Recommended Getaway Near Tokyo: Hakone to Atami
If you are planning a trip to Hakone, why not extend your journey and visit Atami after an overnight stay?
Like Hakone, known for its volcanoes, forests, and lakes, Atami has long been loved as a resort town blessed with hot springs and the sea.
Traveling from Hakone to Atami takes less than an hour by train. Just a 10-minute walk from Atami Station brings you to a beautiful beach, where a refreshing sea breeze awaits. Compact yet diverse, Atami offers hot springs, museums showcasing Asian art, historic buildings, scenic viewpoints, and spiritual sites—along with excellent seafood and sweets.
From mountain landscapes with views of Mount Fuji to a seaside resort, this route allows you to experience Japan’s rich natural variety in a single journey. Below is a recommended course combining Hakone’s highlights with a relaxing stay in Atami.
Recharge with Scenic Views and Power Spots: A Recommended Hakone Itinerary
The starting point for Hakone sightseeing is Hakone-Yumoto Station. From Tokyo Station, take the Shinkansen (Kodama or Hikari) to Odawara Station, then transfer to a local train for a 15-minute ride to Hakone-Yumoto.
Begin with one of Hakone’s most famous attractions: Ōwakudani. From Hakone-Yumoto, take the Hakone Tozan Railway to Gōra Station, transfer to the cable car to Sōunzan Station, and then board the ropeway for a dramatic aerial journey over steaming volcanic terrain. On clear days, sweeping views of Mount Fuji appear in the distance.
Tip: The Hakone Free Pass allows unlimited use of eight types of transportation, including trains, buses, cable cars, ropeways, and boats. Discount tickets such as the Ōwakudani Pass are also available at Odawara and Hakone-Yumoto stations.
Hakone Sightseeing Spot ①: Ōwakudani
A dramatic viewpoint showcasing Hakone’s volcanic power
Formed by a massive volcanic eruption about 3,000 years ago, Ōwakudani remains an active volcanic area with steam rising from the ground. In 2025, a new observation area called Chikyu no Tani opened, offering three scenic viewpoints where visitors can experience the dynamic terrain and strong mountain winds.
Ōwakudani’s famous black eggs, boiled using geothermal heat and volcanic gases, are also a must-try. Legend says eating one adds seven years to your life.
| Information | Ōwakudani Official Website |
| Nearest Station | Directly accessible from Ōwakudani Station on the Hakone Ropeway |
| Admission | Free Ōwakudani Nature Research Trail (approx. 700 m, allowing closer access to the steaming area): ¥800 Advance reservation required / 4 sessions per day / Maximum 30 participants per session / Guided |
| Opening Hours | 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Open year-round |
| Map | https://maps.app.goo.gl/jQPwFhZ5sqdfGiM9A |
Hakone Sightseeing Spot ②: Hakone Pirate Ship
A relaxing cruise across Lake Ashi
After enjoying the mountains, take in the scenery from the water. Ride the ropeway back down to Tōgendai Station, where the Hakone Pirate Ship pier is located just steps away.
Cruising across Lake Ashi, you’ll be treated to refreshing breezes and beautiful views of Mount Fuji and the surrounding mountains. The changing seasonal scenery makes this a memorable and relaxing experience.
| Information | Hakone Sightseeing Cruise Official Website |
| Nearest Station / Port | Tōgendai Port, directly connected to Tōgendai Station on the Hakone Ropeway |
| Admission | Adults: ¥1,700 Children (Elementary School): ¥850 The above fares are one-way from Tōgendai Port to Hakone-machi Port or Motohakone Port. Travel time: approximately 25–40 minutes. |
| Operating Hours (Departure Times from Tōgendai Port) | March 20 – November 30: First departure 9:30 a.m. / Last departure 5:35 p.m. December 1 – March 19: First departure 10:00 a.m. / Last departure 4:15 p.m. Please check the official website for detailed timetables. Operates year-round; services may be suspended in severe weather. |
| Map | https://maps.app.goo.gl/Y9WDMv4YiBXBzDEV9 |
Hakone Sightseeing Spot ③: Hakone Shrine
Pray for good fortune at one of Hakone’s most revered power spots
Disembark at Motohakone Port and walk about 15 minutes along the lakeshore to Hakone Shrine. Long revered by historical figures, the shrine is believed to bring good fortune and success.
Within the grounds, highlights include Ryujinsui (Dragon God Water) for matchmaking, Kuzuryu Shrine (New Shrine) for prosperity, and a treasure hall displaying historic artifacts. The iconic Peace Torii Gate rising from Lake Ashi is a particularly popular photo spot.
| Information | Hakone Shrine Official Website |
| Access | Approximately a 15-minute walk from Motohakone Port (Hakone Sightseeing Cruise / Hakone Pirate Ship) |
| Admission | Free Treasure Hall Admission: Adults ¥500 / Children (Elementary School) ¥300 |
| Operating Hours | Treasure Hall: 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Open year-round; temporary closures may occur, so please check in advance. |
| Map | https://maps.app.goo.gl/Li9rM7VYQzbR8XfW7 |
From Hakone to Atami: Savor Food, Art, and Historic Architecture
After enjoying Hakone’s great outdoors, continue on to Atami the next day. The journey from Hakone-Yumoto Station to Atami Station takes about 45–50 minutes by train.
