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Convenient Travel with the Fuji Hakone Pass: Discover the Scenic Beauty and Attractions of Fuji and Hakone

When it comes to the representatives of the Kanto area, the Hakone and the Fuji areas are the top destinations. Hakone is renowned for its picturesque scenery and numerous attractions, including art museums, while the Fuji area offers breathtaking views of the majestic Mt. Fuji and a delightful blend of surrounding nature. Given the abundance of attractions spread across these areas, it's impossible to see everything in just a single day. Let’s introduce below a 2-night, 3-day itinerary using the convenient and economical Fuji Hakone Pass that focuses on the highlights from the Hakone area to Gotemba and up to the Fuji area.

What Is Fuji Hakone Pass?

A portion of the proceeds from ticket sales will be donated to Mt. Fuji conservation efforts.

【Day1】
Depart from Shinjuku Station to Hakone-Yumoto on the Odakyu Limited Express Romancecar!

Ride about 80 minutes on the direct Limited Express Romancecar from Shinjuku Station to Hakone-Yumoto, the gateway to Hakone. Relax in the comfortable reserved seats and enjoy the view through the large windows. As the scenery changes from the bustling metropolis to the suburbs, you’ll soon see Mt. Fuji, mountains, rice fields, and streams, eventually arriving at Hakone-Yumoto. The area around the Hakone-Yumoto Station is filled with souvenir shops and restaurants, creating a charming Japanese hot spring town atmosphere.

Take the Popular Train and Cable Car to Owakudani from Hakone-Yumoto

With the Fuji Hakone Pass, you have unlimited rides on eight different modes of transportation around Hakone. Simply show your pass and ride. When traveling in an unfamiliar area with multiple transfers, being able to ride by simply showing the pass makes things quite stress-free. As you head towards Owakudani from Hakone-Yumoto Station, enjoy the scenic ride as you transfer between the famous Hakone Tozan Train, the Hakone Tozan Cable Car, and the Hakone Ropeway, which offers an aerial view.

Walk Through a Volcanic Area / Owakudani

After leaving Sounzan Station on the Hakone Ropeway while enjoying the aerial views, you’ll approach Owakudani Station where you can see the volcanic area below. The sight of white smoke rising from the exposed earth is a must-see spot in Hakone. At the Owakudani Nature Trail (reservation required for entrance) near the Life Prolonging Jizo Statue, you can walk and closely observe the almost alien-like volcanic area, a truly unique landscape. Also, don’t forget to buy “Owakudani black eggs”! These eggs are boiled in the hot springs of Owakudani, and the spring's minerals turn the shells black during the process. Black eggs are not only delicious but are also said to be lucky as they extend your life by seven years if you eat one.

Up and Close to the Sightseeing Cruise(Pirate Ships) / Togendai, Northern Shore of Lake Ashi

From here, take the Hakone Ropeway to Togendai.
The ropeway from Owakudani passes through Ubako Station before reaching the terminal station, Togendai. This 30-minute aerial journey offers stunning views. At Togendai, you'll find various bus stops and of course, the Togendai Port for the Hakone Sightseeing Cruise. Use your convenient Fuji Hakone Pass to board the Hakone Sightseeing Cruise and enjoy a scenic cruise on the picturesque caldera lake, Lake Ashi which was formed by the Hakone Volcano.

Savor True Masterpieces of Glass Art / Hakone Venetian Glass Museum

To reach the museum, take the Hakone Tozan Bus from Togendai or Hakone Highway Bus towards Sengokuhara.
The bus ride takes about 20 minutes through mountainous roads and reaches the highlands surrounded by low mountains. Here, you'll find the Hakone Glass no Mori Museum, which specializes in Venetian glass. This museum exhibits masterpieces that enthralled European nobility from the 15th to 19th centuries, as well as works by contemporary glass artists. The Venetian-style garden is adorned with Swarovski decorations that shimmer in the breeze. Glass experience workshops are also recommended.

Rest Among the Delights of a Highland Resort / Hakone Highland Hotel

After enjoying the glass art, head to your hotel for the night, which is a short walk away.
This lodge-style hotel offers relaxation with hot springs and fine cuisine at its restaurant. Surrounded by about 49,000 square meters of gardens, the hotel features pleasant grassy areas, groves, and walking paths. Among nature, enjoy a luxurious morning waking up to the chirping of wild birds. The rooms are equipped with binoculars for birdwatching and comfortable sandals for strolling, making it an ideal highland resort.

More information about room plans

【Day 2】
Go Hunting for Great Bargains! / Gotemba Premium Outlets®

After checking out from the hotel, take the Tozan Bus to Gotemba Premium Outlets®.
The bus ride takes about 35 minutes to the outlet mall with a stunning view at the foot of Mt. Fuji. Enjoy shopping at Japan's largest shopping resort, with an array of stores. Shop to your heart's content while enjoying a view of Mt. Fuji.

