Osaka to Tokyo road route via Hakone, Fuji and Lake Ashi
This 512 km route connects Osaka to Tokyo via Hakone, Japan, featuring stops at the world's oldest hotel (operational since 705 AD), Mount Fuji, and Lake Ashi. The journey showcases Japan's efficient bullet train system and scenic mountain landscape between major cities.
- Distance
- 512.1 km
- Mode
- route
- Start
- Osaka
- End
- Tokyo
- Stops
- 4
- Video author
- travmap
- Updated
Stops on this route
- Osaka — Starting point; travelers depart by train to reach the oldest hotel in Japan.
- Mount Fuji — Approximately one hour drive from the oldest hotel; visible from the traditional village with stunning lake views.
- Lake Ashi — A stunning lake with Mount Fuji reflected in its waters, located near the village below Mount Fuji.
- Tokyo — Next destination after the oldest hotel and Mount Fuji region.
Useful for your trip
- Transport
- Get a SIM card in Japan to use Google Maps for navigation, especially useful since street signs are in Japanese.
- Transport
- Bullet train (Shinkansen) from Osaka to Hakone area costs about $120 for 2.5 hours; pay extra $5 to guarantee sitting together as a family.
- Transport
- On Shinkansen platforms, find your train number on the board, then locate your carriage number, then your seat number to board correctly.
- Transport
- When renting a car in Japan, expect difficulty with directions as all street signs are in Japanese; use phone GPS with caution.
- Where to stay
- The oldest hotel in the world (opened 705 A.D., Hakone) includes dinner, breakfast, and all onsen access in the price.
- Where to stay
- Private onsen can be booked every half hour at the ryokan; public onsen are separated by gender and require bathing naked.
- Where to stay
- Traditional ryokan rooms have futons for beds and require sitting on the floor for meals; formal robes (yukata) are provided.
- Food
- Dinner at the ryokan is multi-course with handwritten Japanese menu; staff will taste and identify dishes for you.
- Timing
- Best time to visit Mount Fuji area is spring for snow on peak and cherry blossom season for optimal views.
- Tip
- The ryokan is 1 hour drive from Mount Fuji; visit traditional villages with 8 ponds fed by Mount Fuji snowmelt nearby.
- Transport
- Ticket machines at train stations may not accept credit cards; go to ticket office if your card is declined.
- Tip
- 7-Eleven stores in Japan offer varied snack options; good for quick stops during road trips.
Video on this route
We Stayed at the Oldest Hotel in the World (a 1200 year old Japanese Onsen Hotel)