The Perfect Healing Strategy for a Short Trip: Hakone and Kamakura
If you want a complete escape and perfect healing in a short amount of time, the combination of Hakone and Kamakura is the answer. Melt away your fatigue in Hakone's open-air hot springs, then experience true relaxation strolling along the tranquil Kamakura coast the next day. Utilizing the **Hakone Free Pass** is key, as it allows unlimited use of various transport options within Hakone, such as the cable car, pirate ship, and buses, saving significantly on travel costs. The smartest way to enjoy a short Kanto region trip starts here.
- ✅ Efficient 3-day itinerary using the Hakone Free Pass
- ♨️ Scenic open-air hot springs and the emotional atmosphere of the ancient city, Kamakura
- 💰 9 recommended accommodations by budget (Hakone & Kamakura combined)
Day 1: Relax and Recharge in Hakone's Open-Air Hot Springs
Depart from Shinjuku Station & Ride the Romancecar
Depart from Tokyo's **Shinjuku Station** and take the rapid express train **'Odakyu Romancecar'** for a comfortable journey to Hakone-Yumoto. Enjoy the scenery unfolding outside the window and feel the excitement of the trip. Be sure to activate your pre-booked **Hakone Free Pass**.
Lunch: Hakone-Yumoto's Specialty, 'Hatsuhana Soba'
Enjoy chewy soba noodles made with fresh ingredients at **Hatsuhana Soba Main Branch (はつ花そば 本店)**, a famous restaurant in Hakone-Yumoto. Their unique **'Zaru Soba'** using grated yam is particularly renowned. It's close to the station, making it perfect for a quick lunch.
Healing Hot Spring Experience: Tenzan Tohji-kyo
Travel to **Tenzan Tohji-kyo (天山湯治郷)**, a famous day-trip hot spring spot located deep in the Hakone mountains, and relax in the open-air baths. With various types of baths and resting areas, you can enjoy a Ryokan-like atmosphere without an overnight stay.
Volcanic Area Sightseeing: Owakudani
Take the Hakone Ropeway to **Owakudani**. Admire the strange landscape where volcanic gas spews out, and try the local specialty, **Kuro-tamago (Black Eggs)**. The sulfur smell is strong, so it's a good idea to bring a mask.
Dinner: Set Meal near Lake Ashi
Have dinner near Lake Ashi (Ashinoko), a major Hakone sightseeing spot. A set meal while enjoying the lake view is the ultimate healing dinner. It’s a perfect plan to follow the pirate ship ride.
Day 2: History and Coastal Charm of the Ancient City, Kamakura
Travel to Kamakura
Transfer from Hakone to Kamakura using the JR line. It takes about 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours, so it's best to leave early in the morning. Enjoy the leisure of organizing your hot spring photos from the previous day during the ride.
Stroll Komachi-dori & Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine
Walk down **Komachi-dori (小町通り)**, the main street starting from Kamakura Station, browsing the charming shops and buying souvenirs. Visit the magnificent shrine at the end of the street, **Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine (鶴岡八幡宮)**, to feel the ancient, refined atmosphere.
Lunch: Legendary Curry Restaurant 'Sangosho Main Branch' with Ocean View
Enjoy lunch at **Sangosho Main Branch (珊瑚礁 本店)**, a legendary curry restaurant located on a hill by Shichirigahama (七里ヶ浜) beach. The thick-cut meat curry enjoyed with a view of the ocean offers a special experience.
Ride the Enoden & Slam Dunk Holy Site
Ride the cute train that symbolizes Kamakura, the **Enoden**, and travel along the coast. The dramatic seaside photo spot at the **Kamakura Kōkō-mae Crossing (鎌倉高校前踏切)** is a must-see for anime fans!
Dinner: Enoshima Specialty Shirasu-don
Have dinner at **Tobichho (とびっちょ)**, a restaurant specializing in the local Enoshima specialty, **Shirasu-don (Whitebait Bowl)**. You can taste both fresh raw whitebait and boiled whitebait. Waiting times can be long, so it's recommended to visit earlier.
Day 3: Enoshima & Return to Tokyo
Enoshima & Brunch at a Seaside Cafe
Start your final day of the trip at a leisurely pace. Enjoy brunch at a trendy cafe like **Pacific DRIVE-IN**, located along the Shichirigahama coastal road, and soak up the ocean view. Coffee accompanied by the sound of waves is the best form of relaxation.
Return to Tokyo or Next Destination
Take the JR line comfortably from Kamakura Station or a nearby Enoshima station back towards Tokyo Station. Conclude your rewarding and high-value 3-day trip, having enjoyed nature, hot springs, and the sea!
💰 Recommended Accommodations by Budget! Hakone & Kamakura Top 9
We've selected the best options for Hakone based on 'onsen ryokan' and Kamakura based on 'ocean view', prioritizing location and cleanliness. Compare the lowest prices and availability now!
(1) Ultra-Low Budget (Approx. $35 - $60 USD per person per night)
Clean accommodations for those who want to save on lodging and spend more on food.
- **Guesthouse Hakone Hakone no Wa (hakonowa)**: A clean and affordable guesthouse near Hakone-Yumoto. 🗺️ Find Location on Google Maps
- **Guesthouse IZA Kamakura (ゲストハウスIZA鎌倉)**: Located between Yuigahama Beach and Kamakura Station. Offers both dormitory and private room options with clean, modern facilities. 🗺️ Find Location on Google Maps
- **Hakone-Yumoto Hotel (箱根湯本ホテル)**: Close to Yumoto Station for convenient transportation, and you can access hot spring facilities at a relatively low price. 🗺️ Find Location on Google Maps
(2) Average Budget (Approx. $70 - $130 USD per person per night)
Options for those who seek comfortable rest, be it a traditional Ryokan experience or a convenient city hotel.
- **Yumotokan (湯本舘)**: Offers a traditional Ryokan experience in Hakone at a reasonable price, featuring an excellent open-air bath. 🗺️ Find Location on Google Maps
- **Tosei Hotel Cocone Kamakura (トーセイホテル ココネ鎌倉)**: A modern hotel optimized for sightseeing, close to Kamakura Station West Exit. Clean and convenient facilities are a strength. 🗺️ Find Location on Google Maps
- **Dormy Inn PREMIUM Kamakura (ドーミーインPREMIUM鎌倉)**: Features Dormy Inn's signature cleanliness and a large public bath, perfect for unwinding. Within walking distance of Kamakura Station. 🗺️ Find Location on Google Maps
(3) Premium Budget (Approx. $150 USD+ per person per night)
Luxury accommodations guaranteeing private space, top-tier service, or a spectacular view.
- **Gōra Kadan (強羅花壇)**: Hakone's most luxurious traditional Ryokan, converted from a former imperial villa. Unmatched service and dining. 🗺️ Find Location on Google Maps
- **Hakone Suishōen (箱根・翠松園)**: A high-end resort where all rooms include a private open-air bath for exclusive onsen enjoyment. 🗺️ Find Location on Google Maps
- **Kamakura Prince Hotel (鎌倉プリンスホテル)**: A resort hotel located on a hill near Shichirigahama Beach, boasting ocean views from all rooms. 🗺️ Find Location on Google Maps
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