Shinjuku to Kawaguchiko and Hakone in 3 Days: Enjoy Cycling, Hot Springs, and Scenic Routes

• Table of Contents
• A 2-Night 3-Day Trip to Explore Lake Kawaguchiko and Hakone
• Day 1: From Shinjuku Bus Terminal to Lake Kawaguchiko 
• Day 1: Cycling with Mount Fuji Views and Houtou Noodle Lunch
• Day 1: Stay at "THE SENSE FUJI" A Villa with Natural Hot Springs
• Day 2: Gotemba Premium Outlets and Strolling Around Hakone
• Day 3: End Your Trip with Stunning Views and Art in Hakone
• Day 3: Enjoy Hakone and Head Back to Tokyo
• Make the Best Memories at Lake Kawaguchiko and Hakone 

A 2-Night 3-Day Trip to Explore Lake Kawaguchiko and Hakone

Did you know that it is possible to travel between all of these tourist destinations in under two hours? The shortest route from Tokyo to Lake Kawaguchiko is 90 minutes by express bus, from Lake Kawaguchiko to Hakone it takes 60 minutes by car, and from Hakone to Tokyo it takes 90 minutes by Odakyu Romancecar?

The "Tokyo to Lake Kawaguchiko" and "Tokyo to Hakone" routes are both popular tourist destinations, so there are many train and bus services available. However , if you start from "Tokyo", there are many trains and buses, and although it is convenient, you have to go through Tokyo once to travel between each tourist destination, which can be a waste of time.

In this article, we will introduce a recommended itinerary that will allow you to efficiently tour each area of ​​the most popular tourist destinations without wasting time .

Day 1: From Shinjuku Bus Terminal to Lake Kawaguchiko 

It takes 90 minutes by express bus from Shinjuku to Lake Kawaguchiko, or just under 2 hours by train. For more information on specific transportation options, please read the following article.

Busta Shinjuku, where express buses depart

Day 1: Cycling with Mount Fuji Views and Houtou Noodle Lunch

Fujikanko Travel , located right in front of Kawaguchiko Sta. , offers Bicycle rental and luggage storage services. Leave your luggage and enjoy a light trip around Lake Kawaguchiko! If the weather is nice, we recommend touring around by Bicycle rental.

Yamanashi's Local Dish: Houtou

Hoto is a local dish representative of Yamanashi Prefecture, made by simmering thick, flat noodles made from wheat flour with plenty of vegetables and meat. The soup has a mild flavor, made from dried sardine stock and miso, and the ingredients and noodles are simmered slowly, allowing the flavor to seep in and warm you from the core.

Hot Spring with a Mt. Fuji View! 

Fuji Chobo no Yu Yurari Onsen Mount Fuji in front of you. In addition to two types of open-air baths with outstanding views of Mount Fuji, there are a total of 16 types of baths, including carbonated springs and cave baths.

After enjoying the hot springs, why not toast with some local beer " Fujizakura Heights Beer " or milk? Inside the Yurari, there is a private dining room called "Okariba" where meals are delivered by a mini steam locomotive, and a restaurant called "Fujizakura" where you can taste local ingredients at reasonable prices. You can try Fujizakura Heights Beer at either restaurant. Why not stop by after your bath?

Day 1: Stay at "THE SENSE FUJI" A Villa with Natural Hot Springs

Stay at "The SENSE FUJI," an adult hideaway nestled in the natural surroundings of Mount Fuji.

This luxury hotel, all of whose buildings are villas, is nestled in the natural surroundings at the foot of Mount Fuji. All rooms are equipped with indoor baths with natural hot spring water, and the hot spring baths offer a panoramic view of Mount Fuji. On the terrace, you can enjoy a special menu made with plenty of local mountain produce while gazing at the starry sky.

THE SENSE FUJI

401-0320 8545-5 Fujisan, Narusawa Village, Minamitsuru District, Yaman...

Opened in 2023 at the foot of Mount Fuji in Yamanashi Prefecture, this is a lodging for adults offering an extraordinary experience. All of the guest rooms are villa-style and feature spacious terraces, allowing you to enjoy breakfast and dinner in the great outdoors.

Day 2: Gotemba Premium Outlets and Strolling Around Hakone

1. Take a bus from Kawaguchiko Sta. to Gotemba Station (approximately 90 minutes)

② Take the Hakone Tozan Bus "G- Gotemba " from Gotemba Station. It will pass through Gora and Kowakudani. (About 40 minutes)

*There is no direct train. If you take the train, take the Fujikyuko Line from Lake Kawaguchiko via Otsuki, then change to the Chuo Line to Shinjuku.

Lake Kawaguchiko to Gotemba Timetable

Find Out More about the Hakone Free Pass

Shopping at Gotemba Premium Outlets

Once you arrive at Gotemba Station, take the shuttle bus to Gotemba Premium Outlets (about 10 minutes).

Heading to Gora Onsen, Hakone Onsen Town 

Return to Gotemba Station and head to Hakone(about 40 minutes by Hakone Tozan Bus) . The Hakone Free Pass is a good deal for touring the Hakone area.

Stay in the Gora Onsen Area for the Second Night

Gora Station

Gora, Hakone-machi, Ashigarashimo-gun, 250-0408

After checking in at the hotel, take the Hakone cable car to explore the surrounding tourist spots. If you are visiting Hakone for the first time, we recommend that you start by visiting the classic tourist spots around Gora Onsen.

