Access & Area Info.
Area Information
Since the 8th century, Hakone has been known as a center of mountain worship. During the Edo period (1603–1867), Odawara and Hakone played an important role due to their location on the main road between Edo (Tokyo) and Kyoto. This section provides an overview of the City of Odawara and the town of Hakone, as well as their history. If you are wondering about the weather and temperatures around the time of your visit, data from the Japan Meteorological Agency may be helpful.
Access
The Tokaido Shinkansen (about 30 minutes from Tokyo and 2.5 hours from Kyoto) and the Odakyu Romancecar (about 1.5 hours from Shinjuku) are two main ways to reach Odawara and Hakone. You can buy the Odakyu Romancecar ticket here.
In addition, highway buses via Gotemba are available from Shinjuku and take about 2.5 hours. Hakone can also be accessed by bus from Mishima Station on the Tokaido Shinkansen line in about 1 hour.
Odawara
Odawara, a city of about 200,000 people, serves as the gateway to Hakone and is located approximately 80 km southwest of Tokyo. Odawara Castle is located about 800 meters from Odawara Station and has been beautifully restored to its original appearance. A visit to the castle offers a memorable glimpse into life during the samurai era in Japan. From Odawara, travelers can easily access Hakone via Hakone Tozan Railway.
Hakone
Hakone is one of Japan’s most popular resort areas, known for its hot springs. The Hakone Tozan Railway (mountain railway), built in 1919, is the main route for traveling up into the Hakone mountains. The Hakone Circle Route is the most popular sightseeing course, with many optional stops along the way. Although Hakone can be visited as a day trip from Tokyo, staying overnight offers a more relaxing experience, including hot springs and beautifully prepared meals at a traditional Japanese ryokan or hotel.
History of Odawara and Hakone
Since the 8th century, Hakone has been known as a sacred place of mountain worship. During the Kamakura period (1185–1333), the first samurai era, Odawara and Hakone began to appear in the mainstream of Japanese history. The Old Tokaido Road, which passes through Hakone and Odawara, served as the main route connecting Kamakura—the capital at the time—and Kyoto, where the emperor resided. About 100 years before the Edo period (1603–1867), the Hojo clan established its base in Odawara and ruled the entire Kanto region, from the south of Hakone to areas north of present-day Tokyo. Odawara Castle was originally built by the Hojo clan as their main residence and stronghold. Throughout the Edo period, Odawara Castle was expanded, and the town developed into an important castle town near Hakone. As Hakone was one of the most difficult mountain passes along the Old Tokaido connecting Edo (Tokyo) and Kyoto, both Odawara and Hakone played key roles in protecting the capital. Since the Meiji period (from 1868 onward), Odawara and Hakone have developed into popular resort areas, known for their hot springs and scenic views of Owakudani Valley, Lake Ashi, and Mt. Fuji.
