Expert Advice

I Took An Unforgettable Trip To Hakone, Japan — Here's What You Need To Know

One Member shares his tips, from where to stay and unique things to do in Japan

Kevin O.
Stunning view, snow-capped Mount Fuji, cotton candy colored skies, cherry blossoms, Japan.

Today I'm taking you on a short trip outside Tokyo to Hakone, Japan. We'll explore onsens (hot springs) and then kick back and relax at Japan's newest place to stay, The Bay Forest Odawara, a Hilton Club.         

Traveling To Hakone, Japan

Tokyo to Odawara By Bullet Train 

We used the Japan Rail Pass to access a speedy shinkansen (bullet train). The Shinkansen Hikari from Tokyo Station to Odawara Station is only 35 minutes.

Gorgeous ocean views, The Bay Forest Odawara, a Hilton Club, Japan.    

Odawara to Hakone

Upon arriving at the Odawara Station, transfer to the Hakone Tozan Line. These red cable cars zigzag across the beautiful mountain scenery to Hakone-Yumoto Station.

Things To Do In Hakone

As a New Yorker, I'm used to the city that never sleeps, but Hakone locals rest early and live forever. Expect everything to close by 5 p.m. Start your day early and plan to stay at least two days in the Hakone area to experience all Hakone offers. 

Hakone is part of Japan's most invited national park, Fuji Hakone Izu National Park, and the area is home to seven hot springs towns.

Unique Experiences In Japan     

If you're looking for an unforgettable experience, consider visiting a "hot springs amusement park." You can soak in novelty hot tubs filled with red wine, chocolate, sake and green tea at the Hakone Kowakien Yunessun spa theme park.

Peaceful Japanese onsen, hot springs, forest views, Hakone, Japan.    

Getting Around Hakone

A common route that first-time tourists embark upon is the Hakone Freepass. This counterclockwise route around Hakone provides spectacular views of Mount Fuji while aboard trains, cable cars, boats and buses, such as:

  • Hakone-Yumoto
  • Gora
  • Sounzan (ropeway)
  • Togendai-ko (boat across Lake Ashi)
  • Odakyu Hotel De Yama/Hakone-machi
Interior image, stylish living room, stunning mountain views, The Bay Forest Odawara, a Hilton Club, Japan.    

The Hakone Freepass is one of many places for stunning views. You can also wake up to incredible views from The Bay Forest Odawara.         

Where To Stay Around The Hakone Area

Reserve a Suite at the luxurious The Bay Forest Odawara; it's only a 17-minute car ride from Hakone-Yumoto or Odawara Station.

The cottages have incredible ocean views, and Members and Guests have access to Hilton Odawara Resort & Spa amenities, including an authentic Japanese onsen on-site.

Read "Go Big And Experience More: How To Use Hilton Honors Points™ To Upgrade Your Vacations" for more bucket list-style vacation ideas. 

Kevin O.

“I truly believe that the best trips are the ones where you interact with locals, and then reflect on your own life.” Mastermind travel planner and jetsetter, Kevin, aims to visit every continent in the next two years, and move abroad following his around-the-world journey. When Kevin isn’t visiting his home resort in Las Vegas, Hilton Grand Vacations Club on Paradise, he loves to travel the globe with his close friends. Kevin always carries a portable charger and flashlight in his carry-on, and he enjoys making cocktails and coconut smoothies in his HGV kitchen. So far, his preferred HGV property is The Grand Islander by Hilton Grand Vacations Club in Oahu, Hawaii.

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