Hakone Ropeway Owakudani Station

1300 Gora, Hakone-machi, Ashigarashimo-gun, 250-0408

Owakudani Station of the Hakone Ropeway is located at an altitude of 1,044 meters, halfway between the line connecting Sounzan Station and Togendai Station. Around the station, you can enjoy the impressive view of Owakudani, where smoke rises from active volcanic activity, up close. Inside the station, there is the "Owakudani Station Shop," which sells souvenirs and original goods exclusive to Hakone. At the "Owakudani Station Restaurant" on the second floor, you can enjoy meals such as "Special Owakudani Curry" while looking out at the smoke-filled area. In addition, from the observation deck in front of the station, you can enjoy a magnificent view of Mt. Fuji and Lake Ashi, and enjoy the natural beauty of the four seasons. Owakudani Station is popular with many tourists as a spot where you can experience the mystery of Hakone's nature and volcanic activity. (Photo by AC)

Hakone-Yumoto Station

Yumoto, Hakone-machi, Ashigarashimo-gun, 250-0311

Hakone-Yumoto Station is the starting point of the Hakone Tozan Railway and the main gateway to Hakone tourism. The area around the station is lined with hot spring inns, souvenir shops, and restaurants, and is bustling with tourists. In addition, buses to various locations depart from the station, making it very convenient to access the Hakone area. (Photo by AC)

Day 3: End Your Trip with Stunning Views and Art in Hakone

It can get very crowded during the day, so we recommend exploring Hakone early in the morning. If the weather is good, you can enjoy a great view of Mount Fuji and some photogenic scenery.

Enjoy Lake Ashinoko & Pirate Ship Cruise, Hakone Shrine, and more

Hakone Sightseeing Cruise

161 Hakone, Hakone-cho, Ashigarashimo-gun, Kanagawa 250-0521

The Hakone Sightseeing Cruise is a sightseeing boat that tours Lake Ashi, and is characterized by its design that resembles a gorgeous pirate ship. From the boat, you can see beautiful lakeside scenery and Mt. Fuji, and enjoy the nature of Hakone on a 30-minute cruise. There is also a kiosk and an observation deck on the ship, making it a popular attraction for families and couples. (Photo by AC)

Hakone Shrine

80-1 Motohakone, Hakone-machi, Ashigarashimo-gun, 250-0522

Hakone Shrine is a historic shrine founded in the Nara period, located on the shores of Lake Ashi. It is said to bring good fortune and find love, and attracts many worshippers. The vermilion "Peace Torii" gate standing on the lake is also a popular photo spot. The grounds also contain the Shingu Shrine of Kuzuryu, and it is said that even more good fortune can be obtained by visiting both shrines. (Photo by AC)

For Art Lovers! Mori-Air Museum, Pola Museum of Art, and More

Hakone has many art museums, including the Mori Museum, the Pola Museum of Art, and the Hakone Glass Mori Museum. If you're an art lover, you can't miss visiting these museums.

The Hakone Open-Air Museum

1121 Ninotaira, Hakone-machi, Ashigarashimo-gun, 250-0407

The Hakone Open-Air Museum is Japan's first outdoor art museum, which opened in 1969. The vast grounds display works by famous sculptors from Japan and abroad, allowing visitors to enjoy a space where nature and art come together. In addition to outdoor exhibits, there are also plenty of indoor exhibition facilities, such as the Picasso Pavilion, so you can visit regardless of the weather. There is also a foot bath and a cafe on-site, making it a popular spot to relax between sightseeing. (Photo by AC)

Pola Museum of Art

1285 Kozukayama, Sengokuhara, Hakone-machi, Ashigarashimo-gun, 250-063...

Hakone Venetian Glass Museum

Kanagawa, Ashigarashimo, Hakone-machi, Sengokuhara 940-48

Hakone Glass Forest Museum is an art museum that exhibits glass crafts, mainly Venetian glass. The garden is decorated with seasonal flowers and glass objects, creating an atmosphere that makes you feel as if you are visiting a European garden. There are also plenty of shops and cafes within the museum, and at the on-site restaurant "La Canzone," you can enjoy beautiful views while enjoying Italian cuisine. (Photo by AC)

For Hot Spring: Hakone Kowakien Yunessun

Hakone Kowakien Yunessun is a hot spring theme park where you can bathe in a swimsuit. You can enjoy unique baths such as wine baths and coffee baths. It is popular with families and foreign visitors tourists regardless of the weather.

Hakone Kowakien Yunessun

1297 Ninotaira, Hakone-machi, Ashigarashimo-gun, Kanagawa

Hakone Day Trip Hot Spring

Day 3: Enjoy Hakone and Head Back to Tokyo

After enjoying sightseeing in Hakone, you will return to Tokyo. Choose your way back based on your preferences, such as the amount of luggage you have and the time.

By express bus: Approximately 145 minutes by Odakyu Highway Bus (Hakone Line)

More Details on Odakyu Highway Bus

By train: Approximately 75 minutes by Odakyu Romancecar

If Heading to Kansai Afterwards 

Hakone Town Port: Take the Tokai Bus from Hakone Port to Mishima Station in Shizuoka Prefecture (approx. 50 minutes)

② Take the Shinkansen from Mishima Station towards the Kansai region.

Make the Best Memories at Lake Kawaguchiko and Hakone 

So far, we have carefully selected the best spots and introduced some recommended itinerary.

Instead of touring one way from Tokyo to Hakone Lake Kawaguchiko and then from Tokyo to Hakone, why not visit both Lake Kawaguchiko and Hakone together and conquer both popular tourist destinations?

Please enjoy your trip to Lake Kawaguchiko and Hakone by choosing from the spots introduced this time according to your preferences!