Outside Atami Station, visitors can enjoy Ieyasu no Yu, a free natural footbath—perfect for a quick introduction to Atami’s onsen culture.
(Open 9:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.; original towels available for ¥200.)
Recommended Train Route
Hakone-Yumoto Station → Hakone Tozan Railway to Odawara → JR Tōkaidō Line to Atami
Fare: ¥360 (Hakone-Yumoto–Odawara) + ¥420 (Odawara–Atami)
Travel Time: Approx. 45–50 minutes
Atami Sightseeing Spot ①: Station Shopping Streets
Enjoy local cuisine while strolling two lively arcades
Just outside Atami Station are two shopping streets: Heiwa-dōri and Nakamise-dōri. Lined with restaurants, cafés, sushi shops, and dried-seafood stores, they are ideal for sampling local flavors.
From classic onsen manju to trendy sweets, comparing traditional and modern treats makes strolling especially enjoyable. Covered walkways allow for relaxed exploration regardless of the weather, and souvenir shopping is plentiful.
| Information | Atami Tourism Association – Official Website |
| Nearest Station | Directly outside JR Atami Station |
| Admission / Hours | Varies by shop |
| Heiwa-dōri Shopping Street | https://maps.app.goo.gl/pMbjHXRoX1eKGdGJ9 |
| Nakamise Shopping Street | https://maps.app.goo.gl/q6fTXAy4pSMZb6rr7 |
Atami Sightseeing Spot ②: MOA Museum of Art
Experience Japanese art with panoramic ocean views
Located about seven minutes by bus from Atami Station, MOA Museum of Art houses a collection of over 3,500 works, including three National Treasures. The museum hosts rotating exhibitions and cultural events highlighting Japanese art.
Set on a hill overlooking Sagami Bay, the museum is also known for its ocean views. Facilities include a café with scenic vistas, a tea house serving matcha and traditional sweets, and a museum shop featuring Japanese crafts.
| Information | MOA Museum of Art Official Website |
| Access | From JR Atami Station Bus Terminal, take the bus from Platform 8 bound for MOA Museum of Art. Approx. 7 minutes. Get off at the final stop, “MOA Museum of Art.” |
| Admission | Adults: ¥2,000 High School & University Students: ¥1,400 Junior High School Students and under: Free |
| Opening Hours | 9:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Last admission at 4:00 p.m. |
| Closed | Thursdays, and during exhibition change periods Please check the official website for details. |
| Map | https://maps.app.goo.gl/hRKC1mamANmvuyBF9 |
Atami Sightseeing Spot ③: Kiunkaku
A historic estate blending Japanese, Western, and Eastern aesthetics
Conclude your journey at Kiunkaku, a refined estate once favored by leading literary figures. Built in 1919 as a private villa and praised as one of the Three Great Villas of Atami, Kiunkaku features both Japanese-style and Western-style buildings.
The interiors showcase refined Japanese architecture alongside decorative influences from Europe and Asia. The expansive grounds include a tranquil Japanese garden, offering a peaceful retreat in the heart of the city. Listen to flowing water and birdsong, enjoy a slower pace of time, and capture nostalgic photographs before ending your journey.
| Information | Kiunkaku Official Website |
| Access | Approx. 21-minute walk from JR Atami Station From JR Atami Station Bus Terminal: Platform 1: Izu Hakone Bus (Ainohara Danchi / Ume-en / Shimizuchō Loop) Platform 2: Izu Hakone Bus (Sasaragadāi Danchi / Nishiyama / Hakone area) Get off at “Kiunkaku-mae” stop |
| Admission | Adults ¥610 / Junior & Senior High School Students ¥360 / Free for elementary school children Cash only |
| Opening Hours | 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. (Last entry at 4:30 p.m.) Closed Wednesdays (open if Wednesday is a public holiday) |
| Map | https://maps.app.goo.gl/YZ4ntD4z3V9eAyDt5 |
About the Japan Rail Pass
For international visitors, the Japan Rail Pass (JR Pass) allows unlimited travel on JR lines, including Shinkansen.
Prices (as of December 2025 / Ordinary Class)
| 7-day pass | ¥50,000 |
| 14-day pass | ¥80,000 |
| 21-day pass | ¥100,000 |
| Information | https://japanrailpass.net/about_jrp/ |
Note: The JR Pass cannot be purchased within Japan and must be bought online or through authorized agents before arrival.