Travel Guide to Hakone Checkpoint, Hakone, Japan

Overview

The Hakone Checkpoint, known as Hakone Sekisho, is a historic site located in the beautiful Hakone region of Japan. This checkpoint was used during the Edo period to control traffic along the Tokaido, which connected Tokyo with Kyoto. Today, it is a popular tourist destination for those interested in Japanese history and culture.

Accessing Hakone Checkpoint

By Train:

Option 1: Odakyu Line from Tokyo to Hakone-Yumoto Station
- Take the Odakyu Line from Shinjuku Station in Tokyo to Hakone-Yumoto Station.
- From Hakone-Yumoto Station, transfer to the Hakone Tozan Railway and travel to Hakone-Itabashi Station.
- The Hakone Checkpoint is approximately a 10-minute bus ride or 30-minute walk from Hakone-Itabashi Station.

Option 2: Shinkansen (Bullet Train) from Tokyo to Odawara Station
- Board the Tokaido Shinkansen from Tokyo or Shinagawa Station to Odawara Station.
- From Odawara Station, transfer to a Hakone Tozan bus directly to Hakone Checkpoint.

By Bus:

- Highway buses are available from Tokyo Station and Shinjuku Station that go directly to Hakone.
- Once you've arrived in Hakone, various local buses can take you to the Hakone Checkpoint.

By Car:

- Hakone is about a 2-hour drive from Tokyo.
- You can rent a car and follow the Tomei Expressway to the Atsugi interchange, then take Odawara-Atsugi Road to Hakone.
- Parking is available near Hakone Checkpoint, but expected to be crowded during tourist seasons.

Additional Tips

• Consider purchasing the Hakone Free Pass for unlimited travel on specified transportation in the Hakone area, which can be economical if you plan on visiting multiple sites.
• Wear comfortable walking shoes as the area around Hakone Checkpoint includes some uneven terrain and slopes.
• Check the weather forecast in advance as Hak's altitude means it can be cooler and foggier than Tokyo, even in summer.