3 Days in Hakone & Kawaguchiko by Rental Car - May 2026

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Day 1 - Odawara, Owakudani & Open Air Museum

Odawara Station

Day 1 start : pick up the rental car here. Day 3 end : return car, catch 6 PM train to Kyoto.

Sounzan Station

Take the Hakone Ropeway from here up to Owakudani.

Owakudani

Volcanic valley with sulfur vents and the famous black eggs (kuro-tamago) cooked in the hot springs. Said to add 7 years to your life.

Hakone Open Air Museum

Outdoor sculpture garden with works by Henry Moore and a full Picasso pavilion. Great for a half afternoon.

Gora Station (hotel area)

Base for the 2 nights in Hakone. Private onsen room hotel nearby.

Day 2 - Kawaguchiko, Oshino & Chureito

Oishi Park

The classic Fuji over Lake Kawaguchi panorama. In May, the seasonal flowers are already nice.

Oshino Hakkai

Eight crystal clear ponds fed by Fuji meltwater, surrounded by thatched roof buildings. Gets busy mid day.

Chureito Pagoda

The iconic five story pagoda framing Mt. Fuji. About 400 steps up, worth it for the view.

Day 3 - Lake Ashi & Departure

Hakone Shrine

Forest shrine on Lake Ashi with the famous red torii gate in the water. Do it early to dodge the tour bus crowds.

Hakone Sightseeing Cruise (Motohakone Pier)

Pirate ship cruise across Lake Ashi. Doing shrine first, then the boat back avoids the morning day tripper rush.

Komagatake Ropeway (top station)

Ropeway up Mt. Komagatake for panoramic views of Lake Ashi and Mt. Fuji on clear days. Small shrine at the top.

Amazake Chaya

300 year old thatched roof tea house on the old Tokaido road. Matcha and the signature sweet amazake (non alcoholic fermented rice drink).

Hakone Yumoto (town browse)

The little hot spring town. Shops along the main street for a 30 min browse on the way back to Odawara.

Recommendations

Yama No Hoteru

Yama No Hoteru

http://www.hakone-hoteldeyama.jp/blog/

Itchiku Kubota Art Museum

Itchiku Kubota Art Museum

Coordinates: 35.5273,138.7598

Kana-dorii

Kana-dorii

金鳥居 Kana-dorii was built as a "gate" to invite Mt. Fuji worshippers, and as a "border" to divide earthly life from the spiritual world of Mt. Fuji. More info: https://fujiyoshida.net/en/see-and-do/24 More info: https://www.instagram.com/p/CLOypdnAos6/ #torii #Fuji

Saiko Iyashi-no-Sato Nenba

Saiko Iyashi-no-Sato Nenba

西湖いやしの里根場 The original village was destroyed by typhoon in 1966. Forty years later the village's traditional thatched roofed houses were reconstructed and reopened as an open air museum and traditional craft village where people can learn about the culture. More info: https://www.yamanashi-kankou.jp/english/explore-by-area/fujisan-fujigoko/saiko-iyashi-no-sato-nenba.html IG post; https://www.instagram.com/p/Cj0IDcFLvBj/ #Fuji

Narukawa Art Museum in Hakone

Narukawa Art Museum in Hakone

成川美術館 From this museum, you can enjoy views of Mount Fuji and Hakone. More info: http://www.narukawamuseum.co.jp/en/ IG post: https://www.instagram.com/p/CrqNMyuyM9y/ #Fuji #art

Mt. Fuji Spot in Hakone

Mt. Fuji Spot in Hakone

箱根 富士山スポット This is a spot where you can capture Mount Fuji and Hakone Shrine from the road. IG post: https://www.instagram.com/p/CrqNMyuyM9y/?img_index=6 #Fuji

河口浅間神社

河口浅間神社

河口浅間神社 遥拝所 【天空の鳥居】 It takes about 30 minutes to walk from the base at Kawaguchi Asama Shrine. While the shrine itself dates back to 865, the torii gate that offers a view of Mount Fuji was built in 2019. More info: https://asamajinja.or.jp/ IG post: https://www.instagram.com/p/CuEtUKZStGZ/ #Fuji #torii #shrine

Yamanakako Hananomiyako Park

Yamanakako Hananomiyako Park

山中湖 花の都公園 Except in winter, this is a place where you can enjoy various flowers in combination with views of Mount Fuji. More info: https://www.yamanashi-kankou.jp/english/recover/lake-yamanakako-hana-no-miyako-park.html IG post: https://www.instagram.com/p/CuEtUKZStGZ/ #fuji #flower

Fujiyama Twin Terrace

Fujiyama Twin Terrace

Livecam: http://124.255.231.177:50000/live/index.html

Mishima Sky Walk

Mishima Sky Walk

三島スカイウォーク It’s a 400-meter-long suspension bridge for pedestrians, and on a clear day, you can see Mt. Fuji. More info: https://mishima-skywalk.jp/

Lake Saiko

Lake Saiko

西湖 Among the Fuji Five Lakes, this lake is particularly surrounded by nature. The view of Mount Fuji from Saiko is partially obscured by the forest below. It's also a popular spot for fishing. More info: https://www.yamanashi-kankou.jp/english/discover/lake-saiko.html IG post: https://www.instagram.com/p/Cj0IDcFLvBj/?img_index=7 #Fuji #nature

THE PARK Yamanakako

THE PARK Yamanakako

THE PARK 山中湖店 This is a along the shore of Lake Yamanaka offering stunning views of the lake and Mount Fuji. Their pancakes are so fluffy and delicious! More info: https://theparkstyle.com/#shop-info IG photo: https://www.instagram.com/p/CmMB6z2yOQa/ #Fuji #cafe