Get Close to Mt. Fuji Among the Fuji Five Lakes / Lake Yamanaka

After enjoying shopping, take the Fujikyu Bus to the Mt. Fuji area.
The Fujikyu Bus travels along Lake Yamanaka, one of the Fuji Five Lakes (Kawaguchiko, Yamanakako, Saiko, Motosuko, and Shojiko). The Fuji Hakone Pass allows unlimited rides on the Fujikyu Bus from Gotemba to Fuji Five Lakes Area.
Around Lake Yamanaka, you can enjoy magnificent views of Mt. Fuji, the Nasugahara highlands at its foot, and the Southern Alps if the weather is clear. While you enjoy the scenery of the sacred mountain and nature, the bus will take you towards Oshino Hakkai, a place with the old-fashioned Japanese landscape.

Stroll through the Mystical Springs / Oshino Hakkai

Oshino Hakkai is a collection of eight spring-fed ponds in Oshino Village, designated as a national natural monument. The springs are fed by underground water from Mt. Fuji. In the past, people who worshipped Mt. Fuji purified themselves here before climbing the mountain. Enjoy the mystical water scenery with Mt. Fuji in the background, which is part of the World Heritage Site. After enjoying the picturesque scenery, take the Fujikyu Bus to Kawaguchiko Station.

Go Around A Treasure Trove of Scenic Spots/Lake Kawaguchi

Among the Fuji Five Lakes, Lake Kawaguchi has the longest shoreline and is known for its many scenic spots. Enjoy beautiful views of Mt. Fuji reflected in the lake, seasonal flowers, and more. After taking in the scenery of the mountain and the lake, head to your hotel.

Stay at a Hotel with a Great View / La Vista Fuji Kawaguchiko

From Kawaguchiko Station, take a taxi or the free shuttle to La Vista Fuji Kawaguchiko for your stay.
The hotel is located on a hill overlooking Lake Kawaguchi, offering spectacular views of Mt. Fuji and the lake from the rooms and the "view baths." The hotel features a French provence-style interior, large public baths with great views, and a restaurant offering delicious Western course meals.

【Day 3】
Take in a Collaboration of Mt. Fuji and Flowers / Oishi Park

On the third day, take Kawaguchiko Sightseeing Bus (Red Line) from near the hotel along Lake Kawaguchi to Oishi Park.
The park is located on the northern shore of Lake Kawaguchi and is said to be the best viewpoint of Mt. Fuji. The view is also known for its fields of nemophila in May, lavender from late June to mid-July, and kochia in the fall. The beautiful collaboration of the lake, Mt. Fuji, and flowers makes it a popular photo spot. During the annual "Kawaguchiko Herb Festival" from late June to mid-July, the park serves as the main venue. The park also houses the Kawaguchiko Natural Living Center, with a café and shop offering views of Mt. Fuji.

Experience the Scenic Walk in the Sky / Mt. Fuji Panoramic Ropeway

After visiting Oishi Park, take the Kawaguchiko Sightseeing Bus (Red Line) again and get off at the "Sightseeing Boat/Ropeway Ent.” bus stop. The ropeway ride to the summit of Tenjo Mountain takes about 3 minutes, offering stunning views. At the summit, enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of Mt. Fuji, the city, and the lake. The mountain is the setting of the famous Japanese folktale "Kachikachiyama." The summit features the "Rabbit Shrine" and "Tanuki Tea House" related to the story, along with observation decks, scenic towers, and a thrilling swing overlooking Mt. Fuji.

Experience a Ukiyo-e-like Scene / Arakurayama Sengen Park

After enjoying the panoramic views, take the Kawaguchiko Sightseeing Bus (Red Line) back to Kawaguchiko Station.
From Kawaguchiko Station, take the Fujikyu Railway to Shimoyoshida Station. Arakura Fuji Sengen Shrine is located on the hillside of Mt. Arakura, about a 5-minute walk from Shimoyoshida Station. From there, climb the stone steps to reach the Chureito Pagoda on the mountainside in about 30 minutes. The combination of Mt. Fuji and the red pagoda is popular among tourists for its picturesque beauty. You can enjoy ukiyo-e-like scenes with different views in each season, especially during the cherry blossom season when the pink flowers create a magical atmosphere.

Return to Tokyo with the Memories of Your Fuji Hakone Journey

On the way back, take the Fujikyu Railway from Shimoyoshida Station.
Board the JR/Fujikyu Railway direct express train "Fuji Excursion," which takes about 1 hour and 45 minutes to reach Shinjuku directly.
With various memories in your heart, head back to the city. Close your eyes, and you'll see the beautiful and majestic image of Mt. Fuji and the breathtaking scenery you experienced.
Don’t miss out on this two-night, three-day trip full of enjoyment with the Fuji Hakone Pass?

* The "Fuji Excursion" operates four round trips per day (check the website for additional trains).
*A separate express fare is required for the "Fuji Excursion" (check the Fujikyu Railway website for details).
*The Fuji Hakone Pass includes a regular fare ticket from Kawaguchiko Station to Otsuki Station. A separate regular fare ticket is required from Otsuki Station to Shinjuku Station.

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