Published date: May 29, 2025
Solo Trip to Hakone
Room Type Stayed
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Experience of the stay
Arriving at the charming entrance only takes 2-3 minutes from the bus stop! As I descended underground, I found the reception area. It was still quite new and clean! I took off my shoes at the reception and felt cozy as if I had returned home. Further down, there was a free space and a female dormitory (with locks). The next day, I could enjoy the sofa, kotatsu, and cooking utensils, bringing snacks from nearby convenience stores and souvenirs. I could even hand-drip coffee and lived comfortably! One more floor down, and there was a hot spring—everything was provided! The sleeping space might not allow standing, but there was enough room to sleep. Of course, there was a lockable valuable box too. I borrowed a shakuji for 500 yen to make it even more comfortable! I used to think that dormitories lacked privacy, but it wasn't a problem at all!
Experiences during the trip
This time, I used the Hakone Free Pass for sightseeing! Starting from Tokyo, I took the Odakyu train and arrived in Hakone for my overnight stay. The next morning, I began my adventures—first, I had breakfast at a famous bakery near the hotel, famous for its beef stew bread. I took a bus to the Hakone Shrine; after offering my prayers at the main hall, I descended the stairs to find the iconic torii gates lining the shores of Lake Ashi, greeting them from afar before moving on. I strolled around Lake Ashi, visited the Hakone Checkpoint, and when I entered a nearby souvenir shop, I found a tap that dispenses 'Shonan Gold Juice'. I bought a cup and filled it myself—pouring it with surface tension spilling everywhere! I didn't care about manners! They also had a sake server where you could choose three cups of your favorite sake for 500 yen, enjoying the local brews as I wasn't driving. After having fun, I returned to the sightseeing boat dock, boarded a luxurious ship, and took the ropeway up to Owakudani, where I saw smoke rising alongside Mt. Fuji, elevating my excitement. At Owakudani, I bought black eggs (only available in packs of five?), and enjoyed one on a bench—tasting like an onsen-boiled egg. I then crossed the mountain over to Gora, where I had lunch at a trendy craft beer restaurant before taking the Hakone Mountain Railway back to Hakone Station. In the souvenir area in front of the station, I enjoyed Hakone manju and some grilled fish snacks, then indulged in some delicious cheese and nut gelato. I returned home from Odawara Station—almost no transportation or admission costs with the free pass! I only paid for meal expenses and thoroughly enjoyed my trip! It was packed and a whirlwind journey!