How to save money travelling Hakone?

I know I know, Hakone is very expensive.  It is even more expensive after the pandemic.  However, there are ways to save money while you enjoy the beautiful Hakone.  Let us give you some tips here !

Traveling to Hakone, Japan, can be expensive, but with smart planning, you can enjoy this beautiful hot spring resort town without breaking the bank. Here’s how to save money while visiting Hakone:

### **1. Transportation Savings**
– **Use the Hakone Free Pass** (¥5,000–6,100 for 2/3 days) – Covers round-trip transport from Tokyo (Shinjuku/Shibuya) via Odakyu Romancecar (discounted) and unlimited use of Hakone’s trains, buses, cable cars, ropeways, and pirate ships.
– **Take the Odakyu Line (Local Train)** – Cheaper than the Romancecar (save ~¥1,000 each way).
– **Early Morning/Late Night Buses** – Willer Express or Highway buses from Tokyo can be cheaper than trains.
– **Walk or Bike** – Some attractions (like Hakone Shrine) are walkable from Togendai or Moto-Hakone.

### **2. Affordable Accommodation**
– **Stay in Nearby Towns** – Odawara or Gotemba are cheaper than Hakone-Yumoto or Gora.
– **Business Hotels & Guesthouses** – Try **Hakone Tent** (capsule hostel) or **K’s House Hakone**.
– **Day-Trip Option** – Stay in Tokyo or Odawara and visit Hakone early to avoid overnight costs.

### **3. Budget-Friendly Food**
– **Convenience Stores (7-Eleven, Lawson)** – Cheap onigiri, bento, and snacks.
– **Local Supermarkets** – Buy meals at **Maruetsu** or **Life** in Odawara.
– **Soba Shops** – Try **Hakone Chaya** for affordable soba (~¥800).
– **Bring Your Own Lunch** – Picnic near Lake Ashi or Owakudani.

### **4. Free & Low-Cost Attractions**
– **Hakone Open-Air Museum** (¥1,600) – Worth it for art lovers, but check for discounts.
– **Hakone Shrine & Torii Gate** (Free) – Iconic lakeside spot.
– **Old Tokaido Road** (Free) – Scenic walking trail between Moto-Hakone & Amazake Tea House.
– **Onsen Foot Baths** (Free) – Try **Hakone-Yumoto Station** or **Sounzan Station**.
– **Gotemba Premium Outlets** (Free entry) – Discount shopping with Mt. Fuji views.

### **5. Onsen (Hot Spring) Discounts**
– **Day-Use Onsen** (~¥1,000–¥1,500) – Try **Ten-yu (Hakone Yuryo)** or **Hakone-no-Mori**.
– **Free Public Foot Baths** – At **Hakone-Yumoto Station** & **Sounzan Station**.

### **6. Avoid Tourist Traps**
– Skip expensive souvenir shops near stations—buy gifts at Don Quijote (Odawara).
– Avoid peak seasons (Golden Week, autumn foliage) when prices spike.

### **Sample Budget Itinerary (2 Days)**
– **Day 1**: Arrive early → Hakone Loop (Ropeway, Owakudani, Pirate Ship) → Free foot bath → Stay in budget ryokan.
– **Day 2**: Hakone Shrine → Old Tokaido Walk → Return to Tokyo.

By following these tips, you can enjoy Hakone’s nature, hot springs, and culture for **under ¥10,000–15,000 per day** (excluding accommodation). Would you like recommendations for specific budget ryokans or transport hacks?

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