (Togendai) > Cross the Lake to Hakone Checkpoint > Tearoom/Dinner > bus back to Gora (accomodation).
Seems like most tourist spots, like the checkpoint, shut up shop at around 5 in Hakone so I’m curious if I’ll miss anything. The next morning I’d like to leave first thing for Yokohama but I can probably squeeze in some nearby spots that I might’ve missed instead if needs be.
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Based on my experience last year, definitely doable. I did the reverse where I left from hakone shrine at 10ish ->then took the pirate ship to the ropeway lake ashI -> then ropeway to owakudani where we stayed for about an hour (ate charcoal ice cream) -> then took the rope way to the scenery train -> then took the regular subway (2-2.5hr ride) back to Tokyo -> we arrived at around 5ish. Therefore the whole loop defin takes less than 6hrs ( note you prob need to spend 1hr lining up for the hakone shrine)
Keep in mind at times there are planned ropeway maintenance shutdowns, unpredictable wind and weather holds on that two stage gondola. If you search thru the interwebz.. the operator has a website showing status. There are webcams and updates are on TV screens along stations and key points of f Hakone as this part of the journey is a big part of the ‘loop’. I have no idea the time of year you plan to visit the area
Edit..it would be a real shame if you tour the region without taking in an Onsen while you are there ♨️
Doable, just did this on a recent trip and added in stops like the open air museum, lunch at Owakudani, and dessert at some cafe.
Be prepared, the bus ride is windy and you can get nauseous. They were also packed when I went, which made things annoying since it was one door for entry/exit.
Take note of the timetable for the Lake Ashi pirate ship.
Just did it on Saturday! Highlight of the trip.
Did it solo in one day just last week.
Started off with the open air museum then hit the cable car then rope cars. Only thing I missed out on was hitting up an onsen as I was pretty knackered by the end of it.
Still a very good day.
We did it last week, long day but easily doable
I was looking at doing this next week. The good news is Mt Fuji/Fuji-san has fresh snow on it, so it doesn’t look so bald..