Today, we embarked on an exploration of Hakone, and this map provided a comprehensive overview of the various modes of transportation available to traverse the area.
We started the day at The Hakone Open-Air Museum. Within a vast garden area, numerous captivating sculptures and installations are scattered, complemented by a few indoor exhibits, one of which exclusively showcases Picasso’s work. Adjacent to the exit stands a charming Western-style restaurant, while a cozy café nestled within the grounds offers additional dining options. Admission is free with the Hakone Free Pass.
We spent approximately 2 hours there, with the majority of our time at the Net Area. The Hakone Open-Air Museum’s Woods of Net features interactive sculptures and installations specifically crafted for kids to climb, explore, and interact with. The playground incorporates elements of art, such as colourful structures and whimsical designs, making it both fun and educational.
We drove back to the hotel and opted to leave our car at the hotel and fully utilize the Hakone 2-day Free Pass, which we purchased via klook. This pass allowed us to explore Hakone using various modes of transportation detailed in the map.
The Hakone Free Pass is a convenient and cost-effective way to explore the Hakone region’s attractions and transportation options. This pass provides unlimited access to various modes of transportation within the Hakone area, including trains, buses, cable cars, ropeways, and sightseeing cruises on Lake Ashi. Additionally, it offers discounted or free admission to popular attractions such as Hakone Shrine, Hakone Open-Air Museum, and the Pola Museum of Art.
Travelers can choose from various durations for their Hakone Free Pass, ranging from 2 to 3 days, allowing for flexibility in planning their itinerary. The pass can also be purchased at major train stations in the Tokyo area, as well as at designated locations within the Hakone region.
We opted for a leisurely stroll from Hyatt Regency Hakone to Kami Gora Station, which was approximately a 15-minute walk away. From there, we boarded the Hakone Tozan Cable Car, which took us to Sounzan Station, marking the start of our scenic journey through Hakone.
Upon reaching Sounzan Station, the final stop, we transferred to the Hakone Ropeway.
Our destination was Owakudani Station (OH63), where we explored the volcanic valley and savored the famous Black Egg delicacy.
There were quite a number of restaurants here so you could settle your lunch here. We skipped it as we were still quite full from breakfast.
After our volcanic adventure at Owakudani Station, we boarded the Ropeway, for Togendai for the Hakone Sightseeing Cruise on Lake Ashi.
We decided to have lunch at Togendai Port first before boarding.
Boarding the cruise at Togendai Port, we enjoyed scenic views and stopped at Motohakone-ko (OH67), home to the Hakone-jinja Shrine.
After departing from the cruise, we stopped by the cafe at the town for tea break.
We then walked over to the iconic Torii Gate to take some pictures before returning to Hakone-Yumoto Station via the Hakone Tozan Bus (K, R, H routes), concluding our day of exploration.
Do note the timing for the buses for you to plan accordingly. This was our timetable when we were there and might be subjected to changes.
