Old Tokaido and Hakone Checkpoint

Hakone used to be an important checkpoint to control traffic along the Tokaido (“ŒŠC“¹, Tōkaidō), the highway which linked Tokyo with Kyoto during the feudal Edo Period.
Today, a short, cedar lined passage of the old Tokaido and a reconstruction of the Hakone Checkpoint (” ªŠÖŠ, Hakone Sekisho) are located between Moto-Hakone and Hakone-machi along the shore of Lake Ashinoko.

In 2007, the reconstruction of the Hakone Checkpoint was completed after three years of construction work. The checkpoint now appears true to its original form, including gates, fence, housing for officers and foot soldiers, a prison chamber and a lookout tower. The Hakone Sekisho Shiryokan, a small museum with various related exhibits, stands nearby.

It is possible to walk a longer passage of the old Tokaido (also referred to as Kyu-kaido, ‹ŒŠX“¹) between Moto-Hakone and Hakone-Yumoto. Some of the original stone pavement remains, and the best preserved section leads from Moto-Hakone to Hatajuku (75-100 minutes) via the Amasake Chaya, a tea house serving amazake (hot, sweet rice wine with low or no alcohol content) and various Japanese-style snacks.
A few steps past the Amasake Chaya stands a small museum which is free to enter and features life-size reconstructions explaining the purpose of and life along the long road to Tokyo. Between Hatajuku and Hakone-Yumoto (90-120 minutes), the trail follows the road, which is neither particularly scenic nor pleasant to walk due to car traffic and the absence of a side walk for pedestrians.

Getting there and around

Hakone Checkpoint
The Hakone Checkpoint is located a short walk from the Hakone-machi boat pier and bus stop. Hakone Tozan Bus operates bus line H between Hakone-Yumoto Station and Hakone-machi (40 minutes, 1080 yen, 4-5 buses per hour, covered by the Hakone Free Pass).
Old Tokaido
Two Hakone Tozan buses per hour run on the bus line K along the Old Tokaido between Hakone-Yumoto and Moto-Hakone, stopping at Hatajuku (20 minutes, 410 yen from Yumoto) and the Amasake Chaya (25 minutes, 710 yen) along the way. In the early morning and in the evening, buses operate only between Hakone-Yumoto and Hatajuku. The Hakone Free Pass is valid on these buses.
How to get to and around Hakone

