daytrip – FAQ Japan

If youre in Tokyo for a few days, it can sometimes get too crowded, too urbanised and just too much city. So, if you want to escape to Hakone, it is the ideal day trip or even overnight stay from Tokyo. There you can enjoy a more relaxed, nature-orientated and quieter side of the Greater Kanto region. Of course, you can take the romantic way there, via romance-car, the name of the express train for couples. But, for car enthusiasts or those just wanting to experience the roads of Tokyo, grab a car and take your ride out to the twists and turns and natural spectacles the area has to offer.nn Large Torii at the entrance of Hakone ShrineThis our ideal 1-day itinerary, but for a more relaxed journey you could definitely space it out for an overnight stay as well.nOur car of rental of choice was the latest incarnation of the Toyota 86 check our sister sites for the full car profile. In fact, it is generally quite difficult to reserve a manual car, due to the overwhelming popularity of AT transmissions. Especially from the domestic rental dealerships, Toyota included. That being said, the car still has some guts under the bonnet, even with its auto slusher, we just accepted the situation. Where the car really shines, is in its handling, its low centre of gravity, really inspires confidence around those twists and turns. This was our ride out of Tokyos concrete confines and out towards HakonesnnnnOf course, if you want a broader choice of better cars and manual gearboxes for that matter, why dont you check out Omoshiro Rentacar.nIf youre interested in our FAQs Section, you can check ourLife in Japan FAQor ourExploring Japan FAQ.n1 Day Escape to Hakone ItinerarynFor the one day Hakone Day Trip, we are including a visit to Hakone Shrine, Lunch, Owakudani Mountain and finally drop by Odawara Castle. I would recommend a weekday for less traffic and crowds at the various sightseeing spots.nn Odawara CastleThis is how our estimated schedule would go, pending traffic and crowds:n9 am We take the car from the rental placen11:30 pm Arrive at Hakone ShrinenNoon Lunch, Walk around Hakone Shrine, Take Photos, etcn1 pm Drive to Owakudanin1:30 pm Arrive at Owakudani, walk around, buy souvenirs, try black eggn2:30 pm Drive to Odawara Castlen3:30 pm Visit the castle and walk around the grounds.n4:30-5 pm Drive back to Tokyon7-7:30 pm Return your rental carnOvernight Escape to Hakone ItinerarynFor our recommended overnight trip, we are including a visit to Hakone Shrine, Lunch, Lake Ashi cruise, Onsen visit, Dinner, Overnight stay, Owakudani mountain, Odawara Castle and return home. I would recommend a weekday trip for less traffic and crowds at the various sightseeing spots.nn Hakone Shrines famous Torii on the limits of Lake AshiThis is how our estimated schedule would go, pending traffic and crowds:n10 am We take the car from the rental placen12:30 pm Arrive at Hakone Shrinen1 pm Lunch, Walk around Hakone Shrine, Take Photos, etcn2 pm Take the Lake Ashi Cruisen4-4:30 pm Drive to Hakone Onsenn7 pm ~ Hotel Checkin, Dinner, Another Onsen visit, etcn10 am Hotel Checkout, Drive to Owakudanin11:30-12 pm Arrive at Owakudani, eat lunch, buy souvenirs etcn1:30-2 pm Drive to Odawara Castlen3 pm Walk around Odawara Castle and the grounds, Take photos, etcn4:30-5 pm Drive back to Tokyon7-7:30 pm Return your rental carnOther Transportation OptionsnCar is not your only option, with public transport available in various forms including dedicated express and bullet train options. Buses operate from a lot of the main stations such as Odawara too, ropeways can be used to access Owakudani too. There are also ferry services that operate tours across Lake Ashi. You can probably use some of the local taxi services from the station also if you have a larger budget.nIf youre planning your travels in Japan, we invite you to join our rapidly expandingTravel in Japan Discussion Groupvia Facebook.nYou can also catch up on all our latest articles and photos via our Facebook andInstagram pages.