Hours and Fees
Hakone Checkpoint
Hours
Admission ends 30 minutes before closing
Closed
Admission
Amasake Chaya
Hours
Closed
Questions? Ask in our forum.
Links and Resources
Hotels around Hakone
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Kijitei HoeisoA peaceful ryokan with private outdoor onsen baths. Surrounded by beautiful nature. 10min from Hakone Yumoto Sta by bus. Wi-Fi available. English speaking staff.View siteSponsored
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Matsuzakaya HontenSet 14 km from Hakone-Yumoto Station, Matsuzakaya Honten is a sustainable 4-star accommodation in Hakone, boasting an open-air bath, a garden and private parking. Among the facilities of this property are a restaurant, a 24-hour front desk and luggage storage space, along with free WiFi throughout the property. Guests can use the hot spring bath and the public bath, or enjoy mountain views. The units in the ryokan are fitted with a coffee machine. There is a private bathroom with bath in some units, along with bathrobes, slippers and a hair dryer. All units will provide guests with air conditioning, a safety deposit box and a flat-screen TV. The ryokan is located in a geothermal area, with a number of hot springs nearby for guests to relax in. Guests can also relax in the shared lounge area. Shuzen-ji Temple is 42 km from the ryokan, while Kowakudani Station is 5.4 km from the property. The nearest airport is Oshima Airport, 79 km from Matsuzakaya Honten.View on Booking.com
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Hananoyado FukuyaFeaturing free WiFi and a hot spring bath, Hananoyado Fukuya offers accommodation in Hakone. Free private parking is available on site. All rooms have a flat-screen TV. Certain rooms feature a seating area where you can relax. The rooms are equipped with a private bathroom equipped with a bath and shower. In addition, the hot spring bath can be reserved for private use after dinner. For your comfort, you will find free toiletries and a hair dryer. You will find a shared lounge at the property. Narukawa Museum is 100 metres from Hananoyado Fukuya, while Hakone Shrine is 800 metres from the property. The nearest airport is Haneda Airport, 78 km from the property.View on Booking.com
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HakoneHOSTEL1914Situated in Hakone, a 29-minute walk from Hakone Open-Air Museum, HakoneHOSTEL1914 has a shared lounge. The property is around a 36-minute walk from Hakone Gora Park, 7.9 km from Owakudani Valley and 6.1 km from Pola Museum. Venetian Glass Museum is 5.4 km from the property. With a shared bathroom, rooms at the hostel also offer free WiFi. Hakone Botanical Garden of Wetlands is 7.1 km from HakoneHOSTEL1914, while Hakone Lalique Museum is 6.6 km away. Tokyo Haneda International Airport is 73 km from the property.View on Booking.com
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TsukinoyaFeaturing free WiFi, Tsukinoya offers accommodation in Hakone, a 7-minute walk from Hakone Open-Air Museum. Built in 1911, the property is within 3.6 km of Hakone Gora Park, Owakudani Valley and Pola Museum. The ryokan has a hot spring bath and luggage storage space. All guest rooms in the ryokan are fitted with a flat-screen TV. Rooms come with a shared bathroom. The units will provide guests with a fridge. The 3 on-site natural hot spring baths can be reserved for private use. Venetian Glass Museum is 4.4 km from Tsukinoya. The nearest airport is Tokyo Haneda International Airport, 74 km from the property.View on Booking.com
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Gora KadanSet in Hakonefs natural beauty, Gora Kadan is located a 5-minute walk from Gora Station on the Hakone Tozan Line. Guests can leisurely soak in the hot spring bath, relax with a massage treatment. Free WiFi and free private parking is available. Gora Kadan is a member of Relais & Chateaux. The 24-hour front desk at Kadan Gora offers free luggage storage, concierge service and currency exchange. Shuttle service to the ryokan is also available upon request. Guests have free access to the indoor pool and fitness centre. Featuring mountain views, all rooms are fitted with a flat-screen TV, an electric kettle and a fridge. Rooms also come with a private bathroom with free toiletries and a hairdryer. Some rooms have a seating area to relax in after a busy day. Guests can savour traditional Japanese meals featuring fresh seasonal ingredients and beautiful garnishes at the on-site restaurant. Popular attractions in the area like the Hakone Open Air Museum and Hakone Gora Park can be reached within a 10-minute walk. Lake Ashi is a 25-minute drive away while the nearest airport is Haneda Airport, a 100-minute drive from the property.View on Booking.com
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Onsen Guest House TsutayaBoasting an open-air bath and views of mountain, Onsen Guest House Tsutaya is a recently renovated ryokan situated in Hakone, 6.5 km from Hakone-Yumoto Station. Free WiFi is available throughout the property and private parking is available on site. The accommodation features a lift, a shared kitchen and luggage storage for guests. Some units in the ryokan have private entrance and are fitted with wardrobe and tatami. There is a private bathroom with bidet in some units, along with slippers, a hair dryer and free toiletries. The ryokan is located in a geothermal area, with a number of hot springs nearby for guests to relax in. Fuji-Q Highland is 48 km from the ryokan, while Shuzen-ji Temple is 48 km from the property. The nearest airport is Oshima Airport, 86 km from Onsen Guest House Tsutaya.View on Booking.com
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Masutomi RyokanJust a 5-minute walk from Hakone Yumoto Train Station, Masutomi Ryokan features open-air hot spring baths, spacious guest rooms and free Wi-Fi. Guests can reserve the rooftop bath at an additional fee. On-site parking is available for free. The ryokan provides Japanese-style rooms with traditional futon bedding and rooms with Western beds and a tatami (woven-straw) seating area. A TV and a telephone are equipped in all rooms, and bathroom is shared with other guests. Drink vending machines can be used. The property is a 25-minute drive from O-wakudani and Lake Ashifs Sightseeing Cruise Pier. Traditional Japanese meals are prepared with organic vegetables and fresh seafood, and served in the on-site Fukuryu-an restaurant.View on Booking.com
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Hakone KyuanRenovated in October 2017, Hakone Kyuan offers chic Japanese-style accommodation in Hakone. Free Wi-Fi access is available. Rooms are fitted with a flat-screen TV and air conditioning. There is also a refrigerator. Private bathrooms has a hot spring bath and a hairdryer. Some rooms have a mountain view. Extras include a DVD player. At Hakone Kyuan you will find free shuttle service and a 24-hour front desk. Other facilities offered include meeting facilities and a shared lounge. The property offers free parking. The ryokan is 300 m from Hakone Kowakien Yunessun , 600 m from Hakone Museum of Art and 700 m from Hakone Open-air Museum. Haneda Airport is 75 km away.View on Booking.com
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HAKONE RETREAT VILLA by Onko ChishinSet in Hakone in the Kanagawa region, with Venetian Glass Museum and Hakone Lalique Museum nearby, HAKONE RETREAT VILLA by Onko Chishin offers accommodation with free private parking, as well as access to a hot spring bath. Among the facilities of this property are a restaurant, a 24-hour front desk and full-day security, along with free WiFi throughout the property. The rooms are equipped with a terrace with mountain views. All units come with air conditioning, a fridge, a minibar, a coffee machine, a bidet, slippers and a desk. Units come with a kettle and a private bathroom with a bath and a hair dryer, while certain rooms also offer a fully equipped kitchenette. At the ryokan, all units include bed linen and towels. There is a coffee shop, and packed lunches are also available. The ryokan is located in a geothermal area, with a number of hot springs nearby for guests to relax in. A variety of wellness packages are available for guests to get rejuvenated in-house. The area is popular for cycling and hiking, and bike hire is available at this 4-star ryokan. Guests can relax in the garden at the property. Hakone-Yumoto Station is 12 km from the ryokan, while Fuji-Q Highland is 43 km from the property. The nearest airport is Oshima Airport, 89 km from HAKONE RETREAT VILLA by Onko Chishin.View on Booking.com
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FukuzumiroFukuzumiro features an authentic Japanese atmosphere, natural hot spring baths and traditional Japanese-style rooms with garden or river views. It's a 15-minute walk from Hakone Yumoto Station. Rooms at Fukuzumiro feature tatami (woven-straw) flooring and traditional futon bedding. Each guest room is equipped with a Handy Phone so guests can stay connected to WiFi during their entire stay and make international calls to select countries for free. A TV and a refrigerator are also included in rooms. Bathrooms and toilets are shared. Guests can relax in public hot spring baths, or enjoy one for private use (subject to availability). Spa hotel Fukuzumiro provides luggage storage, and it offers drink vending machines. Fukuzumiro offers traditional Japanese multi-course dinners with seasonal local dishes. Beverages can be enjoyed at Bar Kikyo. Japanese inn Fukuzumiro is a 30-minute walk from Amida-ji Temple.View on Booking.com
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